Just ordered my first strobist kit! :)

[HaroldC3]

Just ordered my first stand and softbox kit. I will be using a Vivitar 285hv flash and cybersyncs. Wohoo!

Stand: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/335283-REG/Impact_2212ABH_Air_Cushioned_Black_Stand.html#spec ifications

Swivel Mount: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/138156-REG/Photoflex_AC_ALSWMTB_Heavy_Duty_Swivel_Mount.html

Softbox kit: http://www.adorama.com/PFLDXSWK2.html

How'd I do?

[Cavediver]

I think you'll be happy. My friend has essentially your same set up, I went with MPEX's strobist version - both are acceptable for budget work and will last if you take care of them.

Have fun, you doing the bootcamp?

[RogerAylstock]

You'll have fun with this. I had my wife sew me a couple of small sandbags to hold down the light stand outside. When we go on location, I mount my shoot thru umbrella on a monopod held by my trust assistant.

[HaroldC3]

I think you'll be happy. My friend has essentially your same set up, I went with MPEX's strobist version - both are acceptable for budget work and will last if you take care of them.

Have fun, you doing the bootcamp?

I thought about it but I'm a little late.

You'll have fun with this. I had my wife sew me a couple of small sandbags to hold down the light stand outside. When we go on location, I mount my shoot thru umbrella on a monopod held by my trust assistant.

Thanks. I thought about getting some weights that you put on your ankles. Not sure how heavy they make them though.

[HaroldC3]

I just received my shipments from UPS and wanted to give my first impressions.

Stand: Nice and pretty solid. The bottom section is only about 4 inches, while the rest are well over a foot. Feels very nice for the price.

Swivel Mount: Holy crap, when they say heavy duty, they mean it. This thing is a tank. It's gotta weigh a couple pounds on it's own. I am a little worried that it might be TOO heavy, but we'll see.

Softbox kit: Seeing as this is my first softbox, I really don't have much to compare it to. It's a decent softbox that's for sure. I was a little shocked at how small it looked on my stand. Seems like a quality item but not overly so. The material isn't very thick and it's white inside.

It's a little hard to take apart, I don't want to break the poles.

The flash bracket is cool. Nice and sturdy. It has one spot for the flash and another one if you want to mount your trigger behind it.

All in all, I am happy with all of the items. The total cost for all 3 was a little over $150 with shipping.

B&H had the softbox kit for $10 cheaper but wasn't in stock.

My flashes and triggers should be here tomorrow and I'll post pics when I have it all together.

[Canonism]

yup, it's very exciting when you get new toys, this is the kit i got:
http://www.adorama.com/PFLDSK.html?searchinfo=photoflex+softbox
a little bit bigger softbox than you got i believe but the stand and mount are sturdy enough but not heavy duty.

[mufutau55]

I have one kit like yours with Small Softbox (not Xtra-Small softbox). The stand is filmsy though, but usable.
The kit is very nice, I had it since the day they first released them at PhotoEXpo in NYC.

Note: I also have the kit with the Extra-Small Softbox, I mostly use this as a filll light in a two light setup.
I use the Small softbox as the main light because it's bigger.

Mufutau

yup, it's very exciting when you get new toys, this is the kit i got:
http://www.adorama.com/PFLDSK.html?searchinfo=photoflex+softbox
a little bit bigger softbox than you got i believe but the stand and mount are sturdy enough but not heavy duty.

[HaroldC3]

For those interested, here is a pic of one of my rigs put together.

[HaroldC3]

Here is a quick photo I took of one of my kids playing her Nintendo DS.

Also, a pic of the cybersyncs.

All I can say is I have a lot of learning to do!

[HaroldC3]

Just wanted to provide an update. I ended up ordering to Photoflex 45" umbrellas - satin with black cover. They arrived today and I'm very happy with them. Here is a test shot with both strobes (no comments please, my ego can't take it LOL)

1 strobe was camera right about 30 degrees down, 1/4 power, while the second was on my right side, 1/16 power. Both were reflected back from the umbrellas.

ISO100, f8, 1/200s