What has been your off camera flash progression?

As a novice to off camera flash, I've been looking at, and trying to learn, as much as I can. I've settled on going one step at a time and just bought a 580exII to go along with my 430ex.

I'm just curious what your progression has been with off camera lights. Did you start with a speedlite and umbrella? softbox? Or 2 or 3 light kit (like from AB, B&H or Calumet)?

For myself, after learning with the 580/430+umbrella, maybe I'll add a softbox like a qbox24, and perhaps monolights when I feel the need beyond that.

I started with a Speedotron set if I remember right. The high school I went to had an excellent photo program. So I learned OCF from the start. We actually got college credit for completing the coarse of classes. But I did not have multiple flashes for a long time.... now I have 4 and want more.

I went from 550 to 580 flashes, on camera and off with a camera cord and umbrellas. From there, one elinchrom 1100 ws light in a very large modifier using a foam core reflector for fill. I have two 400ws d-lites arriving today to use as background lights and a universal skyport to trigger the 580. The point is, each time I added something to my repetoire, I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner. I was very happy with the results until I realized it was time to add the next thing. I'm glad I didn't buy everything at once, for ME it was good to add one thing at a time or I would have been overwhelmed, I think. ?? I suspect another ranger will be next on my list, we'll see how it goes...

Bees to flashes and maybe back to bees now as I got two VMLs.

I started with a 430 EX.....then bought some Bees. Didn't use the Bees much as I should, sold them and the 430. Bought a 580EX II, a SB 24 and a SB 28. Loved playing with those. Learned alot. Then I bought a cheap set of Interfit 150's. Still have them and they are fun...but cheap. I sold the SB 24 and 28 and bought another 580 EX II for back up (weddings).

I now have a Elinchrom 600 RX, 400 TI (?), AB Ringlfash , the two 580's and the two Interfit 150's.

Got lot's of modifiers to play with.....lighting is fun.

1. 580EX I
2. 580EX I + 2 YN-560
3. 580EX I + 2 YN-560 + WL X1600
4. 2 YN 560 + 2 YN-460 II + WL X1600 (sold 580EX I)
5. 2 YN-560 + 2 YN-460 II + WL X1600 + WL X3200 + B800 + VML

I think I need one more monolight at least..

I love finding good deals on the older WL series.. The Ultra 600, 1200 or 1600. Awesome values.. Just as good build quality as the current WL X-series, but w/o the fan.

Small flashes, all the way. Started with a Nissin Di866 and a 60" silver reflective umbrella. Then just adding flashes whenever I see one for a good price... Currently at 5, and I don't think I'll be needing many more than that for a while.

- 430EXII
- 430EXII + 580EXII
- 430EXII + 580EXII + 2 B800's
- 3 B800's

I'm still in the beginning stages of it.
Started with a 580exII
got the shorter ettl cord apx 2-3 ft
then got a long ETTL cord apx 30ft
then got the Rf- 602's
then a LP 160

Now I"m looking for good deals on a used 430exII. or most likely I'm going to get a few of the YN's just not sure which ones since there are a few and many threads on here.. it's information overload
probably the yn 560

Read till my eyes were bleeding, then...

2 Einsteins
1 AB400
Couldn't be happier...unless that AB400 was an Einstein also

Gaarryy wrote in post #12272320
I'm still in the beginning stages of it.
Started with a 580exII
got the shorter ettl cord apx 2-3 ft
then got a long ETTL cord apx 30ft
then got the Rf- 602's
then a LP 160

Now I"m looking for good deals on a used 430exII. or most likely I'm going to get a few of the YN's just not sure which ones since there are a few and many threads on here.. it's information overload
probably the yn 560

I'm right at the starting line with ya'. I just wish I had gotten a Canon flash first...
1. Started with a lp160 due to the teachings of Zack Arias ETTL=BAD! (I love the man but ettl has it place. Though he does admit that himself).
2. Got an sb25 for cross/fill/more powah!
3. Finally got a 430exII from reading Neil van Niekerk's blog. Got really inspired by what he can do with the EVIL-ON-CAMERA-FLASH!

No real regrets so far, I'm just figuring out what to get next. It's gonna' HAVE to be more reliable triggers than the Cactus v4's. This forum seems to love the v5's so...Then a wide angle zoom to replace my kit lens. Then onto THE BEES!

kuma1212 wrote in post #12271813
As a novice to off camera flash, I've been looking at, and trying to learn, as much as I can. I've settled on going one step at a time and just bought a 580exII to go along with my 430ex.

I'm just curious what your progression has been with off camera lights. Did you start with a speedlite and umbrella? softbox? Or 2 or 3 light kit (like from AB, B&H or Calumet)?

For myself, after learning with the 580/430+umbrella, maybe I'll add a softbox like a qbox24, and perhaps monolights when I feel the need beyond that.

started with one Yongnuo YN460 flash

added another Yongnuo ETTL flash
Got a shoot thru umbrella diffuser, RF-602 triggers, and stand.
That seemed to work pretty good.

So I stopped.

I started with a single 430EX II, then acquired a 580EX II with umbrellas and light stands. Used that setup for about another year and a half. Then recently, two AlienBee B800's, cybersyncs, and a Vagabond II

I started with a 430EX, then got a Lumiquest Softbox III and light stand for off camera. I first used a Zebra Flash cord for off-camera, but once my wife gave me a 60D back in October, I have been using the pop-up flash for wireless control, and it works perfectly within Canon's specified limits. It even works around corners and out of sight in medium sized rooms. Recently got a Qbox 16, which is quite soft if positioned close enough to the subject. Next will be a 430EX II so I can work with 2 wireless flashes and A:B ratios.

College student budget:
1. 2 Vivitar 285HV's: learned a massive amount in the year I had these two flashes with umbrellas. You can do so much with this. All told, I was under $300 with stands, modifiers, adapters, triggers, shoes, umbrellas and flashes. Great way to get started, IMO.
2. Bought 2 Alien Bee B800's with umbrellas. Started buying softboxes (strip x 2, 28" main), then a beauty dish. Bought two more B800's. 7' octa. VII.
3. Got a deal on Profoto Acute 2R's heads and pack. Stilll saving up for more than my 1 softbox.
4. Bought 2 Einsteins for their portability, ability.
4. Bought 2 SB-900's for wedding/walkabout shooting. It's really nice to be able to stick 2 lights/stands/all in a backpack again.