Lighting recommendation

[markfh]

I'm looking for a set of 3 flash units that won't cost an arm and a leg. I just want to get them to play around with nothing professional, yet.

I know alien bees are really popular but I really don't want to spend that much yet. I still have a couple lenses to buy before I get really serious with anything else.

[Tom]

If you want to learn it without spending up, go for the speedlight route.

LumoPro LP160 Manual Flash

I have two of these. They are great- they put out just as much power as the 580EX II.

Negatives:
No eTTL (there is no eTTL in studio strobes either, so no big deal.)
The plastic feels a little cheap - but I am used to the rugged and weather sealed 580EX II
Can only change power in full-stop incriments.

Positives:
They can work on your hot shoe, triggered by the camera.
They have an optical trigger and can be triggered by another flash
They have a 3.5mm port to hook up to your pocket wizards or skyports
They have a pc jack to hook up to your wireless triggers
They are 1/3rd to 1/4th the price of a flash with comparable power (580EX II for Canon or SB-900 for Nikon.)
They are light weight (cheap plastic)

Check out http://www.strobist.com to learn more about how to use these types of flashes. But for usable flashes on a budget, it is going to be near impossible to beat a handful of these.

[Anthony Martinez]

Thomas +1

I have a set of 285HVs, and were I doing it again at this point in time I'd have a set of LP160s instead.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by thomas campbell

if you want to learn it without spending up, go for the speedlight route. Check out http://www.strobist.com to learn more about how to use these types of flashes. But for usable flashes on a budget, it is going to be near impossible to beat a handful of these.

+2

[texxter]

Another good choice is a pre-owned Nikon SB-24, SB-26, SB-28 flash. For example, from Craigslist:

Nikon Speed light SB-28 - $50
Chicago, IL Electronics yesterday

Nikon flash sb-28 - $50
Rockford, MI Photo & Video 3 days ago

Nikon SB-28 Flash - $75
Goldsboro, NC Photo & Video 1 week ago

You get the idea. These are terrific flashes.

[Anthony Martinez]

You'll read this if you head to Strobist, but a copy of Light, Science and Magic will be well worth the cash. Like a fool, I let someone borrow my copy.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by anthony martinez

you'll read this if you head to strobist, but a copy of light, science and magic will be well worth the cash.

+1

[markfh]

Well, I think I'd like some monolights with battery packs and I've shopped around a bit. I also found a Novatron 600VR 4 head set with stands, etc for $600.00.

Decisions decisions.

[photostein]

If you get even more serious, here is a setup:

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...n-cypress.html

[markfh]

Originally Posted by photostein

If you get even more serious, here is a setup:

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...n-cypress.html

Saw that. A bit more than I'm willing to spend right now unless I can sell a couple rifles real quick. Interested in trade?

[tukaniray]

Originally Posted by Anthony Martinez

You'll read this if you head to Strobist, but a copy of Light, Science and Magic will be well worth the cash. Like a fool, I let someone borrow my copy.

I picked up Light, Science and Magic last week at the local ProPhoto store here in Houston (HCE), a well worth book to read.

Love it and applying it. GREAT Book and I also say get that as well.

For a light, I would look for used Alien Bees or a used Westcott or Elinchrom or Photoflex lights. Check on the used sections more often.

Like they say, spend a good amount now for the lights that you can grow your skill with as oppose to going basic and having to spend even more for the light(s) you really want when you have acquired such skill.

-Ray-

[scottalanphoto]

i have two vivitar 285 hv's and a sigma 530 super dx.. love the set up