Starters Lighting kit, is this the right choice?

schizophonic

schizophonic

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Having done a few portraits I feel that my lighting is lacking. I've currently got a 40D with a 430EX and bouncing the light at the ceiling isn't going to cut it.

I've been looking into a unbrella setup but before I make the purchase is this the better choice?

If so, can I use everything here together? I'm on a bit of a budget so nothing too expensive.

Lastolite 80cm Dual Duty Umbrella
Manfrotto 5001B Nano Stand
Manfrotto MN026 Lite Tite Swivel and Umbrella Adaptor

The problem or thing might cause an issue is my wireless trigger. I have a Youngnuo kit from ebay and when I mount my flash, will it go directly on top of the Swivel and Umbrella Adaptor without any issues?
 
I would get a lighting kit to include a softbox. This way you will have slightly differing light...
Go for a 90 or 100 cm brolly, will be better and more flexible...
not sure about setting up with the RF602s though...
 
Rough Edges said:
I would get a lighting kit to include a softbox. This way you will have slightly differing light...
Go for a 90 or 100 cm brolly, will be better and more flexible...
not sure about setting up with the RF602s though...
Click to expand...

Other than having a wider spread on the light, what differance does the 90/100cm have that the 80 wouldn't? Would I see much difference?
 
schizophonic said:
If so, can I use everything here together? I'm on a bit of a budget so nothing too expensive.

Lastolite 80cm Dual Duty Umbrella
Manfrotto 5001B Nano Stand
Manfrotto MN026 Lite Tite Swivel and Umbrella Adaptor

The problem or thing might cause an issue is my wireless trigger. I have a Youngnuo kit from ebay and when I mount my flash, will it go directly on top of the Swivel and Umbrella Adaptor without any issues?
Click to expand...


Kit's fine, in fact ideal for starting, and those umbrella adaptors are pure gold (I've broken all sorts of cheap ones, and these take everything I throw at them).

This umbrella is a bigger (and better) option for £15 more

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/AU3060/


Ignore any suggestions of getting softboxes or any other modifiers until you've exhausted what you can do with the umbrella. If you want a rapid fall off of light, use the "reflective" setup of the umbrella and collapse it a little - Softboxy light for no extra cost ;)

Don't fall into the trap of buying as many modifiers as you can (but grids are better than softboxes....) Whilst it is nice to have a massive range of modifiers available, you'll be better off really spending some time with the umbrella first.

Trigger's fine, no need to buy anything else, just get the gear and go shoot people.
 
Last edited:
schizophonic said:
Other than having a wider spread on the light, what differance does the 90/100cm have that the 80 wouldn't? Would I see much difference?
Click to expand...
It isn't about the spread of the light, it's about the size.

At any given distance, a large light source produces softer light than a smaller one. You can move a larger light further away to make it smaller (effectively) but you can't always move a smaller one close enough to make it as (effectively) large as you'd like.
 
JasonRS said:
Kit's fine, in fact ideal for starting, and those umbrella adaptors are pure gold (I've broken all sorts of cheap ones, and these take everything I throw at them).

This umbrella is a bigger (and better) option for £15 more

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/AU3060/


Ignore any suggestions of getting softboxes or any other modifiers until you've exhausted what you can do with the umbrella. If you want a rapid fall off of light, use the "reflective" setup of the umbrella and collapse it a little - Softboxy light for no extra cost ;)

Don't fall into the trap of buying as many modifiers as you can (but grids are better than softboxes....) Whilst it is nice to have a massive range of modifiers available, you'll be better off really spending some time with the umbrella first.

Trigger's fine, no need to buy anything else, just get the gear and go shoot people.
Click to expand...


that umbrella is massive, and certainly doesn't play at all nicely with the manfrotto nano stand really... I have one and rarely bust it out, can be tricky to aim inside due to ceiling height!

op, your kit is a great setup :D
 
Thanks for the input guys, will make an order tomorrow. I'll stick to my guys before branching out with bigger kit. I want this to be a little portable studio set when i visit my clients at their house.

If i think there is a need for a change then i'll upgrade to something.
 
I use a 350D with 2 yongnuo flashes and the triggers. Umbrella is a good place to start, I actually bought a softbox first, but it was a good deal at the time. The manfrotto stands are really good. If you are on a budget look on amazon for the konig ones - they are about £10 and work fine especially for beginners (I use these!)
 
itsdavedotnet said:
that umbrella is massive, and certainly doesn't play at all nicely with the manfrotto nano stand really
Click to expand...

Ah, good point they're the really diddy stands aren't they!!

I've used one with a £10 Konig stand and it's been fine, but those nano's are quite a bit smaller.

OP - stick with the original brollyand just move it closer to make it relatively larger :thumbs:
 
Have a look for flash in the pan's strobist kit thread. Might be some bit you like in there.
 
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