Looking to invest in equipment...

wgp1987 · Sep 12, 2011

Hey everyone, I have some cash saved up to spend on equipment. I have around $600 to spend and feel like a kid in a candy store, well an online candy store.

First I'm going to buy a pelican 1554 because I want a case with more room and protection then my canon backpack. That's about $156. So I should have a decent $440 leftover to spend.

Next I want invest in lighting and since I can't afford a 580ex I'm going to get 2 vivitar 285's ($90x2) ... Everyone seems to like them and I never shoot ettl.

Then I was thinking about getting 2 umbrellas with stands and some reflectors as well. I was hoping someone knows of a site that has good deals on these items. I saw a complete set of umbrellas an stands for $200 and reflectors with a stand for $60 at cowboystudio.

I'm shooting a friends wedding in November and really wanted to add some lighting to my kit.

I was also thinking about getting a flash bracket, does anyone use one of these and know of an inexpensive one that is great for the $$??

What do you guys/gals think about what I plan on buying?

WesternGuy · Sep 12, 2011

Can't really comment on too much of what you have asked, just a couple of comments or suggestions that I will mention - if you buy a flash, make sure it fits on the bracket you purchase...probably not a problem, because most brackets are standard things...also don't forget that you will probably need a cord to connect the hot shoe on your camera to the flash on the bracket...didn't see you mention this, but thought I would throw it in. You might also want to look at the "customer reviews" on B&H here: Vivitar 285HV Flash 233965 B&H Photo Video.

If you don't mind second hand stuff, you might look on e-bay. HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

Big Mike · Sep 12, 2011

I've been hearing that CowboyStudio stuff is pretty cheap...as in, it's pretty crappy. I can't speak from experience though.
Check out B&H or Adorama...they have a full range of all types of photographic gear.

I use a flash bracket for weddings. I haven't tried too many of them, so I don't know if mine is better that others, but the one I use is the Press-T by Stroboframe. It's a bit unique in that it's made so that you hold the camera/lens with both hands, (like you would without a bracket) and not the bracket handle.
Like anything, it has it's pros and it's cons. It's great that I can turn the camera and keep the flash above the lens to avoid casting side shadows, but it makes for a big & heavy rig to be holding all day.

A pelican case sounds great, I'll probably have one or two eventually....but I think they are overkill for most things. A good camera bag is plenty of protection for most people. I'd rather have one that has tons of great features...maybe something from ThinkTank.

tirediron · Sep 12, 2011

Here's my thoughts: Unless you need the protection of a Pelican case (ie for travelling) I would skip that. They are excellent gear, and well worth the money, if you need them, but they're not very practical for every day use. You might want to think instead, of getting a bigger, better shoulder bag, say, something by Lowepro.

The flashes are a good idea; you can't go wrong with more light. I would walk right by the Cowboy studio gear and see what they have at Adorama or B&H. From what I have seen and read, CS gear is cheap for a reason. The one thing you don't have on the list is triggers. I would look at some Cactus V4 or V5 radio triggers. Good bang for the buck.

analog.universe · Sep 12, 2011

I've also heard that cowboystudio isn't worth the pennies you pay for it. I've been using LumoPro stands and clamps (and speedlights too), with Westcott umbrellas. They were still pretty inexpensive but feel as if they're built quite well. I'm pretty sure I picked them up at Midwest Photo Exchange Specializing in Off Camera Lighting, New and Used Photographic Cameras, Lighting, Printers, Medium and Large Format.

wgp1987 · Sep 12, 2011

I always shoot at events or on the go and hate leaving my bag around with the fear of it falling over, someone stepping on it, placing something on top of it, etc and my mind would certainly be put at ease with a pelican case... Ill still have my canon backpack for when I plan on walking around but as far as storage in the house, for at events, and stationary shooting the pelican is IDEAL!! Haha need it!!

I'm aware of the quality control on the vivitar stuff but I know so many people who use them and love them!! They wont be my main flash in the future but as extra stobes for additional lighting they are great and like I said I don't need ettl, I prefer controlling my light. I figured I'd buy a couple and play with them, worst case scenario I return them (I live in jersey so it takes a day to get them).

I have 4 cactus v5s!!!!

As far as the bracket goes, I never see people using them but I read it's ideal to reduce red eye and change the angle of light. I personally use my bounce card and never get red eye. I always see people using bounce cards and a gentleman with a leica at a convention I was attending was using this
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ELG_Rogue_FlashBender_Large_Positionable.html
Loved the idea of it and I have seen others at bar/batmitvahs using them as well. I'll look up you bracket when I get near my computer. Not a fan of shopping on my phone lol.

wgp1987 · Sep 12, 2011

I forgot to address cowboy studio. A company I work for uses cheap flashpoint lights,stands, umbrellas, and softboxes from Adorama and they are fine. I can understand the need for durability but budget is king!! We've used those lights for over 1-2 years so I'm not fearing the cheap stuff since I am gentle and kind to my equipment. I don't want "fall apart on it's own" garbage though.