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 p.1 #3 · My First Lighting Set Up - Advice Needed | |
mharner1 wrote:
I've decided it's time to take the plunge into off camera lighting and have compiled as complete a list as I could from the research I've done. Before I drop the dollars I was hoping for some experts to look it over and critique it where needed. I'll be using a d90 and mainly want to start with portraits and friends weddings, but also I have a 100mm macro that I want to start using more and more effectively.
First and foremost, as far as learning to use these tools the best I can I was going to order Lighting in Layers from David Hobby....should I get something else for educational material?...Show more →
Read through and do the exercises in Lighting 101 and 102 on strobist.com before you buy LiL. He doesn't cover any real basic info in LiL. He does have another DVD that is more basic oriented.
Main flash - Nikon SB-800 (used) (want at least one Nikon so I can use high speed sync and freeze action better with macro stuff)
Other flashes - 2 Yongnuo YN-560's or MPEX currently has refurbed Lumopro LP120's with stands and adapters deal....not sure which way to go there.
Start with one flash first, and decide later if you want to go all manual or if CLS appeals to you. I'd get the SB-800 to start with.
Syncing - would like to try wireless and either go with the Cactus v5's or the Yongnuo triggers. I realize they aren't 100% reliable, but sound good for the price. Are they unreliable enough that I should just stick to a wired solution until I can afford (and know I want to delve deeeper in) PW's?
Get the best quality triggers you can afford. Cheap triggers are frustrating to use. If you go with the 800 as your first flash, you can use CLS for off-camera to start with.
Stands - if I got the L120's I'd already have 2 setups and just need something for the SB800 when needed. If I don't go that route, I was looking at the Manfrotto 026 swivel and Manfrotto Nano stand...obviously the Manfrotto gear is pricier, but being new I'm not sure if it's worth it?
Boom arm - suppose I'd go with the same brand as the stands.
Don't go crazy getting a lot of gear now, get a couple stands that are tall enough, and swivel adapters. You'll figure out what gear you need, as you progress.
As far as light modifiers go I'm hoping someone could shed some light on what they use most often and I should start with. Westcott umbrellas seem to get good reviews for the money, not sure what size or color would be best to start with. The Rogue Flash Bender sounds interesting and can if nothing else act as a snoot. Not sure if I'd take advantage of grids? As far as softboxes go I'm not sure what size would be best...I would probably need more than one for macro vs portrait work. I'm not sure what else to start with...beauty dish, reflectors, etc? ***Any time I can make something myself would be fine with me if anyone thinks it'd be cost effective***...Show more →
Start with one or two convertible umbrellas. That's a good place to start and they will teach you 90% of what you need to know about controlling light. 42 inch is a good size if you aren't sure.
Rosco gels seem to be pretty standard (at least for the beginner stuff I've been looking at)
Rosco and Lee both make gels that are useful. You can get a sample pack from B&H for $3-4 that has all the standard CC gels, as well as many colors.
There are too many flash brack options to choose from...especially when it comes to macro work.
Am I missing anything?
Unless you plan on shooting events, brackets aren't really useful, IMO. There are macro brackets that you can buy if you go in that direction.
The reason I post this all here is because I trust FM forums far more than other sources, but if (and I'm sure it probably is) this is asked and answered wonderfully somewhere else that you guys trust...please feel free to send me there as I don't mind doing the research myself. It's just a bit daunting first dipping your toes into the off camera flash waters lol.
It is intimidating at first. Buy only what you need, and figure out what else you want as you progress.
IMO, the basic items you will need to start out are 1 stand, 1 umbrella/swivel adapter, one flash, 1 convertible umbrella, and either a trigger set, or CLS for triggering.
That will get you most of the way there. When you have mastered one flash, get another one.
You can also buy a strobist kit from mpex.com, with and without flashes. They are bundled, so you'll save a little bit of money, but being complete kits, it's one stop shopping. And Moishe is very responsive.
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