advice on first softbox, umbrella, and two light stands

[js09]

I've got two canon speedlites, now I'm looking for an umbrella and softbox (and stands for both that are compatible w/ speedlites)

suggested sizes for both?
I'm not looking to spend too much, something quality that's of good value.

i'm looking to start experimenting with fashion.. perhaps try and replicate ads you see in magazines.

i'm hoping 2 strobes will be enough, if not feel free to make a suggestion for a third flash and umbrella/softbox

thanks!

[gonzogolf]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475575-REG/Impact__Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html

this will get you started.

[js09]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/475575-REG/Impact__Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html

this will get you started.

I like it, but i'm going to need at least 1 softbox.

[gonzogolf]

I like it, but i'm going to need at least 1 softbox.


Lots of opinions on softboxes here, I like the westcott apollo 28, but some say the flash doesnt light it evenly across the face. The ezybox line get good reviews but they are a bit pricey. How big a box are you wanting?

[js09]

Lots of opinions on softboxes here, I like the westcott apollo 28, but some say the flash doesnt light it evenly across the face. The ezybox line get good reviews but they are a bit pricey. How big a box are you wanting?

I'd like to do outdoor fashion shoots. something you would see in an american eagle catalog or something.

but of course, I will be shooting a lot indoors for portraits.

would a ~30" x ~24" softbox be large enough? coupled with a 50" or 60" umbrella?

i will be using a 580EX as a master and 430EX II as a slave.

thanks!

[ssnxp]

Also interested in opinions on this, as I'll start doing the same soon..

[gonzogolf]

i'm thinking you are being overly ambitious to think you can adequately fill anything larger than a 28inch box with speedlites. Same goes for a 60 inch umbrella but perhaps with the zoom at the widest point you might be able to fill a larger umbrella. you mention using one speedlite as a master for the other, you want to look at the long ocf cords from flashzebra so you can get your master away from the camera.

[js09]

i'm thinking you are being overly ambitious to think you can adequately fill anything larger than a 28inch box with speedlites. Same goes for a 60 inch umbrella but perhaps with the zoom at the widest point you might be able to fill a larger umbrella. you mention using one speedlite as a master for the other, you want to look at the long ocf cords from flashzebra so you can get your master away from the camera.

I've already got a 15' pc sync cable to use for the master. the slave (430 EX II) will just be on a stand by itself with the umbrella.

[gonzogolf]

Ummm using a pc cable you lose the ability to master your other flash in ettl....

[js09]

Ummm using a pc cable you lose the ability to master your other flash in ettl....

I'd probably want to go manual anyway, right?

[gonzogolf]

I would, but the master/slave function on the 580/430 combo isnt designed to work unless the master is on camera. I've read where under certain circumstances people have coerced them to fire, but you are operating outside of system. For $50 I'd grab the long ocf cord.

[dmward]

I've tried the smaller Speedlite softboxes and the 28" Apollo.
I find that shoot through umbrellas deliver the most flexible large light source with a Speedlite.
They are easy to set up, and the Speedlite design seems to work well when zoomed to 28 or whatever the widest setting is without the wide angle screen dropped.

The best shoot through I've found is a collapsable design sold by David Zisser on his website. Its made for him by Westcott. It is about 1/3 stop more efficient than others I have.

Two of those and light stands with umbrella adaptors should do a good job for you.

(I have no relationship with DZ, just happen to find his umbrella a good tool)

[Lightworks Imaging]

+1 for the umbrellas with speedlites. Softboxes in the size adequate for a speedlite, just are NOT up to the task of lighting more than a headshot, IMO.

[js09]

dmward, can you provide a link? I can't seem to find it myself

Any suggestions on a quality umbrella? and a good size to use with a speedlite?

lightworks, even when using a 580 EX?

[egordon99]

I would, but the master/slave function on the 580/430 combo isnt designed to work unless the master is off camera. I've read where under certain circumstances people have coerced them to fire, but you are operating outside of system. For $50 I'd grab the long ocf cord.

??????

Did you mean, unless the master in ON camera? How else could it work?

I have the 580EXII mounted on my body, set to Master. I have the 430EXII somewhere OFF camera set to Slave (same channel of course)...

Do I just need more coffee?

[gonzogolf]

Opps yes, I meant on. The OP wants to use a sync cord and still master. (which shouldnt work well)

[js09]

I'm just going to sell my 580EX and purchase an alienbees b800. not sure why nobody suggested this in the first place! I'll use mt softbox with the b800, and purchase an umbrella to use with my 430EX II.

[gonzogolf]

We didnt suggest it because you already had lights you wanted to use. I'm a bee enthusiast, its the better way to go.