Please HELP!

Ok guys I have been looking into getting a strobe lighting set up for a LONG time.

But I will be honest, I really need some help - I know what I want, but I don't know the exact products. Basically, I need some good suggestions.

Currently I have a 430EXII flash only.

I want a 2 light set up - and can build from there.

So I need/want:

1 Extra flash = to power of the 430EXII (thinking a YN460II maybe?)
2 lightstands
2 wireless triggers (probably RF-603's - unless I can get ETTL on a budget?)
Cold shoes for lightstands
Softboxes

I may be missing something so please let me know.

I am looking to spend $250-$300. Is the above achievable in my budget?

Please any suggestions would be great as I don't know where the money needs to be spent, ie - a better softbox, or a better stand....a more powerful flash etc etc.

Thanks.

Chris.

Any help would be greatly appreciated guys/girls?

You have read the lighting 101 series on Strobist.com, right? That should pretty much get you squared away with what you need.

A YN460II is a good choice, but a YN560 would be a better choice for only a few dollars more.

Until you decide on a softbox, I'd recommend a reversible / convertible umbrella. Softboxes can run you a good amount depending on what you're looking for, umbrella's a relatively cheap.

Trigger sets consist of receivers and transmitters. The transmitter goes on your camera hot shoe, and the receivers attach to your flash via hot shoe or sync cable. So to fire two flashes, you need 1 transmitter and two receivers.

I recommend buying the heaviest duty stands that you can reasonably transport. Using them outside with an umbrella can be very tricky with a lightweight stand.

I know you're in AU, but here's some links to get you started that show the equipment..

Umbrella - http://www.adorama.com​/LTU40BC.html

Stand - http://www.adorama.com​/SALSB10AC.html

RF602 Rx / Tx set - http://www.amazon.com …/B0042U27Y6/ref​=pd_cp_e_3
Extra RF602 Rx - http://www.amazon.com …/B0042U83N0/ref​=pd_cp_e_2

BrandonSi wrote in post #11984541
You have read the lighting 101 series on Strobist.com, right? That should pretty much get you squared away with what you need.

A YN460II is a good choice, but a YN560 would be a better choice for only a few dollars more.

Until you decide on a softbox, I'd recommend a reversible / convertible umbrella. Softboxes can run you a good amount depending on what you're looking for, umbrella's a relatively cheap.

Trigger sets consist of receivers and transmitters. The transmitter goes on your camera hot shoe, and the receivers attach to your flash via hot shoe or sync cable. So to fire two flashes, you need 1 transmitter and two receivers.

I recommend buying the heaviest duty stands that you can reasonably transport. Using them outside with an umbrella can be very tricky with a lightweight stand.

I know you're in AU, but here's some links to get you started that show the equipment..

Umbrella - http://www.adorama.com​/LTU40BC.html

Stand - http://www.adorama.com​/SALSB10AC.html

RF602 Rx / Tx set - http://www.amazon.com …/B0042U27Y6/ref​=pd_cp_e_3
Extra RF602 Rx - http://www.amazon.com …/B0042U83N0/ref​=pd_cp_e_2

Yep I have, I understand what I need and what is required - but not what is actually a worthy product / decent brand.

Obviously I'm not going to get anything sublime with my budget,, but there are always bargains to be had.

Thanks for the links - exactly what I was looking for - Cheers,.