Need some input and suggestions

Originally I was planning on getting the Canon 70-200mm II but now I think I might invest in a portable lighting setup. So I'm on a $2000 budget. Reason for going with lighting setup is I feel it'll probably help me with creativity more than the lens. Currently have a 430EX II and was thinking about maybe adding one or two more 580 along with a Elinchrom EL 26185 Rotalux 39-Inch and whatever else you'll suggest.


Any suggestions? Let me know if got questions so you'll can help me out further.

Thanks in advance.

I love that lens.

You could start inexpensively and build up, and not bite too much out of your savings for the lens. I have a 430EXII, two YN560s, Cactus V5 triggers, and a couple hundred bucks in grip gear (stands etc) and modifiers, and that has worked for me so far.

I think 580EXIIs are far from the best bang-for-the-buck to use as slave or secondary flashes.

There are a lot of "nice to haves" that I occasionally long for, but they don't stop me from getting things done with what I have. It would be nice to have modeling lights, ETTL-capable triggers and flashes, triggers that can control flash power remotely (e.g. Elinchrom Skyport), and lights that are powerful enough to overpower the sun. But I didn't have the budget for all that stuff yet, and MOST of the time I don't need anything more than what I have.

Thanks

Almost forgot to mention I have the Canon ST-E2 but can get other flash triggers if needed. I was thinking about other brand of flashes but wasn't sure if the Canon would be able to trigger them.

Since you do not specify where you are going to be shooting, as in inside our out, or what you are shooting it is a little hard to give any meaningful suggestions. If you are going to be shooting outside, the ST-e2 is going to be hit or miss on working.

dedsen wrote in post #13991342
Since you do not specify where you are going to be shooting, as in inside our out, or what you are shooting it is a little hard to give any meaningful suggestions. If you are going to be shooting outside, the ST-e2 is going to be hit or miss on working.

Sorry, forgot to mention. I want it to be as portable as possible for outside shooting.


What are some good alternatives to the ST-e2 and 580ex II flash?


Thanks