Approve the Cookies
This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies and our Privacy Policy.
OK
Forums  •   • New posts  •   • RTAT  •   • 'Best of'  •   • Gallery  •   • Gear
Guest
Forums  •   • New posts  •   • RTAT  •   • 'Best of'  •   • Gallery  •   • Gear
Register to forums    Log in

 
FORUMS General Gear Talk Flash and Studio Lighting 
Thread started 18 Jan 2014 (Saturday) 13:47
Search threadPrev/next
sponsored links (only for non-logged)

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

 
Nightfire
Member
137 posts
Likes: 25
Joined Aug 2013
     
Jan 18, 2014 13:47 |  #1

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 (external link)

http://www.amazon.com …mid=A03520373CL​C1YCCGTYBI (external link)

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


Let me know what you think or recommend..




  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
Alveric
Goldmember
Avatar
4,598 posts
Gallery: 38 photos
Likes: 1061
Joined Jan 2011
Location: Canada
     
Jan 18, 2014 14:20 |  #2
bannedPermanent ban

Stand (external link)
Brolly (external link)
Adapter (external link)
Shoe (external link)


'The success of the second-rate is deplorable in itself; but it is more deplorable in that it very often obscures the genuine masterpiece. If the crowd runs after the false, it must neglect the true.' —Arthur Machen
Why 'The Histogram' Sux (external link)

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
tkbslc
Cream of the Crop
24,604 posts
Likes: 44
Joined Nov 2008
Location: Utah, USA
     
Jan 18, 2014 14:35 |  #3

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 (external link)

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.


Taylor
Galleries: Flickr (external link)
EOS Rp | iPhone 11 Pro Max

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
Alveric
Goldmember
Avatar
4,598 posts
Gallery: 38 photos
Likes: 1061
Joined Jan 2011
Location: Canada
     
Jan 18, 2014 14:46 |  #4
bannedPermanent ban

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:

IMAGE: http://www.diamantstudios.ca/Ablage/Bild/Examples/OneLight/content/images/large/5D2__MG_3446.jpg

So, buy something like this:
IMAGE: http://www.diamantstudios.ca/Ablage/Bild/Examples/OneLight/content/images/large/5D2__MG_3447.jpg

'The success of the second-rate is deplorable in itself; but it is more deplorable in that it very often obscures the genuine masterpiece. If the crowd runs after the false, it must neglect the true.' —Arthur Machen
Why 'The Histogram' Sux (external link)

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
geo35
Senior Member
Avatar
523 posts
Gallery: 19 photos
Likes: 435
Joined Apr 2009
Location: Twin Cities
     
Jan 19, 2014 09:53 |  #5

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.




  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
Myk249
Member
187 posts
Joined Aug 2003
     
Jan 25, 2014 11:48 |  #6

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.




  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
Alveric
Goldmember
Avatar
4,598 posts
Gallery: 38 photos
Likes: 1061
Joined Jan 2011
Location: Canada
     
Jan 25, 2014 14:14 |  #7
bannedPermanent ban

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

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


'The success of the second-rate is deplorable in itself; but it is more deplorable in that it very often obscures the genuine masterpiece. If the crowd runs after the false, it must neglect the true.' —Arthur Machen
Why 'The Histogram' Sux (external link)

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
Nightfire
THREAD ­ STARTER
Member
137 posts
Likes: 25
Joined Aug 2013
     
Jan 25, 2014 19:28 as a reply to  @ Alveric's post |  #8

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.




  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
bloobirdiesimages
Mostly Lurking
Avatar
17 posts
Joined Jan 2014
Location: Denver NC
     
Apr 13, 2014 17:45 |  #9

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?


https://photography-on-the.net …p=16792339&post​count=3485

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
Echo63
Goldmember
Avatar
2,868 posts
Likes: 169
Joined Aug 2006
Location: Perth - Western Australia - Earth
     
Apr 13, 2014 21:38 |  #10

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)


My Best Imageswww.echo63.deviantart.​com (external link)
Gear listhttps://photography-on-the.net …p?p=2463426&pos​tcount=385

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
windpig
Chopped liver
Avatar
15,915 posts
Gallery: 7 photos
Likes: 2259
Joined Dec 2008
Location: Just South of Ballard
     
Apr 13, 2014 22:34 |  #11

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.


Would you like to buy a vowel?
Go ahead, spin the wheel.
flickr (external link)
I'm accross the canal just south of Ballard, the town Seattle usurped in 1907.

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
bloobirdiesimages
Mostly Lurking
Avatar
17 posts
Joined Jan 2014
Location: Denver NC
     
Apr 14, 2014 20:29 |  #12

I have good sturdy stands Imapct LS 13HAB (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Cushioned_Heavy​_Duty.html (external link))
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!


https://photography-on-the.net …p=16792339&post​count=3485

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
brianschatzel
Member
Avatar
143 posts
Gallery: 1 photo
Likes: 3
Joined Mar 2013
Location: Massapequa Park, NY
     
Apr 14, 2014 21:35 as a reply to  @ bloobirdiesimages's post |  #13

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


www.brianschatzel.com (external link)
www.facebook.com/theph​otographyof (external link)

  
  LOG IN TO REPLY
sponsored links (only for non-logged)

2,601 views & 0 likes for this thread, 9 members have posted to it.
Equipment to get for 1st Set-up for a speedlight
FORUMS General Gear Talk Flash and Studio Lighting 
AAA
x 1600
y 1600

Jump to forum...   •  Rules   •  Forums   •  New posts   •  RTAT   •  'Best of'   •  Gallery   •  Gear   •  Reviews   •  Member list   •  Polls   •  Image rules   •  Search   •  Password reset   •  Home

Not a member yet?
Register to forums
Registered members may log in to forums and access all the features: full search, image upload, follow forums, own gear list and ratings, likes, more forums, private messaging, thread follow, notifications, own gallery, all settings, view hosted photos, own reviews, see more and do more... and all is free. Don't be a stranger - register now and start posting!


COOKIES DISCLAIMER: This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies and to our privacy policy.
Privacy policy and cookie usage info.


POWERED BY AMASS forum software 2.58forum software
version 2.58 /
code and design
by Pekka Saarinen ©
for photography-on-the.net

Latest registered member is Monkeytoes
1329 guests, 159 members online
Simultaneous users record so far is 15,144, that happened on Nov 22, 2018

Photography-on-the.net Digital Photography Forums is the website for photographers and all who love great photos, camera and post processing techniques, gear talk, discussion and sharing. Professionals, hobbyists, newbies and those who don't even own a camera -- all are welcome regardless of skill, favourite brand, gear, gender or age. Registering and usage is free.