Looking for some advice - Interfit studio vs flashes

Hi,

I am a strict amateur and currently own the interfit three head kit and it really is a good kit, however I don't have a studio or spare room, on top of that I have two small kids who I worry would knock the lights down if I left them up (they haven't yet but then I've very careful with all my kit).

So given that the set up time (gathering up the stuff, clearing space, assembling etc etc) is my major stumbling block would I be better of with normal flashes?

If so what would you suggest - I currently have a Nissin Di866 MkII and a Yonguno flash (I forget the model) and but they don't seem to play that well together - I also have a Yunguno RC-602 to trigger them.

Thanks.

IMHO not really. They still take up the same space when assembled. If you get a portable power supply for your monolights, like a VML from PCB, it would open up a number of uses. All you gain by downsizing is a smaller flashhead and less power.

There are many here that shoot exclusively with speedlights and do an awesome job. As for what model speedlights, guess it depends on your budget & how you want to control the lights.

People get the 580ExIi, because it is powerful and versatile. It can be controlled by the camera (on models that have this feature) and can control most other Canon flashes, so that you get the full ETTL capability off camera.

If you want to use them off camera in manual mode, then the options are plenty. Then even the Yongnuo brands will work great with some radio triggers.

I am sure the experts will chime in and offer more advice.

Thanks for the feedback so far.

If I recall the Nissin Di866 II is comparable with the Canon 580 EX II power and feature wise, so I would be part way there, I guess were it a valid option I could look to their Di622 II as a slave unit(s).

gonzogolf wrote in post #14554950
IMHO not really. They still take up the same space when assembled. If you get a portable power supply for your monolights, like a VML from PCB, it would open up a number of uses. All you gain by downsizing is a smaller flashhead and less power.

I agree, I don't see the time or space saving here. It takes almost as long to set up flashguns on stands, and fit softboxes or other modifiers, as it does studio units. Likewise a flashgun on a stand with a decent sized softbox, is about the same size as the interfit unit too.

Given that the set-up time and the space seemed to be your main gripe, I don't see what you would gain, and you would lose modelling lights (which are a big plus in my mind as you can see how your lighting is falling on the subject, which you can't with flashguns). In addition, you already have this kit and buying flashguns will cost you more money unless you sell the interfits to pay for them. Of course, if you do that then feel that you preferred them, you are out of pocket anyway if you then sell the flashguns and buy another interfit outfit.

I would be selling the kit if I went that way - the thing is I don;t get the use out of them but would still want to be able to do it when the urge arises.

I already have a trigger, a decent flash (and a cheapie one too) - I agree with the modelling light part, however a few flashes would be more mobile and compact (ie I could use them in more places as they're much smaller so would be better for high speed work such as water drops etc), also I could use them in the garden, in a field, on the moon Agreed I could get a PSU, but I really am an amateur dabbler despite having some decent kit.

In short I see advantages and so far one disadvantage.

John_N wrote in post #14555051
a few flashes would be more mobile and compact (ie I could use them in more places as they're much smaller so would be better for high speed work such as water drops etc), also I could use them in the garden, in a field, on the moon

I agree for those uses, where you aren't going to need the big modifiers, flashguns are going to be quicker and simpler.

I have four studio strobes and am considering adding another couple of regular flashguns to my outfit for such uses as you mention there, when I don't want to use the big strobes. However, I have too many situations where I want the modelling lights and the big softboxes, beauty dishes etc. to allow me to sell my "proper" lighting.

Sadly, I don't have an "either / or" dilemma, I want both and that hurts the wallet.

So from that am I right in thinking that flashes are very restricted when it comes to messing with the light?

Its funny I was just chatting with my wife and I said that I don't get much use out of them, but she pointed out "yeah, but you're a perfectionist", sadly she's semi right I am - to a point, that point being they I cannot focus long enough to actually get good at any discipline. Anyway thats all a little left of field and off topic.

Part off the issue is that I tend to want to do things quickly - so when I do mess with the studio kit it really does take a bit of time, whereas I could see me grabbing a couple of stands, clipping on flashes, pop in an umbrella and chuck up a pop up background much more often.... but.... I would still hope to get decent results.

John_N wrote in post #14555151
So from that am I right in thinking that flashes are very restricted when it comes to messing with the light?

I wouldn't say "very" restricted. You can get a range of modifiers for them, just as you can with studio lights. Interfit do a range called "strobies" and include all sorts of modifiers, including barn doors, snoots, dishes etc. They do a softbox too, but it is piddling small, although normal size umbrellas are available. They come in two separate kit sets and some are available individually. If you look around you should be able to find a good sized softbox from another manufacturer.

Of course, getting is one thing and using is another. Without modelling lights setting up such things as snoots, honeycombs and barn doors etc., becomes a serious case of trial and error to get them positioned correctly, and if your subject moves a little you don't notice how the light is now missing them, or hitting them wrongly.

So, it can be trickier to mess around with the light (depending on which modifiers you wish to use) but not necessarily too restricted as a good range of modifiers are available.

I'll chime in to say that ever since I got a Vagabond Mini, shooting outdoors is much easier. Amount of power and recycle are no longer something to worry about.

Hmn... just watched this - http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=p3JG3IONAYw and it confirms what you are all saying, but the convenience aspect still bothers me.

John_N wrote in post #14555151
So from that am I right in thinking that flashes are very restricted when it comes to messing with the light?

Its funny I was just chatting with my wife and I said that I don't get much use out of them, but she pointed out "yeah, but you're a perfectionist", sadly she's semi right I am - to a point, that point being they I cannot focus long enough to actually get good at any discipline. Anyway thats all a little left of field and off topic.

Part off the issue is that I tend to want to do things quickly - so when I do mess with the studio kit it really does take a bit of time, whereas I could see me grabbing a couple of stands, clipping on flashes, pop in an umbrella and chuck up a pop up background much more often.... but.... I would still hope to get decent results.

Honestly its the same process. The only real difference is the size of the flash. A monolight is as easy to pop on a stand as a strobe, even easier if you consider the bracket. The flashes are a tiny bit more portable, but if you have to carry a couple of stands, umbrellas and such its not that much hassle to carry the small monolights. The ability to fill a large modifier and still have enough power to do what you want trumps that in my opinion.