Newbie Studio Setup

http://cgi.ebay.ca …519117ff4e#ht_5​077wt_1165

How useful would this kit be? I am looking for a setup that will allow to learn studio photography (amateur level) for portraits and full body shots on a student budget.

I currently have a Rebel XSi, a 18-55mm kit lens, a 50mm 1.8f, and a 430EX II

Regards,

Will

you would be better off buying an alienbee b800, set of cybersyncs, a stand and some umbrellas. Learn how to manipulate the light with one light before you go to more.. if you want more you have 430 that you can use by getting a cybersync receiver for it.

These kits are a dilemna. They give you all you need to do basic work in one package. BUT, there is always a but. They are a generic flash, no manufacturer listed. Meaning you probably cant replace the bulb if it burns out. You are probably stuck with the modifiers you have because who knows what the mount is. Basically its not a kit to grow with, or improve upon. But going with a name, or at least known brand, you wont get as much in a kit. But you have support, and a common user base. I would vote no, but you have to decide for yourself.

If you don't mind throwing the kit out next year when you find it's not versatile enough and upgrading to a real brand, go for it.
If on the other hand you would like your purchase to last you a while and build a bigger kit over time, you want to invest in a quality brand. This can be ABs as suggested above, or dedicated studio strobes from a brand like for example alumet, or Elinchrom (D-Lites for example).
When you eventually upgrade you can still use the units you bought as hairlights and backgroundlights and.

The quality of these brand kits are way better, light output is more consistent (no fluctuations in color temperature resulting in differently colored shots in the same shoot), and there is better availability of spare parts and modifiers (flash tubes, softboxes etc.).

Personally I'd opt (and have gone with) a "big" brand, so as to be able to slowly expand my setup over time.

Good luck deciding!

Here you go.

1 B800- 279.99
+1 cybersync transmitter- 59.95
+1 Cybersync Receiver- 69.95
+ 10 shipping (will vary)
= $413.37 with 6.50 discount

+ 11 flash zebra hotshoe adapter (link)

=$425

All you need is a light stand like this: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Flash_Umbrella_​Mount.html

+114.35 (including shipping- will vary)

=540 will get you everything you need.

Thank you all for your prompt reply.

It was an eye opener. I think I got caught up on a "money saving" mode and forgot to consider everything else.

I will definitely go for some well-known brand that I can rely and build upon.

Thanks again. Hopefully I can start shooting soon.

PS: Thanks cannonoob for the detailed post.

yup, no problem.

The set up I gave you would be a 2 light set up (including your 430) if you set up your 430 to fire with the cybersyncs, then it will automatically fire the alienbee because of its optical sensor. So it sees a flash and goes off. just attach both to a lightstand and you are good to go.