lighting kit help

[jcph]

hello!

I need advice! Is this lighting set okey for a starter? I wanted to get familiarize with lighting for portraiture photography and I don't have money to spend for those expensive kits yet thats why I was wondering if this is okey. Maybe I can just change the lights for much better or stronger one if the bulbs are too weak. PLease help in deciding.

PHOTO STUDIO VIDEO LIGHT LIGHTING UMBRELLA KIT CASE - eBay (item 320382066679 end time Dec-06-09 09:33:49 PST)

[i speak in math]

2 x 7ft tripods
--7 feet isn't that high. Okay for indoor studio but if you have the room or plan to shoot outdoors, 8-12 ft would be more useful.

2 x 32" white umbrellas
--32" umbrella is suitable for headshots, or busts. Not big enough for full body shots.

2 x 35w light bulbs 6400K
--35w is pretty pitiful and 6400 is running a little warm.

2 x light umbrella holders
1 x Carrying case for tripods
--okay

I wouldn't recommend getting this set. You are going to be disappointed very quickly. Then you buy another cheap setup and be unhappy again. Save up the cash and buy 1 quality setup that you will be happy with and able to use for years. Check out the 1 or 2 light kits from MPEX.

Strobist 2 light kits

If you have a flash or two, you can order the kit without the strobes for a lot less.

I know they are more expensive, but you will like them more. The light stand are 8", fold down neatly and are air cushioned so your gear won't slam down when you start tearing down. The umbrellas double fold and are very very small when closed down and at 43", they are big enough for any assignment.

I ordered these parts and can't say enough good stuff about them. And MPEX customer service is top notch.

stand:
LumoPro 8' Black A/C Stand
umbrella swivel:
LumoPro LP633 Umbrella Swivel w/ Flash Shoe Adapter
umbrella:
Westcott 43" Collapsible Umbrella White Satin
wireless trigger:
Cactus V4 Radio Slave Set
extra receiver for 2nd flash
Cactus - V4 Radio Slave Receiver

[jcph]

hi thank you for the reply. I have an external flash 430ex II. what does this two components do? Can I get this two later on and just buy the umbrella, stand and
the shivel first?

wireless trigger:
extra receiver for 2nd flash

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by jcph

hi thank you for the reply. I have an external flash 430ex II. what does this two components do? Can I get this two later on and just buy the umbrella, stand and
the shivel first?

wireless trigger:
extra receiver for 2nd flash

Well, with your flash on the flash stand, you need some way to trigger it. Since the onboard flash could act as a master flash to set off the 430 wirelessly, you might not need to pick up the wireless trigger and receiver. However, the onboard flash might contribute negatively to your image and you might not want to use it. In this case, how will you set off the flash? The trigger and receiver let you set off the flash wirelessly and at any distance, regardless of line of sight. Get them is you think you will need them.

[jcph]

oh I got it now. thanks much!

[bhursey]

The down side is unlike other manufacturer. The 430ex will only trigger via canons remote system if you have a 580ex on camera. I would recommend just stand umbrella's umbrella bracket and a cactus v4 trigger. Start with one light then add on as you go.

[jcph]

bhursey, so your saying that I skip the slave set for now and just get the receiver and the Umbrella Swivel w/ Flash Shoe Adapter??thanks!

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by jcph

bhursey, so your saying that I skip the slave set for now and just get the receiver and the Umbrella Swivel w/ Flash Shoe Adapter??thanks!

Well with canon to be able to slave your 430ex II from my understanding you would need to have a 580 EX II to act as its master to trigger it remotely that is 450+$ just to do that. Canon does not have the nice setup nikon has in regards to being able to trigger your flash from the on camera flash.

To start with yes. Start with one light learn about using one light and reflectors like big pieces of foam core board. Then add lights as you learn.

Impact 45inch convertible umbrellas: $14.95

Impact | 45" Convertible Umbrella | UBBW45 | B&H Photo Video

Impact 10foot stand: $44.99

Impact | Air Cushioned 4 Section Light Stand, Black - | 2218ABS

Impact Umbrella Bracket: $14.99

Impact | Umbrella Bracket | 3117 | B&H Photo Video

And a cactus v4 trigger.. 39$ I think Although looks like right now they are out of stock at Gadget Infinity ***warning get the v4 not the v2***

Strobist info: Priceless
Strobist
Flickr: Strobist.com

Total around 114 - without tax and shipping.

You can just buy 2 of each and have a 2 light setup if you want. I would recommend getting a used Nikon SB-28 or SB-24 for off camera.

This will all be doing it manual. if you want ttl you need to buy very expensive pocket wizard triggers. Most of us do everything in manual.

[jcph]

hi! according to some other forum rf-602's are better than cactus? Is it this one?
RF-602 Wireless Remote FLash Trigger for Canon 50D 40D - eBay (item 250520268011 end time Nov-25-09 07:12:37 PST)

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by jcph

hi! according to some other forum rf-602's are better than cactus? Is it this one?
RF-602 Wireless Remote FLash Trigger for Canon 50D 40D - eBay (item 250520268011 end time Nov-25-09 07:12:37 PST)

I don't know anything about those if you get them and they dont work your only out 28$ so that's not to bad.

BTW a new batch of cactus v4's are out.

Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Flash Trigger :: Cactus Wireless Flash Trigger Set V4