Strobs/Flash

Lil Bob · May 28, 2009

Hey,

Has anybody on here ever used this kit? Strobist Starving Student SC3 Lighting Kit
If so could you tell me how you liked it, is durable(sp)?
Oh also does this kit come with everything i will need?

I am shooting with a Canon Rebel XTi..

Thanks,

Bobby

johnbergsing · May 28, 2009

I don't have this particular kit but I do own a few of their kits. Mine came with the Vivitar 285HVs and thus have no experience with the new flash. (Honestly, I wish I could trade my 285s for this new manual flash...) I have recommended their kits in the past and continue to do so. Go for it!

Iron Flatline · May 28, 2009

Midwest Photo Exchange is pretty well respected, as are their kits. It seems like a fair price - it's not Unbelievable!, but I guess that's because it's honest.

I have no experience with that flash, but if it's manually controllable (and has some zoom capability) then you should be good to go.

Big Mike · May 28, 2009

I don't have first hand experience with that stuff either...but word on the street is that it's certainly adequate and should have everything to get you started.

CxThree · May 28, 2009

It looks like a great strobist set. I'd say go for it.

Lil Bob · Jun 4, 2009

Thanks for all the input guys/gals.... Does this kit from the same place look like a better deal?

Strobist Pro PT1 Lighting Kit

Thanks again,

Bobby

Big Mike · Jun 4, 2009

The big difference is the type/brand of radio trigger system. The student version uses a cheap Cactus trigger and the pro version uses pocket wizards.

If you search the forum, there are plenty of discussions about the different flash trigger options.

Sherman Banks · Jun 4, 2009

If you're on a budget, I built a 2 flash setup that was way less than the first one. I didn't get all of the stuff in one place, but it saved me some $$$.

Here's what I got and where I got it:
2 Vivitar 285hv's from Adorama @ $89 a piece
2 Umbrellas, stands and mounts from ebay (seller discountbulbs) @ $60
1 Cactus V4 receiver and 4 transmitters from Gadget Infinity @ $120

I had also purchased a Nikon SB600 to work with my Nikon body, but was bought used at $175 and I plan on buying another Vivitar as my 4th.

Midwest Photo was my first option, but I figured I could get more bang for my buck if I just did the work and pieced it out. The second kit you listed looks nice, especially with Pocket Wizards, but of course comes at a price.