A 580, 430, and softboxes?

limbik

I would like to add a 2nd flash and softboxes to my setup. I don't do a lot of studio work, but I would like to be able to rig a usable setup if need be. However I would really like it all to be very portable.

That said, I have a 430EX, and was thinking of picking up a 580 so I have a master and then a softbox and stands. But I might also consider a 2nd 430 and a [FONT=Geneva, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]st-e2.[/FONT]

Do any of you use a similar setup? Is it a sensible route to go, or is there a better option? Finally, what softboxes would you reccomend?

limbik

OR...

A 2x Hotlight setup with softboxes, ala lowel Rifa, or something similar...
I started lighting in video, so I'm a bit fond of hotlights...

photobug

MIght have line-of-sight issues w/softboxes

limbik wrote:

I have a 430EX, and was thinking of picking up a 580 so I have a master and then a softbox and stands. But I might also consider a 2nd 430 and a [FONT=Geneva, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]st-e2.[/FONT]

I don't know if this would work.

Canon's wireless flash doesn't work by radio, but by infrared signalling. I consider this to be a real flaw (I have lots of Canon gear, including a 580ex and a 420ex, so I'm not saying this because of association with a non-Canon photographic religious denomination )

Therefore, you must have line of sight between the 580ex (or ST-E2) infrared (IR) emitter/transmitter and the IR receiver on the 430ex. Even in normal flash situations, you may have to twist the base and head of the 430ex to make this happen. However, when using the 430ex as a Slave with an umbrella or softbox, note that you'll have to be extra careful that the IR receiver of the 430ex remains in line-of-sight with the IR transmitter on the Master (580ex or ST-E2). I suspect that may work with some set-ups, and might not be possible with others. The larger the umbrella or softbox, the more it will tend to block that necessary line-of-sight.

limbik

Yes, I was wondering about this. It would be possible to have to base rotated so the IR faces in generally the right direction, however there will probably be many times where I want to get closer, or in a different spot and I can see this becoming an issue.

photobug

limbik wrote:

Yes, I was wondering about this. It would be possible to have to base rotated so the IR faces in generally the right direction, however there will probably be many times where I want to get closer, or in a different spot and I can see this becoming an issue.

If line-of-sight is an issue, then you'd have to turn to either wired (e.g. PC sync cord) or wireless (radio) solutions to trigger your flashes. In either case, you'll lose E-TTL and go to more manual flash settings (which may motivate purchase of a flash meter, too).

For wireless, you can go an inexpensive route like this one for about $25 per flash, or go the Pocket Wizard route for high dependabilty, more features, and far greater range (but at the cost of $150-$200 per flash).

limbik

I am leaning more and more to a nice set of hotlights...