My Beginner Wish List!

[DGMPhotography]

So this is a list I've compiled so far of equipment I'd like to buy for my photography. I'd like to know your thoughts if this is good to start with, and/or if you've purchased any of these products and have any opinions on them.

Photography to-get list:

1. Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.8 Lens - $279
   1. Amazon.com: Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR FX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: NIKON: Electronics
2. 5-in-1 Reflector - $17.66
   1. Amazon.com: Neewer 110CM 43" 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector: Electronics
3. Yongnuo Speedlight - $159.99
   1. Amazon.com: Yongnuo YN-565EX ETTL Speedlite Flash for Nikon: Camera & Photo
4. Flash Bracket - $80.58
   1. Amazon.com: Flip Flash ® Bracket by ALZO Digital, Versatile fast action camera bracket for all DSLR cameras with quick release mount, incl. Canon, Nikon, Sony: Camera & Photo
5. Scoop Flash Modifier - $29.95
   1. Lite Genius Lite-Scoop Flash Modifier LITE-SCOOP B&H Photo Video
6. Studio Light Kit
   1. Amazon.com: CowboyStudio Photography/Video Studio Triple Lighting Kit with 10 feet x 12 feet Black, White and Green Muslins Backdrops and Background Support System with Case: Electronics

Thanks!

 

[o hey tyler]

I would get rid of the last two items on your list and opt for a Nikon branded flash unit.

 

[DGMPhotography]

I would get rid of the last two items on your list and opt for a Nikon branded flash unit.

Well I don't currently have the money the money to buy any of these things, but I definitely wouldn't want to spend $400 on a Nikon unit. Sure, they're good, but I've heard a lot of good things about the Yongnuo models.

 

[o hey tyler]

Well I don't currently have the money the money to buy any of these things, but I definitely wouldn't want to spend $400 on a Nikon unit. Sure, they're good, but I've heard a lot of good things about the Yongnuo models.

The sb800 is ~$300 used. An SB-600 used is $200. You don't want the last two items on your list regardless.

 

[hirejn]

Drop the Yougonowhere flash. When it comes to photography, if you want cheap, buy the good stuff used; don't buy cheaply made stuff. Use the money you save from not buying a flash bracket to buy a better flash. Better equipment doesn't improve photography, but it makes life a little easier. If you know how to use flash, a bracket rarely is necessary. The lights you'll get in the studio kit are worthless. The kit isn't bad for the other stuff you get, but the lights don't put out enough for quality work. They'll put out about f/3.2.

 

[DGMPhotography]

The sb800 is ~$300 used. An SB-600 used is $200. You don't want the last two items on your list regardless.

Do you think it would be worth it to get it used? If they're so good, why would people be selling them? And I can understand the light kit maybe not being the best quality, but what's wrong with the flash modifier? And do you have a replacement idea for the light kit cause I really want to do studio portraiture.

 

[o hey tyler]

Do you think it would be worth it to get it used? If they're so good, why would people be selling them?

Yes it's worth it to buy used and no I won't dignify the second question with a response because you clearly haven't put any thought into it.

And I can understand the light kit maybe not being the best quality, but what's wrong with the flash modifier? And do you have a replacement idea for the light kit cause I really want to do studio portraiture.

Get 2 additional speedlights or a few flashpoint monolights and some modifiers. The bounce card can be made at home for the cost of a note card and rubber band.

 

[DGMPhotography]

Yes it's worth it to buy used and no I won't dignify the second question with a response because you clearly haven't put any thought into it.

Get 2 additional speedlights or a few flashpoint monolights and some modifiers. The bounce card can be made at home for the cost of a note card and rubber band.

Okay, you're definitely right about the bounce card, I feel dumb for not thinking of that. What about background? You'd recommend buying everything individually instead of a "kit?" And I didn't mean that other question sarcastically, I just feel like people would want to keep them if they're the best. Even if they upgraded to Alien Bees or something, the speedlight could still come in handy, couldn't it?

 

[o hey tyler]

Okay, you're definitely right about the bounce card, I feel dumb for not thinking of that. What about background? You'd recommend buying everything individually instead of a "kit?" And I didn't mean that other question sarcastically, I just feel like people would want to keep them if they're the best. Even if they upgraded to Alien Bees or something, the speedlight could still come in handy, couldn't it?

There have been newer models released since the SB 600 or SB 800. People upgrade to get the new models. People sell their gear because they don't need it for a variety of reasons, quitting the business or hobby is just one of those reasons. Why on earth would you hang onto a flash if you don't use it? Had you really not considered that?

Are you going to heed the advice that's being rendered to you or fight tooth and nail for that off brand flash?

There's nothing wrong with off brand flashes, but a lot of people suggest you go with a first party flash first.

 

[amolitor]

What is your goal, here?

For studio work you may want to skip the TTL flash entirely, and go to monolights or a manual/auto hotshoe flash or two. I don't use TTL flash at all, myself, and so I don't know firsthand where it's useful. My understanding though is that it's great for event photography, stuff where the necessary exposure is changing constantly, the desired aperture is changing constantly, and you need to minimize the amount of mucking around you do with flash settings. A TTL flash will simply follow the camera settings and do the right thing.

If you're not in a rush when you're shooting, you can get away without TTL, and if you're interested in learning fundamentals of flash photography, you might be well-off skipping the TTL.

If you're interested, instead, in learning about solving lighting problems with a TTL system, which is a real thing in and of itself, then you're gonna want a TTL system. Obviously.

 

[Superfitz]

Drop the Yougonowhere flash...

Listen not to this rubbish. Yongnuo's are an amazing value for the price. I use them often and haven't had any problems.

 

[tirediron]

My first-hand experience is limited, but by all accounts the Yongnuo equipment is a decent value for the money, but I support the recommendation to have at least one 'name-brand' speedlight in your stable and I always recommend buying used; out of all the gear I own (~$25K at full retail value) well less than 1/4 of it has been purchased new. Only one out of my seven speedlights has been purchased new, all work very well. Most of my lenses, lighting kit, and modifiers have been bought used... Craig's List is truly my favorite camera shop. That said, I keep a good relationship going with the local bricks & mortar store and manage to buy enough there that I can count on them. Bin the Cowboy studio crap; it gives good, honest junk a bad name. Replace it with Adorama's Flashpoint line, or better yet, some good-quality used gear - I picked up a nice 4 light & 800 w/s Speedotron Brownline kit in mint condition for $800!!! As for that "light scoop"... $30 is a LOT to pay for a recipe card IMO.

 

[Designer]

1. like
2. maybe
3. yes, a speedlight, and used is fine ordinarily
4. flash bracket has very limited usefulness (note: flash is still very near to the axis of the lens)
5. make one instead, (also will be used very seldom)
6. fluorescent lights might work for still life, but they market them as though they could work for portraiture

Yer welcome, mister!

 

[ronlane]

I would get rid of the last two items on your list and opt for a Nikon branded flash unit.

Well I don't currently have the money the money to buy any of these things, but I definitely wouldn't want to spend $400 on a Nikon unit. Sure, they're good, but I've heard a lot of good things about the Yongnuo models.

But you said it was a wish list not an I can afford list (that's a whole other conversation). Tyler and Amolitor are on the right track with this. What is your goal and what is the best equipment for the job. Then work from there to how much you need to save up for or go into debt for (not promoting this option).

 

[DGMPhotography]

Wish list of things I may be able to afford in the near future Thanks for the tips, fellows!