Modifier for speed light or studio flash?

Morph3ous

Morph3ous

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We're expecting our baby in 5 weeks, and I want to capture some lovely newborn images at home. I've been shooting for a few years now and feel confident in non-flash photography using natural light, but want to try some flash photography now.

I own a Canon 430 EX II, and have a sto-fen diffuser for it but nothing else. I want to start with one light, learn and practice. Therefore I have two options and am looking for some advice:

1) Buy a pair of Yongnuo 622s, a light stand and either an umbrella or softbox.
2) Buy a single Lencarta 200w Smartflash 2, with trigger/stand/modifier.

I like the model lamp you get with a studio flash, as well as the recycling times of course. As I'm at the very early stages however I'm tempted to spend less money with the first option and then potentially move onto studio flashes later on. Could I achieve similar results with the relatively low powered flash I already own?

If I choose option one, would and umbrella that can shoot through/reflect be a better option than an 80cm softbox for example?

Advice appreciated.
 
Get the studio flash.
Whilst it doesn't give out a different result, the ease of use makes the extra £s very worthwhile.

Sure, if you know what you're doing, speed lights are great cheap and portable. ATEOTD you'll end up with both triggers and studio kit, this way round the learning curve is easier.
 
Yes, the 622 will work with the SmartFlash, but why do you want to use fast shutter speeds for studio shots?
The SmartFlash already has action-stopping potential, with a t.1 flash duration of just 1/900th second at full power (which most websites would express as 1/2700th) and that's enough for most situations, most of the time.
 
It wasn't the fast shutter speed option that made me think of getting the Yongnuos over the Wavesync Commanders, it was my belief that the wavesyncs won't work with my 430 EX II. The Yongnuos could be used away from the home/studio.
 
It's not a full set, you'll really want to get a 622tx and a 622.

At stage 1, you've got an ok portable studio kit, as I said previously though, a studio flash is a better learning tool.

At stage 2, when you get the Smartflash, it'll probably fire on the optical slave from your speedlight (if used manually), but if you get a kit with a Wavesync you should get an extra 622 as well, which you can sit the Wavesync commander on, it's an easy to use system.

As I said before, you'll end up with both, I'd recommend you start with the easy option.
 
Thanks for the replies :)
 
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