Getting into flash, and this is what I'm buying. Good start?

[Ett]

I've been wanting to get into strobe for a while now, and I'm about to bite the bullet. I've decided to go ahead and buy two LumoPro LP160 flashes for now. And I'll pick up two light stands, umbrella swivels, and umbrellas locally.

Do you guys think that this is a good start?

I was originally going to go for a bunch of YN-560s, but after much research, it seems that avoiding those is probably a good idea, especially while I'm learning.

I've done nothing but study/learn as much as I can all day about lighting for the last 2 weeks, so I'm really excited about this.

Anything else I need to consider? Are gels necessary enough to buy them now?

Thanks!

[GreggObst]

As with anything in photography, it's hard to offer up any advice on gear choices until we know what subject matter you are shooting. You wouldn't run to Home Depot and buy what you think are the right hammers and saws before someone told you what you would be building would you ?

That having been said, when you say you are going to be buying the umbrella, swivels, etc locally, I would really beware of the markup local camera stores put on items like that. You could end up paying twice as much as if you bought a similar packaged kit online at MidWest Photo Echange or Adorama.

I would assume you've stumbled across this already but if not, check out strobist.com and dive into their "lighting 101" and "lighting 102" sections. There you will find lots of advice on technique and appropriate gear selection for different subject types and shooting scenarios.

[Ett]

Thanks Gregg

My plan is to do a lot of portraiture. I love that sort of thing.

The reason I'm going for the stands and umbrellas locally is because I actually found them cheaper here. I can get a $25 umbrella for R90, which is about $14. And that's here in South Africa where everything is STUPID expensive. Hahah.

I have read those articles on the Strobist site, thanks

[oldwolf]

Love my LP160. Have 3 of them. I've also got a coupld 285HV that will be replaced by more LP160. Not replacing the 285HV because they're broke or suck. I just like the ease of the LP160 and how much light they put out better.

I have to agree with Greg on checking out the package deals with the online vendors. I support local businesses a lot but with how much photography equipment costs, I will buy that stuff online if I find it cheaper.

You don't need gels right now unless you know you have something planned in your head already where you'll use them. For instance, adding color creatively or using gels to correct for WB issues.

[oldwolf]

Forgot to add, make sure you get some good batteries for the flashes. That way your recycle time won't be unbearable. I use Eneloop batteries in mine and they work great.

[Tito87]

Can the LP160 be used with the Nikon D3000? Is it possible to use them to create a set up that can work with Nikon's CLS?

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by Tito87

Can the LP160 be used with the Nikon D3000? Is it possible to use them to create a set up that can work with Nikon's CLS?

Here you go.

LumoPro LP160 Manual Flash

lp160 master slave modes

This is a manual flash so you'll have to set your power setting before you walk away from it. It won't recognize commands from your camera/flash telling it to adjust its power. It will trigger though.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

Here you go.

LumoPro LP160 Manual Flash

lp160 master slave modes

This is a manual flash so you'll have to set your power setting before you walk away from it. It won't recognize commands from your camera/flash telling it to adjust its power. It will trigger though.

Thanks a lot. Would it be a smart choice to buy two LP160 rather than one Nikon Speedlight SB700? The reason I ask is because for the price of one Speedlight, you can get two LP160. Would it be worth it (I mean, is the quality good enough?), or should I buy one Speedlight and wait until I can buy a second one? Appreciate your input.

[oldwolf]

First figure out why you need to buy one LP160 then figure out if two LP160 will help you more.

I have three because some times I have multiple light setups. If you're never going to use more than two lights for your lighting setups then I wouldn't get more than one.

They are powerful lights and you can do a lot with them but don't get just because.

Just my personal opinion.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

First figure out why you need to buy one LP160 then figure out if two LP160 will help you more.

I have three because some times I have multiple light setups. If you're never going to use more than two lights for your lighting setups then I wouldn't get more than one.

They are powerful lights and you can do a lot with them but don't get just because.

Just my personal opinion.

The reason I want to buy one is because the built-in flash just looks awful; I need something that tilts and swivels so that I can use walls and ceilings as light sources. The reason I want two is because sometimes I'd like to have a fill light, or a hair light, or I would like to light the background, etc. So, given these reasons: Would I be better off buying two LP160 or oneNikon Speedlight SB700and just wait a while till I can get a second one? What I'm trying to ask:is the LP160 as good as theNikon Speedlight SB700?Again, appreciate your input.