Stands - followup to "Going NUTS with Speedlights..." [Archive]

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jrsforums

29th of August 2005 (Mon), 17:36

I was very interested with the info in the "Going NUTS with Speedlights... " thread. I have a 20D and 580EX, and am planning/thinking of getting 1 or 2 420/430's to start learning multiple flash shooting.

I would appreciate suggestions on the type of stands/hardware I might consider. As well as the suggestions, it would be helpful to understand the caracteristics I would be looking for.

I know that "buying once" is best...and I am willing to consider that...but would also appreciate guidance on good "starter set" gear.

Thanks all for your assistance....JOHN

robertwgross

29th of August 2005 (Mon), 17:44

I guess this is Canon Speedlites we are talking about, not Nikon Speedlights.

When I use multiple units, I simply stick the slave units on top of my spare tripods. Most photographers have some old spare tripod in the closet. Otherwise, most camera shops will sell cheap ones that are fine for this purpose ($20).

If you are using these in a permanent studio setup, then use the same stuff, but with a small sandbag on the bottom of each one.

---Bob Gross---

jrsforums

29th of August 2005 (Mon), 18:26

Thanks, Bob...

I guess timing is everything. I just gave some "spare" tripods to my son, so I will have to start anew.

I was thinking about fairly light stands that might be easily transportable...eventually...possibly...adding refelectors. I mean, ya never know...

(I also think, though I'll have to look, that the "base" for the 580EX has "mis-appeared"...though I would probably use that on the camera as master).

John

robertwgross

29th of August 2005 (Mon), 18:40

scottbergerphoto

30th of August 2005 (Tue), 07:19

I use the same stands as I use for my Studio lights, Manfrotto-Air Cushioned (3362). The problem with cheaper lightstands is that the foot print of the stand gets smaller and they are more likely to fall over.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=5591&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
You stick a Multibracket on the top of the lightstand:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=15560&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

jrsforums

30th of August 2005 (Tue), 16:14

digitaltourist

30th of August 2005 (Tue), 18:21

Whenever I think that I have lost the plastic base "foot" for a flash unit, I look again into the small pocket on the inside of the case, where it is supposed to be. It's always there.

---Bob Gross---

I wish that were the case, the foot for my 550 has gone missing and has been rather persistent in its state. :-(

Joe R

30th of August 2005 (Tue), 20:04

The Bogen 175F "Justin" clamp is one of my favorite accesories for off-camera flash. $50 & totally worth every penny:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=349147&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Hakuba makes a similar product that's cheaper & works pretty well, too - HCS20 - $32
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=194960&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Other than that, I use regular ol' 10' lightstands.

scottbergerphoto

30th of August 2005 (Tue), 21:01

Thanks, Scott...

Do you have a recommended flash shoe adapter to put on the Delta multibracket? For Canon flashes, of course.

John
Canon Off The Shoe Cord 2

jrsforums

30th of August 2005 (Tue), 21:55

Canon Off The Shoe Cord 2

I guess I did not ask clearly...

I want to put a 420/430/550 on the stand and use my 580 to "trigger" via wireless, as discussed in the "Going NUTS with Speedlite" thread.

The Delta multibracket did not seem to have a shoe that the flash could be mounted on....or am I missing something real basic?

Thanks...JOHN

Lotto

31st of August 2005 (Wed), 04:48

Here's couple ideas for mounting the flash without the comercial multibracket, in case you are interested in DIY stuff.

scottbergerphoto

31st of August 2005 (Wed), 10:57

You mount the speeedlight on it's stand that comes with it. The bottom of the stand has a standard hole to srew in the male from the bracket.

jrsforums

31st of August 2005 (Wed), 16:34

You mount the speeedlight on it's stand that comes with it. The bottom of the stand has a standard hole to srew in the male from the bracket.

thanks (again), Scott.

I had kinda figured that. The problem I saw was the Delta bracket you pointed to ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=15560&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation ), if I read it correctly, has a 3/8" male stud....so I guess you need an adapter to get it to 1/4" male stud for the Canon stand.

I guess the stand seemed a bit flimsy...and what do you do if you lose it (as some one posted above)? I guess "creative".:)

John

scottbergerphoto

31st of August 2005 (Wed), 18:10

thanks (again), Scott.

I had kinda figured that. The problem I saw was the Delta bracket you pointed to ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=15560&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation ), if I read it correctly, has a 3/8" male stud....so I guess you need an adapter to get it to 1/4" male stud for the Canon stand.

I guess the stand seemed a bit flimsy...and what do you do if you lose it (as some one posted above)? I guess "creative".:)

John
The multibrackets that I use have 1/4 on one end and a 3/8 on the other end of the brass fitting. You just pop it out, flip it and pop it back in.

jrsforums

31st of August 2005 (Wed), 18:23

The multibrackets that I use have 1/4 on one end and a 3/8 on the other end of the brass fitting. You just pop it out, flip it and pop it back in.

Thanks, it wasn't clear from the info shown on B&H. Since you have solved this for me, I guess I will now go with your recommended Delta "multibracket....and the Monfrotto...though $79 vs some of the cheaper $19-$29 ones I've seen is a bit to swallow....but I will take your advise...and follow my wife's credo "...the more you pay for something, the kinder it is to you..."

Thanks again for your help...

oh...one last request...a lot of books on studio lighting have been recommended. I am sure that many of them focus on professional lighting with fixed lights or "alien bee" type set ups. Is their one that focuses on the use of Speedlight" type setups....eithter in print or a t"tutorial " on the web?

John

scottbergerphoto

1st of September 2005 (Thu), 12:29

There isn't any book that I am aware of that deals with using miltiple speedlights. I have done alot of trial and error work and if you read my posts on wireless ETTL and wireless Manual you will learn what I've learned.

Joe R

1st of September 2005 (Thu), 13:09

I did a workshop with Joe McNally through Santa Fe Workshops last year - he is a master of using wireless flashes for location photography, & I highly recommend studying with him.
http://www.santafeworkshops.com/photo/detail.cfm?wkshp_id=photo300

You'll also find a couple of good articles on Dave Black's website on using Speedlights for portraits:
http://www.daveblackphotography.com/workshop/index.htm

If you are near the SF Bay Area, FotoVision just announced a one day lighting class at the very cool Rayko photo center:
http://www.fotovision.org/pages/home.php?e=137