help with off camera flash - beginner

[Jeff81]

So I've decided to delve into portraits more and decided it would be good to get the flash off the camera. After reading a good article on strobist (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html), I've decided to go with two umbrellas for now. I'm thinking of going with something similar to this (http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=STROBIST2XKITS) kit. Would this work well for a beginner? Also, I'm shooting with a 7D and I'll be using my 580 EX II and I'll be picking up another strobe. Can the 7D act as a trigger for the strobes or do I need to get one? From what I understand it can so long as it is in line of sight. Is that correct? Is there a better way? Also, I'll need another strobe. Any suggestions for a cheap but effective second strobe? Like maybe an old style flash? Strobist suggests using something like an old Nikon SB-24 or the Vivitar 285HV. Budget is a concern at this point in time. I appreciate all the help - I've read the FAQ, but would like some advice - thanks.

[tim]

That kit should be fine - just remember you can't use it if there's much wind around and you're outside. Personally I use all Canon equipment (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486706-USA/Canon_1946B002_580EX_II_Flash.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) as I find it the most reliable, with battery packs (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/498738-REG/Canon_1947B001_Compact_Battery_Pack_CP_E4.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) for fast recharging.

[gonzogolf]

Since your camera has a built in trigger for the ex series canon flashes it makes some sense to go that route. You could certainly go strobist but you will need a triggering system as the flashes like the mpex, vivitar, and nikon cannot be triggered by your camera alone. Since you have the 580exII I would suggest picking up another system flash like the 550ex, 430ex, 430exII, or 580ex. I also read where the nissin flashes will work with the canon system, but I have no experience with them.

[Jeff81]

What alternative triggering systems are there if I go the strobist route - I want to weigh my options.

[tim]

Skyports (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114), Cybersyncs, ebay slaves, pocket wizards, radio poppers, optical.

[Jeff81]

Skyports (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505381-REG/Elinchrom_EL_19360_EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slav e.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114), Cybersyncs, ebay slaves, pocket wizards, radio poppers, optical.

What are the differences between the different triggers? Any internet resources where I could learn more about them? I'm looking for a not so expensive option for right now.

[tim]

Gadget Infinity V4s if you want cheap, but they occasionally cause banding in images - they did on a friends 5D classic. Cybersyncs/Skyports are about even, both perform well. Radio Popp Juniors are in the same league I think.

There's not really a resource that summarises them AFAIK.

[gonzogolf]

You can do a search here for tons of threads on flash triggers. I would suggest the cybersyncs which I have or also the skyports or radio popper jrx system. The ebay/hong kong triggers are less expensive but the set I had were very unreliable.

[Jeff81]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Well, now I'm stuck on whether to just go with another EX flash like a 430 EX II or whether I would be better off buying RF-602 triggers and a cheaper flash like the Vivitar. Any reason why one option would be better than the other?