Spend My $575

Darren Troy C

You've checked into some more studio lighting. You really like Wescott's Spiderlite TD5 for its continuous capabilities and variable power. You're also considering either another sb600 or 900 (of course you're a Nikon shooter ) behind an umbrella or perhaps a softbox. Maybe, just maybe....you'll lean towards a true studio strobe unit w/ sync cord.

Ok, get to shoppin'......just be "home" by curfew. Happy trails. :thumb

ziggy53

OK, "we" forget, what is it "we" want to accomplish again?

How will this purchase help "us"?

Ric Grupe

Well...as long as you're being cute:

Dinner and a show....there, money spent!

Darren Troy C

ziggy53 wrote:

OK, "we" forget, what is it "we" want to accomplish again?

How will this purchase help "us"?

NOT being sarcastic, I swear.....but why would anyone need more than just a single flash unit like an sb600? Lots of reasons. However, if I had to pick just one let's assume we are wanting to precisely control some fill light both from the front and side. Sure you can do it with window and strobe. My point is if you were going for additional studio lighting and you had the $575 to put into your purchase, what would end up in the shopping cart?

Example - Alot of my subjects are being shot in the warehouse pictured below. More control, other than what I am getting from my sb600 and window light, is needed for a signifigant amount of ideas that are running through my head. So, my question again would be where would your money go if you were buying???? Thanks for any help!

(Columns, walls, and ceiling remain as you see them here....floor is now polished concrete and/or glossy hardwoods.)

Ric Grupe wrote:

Well...as long as you're being cute:

Dinner and a show....there, money spent!

For $575 ??? Sorry, I'm more of a McDonald's and "Friends" re-run kind of guy.

So, anyone else care to jump in on this, please?

Ric Grupe

I'm more of a McDonald's and "Friends" re-run kind of guy.

Okay...you still have $525 to spend.

Don't know much about flashes...but can't resist an opportunity for to practice my smartassicity.:D

Cygnus Studios

The SB900 is an incredible flash and well worth every cent. However, it does have its limitations as any light does. If you are looking at more portrait work or model work, I would look at the B800's over at Alien Bees.

It is kind of hard to pick one thing over another, it really depends on what direction you really want to head into.

Glory2Jesus4Photography

Well both can be useful Flash or strobe and both are better in certain situations.
I would examine my shooting style ect to determine my purchases.
So if you shoot a lot of on location and portraits on location then I would say an SB or even other cheaper flashes with wireless trigger. If you are always in studio or close to power an long term setups then starting a larger system would be good sound investments.

Idlewild wrote:

You've checked into some more studio lighting. You really like Wescott's Spiderlite TD5 for its continuous capabilities and variable power. You're also considering either another sb600 or 900 (of course you're a Nikon shooter ) behind an umbrella or perhaps a softbox. Maybe, just maybe....you'll lean towards a true studio strobe unit w/ sync cord.

Ok, get to shoppin'......just be "home" by curfew. Happy trails.

B Rock

Well first you write the check and put it in an envelope with a stamp. Send to 5327 Ani......Just kidding!

ziggy53

I suppose I would suggest a few Sigma EF 530 DG Super flashes with i-TTL (model NA-iTTL). You could get 3 of these for just over your budget and that would give you a total of 4 decent i-TTL flashes (the Sigmas along with your SB-600).

I now have 4 Sigma flashes and there is a lot that I can do with that number of lights, as well as some cheap reflectors and other improvised equipment.

Remember that, with these inexpensive flashes, you can use "FP" mode to boost shutter speeds to gain better control over ambient light. With "studio" strobes, you literally have to overpower the ambient light, not always possible if you also need a large aperture as well.

If you want studio monolights I can recommend the Flashpoint brand. Here is a basic 2 light kit:

http://www.adorama.com/FP620APWK.html

Add a 60" convertible umbrella to give a larger source when needed and you have just about spent your limit. Calibrate the system using your camera and log the output with different configurations and then log the exposures. Then you won't need a separate meter for real sessions.