Entering into the world of off camera flash

I've been researching this topic for weeks now and could really use some advice. I'd like to start to learn to use off camera flash. I've been reading a lot on the strobist site and I have the Speedliter's Handbook in my Amazon cart.

I have a 430ex (original version, not the II). To ease myself into this, I was thinking of just starting with one new flash.
My main question is, get a 580exII? or something like an AB800. My budget is a little open...I'd rather buy something that would continue to be useful if/when I add more lighting, but I don't need super top of the line pro level lighting equipment. And I know I need to factor in transmitters, stands, umbrella or softbox etc...all more decisions I have to make.

any advice or suggestions would be great!

What do you shoot?

Studio stuff - the AB will do well. Mobile stuff (location, weddings, kids) then the 580exII will be good - plus you can slave your 430 off it, *and* make use of ETTL - Syls book will help you immensely there.

Shoot a little of everything, but would like to focus a little more on pet photography, and occasional product/food. Some people/kids, some sports. Photography is just a hobby for me, but I'm hooked and need it bad.

You'll likely get more use out of a 580exII then - it'll travel easier, and give you both manual and ETTL options, depending on what you're shooting. It'll be powerful enough for pretty much anything you shoot (maybe not sports- that depends again).

pcj wrote in post #12234080
You'll likely get more use out of a 580exII then - it'll travel easier, and give you both manual and ETTL options, depending on what you're shooting. It'll be powerful enough for pretty much anything you shoot (maybe not sports- that depends again).

+1. You'll get a much more intelligent interaction with the 580EXII, instead of investing in a new system entirely into the strobe world. The 580EX II will continue to be useful going forward, certainly. If you pick that up, you'll have plenty of equipment to get you well down the path. Then it becomes much more about practice/knowledge/exp​erience. Pick up Syl's book, it's a brilliant source.

I personally think that the Strobist solution sucks for use in a studio where you can use real studio strobes.

Unless you are shooting"on the run" a real studio strobe setup will provide the following advantages...

* Modeling light - WYSIWYG lighting is the way to go
* Better use of light modifiers such as softboxes and umbrellas
* Modeling light - WYSIWYG lighting is the way to go
* Steady recycle time throughout shooting not depending on puny AA batteries
* Modeling light - WYSIWYG lighting is the way to go
* Fit solidly on stands without the use of adapters
* Modeling light - WYSIWYG lighting is the way to go
* You can get a set of relatively decent studio strobes (albeit not top-line but, good enough for most occasional shooting) for a little more than the price of a 580EX plus the adapters and stands + modifiers...
And, did I mention the availability of a Modeling light - WYSIWYG lighting is the way to go...

For shooting on the run... I would get an off camera flash bracket for my 430EX with an off camera sync cord and I would modify my bounced with the Joe Demb Flash Diffuser Pro. Single flash portraiture with this setup can provide quite pleasing results for portraiture...

IMAGE LINK: http://rpcrowe.smugmug​.com …LJM#1244320241_​7kTXJ-A-LB

IMAGE LINK: http://rpcrowe.smugmug​.com …LJM#1244551055_​ox8GE-A-LB

Thanks for the responses. I just went to my local Calumet shop and looked at the Genesis 400 and Travelite 750. Then I read on here that there are usually great sales on these lights sometime in Nov-Dec?

Maybe I'll start with a 580II first, since it will come in handy later anyway. I also have a gift certificate to an electronics store that would cover the 580 (and they don't carry any other photography lighting).

I'm still fairly confused about which way to ultimately go, but I think it will help to use and try one method to at least get my feet wet.

RPCrowe, I definitely like the idea of having modeling light available and I think that would help me learn to visualize the light better. Also, what's WYSIWYG?

Wysiwyg means what you see is what what you get. Modeling lamps greatly assist in seeing what the final light will looks like. But if you are good with envisioning things, you may not need that. It really depends how hard you want to make it for yourself... Lol.

alfman wrote in post #12236363
There is so much great info here, sometimes too much. I think the 580EXII will serve you well as you determine what meets your needs.

Also agree that Syl Arena's book is a great place to start. That along with the strobist blog and you will be well on your way.

Yeah sometimes the vast amount of info gets overwhelming! But better too much info than too little. Thanks again!

Off camera flash can be *very* confusing and sometimes controversial, as everyone has their own ideas and thoughts behind "how it should be done"

Work with equipment you can grow into, and find what works best for your own personal style of shooting.

Biggest mistake I made was buying a setup of Genesis 200's - rarely use them, I always use my speedlites, and could *really* do with one or two more. Any time I use the Genesis lights, it's because I'm out of speedlites!

better check out www. strobist.blogspot.com, very informative stuff!!

+1 for Strobist!