Want to try off camera flash.. help..

sep9001

sep9001

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Kev
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Hi

I have a Nikon D90 and a SB 800 and want to use it off camera to take photos of my children.

Have been reading various threads and suggestions on a cheap setup to get me started. One of the options is buying the following :

1- Konig light stand
2- Kaavie Universal Swivel Hot Shoe Flash Holder Type B for Light Stand with Umbrella Lock
3 - Neewer TWO Professional Photography 33" 83cm Studio Lighting Reflective Flash Translucent White soft Umbrella

The other option would be to use my Hama Star 42 tripod which I use with my camcorder as the light stand but do not know what additional bits I would need to get.

In the future I may want to get a softbox so need to make sure I get the correct stands.

Thank you for your help and suggestions.
 
I bought a Kaavie bracket a month or so ago and it seems fine. The reason I bought a kaavie was that the Neewer version of that product got at least one bad review. I also bought a Cowboy Studio umbrella and that, too, seems fine.

I'm fairly sure I've read on here that tripods are not ideal for off camera flash work although I can't remember why. Maybe it's the cost etc.

As you can see from my number of posts, I'm no expert but I'm finding that off camera flash is a great way to get started in portraiture. No doubt those with more experience will offer advice too.
 
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DrGed said:
I bought a Kaavie bracket a month or so ago and it seems fine. The reason I bought a kaavie was that the Neewer version of that product got at least one bad review. I also bought a Cowboy Studio umbrella and that, too, seems fine.

I'm fairly sure I've read on here that tripods are not ideal for off camera flash work although I can't remember why. Maybe it's the cost etc.

As you can see from my number of posts, I'm no expert but I'm finding that off camera flash is a great way to get started in portraiture. No doubt those with more experience will offer advice too.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestion . I am new as well so just want to try different thing.
 
badboy1984 said:
i use a Calumet light stand:

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/product/calumet_10_3m_air_cushioned_light_stand/mf6045

Very sturdy in my opinion but you may want to buy a cheaper one if is too expensive for you.

I've also bought one of these portable soft box:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160589932118?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

It comes with everything you need like soft box/flash bracket.
Click to expand...

Thanks, The soft box look good. I should have said that I would like to get a stand that can be used with a soft box. The konig ones may not be usable with a soft box.
 
what make you think the konig can't use the soft box? The bracket just clamps on the stud on the light stand.
 
badboy1984 said:
what make you think the konig can't use the soft box? The bracket just clamps on the stud on the light stand.
Click to expand...

Looking at the image, I thought it may not take the weight. If it can I might order the stand, clamp and the softbox in your link.
 
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You can always use sand bag to weigh the stands down but i would prefer to get a heavy duty stand.

A study stand and the softbox kit will do the trick. The softbox kit comes with everything you need. You just need a stand, softbox kit and flashgun.
 
badboy1984 said:
You can always use sand bag to weigh the stands down but i would prefer to get a heavy duty stand.

A study stand and the softbox kit will do the trick. The softbox kit comes with everything you need. You just need a stand, softbox kit and flashgun.
Click to expand...

Thanks.
 
Just tried using my camcorder tripod and the flash sits on it nicely but the light is not as good without the umbrella or a light box... Need to play around around bit more and order the softbox.
 
If it helps at all, I have just received one of the Konig light stands this morning, amazing value for money at £10.70 with free delivery. Right enough its not for your pro's but I have my SB910 on it and it's as solid as a rock.
How anyone can do that for that price is beyond me.:shrug:
 
beyond the blue said:
If it helps at all, I have just received one of the Konig light stands this morning, amazing value for money at £10.70 with free delivery. Right enough its not for your pro's but I have my SB910 on it and it's as solid as a rock.
How anyone can do that for that price is beyond me.:shrug:
Click to expand...

Thanks. At present I am just going to try and use my tripod which works well with the sb800. I don't think the softbox will fit on it so will have to with konig. Have also seen a tamron 28-75 f2.8 so in two minds as to try the new lighting route or buy the new lens.... :-$
 
badboy1984 said:
i use a Calumet light stand:

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/product/calumet_10_3m_air_cushioned_light_stand/mf6045

Very sturdy in my opinion but you may want to buy a cheaper one if is too expensive for you.

I've also bought one of these portable soft box:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160589932118?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

It comes with everything you need like soft box/flash bracket.
Click to expand...

Hi badboy1984,

Just ordered the softbox, do I need the clamp to attached the box to the tripod/lightstand.

Thank you
 
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