If you could only buy one light...?

[private]

If you could only buy one light which one would it be? I ask b/c I have a "traveling" studio and I want to start "playing" with lights - I don't want anything DIYish b/c it does not look as professional...

[lputman]

You could buy a 580 EX II, umbrella, light stand; in addition to whichever route you would go to trigger it, and be off to a good start in lighting.

I think that's kind of a broad question when you are beginning with lighting.

[private]

its broad b/c I have no idea what I should be asking...LOL

Ummm, I have the 430EX - ifthat helps - do you think another flash like the 580 - or something else? I need to go an buy a book! easier for me than on-line...

[Liz Caldwell]

I use the j-110's, about $100 with stand.

[lputman]

Work on getting your 430 off camera, get a stand and umbrella and start there. As you learn about lighting, then you will be able to make decisions about what type of lighting you want to use. One of my local pros has all the studio gear but will pull out his 580 and softbox when doing an outdoor portrait shoot. He, along with another local pro, recommended the book Studio Lighting Made Simple to me. They've both attended his lighting seminar.

[Bloater]

i have researched where to start with lighting for a few months and finally took the plunge and bought a speedlite 580exII last week

so flexible

[private]

Originally Posted by lputman

Work on getting your 430 off camera, get a stand and umbrella and start there. As you learn about lighting, then you will be able to make decisions about what type of lighting you want to use. One of my local pros has all the studio gear but will pull out his 580 and softbox when doing an outdoor portrait shoot. He, along with another local pro, recommended the book Studio Lighting Made Simple to me. They've both attended his lighting seminar.

Thanks Lori - I will check it out...

[Samanax]

The Strobist web blog would be a good place to visit as they deal with portable off-camera lighting using strobes.

The Canon Shooters that I hang around with have really gotten into the strobist thing lately and many are using multiple (2 or more) Canon 430EX Speedlites, light stands, umbrella (shoot-thru and reflective), softboxes, beauty dishes, snoots, grids with Pocket Wizards, CyberSyncs or eBay (GadgetInfinity) radio triggers. They've taken some amazing shots using 2 or 3 strobes in carefully planned positions.

[Trevor.Dennis]

A 580EX2, no question. (If you could only have one light - that's what you were asking).

It works extremely well as a fill light in bright sunlight in high speed sync (FP) mode, although the camera will have an impact on this as well. Almost all of my work shots are done using the 580EX2 if shot in bright daylight.

It has the power to give a decent range in FP mode – about five metres at f2.8 and ISO200.

It has more than enough power to use as a start-up studio light.

It will fire a second Canon speedlight using ETTL.

It recycles very quickly and with very little noise.

The cons are that any speedlight is inconvenient to use with modifiers, but it is still doable. But for real world photography, (i.e. 95% of when you need a light), it will be perfect.

BTW I carry two 580EX2s and a 430EX, as well as heaps of reflectors (free light), and a two head Bowens Travel Kit when needed.

BTW2 my favourite lighting accessory is a 1.2 metre octagonal softbox. Used on a boom arm it is incredibly versatile.

[Lebowski]

Originally Posted by private

I don't want anything DIYish b/c it does not look as professional...

You might want to be extra careful with how you trigger the flash (if it is off-camera). I have the Cactus V2s, which I love for the price. But... Mine will sometimes fail to fire. That's fine with friends and family, but could make you look like a fool on a professional shoot -- especially if you miss a unique moment.

If I could only have one flash, a 580ex ii.