Wanting to experiment with off camera flash, what do I need?

[pxchoi]

I'm looking at getting a 7D and a 580exII, as it is I'm not a pretty tight budget but I'd like to experiment with off camera flash.

I guess for starters I would need a stand, umbrella mount, and umbrella... Any recommendations? I suppose the general purpose would be for indoor/possible outdoor portraits.

Any suggestions and recommendations would be great!

[jeromego]

B&H has the Impact umbrella Kit (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&Ntt=IMDFUM*&Q=&N=0&A=endecaSearch) I started with this before I moved to mono lights or studio strobes.

[gonzogolf]

For your purpose, stands are stands, umbrellas are umbrellas, there are qualitative differences but not really going to be a huge difference for the speedlite. If you dont get one in a kit, then I suggest the swivel bracket from flashzebra.com Luckily the 7d can serve as a wireless master, but you might want to consider a set of radio triggers for times when the visible light/near IR system doesnt work for you.

[pxchoi]

B&H has the Impact umbrella Kit (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&Ntt=IMDFUM*&Q=&N=0&A=endecaSearch) I started with this before I moved to mono lights or studio strobes.

Thanks, that looks like just what I need and at a reasonable price. How was it in terms of quality and construction?

Which radio triggers should I be looking at?

[jeromego]

Thanks, that looks like just what I need and at a reasonable price. How was it in terms of quality and construction?

Which radio triggers should I be looking at?

It's pretty good and sturdy. in fact i still use mine when i use speedlites for off cam. I'm happy with Impact products that even for my studio strobes I use Impact.

For triggers, I use Alienbee Cybersyncs. But some members here are using yongnuo radio triggers which are less expensive than cybersyncs and have been happy with it.

[pxchoi]

It's pretty good and sturdy. in fact i still use mine when i use speedlites for off cam. I'm happy with Impact products that even for my studio strobes I use Impact.

For triggers, I use Alienbee Cybersyncs. But some members here are using yongnuo radio triggers which are less expensive than cybersyncs and have been happy with it.

Thanks for the awesome feed back, I really appreciate.

[pxchoi]

If the 7D can be used as a wireless master, I wonder if it would be worth it to get two 430exII's instead of one 580?

[gonzogolf]

If the 7D can be used as a wireless master, I wonder if it would be worth it to get two 430exII's instead of one 580?

It would give you more versatility. It really depends on what you are shooting. I like the extra stop of power you get from the 580exII for those instances where I have to depend on one light, especially if I have to shoot while on the shoe or on a bracket.

[pxchoi]

It would give you more versatility. It really depends on what you are shooting. I like the extra stop of power you get from the 580exII for those instances where I have to depend on one light, especially if I have to shoot while on the shoe or on a bracket.

Good point, and I don't think I'll be using it as an off camera flash THAT often... just something I want to experiment with going forward. I shoot weddings on the side so I think a 580 would probably be better.

I have access to a 430exII, is it possible to make the 430ex and the 580ex pop at the same intensity in the case that I would want to use two flashes?

[gonzogolf]

Good point, and I don't think I'll be using it as an off camera flash THAT often... just something I want to experiment with going forward. I shoot weddings on the side so I think a 580 would probably be better.

I have access to a 430exII, is it possible to make the 430ex and the 580ex pop at the same intensity in the case that I would want to use two flashes?


You can adjust the ratios using your master. I've read where the new built in controller, a first for canon, may not be as full featured as using a 580exII as a master but I dont know what features have been limited. That being said, if the 580 is at full power the 430 cant match it.