Stands - followup to "Going NUTS with Speedlights..."

I was very interested with the info in the "Going NUTS with Speedlights... " thread. I have a 20D and 580EX, and am planning/thinking of getting 1 or 2 420/430's to start learning multiple flash shooting.

I would appreciate suggestions on the type of stands/hardware I might consider. As well as the suggestions, it would be helpful to understand the caracteristics I would be looking for.

I know that "buying once" is best...and I am willing to consider that...but would also appreciate guidance on good "starter set" gear.

Thanks all for your assistance....JOHN

I guess this is Canon Speedlites we are talking about, not Nikon Speedlights.

When I use multiple units, I simply stick the slave units on top of my spare tripods. Most photographers have some old spare tripod in the closet. Otherwise, most camera shops will sell cheap ones that are fine for this purpose ($20).

If you are using these in a permanent studio setup, then use the same stuff, but with a small sandbag on the bottom of each one.

---Bob Gross---

Thanks, Bob...

I guess timing is everything. I just gave some "spare" tripods to my son, so I will have to start anew.

I was thinking about fairly light stands that might be easily transportable...eventu​ally...possibly...addi​ng refelectors. I mean, ya never know...

(I also think, though I'll have to look, that the "base" for the 580EX has "mis-appeared"...though I would probably use that on the camera as master).

John

Whenever I think that I have lost the plastic base "foot" for a flash unit, I look again into the small pocket on the inside of the case, where it is supposed to be. It's always there.

---Bob Gross---

I use the same stands as I use for my Studio lights, Manfrotto-Air Cushioned (3362). The problem with cheaper lightstands is that the foot print of the stand gets smaller and they are more likely to fall over.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search
You stick a Multibracket on the top of the lightstand:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation

scottbergerphoto wrote:
I use the same stands as I use for my Studio lights, Manfrotto-Air Cushioned (3362). The problem with cheaper lightstands is that the foot print of the stand gets smaller and they are more likely to fall over.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search
You stick a Multibracket on the top of the lightstand:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation

Thanks, Scott...

Do you have a recommended flash shoe adapter to put on the Delta multibracket? For Canon flashes, of course.

John

I wish that were the case, the foot for my 550 has gone missing and has been rather persistent in its state.

The Bogen 175F "Justin" clamp is one of my favorite accesories for off-camera flash. $50 & totally worth every penny:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search

Hakuba makes a similar product that's cheaper & works pretty well, too - HCS20 - $32
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation

Other than that, I use regular ol' 10' lightstands.

Canon Off The Shoe Cord 2

I guess I did not ask clearly...

I want to put a 420/430/550 on the stand and use my 580 to "trigger" via wireless, as discussed in the "Going NUTS with Speedlite" thread.

The Delta multibracket did not seem to have a shoe that the flash could be mounted on....or am I missing something real basic?

Thanks...JOHN

Here's couple ideas for mounting the flash without the comercial multibracket, in case you are interested in DIY stuff.

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You mount the speeedlight on it's stand that comes with it. The bottom of the stand has a standard hole to srew in the male from the bracket.

thanks (again), Scott.

I had kinda figured that. The problem I saw was the Delta bracket you pointed to ( http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation ), if I read it correctly, has a 3/8" male stud....so I guess you need an adapter to get it to 1/4" male stud for the Canon stand.

I guess the stand seemed a bit flimsy...and what do you do if you lose it (as some one posted above)? I guess "creative".

John

jrsforums wrote:
thanks (again), Scott.

I had kinda figured that. The problem I saw was the Delta bracket you pointed to ( http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation ), if I read it correctly, has a 3/8" male stud....so I guess you need an adapter to get it to 1/4" male stud for the Canon stand.

I guess the stand seemed a bit flimsy...and what do you do if you lose it (as some one posted above)? I guess "creative".

John

The multibrackets that I use have 1/4 on one end and a 3/8 on the other end of the brass fitting. You just pop it out, flip it and pop it back in.

Thanks, it wasn't clear from the info shown on B&H. Since you have solved this for me, I guess I will now go with your recommended Delta "multibracket....and the Monfrotto...though $79 vs some of the cheaper $19-$29 ones I've seen is a bit to swallow....but I will take your advise...and follow my wife's credo "...the more you pay for something, the kinder it is to you..."

Thanks again for your help...

oh...one last request...a lot of books on studio lighting have been recommended. I am sure that many of them focus on professional lighting with fixed lights or "alien bee" type set ups. Is their one that focuses on the use of Speedlight" type setups....eithter in print or a t"tutorial " on the web?

John