Lightstand/adapter/umbrella options for newbie?

Hi all, think I've been bit by the OCF bug and am now looking at picking up 1 (or 2) low-cost lightstands, adapter brackets, & umbrellas.

Considering the following options:

Manfrotto 5001b Lightstand: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …01B_Nano_Black_​Light.html
Photek Umbrella Adapter: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …unt_Umbrella_Ad​apter.html
Wescott 43" White Sand Umbrella: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ble_Umbrella_Op​tical.html

Total = ~$89

OR

The Starving Strobist Kit from MPEX: http://www.mpex.com/br​owse.cfm/4,12313.html

Total = $125

For the extra money, you get a carrying case, gels, DIY kit, etc. I would buy these items (minus the DIY kit) separately from B&H if I go that way. I am leaning that way because shipping is much cheaper to Canada compared to what MPEX charges.

Any opinions on which is the better route to take in terms of quality? Any other suggestions for low cost options?

Have you considered the Impact kit from B&H? 2 stands, umbrellas, and adapters for $100. I'm in Canada as well and had them shipped to a place right by the border and picked it up there.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Flash_Umbrella_​Mount.html

Thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I saw that bundle as well. My concern is that the included umbrellas are a lot smaller vs the 43" ones I was looking at and the stands do not collapse as small as the Manfrottos. Are they perhaps better quality/more stable?

Yes, the umbrellas are small but then again larger ones are pretty cheap and it's okay to have different sizes of umbrellas for different purposes.

I've never held one of those Manfrottos before but from the looks of them they would be similar to the Impact stands. Not particularly rigid but good enough for strobist use. I've had heavy studio quality Manfrottos before and the Impact stands are definitely not of the same quality.

The Impact stands don't fold as small either but they do extend to 8 feet versus 6.2 feet for the Manfrotto. Something to think about if you want to photograph people standing.

flowrider wrote in post #12201754
Yes, the umbrellas are small but then again larger ones are pretty cheap and it's okay to have different sizes of umbrellas for different purposes.

I've never held one of those Manfrottos before but from the looks of them they would be similar to the Impact stands. Not particularly rigid but good enough for strobist use. I've had heavy studio quality Manfrottos before and the Impact stands are definitely not of the same quality.

The Impact stands don't fold as small either but they do extend to 8 feet versus 6.2 feet for the Manfrotto. Something to think about if you want to photograph people standing.

Good point on the stands and their height. Didn't think about that.

The Impact kit does look like a decent starter kit and the reviews on B&H seem very good. Definitely something to consider.