Is this kit really any good?

[Bru]

Would this be a good starting kit? Amazon.com: SP3500 Complete Portrait Studio Kit - 3 Studio Flash/Strobe, 2 softboxes, 3 backdrops, wireless: Electronics Trying to figure out if this is something I could integrate into outdoor as well (as in using the softboxes outside). I realize that you generally get what you pay for. Just wondering if I should do this, or go with something like a SB400 and a softbox that attaches to the camera.

Edit: this may be a better example: http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-...ghting/dp/B001NY1UJM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Using:
D3100
Nikkor 18-55mm
Nikkor 55-200mm
Backup:
D50
Tamron 28-80mm

 

[Blake.Oney]

I wouldn't. Those backgrounds don't look good generally. Sometimes if you get some good distance between it and your subject the dof blur can make it look better. If you're wanting strobes for a budget price check these out. flashpoint 320m - Adorama.com

If you're wanting speedlights then you could go with the sb400 or sb600, or what I would personally do is check out the Vivitar 285hv. They are cheap, powerful, and fully manual for off camera flash. VV285HVK1 Vivitar 285HV Non-Dedicated Shoe Mount Flash Kit, with 4 AA Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) 2300 mAH Rechargeable Batteries with with 2-Hour AA & AAA Quick Charger, 110/220 volt & Car Charger

 

[Bru]

Would using a speedlight be soft enough to not wash out a newborn shoot? I'm assuming with that I just bounce the light off the ceiling? That's mostly what I would use it indoor for, outdoor is more my thing.

 

[MohaimenK]

For speedlight, get a sto-fen diffuser, like $12 on amazon. It'll help a lot.

BTW, I have the backdrop and the stands, and so far its been fine for me for indoor.

 

[Bru]

Ok, so if I get this Vivitar, grabbing a sto-fen for use on the camera, what would be the rest of the pieces to the puzzle? As in, I assume I'd need a softbox with a stand (or is an umbrella set up better?) and then the proper cord (which...ack, what would work with the D3100?) to get it all to sync up?

 

[mrpink]

Ok, so if I get this Vivitar, grabbing a sto-fen for use on the camera, what would be the rest of the pieces to the puzzle? As in, I assume I'd need a softbox with a stand (or is an umbrella set up better?) and then the proper cord (which...ack, what would work with the D3100?) to get it all to sync up?

I would go with this kit....

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425220-REG/Impact_DFUMK_Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html

some eBay triggers....

??Remote Control Wireless Flash Trigger F Canon/Nikon?? - eBay (item 190472515035 end time Dec-02-10 03:33:18 PST)

and you will get.....


DSC_7831-2ww by Matt Francosky, on Flickr

It will take some practice. You will need to set up each strobe's power output manually. Once you get it somewhat dialed in, it shouldn't be much of a problem to tweak it.



Sto-fens are nice for on camera flash, a little hard to control off camera.

here is a shot from a SB-600 with a sto-fen...


zoo trip 9.4.10 008ww by Matt Francosky, on Flickr





p!nK

 

[KmH]

or go with something like a SB400 and a softbox that attaches to the camera.

The SB-400 is not much more powerful than the built-in popup flash in your camera. Any attachments to it would steal even more of it's power.

The whole point in having a softbox is to make the light appear big. Bigger than can be accomplished by leaving the flash on the camera's hot shoe, and then attaching some itty-bitty softbox.

 

[Bru]

What about these all together (been lurking on Amazon):

Amazon.com: Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce for the Achiever DZ260, Canon 420EZ, 430EZ and Vivitar 283, 285 & 5600 Zoom Flashes (OM-B): Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Vivitar 285HV Auto Professional Flash: Amazing Deals Online

Amazon.com: Opteka 70" Full Size Professional Photo / Video Tripod: 47th Street Photo

Amazon.com: CowboyStudio Photo / Video 24" Large Speedlite Flash Softbox with L-Bracket, Shoe Mount & Carry Case: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: CowboyStudio NPT-04 4 Channel Wireless Hot Shoe Flash Trigger Receiver for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus & Pentax Flashes Other products by cowboystudio: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: Cowboy Studio Top Quality Aluminum Adjustable Light Stand with Carrying Case: Camera & Photo

Totals out to about $210.

 

[Bru]

What about these all together (been lurking on Amazon):

Amazon.com: Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce for the Achiever DZ260, Canon 420EZ, 430EZ and Vivitar 283, 285 & 5600 Zoom Flashes (OM-B): Camera & Photo
Amazon.com: Vivitar 285HV Auto Professional Flash: Amazing Deals Online
Amazon.com: Opteka 70" Full Size Professional Photo / Video Tripod: 47th Street Photo
Amazon.com: CowboyStudio Photo / Video 24" Large Speedlite Flash Softbox with L-Bracket, Shoe Mount & Carry Case: Camera & Photo
Amazon.com: CowboyStudio NPT-04 4 Channel Wireless Hot Shoe Flash Trigger Receiver for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus & Pentax Flashes Other products by cowboystudio: Camera & Photo
Amazon.com: Cowboy Studio Top Quality Aluminum Adjustable Light Stand with Carrying Case: Camera & Photo

Totals out to about $210.

 

[Bru]

(Sorry about the double post, my computer just had a minor heart attack)

 

[Bru]

Also...when i press the button on the wireless controller, does that set my camera off too? Or do I have to time it somehow with hitting the camera button?

Can you tell I'm new to this? *dies of embarrassment*

 

[Blake.Oney]

I don't see anything wrong with all that. I would use it. Plus you can pick up another 285hv at any time because they're good, and they're cheap.

Certain wireless triggers can trigger your shutter release, but it doesn't have to. If the transmitter is on your camera and the receiver on the flash, then your flash will fire when you take the shot.