I'm going to be studying abroad in Ireland next semester (starting at the beginning of January). However, I'd be lost without my photo equipment - so I gotta take it with me! I can fit all my camera stuff, lenses, etc. in my Crumpler, and was planning on putting my umbrellas in my checked luggage. However, something tells me that even compact and folded up, I won't be able to fit 9.5' lighting stands. My friend recommended the super clamp to me and I hit myself on the head, thinking "Duh!" I think it's a great idea, however when it comes to getting the stuff to match up with my other items, I need to know exactly what I'm getting myself into. I currently use the photoflex multiclamp bracket to attach to my stands, and then attach me 600, 800, etc. to them. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42160-REG/Photoflex_AC_BSWCP_Multiclamp_with_Shoe_Mount.html).
Does anyone have any good recommendations on what clamp to get that I will be able to mount my bracket to (so I can use my 43" umbrellas)? They will be light for traveling and when I decide to do lighting photos can take them with me wherever, instantly.
You might get an answer on this board...but also try the Lighting and Studio Techniques forum...this kind of question is much more frequent there. Have fun on your journey...very cool!
The Bogen super clamp uses a 5/8 stud, just like the top of a light stand. So your photoflex bracket will just attach to the stud that comes with the super clamp. One thing with the superclamp is that they are a bit heavy, but they are wonderful to have around. I have several and wish I had more. They are good to use to clamp to a door, railing, shelf or something like that. Bogen makes some extensions and such to add some length to the stud which might be nice to have if all you have is clamps.
I would not go totally without stands. A bogen 001B, which is a 6 foot stand, or the 012B which is a back light stand, but has a small base with an extension pole with a stud on each end that I use a lot with clamps and other things. Both of these stands fold down really small and would be a very good addition to a travel kit.
One other thing... I am pretty sure that they have photo stores in Ireland So you don't have to take everything with you.
Not all SuperClamps come with a stud so make sure when you order that you get a stud with it get teh standard stud and you should be fine. I would get a magic arm kit that comes with the background stand and a camera platform. Matter of fact I did order it to go with my kit. I would get the Nano Bogen stands they and the magic arm will get you where you need to be or take a large suit case and put the stands in cross cornered .
Yeah, I too would suggest that you buy in Ireland. Also, don't forget that if you are only staying 6 months you will be able to reclaim the VAT when you leave the country. It's currently at 22% in Ireland, so that's a fair chunk of any purchase. You'd expect to pay about €55 in Ireland for a Manfrotto 175F, vs about $55 in the US. Once you take the VAT off, you'll probably find it cheaper in Ireland. And of course you save all the hassle of having to transport stuff from the US and hope it doesn't get broken.
You don't say where you will be in Ireland? There are lots of camera shops in Dublin but none of them tend to keep these kind of items in day-to-day stock to my knowledge. However any of the pro dealers (of which I would suggest only 1--drop me a line if you wanna know) will get it into stock for you in a couple of days...
Thanks for all the help, guys! I'll probably either get a couple super clamps or some small bogen stands. I don't have much money, being a college student, so we'll see what happens. I may just end up buying in Ireland, we'll see.
Conor - I'll be in Galway from Jan 5th to May 23rd. Thanks for the ideas!
I would get the Nano stands and pack them with you. Remember if you buy while there you will have to declare it when you return and pay any duty on it.
So you don't have to take everything with you.