Equipment to get for 1st Set-up for a speedlight

Hey everyone,
I'm looking to get a stand and umbrella and softbox but not sure what one to get. I don't want to get the cheapest one but not looking to pay an arm and a leg for one either. I want something that isn't going to brake after a few issues.

I was looking at these but not sure.
http://www.amazon.com …sfl_title_1?ie=​UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com …mid=A03520373CL​C1YCCGTYBI

http://www.amazon.com …psc=1&smid=A3JD​14OD11FZKR


Let me know what you think or recommend..

Stand
Brolly
Adapter
Shoe

I have those stands you linked to on Amazon, and I would not recommend them for speedlite setup. They are TOO heavy duty. I originally bought them for studio flashes. I still use them for my speedlights, but they are pretty heavy and the part I hate is that the minimum height is like 3' off the ground. Makes it hard to do shots of people sitting on floor. I would get the smaller lightweight ones.

You can get a much cheaper convertible umbrella from Adorama. Mine was like $15. http://www.adorama.com​/LTU40BC.html

I don't think you need a softbox to start. Convertible umbrella works for shoot through and bounce umbrella which gives you plenty to experiment with to start.

You will need an umbrella bracket with a shoe mount as Alveric linked to. There are plenty of levels of quality there. I got some pretty solid metal ones on ebay.

Hard to do this when you're shopping online, but still try to make sure your convertible umbrella has a ring, rather than a screw-in button securing the outer cover. You want to avoid this:

Alveric wrote in post #16616126
Stand
Brolly
Adapter
Shoe

Alveric nailed it with the above comment & links. I've used pretty much everything over the years from all the different studios, but I find that the really good stuff (like what Alveric is recommending), though it's more expensive, is still very affordable and worth the extra few bucks. It's gonna' last and last and last if you take care of it. The cheaper stuff tends to be, well, "cheaper." And it falls apart much faster. I'll add this: if you're talking speedlights only, and don't expect to be upgrading to something heavier (like Alien Bee's or bigger), then the Manfrotto 5001B's are very good stands and run in the $50-$60 range.

Thanks Nightfire for posting the question as I am also looking for a first setup as well and the answers so far have helped me immensely.

It seems that the products in Alveric's links are what to buy so I will order each of those items.

I do have a couple of questions though:

To shoot portraits of up to 5 or more people would it be better to have 2 flashes/brolly's?

What flash cords/triggers would be recommended?

For reference,currently I use a 50D and 420Ex Flash.

Yes, two flashguns are pretty much a must for groups.

I use PocketWizards. They have both non-TTL-capable and TTL-capable triggers.

I did end up ordering the Softlighter. I have the YN-560 II with the 622's for my flash setup. I'm just waiting to get my other items ordered and cant wait to start using off camera flash.

Looking to mount my speedlights (YN 568ex II) to a light stand with a TTL (YN 622c) and would like to mount umbrellas (& maybe soft boxes). I will be using this for weddings and events and would like to adjust in any direction at a moments notice. What do you recommend?

The starving strobist kits from MPEX are pretty good, nice light but solid Lumopro compact stands, brolly swivels and wescott double fold brollies.
My stands have survived three years of professional use - one of the brollies is still ok, its a bit bent, but works (the other one got left in a forest 2 years ago, i know exactly where it is, just havent got back to get it)

Alveric wrote in post #16616126
Stand
Brolly
Adapter
Shoe

This

Have have three of the stands, along with much heavier. These are the minimum IMO.

Stands and grip will last you for ever. Don't waste money on cheap stuff.

I have good sturdy stands Imapct LS 13HAB (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Cushioned_Heavy​_Duty.html)
Looking ato attach an adapter to fit my speedlight, ttl, umbrella, & possibly a softbox.
If I get the Manfrotto 026, will it be enough to handle and last? Comparing it to the JOBY to swivel in all directions, do I need it to swivel in all directions?
Can't wait to play with light!

I've had good luck with Impact and Westcott. Both are on the affordable side but good quality.