Flash Kit

ClixphotoClixphoto Registered Users Posts: 228 Major grins
edited December 25, 2009 in Accessories
I currently use a Vivitar 285 flash, usually off camera with a shoot thru umbrella and cybersync triggers. I would like to add another light for a couple of reasons.
1. Just to have a backup. I have a shoot coming up in Jan. that will require all day shooting and would like to have a backup in case something should go wrong.

2. To expand my horizons. I would like to start using a two light setup. The new light could be a fill light, hair light, or a new primary light source. I would like a different modifier, maybe a softbox.

Cost is definately a factor. I need to keep it under $400 because I just spent big bucks on a new computer.
I love the portability of a shoe mount flash but I'm not sure how portable two flash systems are. I have considered maybe going with a AC powered flash.
I need something basic. Unfortunately I'm not a techy, so I need to keep it simple.

Any suggestions?
Wes
www.clix-photo.com

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited December 15, 2009
    It looks like you are shooting Canon dSLRs, so I can recommend the Sigma EF 530 DG Super flashes (what I use for E-TTL II flash automation.)

    The Vivitar 285HV is still available and it's still a great value. (I have 5 of them.)

    The LumoPro LP120 looks interesting and adds both tilt and swivel as well as a little more power control. It does cost more than the 285HV and lacks an "auto" function.

    http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,12311.html
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ClixphotoClixphoto Registered Users Posts: 228 Major grins
    edited December 15, 2009
    I am shooting Canon (how did you know?). Thanks for the link. Looks like a good setup similar to what I have. If I go that route this is the unit I will most likely try. However, I have been looking today and am interested in a kit from Alien Bees that includes a B800 with stand and umbrella for a little over $200. Do you have any experience with this type of light?
    Wes
    www.clix-photo.com
  • hgernhardtjrhgernhardtjr Registered Users Posts: 417 Major grins
    edited December 15, 2009
    Clixphoto wrote:
    I am shooting Canon (how did you know?).

    Simply click on your username to the left of the message and look at whatever you have in your public profile, Mr. Firefighter!rolleyes1.gif
    — Henry —
    Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est.
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited December 15, 2009
    Clixphoto wrote:
    I am shooting Canon (how did you know?). Thanks for the link. Looks like a good setup similar to what I have. If I go that route this is the unit I will most likely try. However, I have been looking today and am interested in a kit from Alien Bees that includes a B800 with stand and umbrella for a little over $200. Do you have any experience with this type of light?

    I use FlashPoint II monolights. Monolights are really nice for studio lighting, but they are kind of a pain to haul around. The advantages of continuously variable power output and follow along modeling light are sometimes worthwhile. I occasionally use them to overcome daylight too. (1800 ws equivalent)

    Alen Bees are quality units and I considered them. Lots of folks use them and rely on them. Also look at the White Lightning monolights, also by Paul Buff (the same owner as Alien Bee.)
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • time2smiletime2smile Registered Users Posts: 835 Major grins
    edited December 15, 2009
    If you would like another cheap speedlight look into Quantaray QDC-900WA for cannon on ebay, you can pick one up for under $50 with free shipping. I just bought one for nikon, and it does not ttl properly with non nikon lenses, unless I do an FV before i shoot. Its still seems like a descent speedlight for the price.
    Ted....
    It's not what you look at that matters: Its what you see!
    Nikon
    http://www.time2smile.smugmug.com
  • PhotometricPhotometric Registered Users Posts: 309 Major grins
    edited December 21, 2009
    I just ordered that same package you mentioned of Alienbee (800+stand+umbrella) supposed to arrive tomorrow night, I will post images as soon as I can.
    http://www.djdimages.com/

    "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition."
    -- Abraham Lincoln
  • gecko0gecko0 Registered Users Posts: 383 Major grins
    edited December 21, 2009
    Clixphoto wrote:
    I am shooting Canon (how did you know?). Thanks for the link. Looks like a good setup similar to what I have. If I go that route this is the unit I will most likely try. However, I have been looking today and am interested in a kit from Alien Bees that includes a B800 with stand and umbrella for a little over $200. Do you have any experience with this type of light?

    Where are you seeing a B800 kit for just over $200? The cheapest I see on their site is mid-$300's (called the "beginner bee" kit). I'd be interested in that $200ish kit too. thumb.gif
    Canon 7D and some stuff that sticks on the end of it.
  • ClixphotoClixphoto Registered Users Posts: 228 Major grins
    edited December 22, 2009
    gecko0 wrote:
    Where are you seeing a B800 kit for just over $200? The cheapest I see on their site is mid-$300's (called the "beginner bee" kit). I'd be interested in that $200ish kit too. thumb.gif

    Sorry gecko0, I miss-typed. I went ahead and ordered the kit from Alien Bees and is was just under 400 because I upgraded to the heavier light stand so I could get a softbox later. The kit should be here today.

    I decided the AC powered unit would serve me better for all-day shooting. My shoot is Jan. 9 and I will let you know how the kit performs.

    Thanks everyone for your help.
    Wes
    www.clix-photo.com
  • PhotometricPhotometric Registered Users Posts: 309 Major grins
    edited December 22, 2009
    Just got home and my kit is awaiting me while I grab a quick bite and then it's off to test....
    http://www.djdimages.com/

    "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition."
    -- Abraham Lincoln
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited December 22, 2009
    Congratulations on the new monolight. clap.gif
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • PhotometricPhotometric Registered Users Posts: 309 Major grins
    edited December 22, 2009
    Closeup
    747703563_YhUjW-S.jpg

    Assembled for the first time
    747704009_axg84-S.jpg

    Is it raining?
    747703799_uXtdt-S.jpg

    Only the Bee
    747704185_VbTp8-S.jpg

    Bee (5600Kelvin) and Impact Qualite 300 (3100Kelvin) (no gel)
    747704400_wH4PY-S.jpg

    747785103_ebrmi-S-1.jpg
    "Fragile'....it must be Italian"
    http://www.djdimages.com/

    "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition."
    -- Abraham Lincoln
  • ClixphotoClixphoto Registered Users Posts: 228 Major grins
    edited December 22, 2009
    Nice. I am a fireman professionaly and unfortunately I am at the station today and will not get to work with mine until tomorrow. Have fun.
    Wes
    www.clix-photo.com
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited December 23, 2009
    Clixphoto wrote:
    Nice. I am a fireman professionaly and unfortunately I am at the station today and will not get to work with mine until tomorrow. Have fun.

    Looking forward to your tests.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited December 23, 2009
    Photometric wrote:
    "Fragile'....it must be Italian"

    I officially iloveyou.gif you for this :giggle (now careful with that umbrella.... you might PUT YOUR EYE OUT rolleyes1.gif)
    facebook | photo site |
  • PhotometricPhotometric Registered Users Posts: 309 Major grins
    edited December 24, 2009
    The light rocks. I was doing more testing with it last night. The recycle times are amazing, consistent exposure, completely configurable. It just does what all good equipment does...it gets out of your way.

    I will be testing it much more in the next week as I have time off of my day job and will be working with it every possible minute. I expect to know everything I need to know about the light and how it interacts with my camera from every possible angle.
    http://www.djdimages.com/

    "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition."
    -- Abraham Lincoln
  • PhotometricPhotometric Registered Users Posts: 309 Major grins
    edited December 24, 2009
    divamum wrote:
    I officially iloveyou.gif you for this :giggle (now careful with that umbrella.... you might PUT YOUR EYE OUT rolleyes1.gif)

    It must be the time of year, because as soon as I saw the box, that line popped into my head.
    http://www.djdimages.com/

    "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition."
    -- Abraham Lincoln
  • BeachBillBeachBill Registered Users Posts: 1,311 Major grins
    edited December 25, 2009
    Photometric wrote:
    "Fragile'....it must be Italian"

    A classic, and I must admit I didn't get it until today, while watching, well, you know what.

    Anyway, I'm watching this thread as I have my sights on an AB kit sometime in the near future.
    Bill Gerrard Photography - Facebook - Interview - SmugRoom: Useful Tools for SmugMug
  • PhotometricPhotometric Registered Users Posts: 309 Major grins
    edited December 25, 2009
    Well, the good news temporarily is that I got the AB800 and my SB600 to play well together, kinda. Still working on them, but I'm practicing and getting a little better, I think...

    749536684_Lv6QP-M.jpg
    http://www.djdimages.com/

    "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition."
    -- Abraham Lincoln
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