So I just got some Radiopopper PX's, with the brackets and my Canon 580 ex ii.

My next step is to get some lightstands + softboxes. Do I need a bracket to attach the flash to on the lightstand or is the bracket that comes with the PX's and holds the receivers fine for that? Also, do I need anything additional to hold the softboxes?

Thanks
-lighting noob

CoLmes wrote: ...My next step is to get some lightstands + softboxes. Do I need a bracket to attach the flash to on the lightstand or is the bracket that comes with the PX's and holds the receivers fine for that? Also, do I need anything additional to hold the softboxes?

If the PX bracket has a 1/4-20 thread on the bottom, you can get a simple spigot that will fit into an umbrella adapter, which in turn mounts on top of the light stand. Westcott Apollo soft boxes work like umbrellas to slide into the umbrella adapter.

Alternatively, Lastolite EZ Boxes and many other types have their own brackets that come with the box, and a 1/4-20 base would attach to that.

So the answer to your question really depends on what kind of soft box you get.

BrianO wrote:
CoLmes wrote: ...My next step is to get some lightstands + softboxes. Do I need a bracket to attach the flash to on the lightstand or is the bracket that comes with the PX's and holds the receivers fine for that? Also, do I need anything additional to hold the softboxes?

If the PX bracket has a 1/4-20 thread on the bottom, you can get a simple spigot that will fit into an umbrella adapter, which in turn mounts on top of the light stand. Westcott Apollo soft boxes work like umbrellas to slide into the umbrella adapter.

Alternatively, Lastolite EZ Boxes and many other types have their own brackets that come with the box, and a 1/4-20 base would attach to that.

So the answer to your question really depends on what kind of soft box you get.


Thanks for your input! I guess the main question is will the flash with the px bracket which puts the px receiver in front of the flash fit. I know a lot of umbrella bracket/adapters have the cold shoe mount but that's already there on the px receiver. Underneath the receiver there is a 1/4 thread though.

http://mpex.com/radiopopper-px-receiver-replacement-canon-mounting-bracket.html

There is this adapter that will hold your flash and trigger. It doesn't list in the specs, but it should have a 1/4 20 thread on the bottom of it.

alohadave wrote:
http://mpex.com/radiopopper-px-receiver-replacement-canon-mounting-bracket.html

There is this adapter that will hold your flash and trigger. It doesn't list in the specs, but it should have a 1/4 20 thread on the bottom of it.


Yup that's what I have right now.. my question is how do I mount that onto a lightstand?

CoLmes wrote:
alohadave wrote:
http://mpex.com/radiopopper-px-receiver-replacement-canon-mounting-bracket.html

There is this adapter that will hold your flash and trigger. It doesn't list in the specs, but it should have a 1/4 20 thread on the bottom of it.


Yup that's what I have right now.. my question is how do I mount that onto a lightstand?

Does it have a threaded hole on the bottom? If so, you simply screw it onto your stand.

Would I need anything additional to attach an umbrella or softbox?

CoLmes wrote:
Would I need anything additional to attach an umbrella or softbox?

Yes.

For an umbrella or Apollo style softbox, all you need is an umbrella adapter/swivel adapter.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=umbrella+adapter

For speedring style softboxes, you need an adapter to mount it (varies based on the softbox you get).

I'd recommend the Apollo style to start out with since you are using a hotshoe flash.

A couple of examples:

http://www.amazon.com/Westcott-Apollo-Light-Modifier-Recessed/dp/B00022KOWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353272630&sr=8-1&keywords=westcott+apollo

http://www.amazon.com/Phottix-Easy-Foldup-Softbox-Kit-Photographic/dp/B0088VP42M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1353272713&sr=1-1&keywords=phottix+softbox

http://www.amazon.com/Compass-Softbox-SpeedLight-Flash-Speedlite/dp/B007NCMD8K/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1353272713&sr=1-3&keywords=phottix+softbox

http://www.phottix.com/en/studio-accessories/phottix-60x90-cm-easy-up-softbox-varos-xs-combo-kit.html

So just to review this thread..

If I am using speedlights w/ the bracket for a PX transmitter attached:

I would just screw the PX bracket onto the lightstand and then attach the umbrella adapter/swivel for softboxes or umbrellas. Do I have that right?

Thank you so much for all of that input

CoLmes wrote: ...If I am using speedlights w/ the bracket for a PX transmitter attached: I would just screw the PX bracket onto the lightstand and then attach the umbrella adapter/swivel for softboxes or umbrellas. Do I have that right?

Not quite.

You put the umbrella adapter on the light stand, then put the PX bracket on the umbrella adapter.

If the only UA you have has a built-in cold shoe that cannot be removed you'll need to get a different UA; I like these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546375-REG/Manfrotto_026_026_Swivel_Umbrella_Adapter.html

You screw the brass spigot into the threaded opening in the bottom of the PX bracket, then put the brass spigot in the hole on the top of the UA.

Whatever kind of UA you get, remember that the part with the umbrellas shaft holder goes on top. I often see them shown in ads upside down, which would mean you could tilt the flash but not the umbrella.

Note that the above only applies to umbrellas and to umbrella-type soft boxes like the Westcott Apollo (which I use). Other types of soft boxes have their own mounting devices that vary depending on the brand.

Some are similar to the device shown below on my BeautiDish. You'd only need to unscrew the cold shoe and screw the knurled nob into the PX bracket instead: