Flash "Kit" Suggestions

I have some AMEX rebates coming in that I plan on turning around to purchase flash equipment to go with my new 5D. Some of the money is going towards some non-flash accessories, but after those items are purchased I'll be left with $600 to spend. Because of how difficult the cards are to use online I'll be purchasing everything as a single purchase through either B&H or Adorama over the phone. This means that Yognuo flashes are out. So what I'm looking at is picking up a single 430EXII as this would meet my basic needs.

Here's where I'm looking for recommendations. I would like to expand my flash capabilities beyond the single flash and I'm thinking of picking up a second 430EXII and maybe a light stand with some sort of light diffuser. To support this I would purchase a pair of YN-622Cs out of pocket. I would be using the flashes for indoor portrait photography. What would you recommend for a stand and light diffuser to get started with? I figure I'll have about $100 to spend on them. I'm also open to other suggestions.

Thank You

I've have both the RF603s and the YN622Cs along with a 580EXII. Any reason you want to go with the YN622Cs? I'd go with a Yongnuo speelight as a second unit as opposed to another 430EXII to save money.

I recently bought this kit: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Flash_Umbrella_​Mount.html
Along with a 430EXII (to go with my 580EXII), and two YN-622C + one YN-622C-TX

All works fine, and I'm fairly pleased with it all. Some have suggested larger umbrellas, which I may eventually get. But for now, it suits me.

Having the TX on the camera and being able to trigger two off-camera flashes is sweet.

Since I'm new to off camera flash I don't know how much I would, or would not, use TTL so my thought was to not limit myself.

^ I've been using manual camera settings, and TTL on the flashes

I think your plan is sound. You could save money going YN but not through those vendors.

So I Just realized that B&H has the YN560 (II, III, and IV) which doesn't support E-TTL, given the price advantage this has me considering non-TTL to allow for expanded flash configurations while maintaining my budget. Would the E-TTL functionality of the YN622C-TX translate through to the YN560 or would it require a flash with E-TTL capability?

I'm currently collecting manuals to read up on the functionality. Moose, you're configuration has definitely peeked my interest.

qdrummer21 wrote in post #17334281
... Would the E-TTL functionality of the YN622C-TX translate through to the YN560 or would it require a flash with E-TTL capability?

It requires eTTL capability for eTTL/HSS/remote commanding, etc. The YN model that most often gets teamed with the YN-622 triggers is the YN-568EX. But B&H does not sell YN's TTL-capable units, just the manual-only ones. You'll most likely have to hit Amazon if you want those. For low-cost, however, the best bargain is likely to be the YN-560III and YN-560-TX combination. You get remote power/zoom/groups control over the YN-560III and YN-560IV--but only those two models of flash. The advantage is that the radio receiver is built in with those two models (the IV can be a master as well). Every other flash, including YN's EX flashes, will only be manually triggered, although you could get groups on/off control if you used RF-605s as the receiver units on the foot of the flashes.

Yongnuo is available through Amazon if your AMEX would work there. It's a shame you have to spend more for Canon flashes when Yongnuo are so solid.

qdrummer21 wrote in post #17334281
So I Just realized that B&H has the YN560 (II, III, and IV) which doesn't support E-TTL, given the price advantage this has me considering non-TTL to allow for expanded flash configurations while maintaining my budget. Would the E-TTL functionality of the YN622C-TX translate through to the YN560 or would it require a flash with E-TTL capability?

you need a TTL flash too, BUT, I've just sold 3x580EXII's in favor of manual flashes. And remember that pretty much all studio strobes are manual too.

If this is for indoors then you really don't need TTL. In fact i'd go as far as to say you'd be much better off learning manual flash than just relying on your camera gets it right for you.

Outdoors for a bit of fill flash with changing light then yeah, TTL all the way, but you've said this is for indoors...

I would definitely have at least one E-TTL flash and the rest can be manual. It may come in handy you never know, but it is worth having at least, you can always use it as a manual flash when you don't need E-TTL too.

If you can figure out how to spend your card at Amazon here's what I would do.

You should have one ETTL flash. If I was starting out today I would get a $200 YN560III, YN560III, YN560-TX kit, a YN565EX (which is ETTL but no HSS) for $104 and a pair of YN RF603-II triggers for $32 so that you can trigger the 565 from the 560-TX.

If you want add a third 560III for $75 more and then you will have three completely remote controllable flashes and a fourth, not remotely controllable but still flashable unit using the RF603 receiver. Plus you can use the RF603 triggers as a wireless shutter release.

Four flashes and the triggers for $407 from Amazon, about the same price as one Canon flash.

Add some stand/umbrella or stand/softbox sets and you have a good starter system that will give you lots of options and experience. You can upgrade the modifiers as you learn.

Thank you for all the suggestions thus far! I've been playing around with everyone's ideas and here's what I've come up with, feedback is welcome.

This will give me four configurations:
Single on camera flash with HSS and ETTL.
Single off camera flash with HSS and ETTL.
One on camera and one off camera flash.
Two off camera flashes.

Additionally the Amazon option will give me reflective and shoot through umbrellas. I'm not sure if this is an advantage or more of a marketing gimmick, I need to do more research on the difference. This will allow for future expansion into more flashes and different modifiers as I develop my flash skills while giving me a solid beginning setup.

Primary Option - This will take a little bit of work to get the Gift Card to work on Amazon but it may be doable.
YN568EX II
YN560 IV
YN622C-TX
x2 YN622C
Cowboy Flash Kit

Secondary Option - If I can't get the card to work I'll go to B&H to process this order.
Canon 430 EXII
YN560 IV
YN622C-TX
x2 YN622C
Impact Flash Kit

I'm looking at going with the YN622C's over the RF603's to allow for me to use HSS and ETTL with the single off camera flash configuration.