is this a good flash?

third_shift|studios · 11-04-2008, 08:57 AM

I just bought a Sony a300 and love it. The flash is kinda crappy though. I've never done a lot of flash photography and am realizing that with a flash or strobe, i can greatly improve my work and move on to doing more people subjects. In the future, i'm going to be shooting a lot of semi nude/nude. So is this a good flash?
http://cgi.ebay.com/TTL-AF-DIGITAL-F...QQcmdZViewItem

i like this set too, thouhgts?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ight_Kit_.html

I want to be able to have some directional light, so i thought about geting a flash and a stretchy sync-cord that I can just hold the flash off to the side to create some nice directional light. But it looks like this one can kinda do that job for me with the tilt/swival.

**Big Mike** · 11-04-2008, 09:26 AM

I can't attest to the quality of that flash, but it looks like it will work with your camera.

Getting the flash off of the camera is one of the best things you can do to improve your lighting, especially if you are going to be shooting artistic nude/figure photos. You can use a 'hot-shoe' flash off camera, either with a cord or with a wireless system or you could go with a monolight 'studio' type light. The biggest difference is the power supply. A studio light usually runs on AC power, while a hot-shoe flash usually runs on AA batteries. There are pros and cons to each, so you should decide what is more important to you and your style of shooting.

third_shift|studios · 11-04-2008, 09:46 AM

I had an idea to use both, just now. Using the flash as key light, maybe holding it off to the side and using the strobe as fill/soft light. It just sounds like a cheap/effective solution.

I spoke to a rep at B&H, and they said it would turn out like crap?? I didn't understand why, since fundamentally it's the same, other than my limited 3' armlength

Toxic Toast · 11-04-2008, 09:47 AM

if you decide on the hotshoe flash, i would suggest getting a stand and an umbrella/flash bracket for the stand, a reflecting umbrella, a few sets of rechargable batteries, and some nice long sync cords to start out, this way you can have a highly portable and versatile set up. on the other hand if you will be working in a studio or at locations where you dont need super portability and ac power is always available, then go with the studio light. hope this helps you out.

third_shift|studios · 11-04-2008, 09:56 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

if you decide on the hotshoe flash, i would suggest getting a stand and an umbrella/flash bracket for the stand, a reflecting umbrella, a few sets of rechargable batteries, and some nice long sync cords to start out, this way you can have a highly portable and versatile set up. on the other hand if you will be working in a studio or at locations where you dont need super portability and ac power is always available, then go with the studio light. hope this helps you out.

they make these for hot-shoe flashes? please show me, bud!

Village Idiot · 11-04-2008, 10:03 AM

GWC!!!!

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/CF0502K1/

**Big Mike** · 11-04-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

they make these for hot-shoe flashes? please show me, bud!

This link should show you just about everything you'll need to know, to get started...
Strobist

JerryPH · 11-04-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by third_shift|studios

they make these for hot-shoe flashes? please show me, bud!

www.flashzebra.com has a TON of cool stuff, and the owner is a really nice guy.

I picked up my umbrellas and stands from our forum sponsor Adorama.com for fair prices. The rest came from flashzebra.

third_shift|studios · 11-04-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JerryPH

www.flashzebra.com has a TON of cool stuff, and the owner is a really nice guy.

I picked up my umbrellas and stands from our forum sponsor Adorama.com for fair prices. The rest came from flashzebra.

THAT'S RAD AS TTOPS!!! i can toss that on my tripod

third_shift|studios · 11-04-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike

This link should show you just about everything you'll need to know, to get started...
Strobist

holy cow, i learned more watching that then the two semesters of photography i took...thank you very much!

Dubious Drewski · 11-04-2008, 01:14 PM

Jerry, my pal! Thank you for that site. It's wonderful! And cheap! I've just spent $50 there.

Alleh Lindquist · 11-04-2008, 04:05 PM

That one on ebay looks like junk. I would suggest a used SB-28 or 26 over that.

www.strobist.com learn to light

third_shift|studios · 11-05-2008, 09:04 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Alleh Lindquist

That one on ebay looks like junk. I would suggest a used SB-28 or 26 over that.

www.strobist.com learn to light

is that b/c of lack of features, or does a flash have to be over $200 to constitute as "quality"

**jstuedle** · 11-05-2008, 10:30 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by third_shift|studios

is that b/c of lack of features, or does a flash have to be over $200 to constitute as "quality"

If you were to pick up and examine say a $90 Sunpack 383 and a 6-10 year old Nikon SB-28 or SB-80DX for the same price you will be amazed in the vast difference in build quality and features. The Sunpack is very light and flimsy. It lacks a zoom head and standard PC connection. But, the Sunpack I believe a better value than the ebay flash mentioned here. It's just basic eco-101. You get what you pay for. A new SB-800 my be $350, but will out perform and out last cheaper flashes by a very large margin. Used high end flashes are a bargain for the Strobist shooter, and the SB-28 is one of the Strobist mainstays. A lot of value for the dollar even after the wear and tear of it's original owner.

Mike_E · 11-05-2008, 10:42 AM

I bought a new SB600 when I got my D200. I use my SB28 a Lot more than the SB600.

Great all around flash!

11-04-2008, 08:57 AM	#1
third_shift\|studios Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 153 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	is this a good flash? I just bought a Sony a300 and love it. The flash is kinda crappy though. I've never done a lot of flash photography and am realizing that with a flash or strobe, i can greatly improve my work and move on to doing more people subjects. In the future, i'm going to be shooting a lot of semi nude/nude. So is this a good flash? http://cgi.ebay.com/TTL-AF-DIGITAL-F...QQcmdZViewItem i like this set too, thouhgts? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ight_Kit_.html I want to be able to have some directional light, so i thought about geting a flash and a stretchy sync-cord that I can just hold the flash off to the side to create some nice directional light. But it looks like this one can kinda do that job for me with the tilt/swival.

11-04-2008, 09:26 AM	#2
Big Mike I am Big, I am Mike Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 22,103 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 224 Times in 212 Posts My Gallery: (91)	I can't attest to the quality of that flash, but it looks like it will work with your camera. Getting the flash off of the camera is one of the best things you can do to improve your lighting, especially if you are going to be shooting artistic nude/figure photos. You can use a 'hot-shoe' flash off camera, either with a cord or with a wireless system or you could go with a monolight 'studio' type light. The biggest difference is the power supply. A studio light usually runs on AC power, while a hot-shoe flash usually runs on AA batteries. There are pros and cons to each, so you should decide what is more important to you and your style of shooting. __________________ Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog

11-04-2008, 10:03 AM	#6
Village Idiot TPF Junkie! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Shepherdsturd, WV / Almost, MD Posts: 3,294 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 31 Times in 28 Posts My Gallery: (0)	GWC!!!! http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/CF0502K1/ __________________ I'm a Pirate. That's because Pirates are better than ninjas. So much better that Pirate deserves to be capitalized as a proper noun and ninja does not. Yar!!! Thirty-five D's and two Marks Lots of millimeters and low f scores Bright pulsing objects that emit bursts of light

11-04-2008, 10:11 AM	#7
Big Mike I am Big, I am Mike Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 22,103 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 224 Times in 212 Posts My Gallery: (91)	Quote: they make these for hot-shoe flashes? please show me, bud! This link should show you just about everything you'll need to know, to get started... Strobist __________________ Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog

11-04-2008, 10:42 AM	#8
JerryPH TPF Junkie! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Montreal, QC, Canada Posts: 6,070 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 29 Times in 27 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by third_shift\|studios they make these for hot-shoe flashes? please show me, bud! www.flashzebra.com has a TON of cool stuff, and the owner is a really nice guy. I picked up my umbrellas and stands from our forum sponsor Adorama.com for fair prices. The rest came from flashzebra. __________________ I've left for greener pastures. Please don't PM me (no joke!).

11-04-2008, 09:46 AM	#3
third_shift\|studios Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 153 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	I had an idea to use both, just now. Using the flash as key light, maybe holding it off to the side and using the strobe as fill/soft light. It just sounds like a cheap/effective solution. I spoke to a rep at B&H, and they said it would turn out like crap?? I didn't understand why, since fundamentally it's the same, other than my limited 3' armlength

11-04-2008, 09:47 AM	#4
Toxic Toast Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Erial, NJ Posts: 141 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	if you decide on the hotshoe flash, i would suggest getting a stand and an umbrella/flash bracket for the stand, a reflecting umbrella, a few sets of rechargable batteries, and some nice long sync cords to start out, this way you can have a highly portable and versatile set up. on the other hand if you will be working in a studio or at locations where you dont need super portability and ac power is always available, then go with the studio light. hope this helps you out.

11-04-2008, 09:56 AM	#5
third_shift\|studios Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 153 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by Toxic Toast if you decide on the hotshoe flash, i would suggest getting a stand and an umbrella/flash bracket for the stand, a reflecting umbrella, a few sets of rechargable batteries, and some nice long sync cords to start out, this way you can have a highly portable and versatile set up. on the other hand if you will be working in a studio or at locations where you dont need super portability and ac power is always available, then go with the studio light. hope this helps you out. they make these for hot-shoe flashes? please show me, bud!

11-04-2008, 12:31 PM	#9
third_shift\|studios Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 153 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by JerryPH www.flashzebra.com has a TON of cool stuff, and the owner is a really nice guy. I picked up my umbrellas and stands from our forum sponsor Adorama.com for fair prices. The rest came from flashzebra. THAT'S RAD AS TTOPS!!! i can toss that on my tripod

11-04-2008, 01:02 PM	#10
third_shift\|studios Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 153 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by Big Mike This link should show you just about everything you'll need to know, to get started... Strobist holy cow, i learned more watching that then the two semesters of photography i took...thank you very much!

11-04-2008, 01:14 PM	#11
Dubious Drewski I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada Posts: 849 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Jerry, my pal! Thank you for that site. It's wonderful! And cheap! I've just spent $50 there. __________________ Browse my photos on Flickr, if you like. Currently a Pentaxian. Favourite lens: 100mm f2.8 Macro. I now have all the lenses I need. On to lusting over lenses I want.

11-04-2008, 04:05 PM	#12
Alleh Lindquist Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Portland OR Posts: 244 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	That one on ebay looks like junk. I would suggest a used SB-28 or 26 over that. www.strobist.com learn to light __________________ Commercial & Advertising Photographer Alleh Lindquist \| PhotoBizStartup Blog \| Product Photography

11-05-2008, 09:04 AM	#13
third_shift\|studios Been spending a lot of time on here! Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 153 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by Alleh Lindquist That one on ebay looks like junk. I would suggest a used SB-28 or 26 over that. www.strobist.com learn to light is that b/c of lack of features, or does a flash have to be over $200 to constitute as "quality"

11-05-2008, 10:30 AM	#14
jstuedle AKA Picture Daddy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: S.E. Indiana Posts: 4,823 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (50)	Quote: Originally Posted by third_shift\|studios is that b/c of lack of features, or does a flash have to be over $200 to constitute as "quality" If you were to pick up and examine say a $90 Sunpack 383 and a 6-10 year old Nikon SB-28 or SB-80DX for the same price you will be amazed in the vast difference in build quality and features. The Sunpack is very light and flimsy. It lacks a zoom head and standard PC connection. But, the Sunpack I believe a better value than the ebay flash mentioned here. It's just basic eco-101. You get what you pay for. A new SB-800 my be $350, but will out perform and out last cheaper flashes by a very large margin. Used high end flashes are a bargain for the Strobist shooter, and the SB-28 is one of the Strobist mainstays. A lot of value for the dollar even after the wear and tear of it's original owner. __________________ As always, JMHO. John View my image gallery at: http://www.pbase.com/jstuedle New web site under construction!!! http://www.picture-daddy.com/ Member NAPP and PPA *"You only get one sunrise and one sunset a day and you only get so many days on the planet. A good photographer does the math and doesn't waste either."* *Galen Rowell*

11-05-2008, 10:42 AM	#15
Mike_E TPF Junkie! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: The Upper West Side of Mississippi (you have no idea just how funny that is) Posts: 3,267 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 15 Times in 14 Posts My Gallery: (0)	I bought a new SB600 when I got my D200. I use my SB28 a Lot more than the SB600. Great all around flash! __________________ Of Course that's my opinion, who else would say something like that?

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