lighting setup, product recommendations?

[katia]

Velbon Multi-Purpose Umbrella/Reflector Kit - UC6;Cameras;Lenses and Flashes;Cameras;London Drugs

I just picked up that ^^ Velbon kit from London Drugs, but in my opinion, it's pretty damn crappy. The umbrella is extremely flimsy, and almost impossible to open. When I actually got the umbrella open, it was mis-shapen and i had to coax some of the joints into the right place. The clamp doesn't actually clamp down very sturdily, either. (Tried it on my Manfrotto tripod) The clamp sort of swings back and forth, horizontally. Since it came with an umbrella, it's not very universal as it seems the clamp is made to be used ONLY with the umbrella it came with. the umbrella actually has a big plastic thing on the bottom that screws into the clamp. I want something that I could use different umbrellas on, if i so chose.

I think I am going to return it to London Drugs and get something else, but now that I've been looking online there are SO many options!

Ideally, I want to know weather it's best to use a tripod, or get a dedicated light stand. I currently have the Manfrotto 055XB w/ 488RC2 ball head. What I like about using the tripod is i can set it up on uneven ground, because of the versatility of the 3 separate leg sections. Lately I've been doing a lot of shooting down at the beach (slightly breezy) and I make use to setting the legs up at different heights, to get the tripod to stay even on surfaces such as driftwood, rocks and pebbles, etc. I've never used a light stand, so I am unsure how much versatility it would offer me.

If it's best to stick with a tripod, I need to find a good hotshoe flash clamp, with umbrella holder. I have the SB600 flash.

I was also wondering what the most versatile size of umbrella would be. Ideally, I would want one that is convertible (removable black background, ability to attach different colors inside).I do some animal photography (snake collection) and I'm currently trying to make my way into portraiture.

If anybody is willing to help me out with some good quality, sturdy recommendations, it would be most greatly appreciated!

[oldwolf]

Here's one of the umbrellas that I use. Very compact and it won't break the bank.

Westcott 43" White Umbrella, Collapsible 2011 B&H Photo

Tripods are more expensive than lightstands so we use lightstands. If you're in uneven ground then you have to make do. Get someone to hold on to the lightstand. Weigh it down with sandbags. Get something to hold the lightstand in place because a stiff breeze can catch your umbrella and there goes your flash.

Good luck.