Oh no! Did I order the wrong setup?

[MOmilkman]

Recently I had a lenghty discussion with Scott (scootermcq) and Bruce (zona) about umbrealls, softboxes, etc... and which would be the best for me as a beginner.
Ultimatley, I went with the umbrella, adapter and stand combo from B&H
43" Umbrella $19.37- Westcott 43" White Umbrella, Collapsible 2011 B&H Photo
Impact Umbrella Bracket w/adjustable shoe - $24.95
and 10' Impact air cushioned light stand - $44.99
for a total of $98.06

Then today I saw a thread mentioning this set up where you get two slightly smaller umbrellas and 8' light stands for the same price at $98.95! Eeeks!
Impact Digital Flash Umbrella Mount Kit B&H Photo Video

I really don't have any idea how tall of a stand I need so I just went with one where I wouldn't wish later I had got a bigger one. But if I could have gotten 2 of everything for the same price I can't help and wonder if I did the right thing. The umbrellas are slightly smaller in the double setup.

Incidenlty my B&H pkg is due to arrive today.

What would you all do?

[zona5101]

B&H is really good to deal with so if you wanted to change it out I am sure it would only cost you the shipping.
However, you do have a better stand and a better umbrella coming. Umbrellas are cheap enough but a solid stand is a good investment.

I think it's pretty much a draw as far as keep it or exchange it.
You will probably get more lights and stands...maybe the next set will be the 2 stand kit....

[MOmilkman]

Solid advice Bruce. That's what I was hoping to hear.
Thanks!

[scootermcq]

11" isn't slightly smaller, thats almost a foot smaller. The extra 2 feet in stand height will also be thanked when doing any group type photos. With stands under 10', you will probably be wishing you had taller stands. Also, don't forget when a stand is fully extended, it is very wiggly... I would rather have a 10' stand at 8' then an 8' stand at 8'.....

I guess it boils down to quality vs quantity.

[archersdad]

I have to agree with Scott and Bruce. It is better to buy better equipment now than to have cheap stuff that may fail and break your strobe/umbrella/adapter. You can always add more later. I started with a pair of 8' stands with 24" umbrellas and pretty quickly upgraded to a pair of 10" stands with 42" brolly boxes. The only nice thing about the smaller stands/umbrellas is that they all fit into a pretty small case that I keep in my trunk, just in case.

[MOmilkman]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

I would rather have a 10' stand at 8' then an 8' stand at 8'.....

I guess it boils down to quality vs quantity.

Good point. I am more of a quality guy anyways. Espically with my gear. I've been burned before with buying lesser quality stuff in other hobbies.

Maybe more than anything I was hoping I could get others to reaffrim that I bought the right equipment considering I didn't do a lot of shopping around. (and that's not usually the case with me)

Originally Posted by archersdad

I have to agree with Scott and Bruce. It is better to buy better equipment now than to have cheap stuff that may fail and break your strobe/umbrella/adapter. You can always add more later. I started with a pair of 8' stands with 24" umbrellas and pretty quickly upgraded to a pair of 10" stands with 42" brolly boxes. The only nice thing about the smaller stands/umbrellas is that they all fit into a pretty small case that I keep in my trunk, just in case.

Thanks for your input archersdad. Looks like where I'm at is a good place to start and expand from there. Thanks!

[bhursey]

Stick what what your ordered you got some nice pieces of equipment..

[MOmilkman]

Originally Posted by bhursey

Stick what what your ordered you got some nice pieces of equipment..

Thanks Brian.
Also, Just bookmarked your blog/website. You have a lot of real world useful info on there!