Need advice for flash setup

Right now I have a Canon 430EXii that I use camera mounted, most times angled upward and set at 1/2 or 1/4 power depending on what I am trying to accomplish. I'd like to start moving toward OCF but am unsure as to what I would need to buy as far as other flash units are concerned.

I was looking at the Pixel King trigger and reciever units and thinking I could use my 430EXii with one. Was looking at maybe having or getting 3 total flash units and setup as needed. So I'm wondering, if I get the Pixel Kings, would I need more of the 430EXii units, or could I go with a cheaper brand like the Yongnuo? I have been looking at the YN-565 but it seems that might be overkill if I just need them fired remotely and have triggers. So if someone could recommend which flash units would be properly suited I would appreciate it.

Also, I figure I'd want some stands, clamps, and either reflectors or lightboxes. (not sure which is considered better) I don't want or need anything crazy expensive but do want something that will last me more than one use.

So if anyone could start me down the right path, it would be much appreciated.

The first thing you ought to consider is how you want to use them and then tailor your setup to that. Before you go too far down the multiple speedlite route at least take a look at studio strobes like the alien bee, calumet genesis, or perhaps the interfit strobes. Do you really want/need ETTL for off camera flash (it may not be as useful as you think). That said you can probably do well with off brand speedlites. I would also consider the YN 622 triggers if you want ETTL.

Well I was thinking flashes because of ease of transport, and the desire to not need to worry about plugging anything in or buying special batteries. I have piles of AA batteries which would be ideal for lightweight transport.

I had done the ETTL, but have recently just been using my flash setup in manual mode. I take a few test shots and set the angle and power to what gives me the best look. I'd like to expand that now.

If you arent afraid of manual you can save some bucks and buy a couple of YN 560II's and RF603 triggers.

If you're ok with going completely manual (i.e., dumb triggers and walking to each flash to change settings) then yep, you can use any of those Yongnuo flashes. They are very popular products.

I've been looking into modifiers for my speedlights, and CheetahStand has some interesting products. You might look into their stands and modifiers.

And the additional manual flashes may not even need their own radio receivers, depending on what your setup is. Many manual flashes have built-in optical slaves, so they can be set to fire when they detect the 430 firing. But for that they need to be able to "see" the light in the room well enough to detect the sudden change.

i've been doing the same type of research for my own set up.

i will probably be going with the phottix strato II http://www.adorama.com …JzbrKH-kLYCFQoFnQodeFUA2Q

plus an additional reciever or two,

and the fully manual YN 460 II http://www.amazon.com …4&sr=1-5&keywords=Yongnuo

I might not even buy the 460 because in addition to my 580EX II, I currently have an old Nikon SB-28 and very old Sunpak 322D that can be used with the strato II.

the strato 5in1 offers quite a bit of functionality and connectivity options.

if anyone in the know, knows, can the stato II be placed on the hot shoe mount of one flash, AND plugged into another flash via sync cord to fire both at the same time?

cheers

What camera body are you shooting?
YN622Cs might work well. Stick with one light for now.

I have the YN-622 transievers, and they work awesome, HSS, second curtain, groups, mix mode, and I can put a flash on top of the camera one, or put one of my 603's and piggy back into more flashes. Now I am also triggering a strobe with them. Nice units for a great price - $40 -$45 a pop. Need one for the camera, one for each flash, and they swap as needed.. and run on 3 AA batteries. And when you get one that the AF assist lines up right.. that is a bonus.

They are compatible for ttl or manual as well, and I can change compatible flashes from the back of the camera.

ksbal wrote in post #15746729
I have the YN-622 transievers, and they work awesome, HSS, second curtain, groups, mix mode, and I can put a flash on top of the camera one, or put one of my 603's and piggy back into more flashes. Now I am also triggering a strobe with them. Nice units for a great price - $40 -$45 a pop. Need one for the camera, one for each flash, and they swap as needed.. and run on 3 AA batteries. And when you get one that the AF assist lines up right.. that is a bonus.

They are compatible for ttl or manual as well, and I can change compatible flashes from the back of the camera.

Do you have the 622 or 622C triggers? Would you happen to have a pic of your setup that you normally use? And to be clear, they work with the Canon and Yongnuo flashes?

I have YN-622c (canon version)

Here is a picture where I tried out putting both the 603 and 622's together

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …ddenrockranch/8​457939931/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …ddenrockranch/8​457940035/