Recommend me some basic kit please...

kennysarmy

kennysarmy

Yeah but can your army do this?
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I currently have a single 580exII with cheapo manual flash triggers, I've been reading up on getting the flash oc and want to try some basic stuff.

I'd like to try some (probably) self portraits and am thinking I could start with the following:

1. Light stand
2. Umbrella

Could I get all I need in a kit form and can anyone recommend me something half-way decent.....

Thanks
 
It's not very effective for getting the flash off-camera is it?

As a basic starter kit, you just need a stand, a shoot-through umbrella, and an umbrella adapter. Plenty of kits around, eg Amazon from £40-ish? Get a reflector too and you can have some fun.
 
If you have the flash & triggers...

I bought a stand for about £7 An umbrella for about £6 and the bracket for about £7. I also bought the wireless triggers as I had none.

Now the pictures are never going to make Vogue, but it's better than a flash sitting on the camera.
 
I am thinking:

Manfrotto 5001B Nano Black Stand £38.21

Manfrotto 026 Lite Tite Swivel + Umbrella Adaptor £25.49

Westcott 43-inch Optical Satin Collapsible with Removable Black Cover - White £25.00

But the Manfrotto 026 Lite Tite Swivel + Umbrella Adaptor apparently does nt come with hot-shoe for the flash - but I guess my triggers when clipped to the bottom of the flash will then just screw in the top of the adapator, right?
 
I suggest just getting a light stand and a means of triggering the flash off camera.

Mess around with this set up and learn how to make the most of the light by bouncing it, shooting it through objects (plant leaves, book shelves etc) and diffusing it through a shower curtain or similar.

Learn to use the flash to compliment available light, use surfaces to maximise the light you can get from it. See how gels affect colour and play with using different colour temperatures to the available light.

When you've feel that you've explored the potential of the naked speedlight, then look at modifiers. I'd recommend a softbox over an umbrella.
 
I have bought various light stands the konig ones from amazon were ok - you get what you pay for but they are cheap and cheerful... I bought a lastolite 1159 which is pretty solid and I now have 2 of the lencarta which seem really well built. The lastolite is air damped the lencarta is spring damped but no issues there.

Depends if you are looking for portability the manfrotto will be fine - they make great kit but if you ever want to upgrade to heavier lights you might need to invest in something more substatial.

Umbrella wise again the difference between ones off of amazon and the 3 I now have from Lencarta is huge and not much difference price wise really.

Wireless triggers, I have been using the yongnuo rf602's and they have done really really well been very happy with them for all sorts of OCF work inc quite large distances!
 
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