Speedlight Set up

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gpc1

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Greg
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Guys
I’m finally getting my flash set up together and have shortlisted some equipment and need some feedback on thoughts.
It’s a simple-ish set up for a multiple uses from weddings to pets to portraits etc.
I’m not a fan of flash (prefer natural light) but need to master it to accomplish a couple of goals and projects I have for 2013.
I thought about a full on lighting kit, but for some reason I keep veering back to a Speedlight set up. Probably due to the fact that its bit more versatile, portabl, less costly and more discreet…I have seen many YouTube videos and tutorials and I think I can accomplish what I need to with Speedlight’s.
Given the above I have whittled down the kit to the below. The speedlights will be a 430ex and a 580ex2 (when I get my hands on one) 9Possibly a 3rd speedlight as well, depending on funds)
So, I was wondering re comments / reviews on the below or whether you have any other suggestions……
Phottix Statos wireless triggers – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Phottix-Str...UTF8&colid=294CHCYM7SA0P&coliid=IYIWCE6FJ1424

or better still due to the remote ETTL capbilities the Yongnuo YN-622C (does these provide ETTL functionality with the off camera flash?)
1 (or2) Stands- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Photography...TF8&colid=294CHCYM7SA0P&coliid=I1KOCIV1YPKVFZ
Reflective Brolly - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Westcott-43-inch-Optical-Collapsible-Removable/dp/B001OKBLEE/ref=pd_cp_ph_1
Shoot through Brolly - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-Professional-Photography-33-Translucent/dp/B00548CROA/ref=pd_cp_ph_3
Softbox - http://www.amazon.co.uk/NEEWER-Portable-Professional-Softbox-Speedlite/dp/B005XG1Y2O/ref=pd_sim_ph_6
Swivel Head for stand - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-026-Swivel-Umbrella-Adaptor/dp/B000JLO6OG/ref=pd_bxgy_ph_img_y
5 in 1 reflector - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-Phot...or-Collapsible/dp/B000RGRU3M/ref=pd_sim_ph_19
Optional Extras
Flashbender - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rogue-Flash...ge-Flashbender/dp/B003UOIMAS/ref=pd_sim_ph_52
 
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Looks fine, Stratos are excellent manual triggers but YN 622 offers E-TTL for similar money. Only thing is 622 uses the in-camera menu system for control and that's only compatible with EXII or YN guns. Or so YN claims, but people are also getting good results with other kit. Some long threads here on the 622.

If you're unfamilar to flash, you'll find studio heads win every time if you have access to mains power. Modelling light and fast recycle are major benefits. They also play well with hot-shoe guns if you want to mix and match
 
i'd seriously look at 600ex rt's they have radio triggers built in, I've seen some used ones on amazon for £340 (or you can probably import for the same amount)

you don't have to fiddle with additional triggers, so easy and fast to use - allowing you to focus more on the photography

agree with Hoppy though, studio heads are always better - but if your doing anything outside of a studio they are a pain to set up
 
cheers chaps,
Yep, proper lighting kit would be nice, but i want a kit that could fit in the camera bag. At least intially until i decide that i need to move to studio heads.
in regards to the 600's. Wouldnt i need another 600 as well. Or would it be compatable with my existng 430ex.
 
gpc1 said:
cheers chaps,
Yep, proper lighting kit would be nice, but i want a kit that could fit in the camera bag. At least intially until i decide that i need to move to studio heads.
in regards to the 600's. Wouldnt i need another 600 as well. Or would it be compatable with my existng 430ex.
Click to expand...

Canon 600EX-RT does both light-code and radio mastering, so could trigger a 430EX. Not sure if it can do both light-code and radio mastering at the same time, I'm guessing probably not.
 
gpc1 said:
or better still due to the remote ETTL capbilities the Yongnuo YN-622C (does these provide ETTL functionality with the off camera flash?)
Click to expand...

ETTL wont be work on your mark one 430 ex. You'll need a mark 2 for that.
 
The 600 cannot do both IR and RF triggering at the same time.
 
OK, I thought i had it sussed, now im i bit confused.
£340 for a 600 flash unit. This will fire my exisitng 430ex and do the same job as me buying the yongnuos...

hmmm.....
 
but the 600 will always have to be on camera.....whereas i can place the 430 ex on camera on a trigger and the 580 off camera (or just use the 580 off camera on its own)
 
Wilkol said:
ETTL wont be work on your mark one 430 ex. You'll need a mark 2 for that.
Click to expand...

Ettl works fine, it's the ettl II enhancements you lose, which (off the top of my head) are remote manual power control and remote control via the camera menus.

On that I'm not sure how the YN triggers work with older ettl, as they only have the camera setting adjustment?
 
bloody hell.....i think im just going to have to take the plunge with the 580 and triggers and the gear above....If it doesnt work out then i i will reassess / sell / buy etc. Unless i take the plunge i will still be here next year trying to work out what i need lol!!

it might be a 430 ex 2 so i need to check...

cheers for the input chaps...
 
the 600ex will do everything the 580 will, you can still use the third party triggers with it and the 430, it just future proofs you when you start to get more kit. It is very likely that all the new pro-level canon speedlites will br radio triggered
 
gpc1 said:
bloody hell.....i think im just going to have to take the plunge with the 580 and triggers and the gear above....If it doesnt work out then i i will reassess / sell / buy etc. Unless i take the plunge i will still be here next year trying to work out what i need lol!!

it might be a 430 ex 2 so i need to check...

cheers for the input chaps...
Click to expand...

Popular and cost-effective choice is YN-568 guns http://www.lightingrumours.com/yongnuo-yn-568ex-is-first-speedlight-in-china-with-hss-2718 with YN-622 triggers. Does everything, including remote second-curtain and high speed sync (Canon RT won't do remote second curtain).
 
I agree re the future proofing, but funds are limited at the moment and i have a few conceptual ideas that i want to test before investing further.

The yonguos looks good, may get one of these anyway....

thanks guys, most helpful
 
canon speedlight on loan from mate
Yonguo 568Ex and 622c Radio triggers ordered from the thephotgadget.com.

I have seen a brolly that is a 3 in one (shoot through with zip around black and silver) any ideas anyone?
 
Have you ever seen the strobist 101 blog on strobist.com? It's David Hobby's beginners guide to getting to grips with strobes and its a huge wealth of knowledge. There are also some assignments to help you hone your skills. I've recently purchased x3 speedlites thanks to getting hooked on his blog :lol:
 
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