OCF Start Up Kit

[jenko]

My goal this summer is to learn the basics of OCF. I will be needing a start up kit, and your help!

I have a speedlight: Nikon SB-700. I am only going to use one light for now. I may add another later on.

I would like suggestions on the following items. Please provide a link if possible.

1. Sync Kits

2. Umbrella

3. Light Stand

And anything else you think would be useful.

I would like to keep the budget under $500, but I am willing to pay a bit more for quality and items that will last.

I appreciate any input you have!

 

[Braineack]

1: Amazon.com: Yongnuo RF-603 N3 2.4GHz Wireless Flash Trigger/Wireless Shutter Release Transceiver Kit for Nikon D90/D3100/D5000/D7000: Camera & Photo
2-3: Amazon.com: ePhoto flash Photograph y Studio off Camera Flash Lighting Flash Mount by ePhoto INC UB1W: Camera & Photo

Price: $60. This represents the extreme low end of the scale, a true "start-up" kit

 

[runnah]

Soft Box.
Westcott Rapid Box 26" Octa Speedlite Kit 2035 B&H Photo

Reflector plate
Westcott 2030-DP Deflector Plate for Rapid Box 2030-DP B&H Photo

pocket wizards x2
PocketWizard Plus X Transceiver 801-129 B&H Photo Video

Reflector + stand
Photoflex MultiDisc Circular Reflector, 5 Surfaces, DL-32MULTI


I bit more than your budget but they are all high quality items and have many uses.

 

[jenko]

Fantastic options, thanks a lot!

 

[tirediron]

Don't forget to think 'used'... I'm always seeing deals on reflectors, speedlights, and similar OCF gear on my local Craig's List, savings range between 30 and 60% of new retail. A great way to get more gear for your dollar ('cause we all know that the same amount of gear for less dollars is NOT an option!).

 

[jenko]

Don't forget to think 'used'... I'm always seeing deals on reflectors, speedlights, and similar OCF gear on my local Craig's List, savings range between 30 and 60% of new retail. A great way to get more gear for your dollar ('cause we all know that the same amount of gear for less dollars is NOT an option!).

True, good idea! I have been browsing on CL, but not knowing quite what to look for. So having some ideas here helps to know if I really need/want what they are selling.

 

[Derrel]

42-inch umbrella box Steve Kaeser Photographic Lighting

 

[Mach0]

42-inch umbrella box Steve Kaeser Photographic Lighting

I have them. They work fairly well. Just sowmthing to keep in mind, I had my old sb28 at full power to get f11 @iso 200 ( I think it was around 4 feet away?) The flash was hot as heck so maybe pick up another flash? So you don't fry it or just use a lower aperture and power setting.

 

[jenko]

Thanks for the ideas!

I may pick up another speedlight at some point, but for now I am just going to use the one I have.

 

[Mach0]

Thanks for the ideas! I may pick up another speedlight at some point, but for now I am just going to use the one I have.

A couple of manual flashes will work wonders for relatively cheap... So does the flashpoint 320 but it's MUCH larger than a speedlight or two lol.

 

[hirejn]

Depending on the DSLR, you probably already have a triggering system. Most Nikon DSLRs can command a remote flash using the pop-up and settings in the camera menu. All you need for that is reasonable line of sight. Radio triggering is an investment and I can't recommend or not recommend it. You have to decide if it's worth the investment for what you do. You don't need it to learn the basics. If you want it, I do recommend PocketWizard over any other brand. I recommend Flashpoint light stands from Adorama, and get the air cushioned ones. That way if you loosen a knob without holding the riser, it will lower softly instead of crashing and breaking equipment. Those stands will get you through most situations, but for the ultimate in durability and stability, you need a C-stand.

Light modifiers are personal choices. Most pros have a wide variety. Each modifier has different light characteristics that you should study and research. Enjoy working with lighting. I would suggest that if you haven't already mastered exposure and the fundamentals of photography, do that before learning lighting.

 

[jenko]

Appreciate the input!

I am pretty set on getting the pocketwizard now.

 

[jenko]

Thought I'd post this link in case others are researching the same thing:

The Lighting Academy: Comparing Light Modifiers

I am torn between the square softbox and the beauty dish.

 

[Braineack]

what are you going to be shooting?

 

[pixmedic]

For portraits, we have 40" umbrella boxes and 43" brollys.
Both work well.

We use nikon sb700's and yn568ex flashes with yongnuo 622n radio triggers, which also work very well.