Lighting plan- do I need a 580ex2?

FEChariot wrote in post #14083122
I found a 32' Interfit cord on B&H for $49, but I remember seeing some cheaper so I will have to look around more. I am going to keep an eye out on Craigslist for a good used 580.

I bought the cheaper cord and was very disappointed in the build quality. I "bit the bullet" so to speak and bought the 33' cord from http://ocfgear.com/ and it is much, much better quality. I've broke too many plastic shoe mounts to use the cheaper model. Just my $0.02.

J_W_B wrote in post #14091195
I bought the cheaper cord and was very disappointed in the build quality. I "bit the bullet" so to speak and bought the 33' cord from http://ocfgear.com/ and it is much, much better quality. I've broke too many plastic shoe mounts to use the cheaper model. Just my $0.02.

Thanks I was looking for that site.

J_W_B wrote in post #14091195
I bought the cheaper cord and was very disappointed in the build quality. I "bit the bullet" so to speak and bought the 33' cord from http://ocfgear.com/ and it is much, much better quality. I've broke too many plastic shoe mounts to use the cheaper model. Just my $0.02.

Is this Interfit model a cheap plastic mount type? The reviews at B&H are all great except one and that one was becuase of compatibility issues and not poor mounts.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …lti_Fit_TTL_Cor​d_for.html

That's the one. The shoe mount is plastic (the part that goes in the hot shoe of the camera). The shoe the flash plugs into is plastic as well.

The ocfgear cord is machined aluminum for the part the flash plugs into, and the part that plugs into the camera has a metal foot, and a similar locking mechanism to the 580exII flash. Plus, the shape of the ocfgear cord is made to accept the weather sealing rubber gasket of the 580exII flash. I didn't measure them against each other, but I feel the ocfgear is made with heavier/thicker wire.

It cost me more, but I'm glad I sent the interfit one back, and bought the ocfgear model.

Thanks for the tip then. I will stay clear of the Interfit.

FEChariot wrote in post #14094305
Thanks for the tip then. I will stay clear of the Interfit.

Look at the ones offered by www.flashzebra.com. I have one and its nearly identical the ends used by canon.

Well I picked up a 580ex2 today at the local shop. I am going to get a TTL cord from OCF here shortly, but I need to figure out what modifier I want for the new 580ex2. I have a 43" or 45" westcott umbrella with removable cover on a cheap Promaster 8' spring loaded light stand now. Part of me wants to get a speedlite capable softbox like the Westcott Apollo Orb or a smaller but nicer Lastolyte softbox. The other part thinks I have spent enough for now especially since I am also going to get a Sigma 17-50 before the end of the month and some other small items and should just get another Westcott umbrella. I was thinking about their 60" one. Would this be better for small family group shots of 4 people?

Also are the Impact air cushioned light stands any good? I was looking at this one:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ned_Heavy_Duty_​Light.html

FEChariot wrote in post #14122894
Also are the Impact air cushioned light stands any good? I was looking at this one:

I have a couple of impact brand stands and they nicely built. An air cushioned stand is overkill for a speedlite and simple modifier though.

FEChariot wrote in post #14122894
Also are the Impact air cushioned light stands any good? I was looking at this one:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ned_Heavy_Duty_​Light.html

I have that exact light stand and it is built like a tank. I've been very impressed with it so far. A friend of mine has a couple of the 13' ones and he drags them all over the place shooting for schools. Very durable.

I should also mention that the light stand is LARGE. I can easily fit my 7' or 8' stands into a bat bag to carry around. This stand is much too large when collapsed down to fit in the bat bag. It has a nice wide base, and the tubing is larger. It's a great stand, but big.

Is this one smaller but still well built? If I upgraded to AB800's down the road could it handle them?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …d_Light_Stand_B​lack_.html

I don't have experience with that smaller stand. The specs show it rated at 7.5lbs vs 22lbs for the other one. It's definitely smaller. I have an air cushioned 8' stand (not the one you listed) and it holds this strobe

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …P150_SP150_Mono​light.html

which is similar in size/shape/weight to a AB800. When I put it in a 2'x3' softbox, I have to be careful to position the legs correctly. It hasn't ever fallen over, but the higher it goes, the more wobble there is.

I placed my order with B&H today. I went with these 2 kits:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …sible_Umbrella_​Flash.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …in_1_Reflector_​Disc_.html

I also got a Sigma 17-50. Friday shipping will be a long wait...

I think I am about complete for a while with lens GAS and plan to work on getting more lighting gear for my next purchases. These two kits looked like good deals as I wanted some more portable stuff for speed lights.

I have a bunch of soft sided dive belt weights and I am looking into DIY ways to use them as light stand weights as I am suspecting especially the reflector holder to need counter balance. I am going to start searching google and youtube for modifications, but if you know of a good way, let me know. Thanks

re: DIY weights - I took plastic 1 gallon freezer bags, double bagged them, filled them with cat litter ($6/20 lbs at Target), wrapped them with duct tape, then attached two together with duct tape so the zipper part of the bags was together. They weigh about 8 lbs/pair, and lay over the legs of my stands perfectly. The only thing I would redo is add in a piece of web belt on the top where the two zippers are to use as a handle. Only thing I had to buy was the cat litter since I had the gallon storage bags and tape around. They work like a charm and will last for a long time.

Best of luck!