What`s my best option

markyboy.1967

markyboy.1967

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Mark Molloy
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Im looking at exploring the world of portrait photography as a hobby with family and friends and would like some lighting advice.

I currently have a pair of SB900`s as my only lighting and have thoughts on buying a 2nd hand set of studio lights (2 head kit ) or a full starter kit including light modifiers. I would like to start trying out various modifiers and experiment as i go but if i keep the SB900`s for this use then i believe on what im reading that things like bigger modifiers can be a problem.

So my options are to keep the SB900`s and get stands, triggers and a few different modifiers or spend my cash on a studio lighting kit.The max i really want to spend would be around £350-£400 for a 2nd hand lighting kit.

Whats best financially? What would give me the better results in a small living/dining room etc?If people suggest using the SB900`s then what modifiers work best given the info above.
 
markyboy.1967 said:
Im looking at exploring the world of portrait photography as a hobby with family and friends and would like some lighting advice.

I currently have a pair of SB900`s as my only lighting and have thoughts on buying a 2nd hand set of studio lights (2 head kit ) or a full starter kit including light modifiers. I would like to start trying out various modifiers and experiment as i go but if i keep the SB900`s for this use then i believe on what im reading that things like bigger modifiers can be a problem.

So my options are to keep the SB900`s and get stands, triggers and a few different modifiers or spend my cash on a studio lighting kit.The max i really want to spend would be around £350-£400 for a 2nd hand lighting kit.

Whats best financially? What would give me the better results in a small living/dining room etc?If people suggest using the SB900`s then what modifiers work best given the info above.
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Personally I would stick with the speedlights you have, they are very good and very portable. Get yourself radio triggers and umbrella or small softbox and a reflector and you're good to go.
 
Personally I'd go for a new flash kit with 1 reflective umbrella and 1 softbox, the SmartFlash 2 head kit is within your budget. It's perfectly possible to get good second hand kits, but they won't have a warranty, you can't be sure of getting technical and customer support and anyway, from what I've seen, good makes often sell for nearly as much second hand (and sometimes more:)) than the new price, and the cheap makes aren't worth the risk new, let alone second hand...

Yes, you can use your existing hotshoe flashes but the slow recycling, limited power, the lack of a modelling lamp and the limited results that the produce with large softboxes may hold you back.

Of course, hotshoe flashes will work with studio flash, so you can always use your SB-900's for fill flash or with umbrellas, and use the studio flash for more creative lighting.
 
markyboy.1967 said:
Oh--we have 2 differing opinions with both having valid points. This is something i will need to think more about seeing as its just to satisy my curiosity as to the ins and outs of this type of photography.. Any other opinions welcomed.
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Reason I say use what you have is your just dipping your toes, you could pick up a shoot through umbrella and stand and a reflector for a few dollars and even forego the triggers to start with. Use one of the SB900s in the hot shoe as a commander pointed at the one off camera. This would get you going for next to nothing and you could step up to the bigger kit if you find you need it.
 
Agree with Garry.

Hot shoe guns have many virtues, and if you just want to have a go for very little money, then pop one on a stand with a brolly and a reflector and you're away.

But since you have the budget, the best of both worlds IMHO is to use studio flash whenever you have access to the mains, hot shoe guns when you don't, and the two in combo when you need multiple/effect lights.

Power is not usually such a problem with hot shoe guns, especially with your D700's high ISO capability, but when when ramped up to get plenty of light you immediately run into slow recycling which is just crippling (you usually don't need so much power from them for secondary effect lights). You also don't get any modelling lights which are almost invaluable starting out, and always extremely useful, particularly if you're trying something different.

Lencarta Smartflash seems almost invincible on a tight budget, but if you have a few pounds more to spend then look further up the Lencarta range, or towards Elinchrom and Bowens. Two head kits are usually the pick for value. Be aware that if you're going to do things properly then it's easily possible to spend several hundred quid on nice softboxes, a flash meter, background system, radio triggers to work in the hot shoe guns etc.
 
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I use my SB900's more than studio lights (not used them in 12 months) on a stand into an umbrella (or a softbox), PW flex/mini and an AC3. I bought the studio lights with the same mind set as yourself but I found that I just prefer the speedlights. Its a personal choice for me as I enjoy using them with the modifiers, you may think different if you purchase studio lights.

Can you borrow some to try first?

I do sometimes have issues with the speedlights overheating but I can live with that by using a spare.

Steve
 
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markyboy.1967 said:
Looks like im going to get a 2 head studio kit but which one now...I know they arent very portable but at a later date i would like to add a battery pack, so which makes allow me to use from main but later when funds allow let me add a battery pack.
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Hi Mark

depends on what you want to light and do you want to over power the sun, is it just in the house etc.

If you want you can borrow my lights and try them out to see if you need the extra power of studio lights?
 
POAH said:
Hi Mark

depends on what you want to light and do you want to over power the sun, is it just in the house etc.

If you want you can borrow my lights and try them out to see if you need the extra power of studio lights?
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Hi mate, i just want to be experimenting into other types of photography and continue my learning curve.I will seldom use the lights outside to be honest but if i can get a good secondhand set which allows this in the future then that would be an option, if not then just for home use. I dont think i will need anything with loads of power to be honest but would like a set which in 6 months time i have grown out of.

Thanks for the offer of trying your lights and will keep it in mind. I have a chance of using a studio for £10 for as long as i want each day and that has lights which are included in the price. Ross--what lights are you using out of interest?
 
Hi Mark they are old jinibe units that I have

what studio is it, Bent Brae is good which is the one I use

markyboy.1967 said:
Thanks for the offer of trying your lights and will keep it in mind. I have a chance of using a studio for £10 for as long as i want each day and that has lights which are included in the price. Ross--what lights are you using out of interest?
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Ross, its a studio thats owned by a photography club in Paisley, im not in the club but a guy i know is and says he can get it easily whenever as its not used to much.

Im currently looking at both Lencarta and the Bowens Esprit Gemini 200 kits at the moment--what people opinions. The Gemini appeals as i can add a battery at a later date for versitility.
 
Take a look at interfit's range on attachments for flashguns. They called the range "Strobies".
I have some of their kit and its pretty good for the money.
Flash guns and triggers are incredibly versatile. Stick with them and see how you get on.
 
markyboy.1967 said:
Gary, how quick is the delivery on the Lencarta 2 head kit and is there a Sat delivery option?
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Delivery is next working day as long as you order by 2 p.m.

Saturday delivery may be possible, it depends on where you live...
 
Hmmn...
Glasgow is definately possible, not sure about surrounding areas but I can ask.

Would you like it delivered to your work address? A lot of people do, makes life easier...
 
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