So, I've been asking for help on the lighting, I'm ready to make my order, I think...

[Rosshole]

don't use the PVC for your own backdrop stand. It is going to cost you more in effort and frustration then a cheapie one from ebay.
I bought a portable backdrop stand that goes from 10 to 20 feet for 40 dollars and it included a case to carry it in.

True, I only used PVC at home where it didn't need to be moved at all as a very cheap option.

you can't use TTL with the cowboy trigger.

You shouldn't need TTL with off camera clash anyways... especially with multiple lights.

 

[misstwinklytoes]

you can't use TTL with the cowboy trigger.

Argh, I'm gonna guess that's just an issue with that one... and there's some more expensive one that I can, right?

Thanks for telling me this!

 

[misstwinklytoes]

2 - Lumapro LP160 - $160 each - $320
2 - Impact Lightstand/Umbrella/adapter kit - $100
2 - Wireless triggers - cactus - $50
1 - 10'x20' Muslin background - $115
various pvc to make your own backdrop stand - $15


LumoPro LP160 Manual Flash x2

Impact Digital Flash Umbrella Mount Kit B&H Photo Video

Cactus V2s Radio Slave Set x2

Interfit Italian Series Background - Milano Grey - INT585L B&H

$600. Enjoy. Seriously consider some of this.

Really kind of wanted to start with a hotshoe flash that I could take on or off camera.

 

[ababysean]

you can't use TTL with the cowboy trigger.

Argh, I'm gonna guess that's just an issue with that one... and there's some more expensive one that I can, right?

Thanks for telling me this!

I am not sure if pocket wizards can ttl, I'm guessing that they can, but really, you dont NEED ttl with off camera flash, but it takes some learning and getting settings right.
I think I'd stick with the cheapie triggers and get a light meter.

 

[Rosshole]

2 - Lumapro LP160 - $160 each - $320
2 - Impact Lightstand/Umbrella/adapter kit - $100
2 - Wireless triggers - cactus - $50
1 - 10'x20' Muslin background - $115
various pvc to make your own backdrop stand - $15


LumoPro LP160 Manual Flash x2

Impact Digital Flash Umbrella Mount Kit B&H Photo Video

Cactus V2s Radio Slave Set x2

Interfit Italian Series Background - Milano Grey - INT585L B&H

$600. Enjoy. Seriously consider some of this.

Really kind of wanted to start with a hotshoe flash that I could take on or off camera.

Then Remove one of the LP160's and replace it with a Canon 430. For TTL, your best option is to stick with a Canon Body/Canon Strobe combo.

Also, the LP160's are hotshoe flashes... just not TTL.

 

[Travis F]

If you really want to retain TTL functionality with your speed light you could use an off camera hot shoe cord. It's not wireless of course but it works.

I cut my canon Hot Shoe cord in half and put female network cable plugs on either end of the cord. This allows me to place any length of cable between the two and still retain the TTL function.

If you don't have a shoe cord already maybe not a very viable idea. But if you have one lying around collecting dust you could easily do this in about an hour. The parts are quite cheap as well. You could probably fing the female ends for less than $10. The cord will vary in price by length...

Just an idea.....

Travis

 

[Robin Usagani]

they have a chinese made TTL remote trigger for around $100. But really.. you dont need TTL...

 

[KmH]

2 - Lumapro LP160 - $160 each - $320

Really kind of wanted to start with a hotshoe flash that I could take on or off camera.

The LumoPro LP160 is a hot shoe flash you can use on or off the camera. I don't think it's worth $160, but that's just me.

I can recommend the Impact kit Rosshole linked you to, and I would recommend adding 45" and 60" umbrellas, 1 each.

I recommend these radio triggers because you can mount 2 flash units to a receiver and double the amount of light at each light position.

 

[misstwinklytoes]

Gah! SO frustrated! I only have about $400 to spend, so I wanted to get the Sigma flash because it gives room for other stuff. I wanted to find the stuff at all the same place so I could save on shipping. The BIGGEST frustration is I don't know how to tell what I'm looking for. I don't need the 2 flash radio triggers cause I only have one flash and that's all I'll have for probably a long time. Money's tight and I'm not making money with photography yet (if ever) so I'm really trying to stay within my budget.

I really, really don't need TTL, even with photog'in quick fast very mobile kids? (That's not all, but it is part of it.)

 

[ababysean]

no, but you are going to have to learn how to use your flash and settings... I've been working on this for about a good month now.

I would say get the entry level flash that cannon has, I have no idea what it is, for Nikon it is basically the sb-600.
and get a trigger.
I bought an umbrella case on ebay.

I iz poor too but it wasnt that much and I got a bangin deal on my flash from WALMART! open box buy 20% off, and then I got them to take another 20% off because it was obviously used a bit so it came to around 100.

 

[Travis F]

Gah! SO frustrated! I only have about $400 to spend, so I wanted to get the Sigma flash because it gives room for other stuff. I wanted to find the stuff at all the same place so I could save on shipping. The BIGGEST frustration is I don't know how to tell what I'm looking for. I don't need the 2 flash radio triggers cause I only have one flash and that's all I'll have for probably a long time. Money's tight and I'm not making money with photography yet (if ever) so I'm really trying to stay within my budget.

I really, really don't need TTL, even with photog'in quick fast very mobile kids? (That's not all, but it is part of it.)

You don't need TTL functionality. Especially if your ambient light condition is going to remain pretty constant. All TTL does is set the flash exposure Through The Lens. Basically the camera is telling the flash what exposure to set based on the camera's metering system. It also communicates the lens focus distance to zoom the flash head.

As long as your ambient light is remaining the same over a period of time you will be able to set the flash exposure manually and forget about it.

Hope that makes sense.

Travis

 

[D-B-J]

buy adorama brand! I got a 7.5 foot stand, an umbrella, and adapter for about fifty. Here's the links. Stuff works great!

STAND8 Adorama 7.5' Chrome Kit Light Stand with 1/4" Screw Thread, 3 Section with 2 Risers. folds to 27½"

781404 Adorama Universal Swivel Holder fits Shoe Mount Flashs

U33BC Adorama 33" White Interior Umbrella with Removeable Black Cover.

I use this setup and its awesome for a beginner. The adapter works great.

Regards,
Jake

 

[misstwinklytoes]

What if I get that ^^ and this : VIVDF383CAN Vivitar DF383 Digital TTL Shoe Mount Power Zoom /Swivel /Bounce Auto-Focus Flash for Canon TTL, Guide Number 45m (147')

And some kind of trigger/receiver?

 

[Blake.Oney]

I have 3 sets of the cowboy triggers and in my last 6 shoots since I got them they have misfired twice, and they have pretty good range.

My flashpoint strobes have been perfect. The only problem I've had is my Vivitar completely crapping out 2 months after I got it. I might buy another one, but I don't know.

 

[misstwinklytoes]

MT16 Flashpoint 16 Channel, Radio Remote Control Set, Works Nikon SB-900 Canon 580ex and other shoe mount flahes this.. is this alright?

And I was looking at this flash too...

PZ42XC Sunpak PZ42XC Digital Flash for Canon, with E-TTL II Flash Control Mode, Guide Number of 138 (ISO 100/feet), Black

I feel so stupid looking at all this mess, lol. I just KNOW I'm going to get a bunch of crap that doesn't work together.