Just got some new gear, do I have everything I need?

Okay so today I went on a shopping spree...

I purchased:
Cybersync Transmitter and 3x Recievers
Speedlight Foot Adapters for the Cybersync connection to flash
2x Light stands with off-camera flash adapters and softboxes (and bracket for the softbox)
1x Boom
3x Canon Speedlight 430EX II Flashes

I am also looking to get a 17-40L soon to expand my range from 50mm to -/+... the greater range will come later.

What do you guys think of this list? Will this do me well in the field as a strobist? Also, I will be needing a backdrop setup soon too..

Well to control the 430's using Canon's Wireless ETTL you will need a 500 series speedlite. It would be a shame not to get one and have that choice available. What size softboxes did you get? Get some ball bungees to be able to attach your light to poles and stuff. A couple of umbrellas would give you a quick setup and take down. From you signature I see you are aware of Strobist.com where I would go and see what else you need for a full kit.

I need a 500 series to control the flashes? I thought that's what the Cybersyncs were for... Or are you specifically using the 500 series as the main flash to trigger the 430s without the Cybersyncs?

Look pretty good. You can do a lot. No need for more flashes as you not trying to control your 430ex in eTTL mode.

Either or... I wasn't planning on getting a 580ex... Maybe way down the road. Thanks for the confidence. I will be getting reflectors, umbrellas and shoot throughs as well. Ah, just remembered.. sand bags... I'd hate for my flashes to fall to a brutal death on the hard concrete.

corumz wrote in post #12567953
I need a 500 series to control the flashes? I thought that's what the Cybersyncs were for... Or are you specifically using the 500 series as the main flash to trigger the 430s without the Cybersyncs?

He's talking about using ETTL (without the Cybersyncs).

So do you think 1x 580ex and 2x 430ex would have been a better choice so I can avoid the Cybersyncs?

Scratch that.. ETTL FTL

corumz wrote in post #12568019
So do you think 1x 580ex and 2x 430ex would have been a better choice so I can avoid the Cybersyncs?

Depends on what you want. That 580 would have to be on the camera to control the 430s, thus only giving you two off camera lights. The cybersyncs give you 3 off camera lights, but lack ETTL. Personally, the only time I use ETTL is when I have a flash on the camera and I'm just plinking around. 99% of the time I shoot manual. I'm not impressed with Canon's ETTL system, it's not very practical in a multi-light setup IMO. I went to the FlashBus Tour hosted by David Hobby and Joe McNally. Joe showed what Nikon's CLS was capable of and that was about the only time I was jealous of Nikon.

I laughed when you said the only time you were jealous about Nikon.

I don't think I'll ever be using an on camera flash. I got the flashes with one thing in mind: off-camera lighting.

corumz wrote in post #12568145
I laughed when you said the only time you were jealous about Nikon.

I don't think I'll ever be using an on camera flash. I got the flashes with one thing in mind: off-camera lighting.

I use it for quick little snapshots or candids, like the one I attached. I was out playing in the front yard with my daughter and I snapped her just as she was walking by and her head blocked out the sun behind her.

I also use it for clients who can't afford to hire me at regular price. In fact, part of my portfolio includes these shots so I can show people who want a budget shoot what to expect. I hardly ever turn down a gig. If someone only has 20 or 30 bucks to spend I show up with one lens and one light and do something like this and snap a few pics. In an out in less than 10 minutes and I made enough to treat my wife to dinner.

Sure, I can look at this and see a million things I don't like about it. Light lacks direction, needs hair light, eyes aren't bright, no nice catchlight, no soft shadows......but most people won't notice these things.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Well to control the 430's using Canon's Wireless ETTL you will need a 500 series speedlite. It would be a shame not to get one and have that choice available. What size softboxes did you get? Get some ball bungees to be able to attach your light to poles and stuff. A couple of umbrellas would give you a quick setup and take down. From you signature I see you are aware of Strobist.com where I would go and see what else you need for a full kit.

corumz wrote in post #12568019
So do you think 1x 580ex and 2x 430ex would have been a better choice so I can avoid the Cybersyncs?

Not neccessarilly. It all depends on what you what to do. I think you are missing something here as I was reading this.

The Cybersyncs are fine for what they do . You will only have manual control of your flashes. You will have to go to each flash and adjust it manually. The transmitter does not give you ETTL options. That is the way I am set up and I am fine with it. I have two 580 flashes if I want ETTL but that only leaves me one flash off camera because in order for ETTL for work one has to be on my camera.

In order to get ETTL you will need either a 580 or something else. The 580 has a master or slave option. The 430 flash does have a master option, only slave.

Here is another option

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …02_ST_E2_Transm​itter.html

You wrote this. As long as you are aware you will have to set up each flash manually your'e OK.

"I don't think I'll ever be using an on camera flash. I got the flashes with one thing in mind: off-camera lighting".

Forgot to mention I have a light meter to adjust each flash manually.

digital paradise wrote in post #12568862
Not neccessarilly. It all depends on what you what to do. I think you are missing something here as I was reading this.

The Cybersyncs are fine for what they do . You will only have manual control of your flashes. You will have to go to each flash and adjust it manually. The transmitter does not give you ETTL options. That is the way I am set up and I am fine with it. I have two 580 flashes if I want ETTL but that only leaves me one flash off camera because in order for ETTL for work one has to be on my camera.

In order to get ETTL you will need either a 580 or something else. The 580 has a master or slave option. The 430 flash does have a master option, only slave.

Here is another option

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …02_ST_E2_Transm​itter.html

You wrote this. As long as you are aware you will have to set up each flash manually your'e OK.

"I don't think I'll ever be using an on camera flash. I got the flashes with one thing in mind: off-camera lighting".

there is the chinese version of canon's ST-E2 available that will give you off camera ettl for $100

http://shop.ebay.ca …_sacat=See-All-Categories