BenWitt Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · I've done my research, but still have some questions | |
First off, I am a college student right now and have done the majority of my shooting with available light and mainly sporting events. That being said, I want to start to improve with portraits and work with some lighting. One reason for looking into lighting now is because I will be in a new apartment next year with only one person and plenty of space for some basic studio shots to get experience (I can also always reserve a room on campus somewhere if I desire a larger space). Also I have been contracted to do 2 weddings this summer and one in the fall (the fall one is pending currently since I was just contacted last week) and where I have done 2 before (low budget family friends so it was a nice intro to the type of environment) I really want to smash these out of the park (if that reference works).
For reference I shoot with a Nikon D3 and D700 with lenses having constant apertures of 1.8 or 2.8 (easier than listing them all specifically)
Now, I have had a thought about which type of lighting to get (Strobes or hot shoe flashes, which I will call flashes for convenience) and am well aware of the advantages/disadvantages of each as far as power, recycle time, portability, etc. I was looking into some AlienBees (B800s specifically) and am looking for just a two light setup first. It looks like I could get a kit of B800s for about $750-800 if I remember correctly. Now if I don't have to spend $1000 I would rather not but I also don't want to be disappointed with my choice. So, as far as this section goes, would I notice much of a difference if I got the B400s keeping in mind my bodies and lenses?
Now, with that being said comes the idea of using flashes instead. With this option I am wondering if I would be ok using older SB-28s or the like or if I would be much happier with two of the current 700, 800, 900s.
There is a chance that I might want to try and take my new fangled lighting setup outside at some point (granted it would cost much more to use the strobes outside than the flashes with the needed addition of the battery pack) but I don't need to do so right away because I plan on getting a reflector as well to play with.
Now for a recap of the questions:
Would I see any noticeable difficulties with the cheaper B400s as opposed to the B800s?
Would I be happy with some SB-28s or older, cheaper Nikon flashes? Or should I go with one of the newer sets, and would the SB-700 be enough?
Also will I be disappointed with flashes over mono light strobes? (in terms of amount of light given my equipment)
I would like to keep everything wireless as well with some type of system (either PWs, or the TT1/TT5) so which would be better? (we have strobes in our gym and ice arena that I could use at some point for events but I could borrow PWs from a friend if someone suggests flashes with the TT1/TT5 setup)
Thanks for bearing with me while I try to spill my internal thoughts out on a piece of virtual paper. I sincerely thank anyone in advance for their thought on these questions and any answer you can give.
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