Advice Needed for Speedlights and L Brackets

Hi All,


After a recent daytrip to the Chicago Botanic Gardens and taking some portrait photos at night, I've finally realized I have all the lenses I need for awhile and decided to focus on all the accesssories I still need. I'm looking to save $$ without wasting them on something that won't work with what I have. Which brings me to a few questions ...


#1 - I have a 7D, 580EX II & 430EX II, Yongnuo RF-602. I know I will need to get an additional receiver but I am looking to purchase one more speedlight and don't know if I should...


a) Buy another used 430EX II
b)YongnuoSpeedlight - doany of these models work with a 7D?I have read some don't.
c) Is there something else I should look at in speedlights or other types of lighting in general?

Basically, I'm just looking forbackground fill light for portraits.

#2) With a 7D and Induro BHD2 ballhead, which "L" bracket would work best? When Bryan posted the news about theArca-Swiss L Bracket , I thought it was pretty cool until I saw the price, $250.00!

Other Choices:

a)Acratech Universal "L" Bracket - $229.95
b) Kirk - $140.00
c) RRS - $140.00
d)Something else?


Suggestions appreciated! Thanks Much!!

Denise

Mpex.com just released their newest flash, the LP160. It looks to be a great manual flash (just as powerful as a 580EX, in fact) for $160. If I weren't focusing on monolights at the moment, I'd pick one up for that price. Hurry, though, because they will run out fast.

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

Mpex.com just released their newest flash, the [url="http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,14648.html]LP160[/url]. It looks to be a great manual flash (just as powerful as a 580EX, in fact) for $160. If I weren't focusing on monolights at the moment, I'd pick one up for that price. Hurry, though, because they will run out fast.
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Thanks, Sean! I will definitely take a look at it. You have never steered me wrong yet! BTW - I will be mailing the beauty dish back to you on Friday if I can get out of work early enough ...THANKS SO MUCH!!

Denise

I just saw one 430EX II I was watching on ebay ended while I was a work today @ $0.99 w/ no bids! [:@]

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

Mpex.com just released their newest flash, the [url="http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,14648.html]LP160[/url]. It looks to be a great manual flash (just as powerful as a 580EX, in fact) for $160. If I weren't focusing on monolights at the moment, I'd pick one up for that price. Hurry, though, because they will run out fast.
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I agree. If you're going to use this in conjunction with your RF-602sit sounds perfect. The only reason I'd consider another Canon Speedlite for you is if you really find yourself triggering them with your 7D since the LumoPro won't be able to be triggered with your 7D. You may be able to find a 430EX I for under $200 though which would be tempting...

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

Thanks, Sean! I will definitely take a look at it. You have never steered me wrong yet! BTW - I will be mailing the beauty dish back to you on Friday if I can get out of work early enough ...THANKS SO MUCH!!

Denise

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No problem. I hope you got some good testing in. ;-)

Denise, on your item #2 I'd say buy the Kirk. I've had one of their L brackets for my 1dII for about a year now and it's very well built. Also fairly low profile on the bottom so not uncomfortable when shooting vertically.

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Originally Posted by IAMB

Denise, on your item #2 I'd say buy the Kirk. I've had one of their L brackets for my 1dII for about a year now and it's very well built. Also fairly low profile on the bottom so not uncomfortable when shooting vertically.
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Thanks so much for responding! This one was my favorite of the 3 to choose from that Isaw online&amp; I was hoping to find someone that actually used it and liked it. It seems these aren't the mos popular gadget to use but I think it would be VERY handy!
At kirkpoto.com it shows pictures of being able to access everything on the sides with it on which is fantastic.

Thanks again ...looks like this is the one I will be getting!

Denise

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

No problem. I hope you got some good testing in. ;-)

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Yes, I did! I am still trying to get my daughter to let me post some photos of her!

Denise

Denise, as far as the L brackets...anything from Kirk, Acratech, RRS or Arca will work fine. You don't need advice on that.


About the new flash...Why? Some buy extra flashes for shooting paid events in case on fails...do you need that capability?

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Originally Posted by Brendan7

About the new flash...Why?

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For strobists,Speedlites are like, well, speed. Somewhat narcotic. Highly addictive. Denise started reading Sean's posts and advice, and I'm afraid we've lost her...


[:P]

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Originally Posted by Brendan7

Denise, as far as the L brackets...anything from Kirk, Acratech, RRS or Arca will work fine. You don't need advice on that.


About the new flash...Why? Some buy extra flashes for shooting paid events in case on fails...do you need that capability?
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There are slight differences in L brackets that's why I asked and I got a very helpful response.
About the new flash ...yeah, I do. Do you have one to suggest?

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Originally Posted by neuroanatomist

For strobists,Speedlites are like, well, speed. Somewhat narcotic. Highly addictive. Denise started reading Sean's posts and advice, and I'm afraid we've lost her...


[img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

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Ha! Ha! Actually it is alot of fun!! I've been experimenting with lighting &amp; using my softbox or umbrella and Sean's beauty dish. Trying different gels and grids...it's been awesome! My daughter and my dogs have been very patient models! I think I'm ready to move on to my toddler grandkids now ...they don't like to sit still to long while grandma plays with the light settings though!! [:P]

Anyway, just looking for a third to illuminate the background. I don't REALLY need it so that's why I don't want to spend alot but it would help.

I am hoping to eventually move on (way in the future)to doing pet photography (stills &amp; agility photos)for clients of my dog's trainer and donate the money to the local dog shelter.

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

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Originally Posted by IAMB

Denise, on your item #2 I'd say buy the Kirk. I've had one of their L brackets for my 1dII for about a year now and it's very well built. Also fairly low profile on the bottom so not uncomfortable when shooting vertically.
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Thanks so much for responding! This one was my favorite of the 3 to choose from that Isaw online&amp; I was hoping to find someone that actually used it and liked it. It seems these aren't the mos popular gadget to use but I think it would be VERY handy!
At kirkpoto.com it shows pictures of being able to access everything on the sides with it on which is fantastic.

Thanks again ...looks like this is the one I will be getting!

Denise
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No problem. You're right in that L brackets are handy to have... mine almost never leaves the camera (considering that its weight is minuscule compared to that of the camera body and considering that it's unobtrusive enough that everything fits into my gear bag exactly the same whether the bracket is attached or not, why bother taking it off?). Another potential use is being able to put together custom flash brackets using fewer pieces (and thus lower cost) by attaching to the vertical plate rather than the bottom one.





Anyway, good luck with the purchase and enjoy!

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Originally Posted by IAMB

Another potential use is being able to put together custom flash brackets using fewer pieces (and thus lower cost) by attaching to the vertical plate rather than the bottom one.

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Wish I'd of known this before I bought all the pieces I have ...they can be cumbersome!

Denise

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Originally Posted by neuroanatomist

For strobists,Speedlites are like, well, speed. Somewhat narcotic. Highly addictive. Denise started reading Sean's posts and advice, and I'm afraid we've lost her...


[img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

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I have 10 shoe mount flashes and 2 monolights, and I'm always looking for more.....but I can stop any time I want. *muscle in neck twitches*

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

I have 10 shoe mount flashes and 2 monolights, and I'm always looking for more.....but I can stop any time I want. *muscle in neck twitches*

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WOW! Ok, I feel better now ...I have a LONG WAY to go before I'm over my limit for lighting! [:P]

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I am hoping to eventually move on (way in the future)to doing pet photography (stills &amp; agility photos)for clients of my dog's trainer and donate the money to the local dog shelter.

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Admirable Denise :-)

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I ended up ordering the Kirk L bracket and I got a really good deal on a new 430EX II. I also ordered a Canon Macro Ring Lite, a zebra snootand another light stand, etc.so I am very set for accessories for awhile!

Thanks again, everyone!

Denise

Denise,


Just curious as to why you chose the Kirk over the RRS. I just got off the phone with RRS, and I have compared them both until my eyes are crossed, and it seems like the RRS is maybe a nicer bracket. I also found out that the RRS 50D bracket can be used on the 40D, which is what I currently have. The guy I spoke with said that since the fit and contouring are pretty precise, the 40D bracket will NOT fit onto the 50D, partly because the 50D body is ever so slightly wider.


The Kirk site actually lists the same part number for both cameras, so they obviously are interchangeable. I just don't think I like the thickness of the side part of the Kirk when compared with the RRS. When you get yours, would you chime in again? Meanwhile, if I get the RRS, I have 30 days to send it back, so I'll let you know my thoughts on using their 50D bracket on my 40D, too.

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Originally Posted by HiFiGuy1

Denise,


Just curious as to why you chose the Kirk over the RRS. I just got off the phone with RRS, and I have compared them both until my eyes are crossed, and it seems like the RRS is maybe a nicer bracket. I also found out that the RRS 50D bracket can be used on the 40D, which is what I currently have. The guy I spoke with said that since the fit and contouring are pretty precise, the 40D bracket will NOT fit onto the 50D, partly because the 50D body is ever so slightly wider.


The Kirk site actually lists the same part number for both cameras, so they obviously are interchangeable. I just don't think I like the thickness of the side part of the Kirk when compared with the RRS. When you get yours, would you chime in again? Meanwhile, if I get the RRS, I have 30 days to send it back, so I'll let you know my thoughts on using their 50D bracket on my 40D, too.
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Even though I read many favorable reviews for the RRS, I guess my main reason overall on choosing the Kirk was because the only one here that had one of them is lAMB and it was the Kirk. Some reviews online found fault with both of them (for different reasons) after testing each one. They are not all the same that's for sure!

I bought mine at B&amp;H, so I only have 15 days to send it back if I don't like it. We'll see! I should have it the early part of next week ...I'll let you know what I think! Man, I sure wish I just had a store in town that sells this stuff so I could try both out right there!!

Denise

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

I sure wish I just had a store in town that sells this stuff so I could try both out right there!!

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Funny you should mention that. I'm thinking about building a camera store right next to you...where ever that is!!![:D]

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

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Originally Posted by HiFiGuy1

Denise,


Just curious as to why you chose the Kirk over the RRS. I just got off the phone with RRS, and I have compared them both until my eyes are crossed, and it seems like the RRS is maybe a nicer bracket. I also found out that the RRS 50D bracket can be used on the 40D, which is what I currently have. The guy I spoke with said that since the fit and contouring are pretty precise, the 40D bracket will NOT fit onto the 50D, partly because the 50D body is ever so slightly wider.


The Kirk site actually lists the same part number for both cameras, so they obviously are interchangeable. I just don't think I like the thickness of the side part of the Kirk when compared with the RRS. When you get yours, would you chime in again? Meanwhile, if I get the RRS, I have 30 days to send it back, so I'll let you know my thoughts on using their 50D bracket on my 40D, too.
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Even though I read many favorable reviews for the RSS, I guess my main reason overall on choosing the Kirk was because the only one here that had one of them is lAMB and it was the Kirk. Some reviews online found fault with both of them (for different reasons) after testing each one. They are not all the same that's for sure!

I bought mine at BH, so I only have 15 days to send it back if I don't like it. We'll see! I should have it the early part of next week ...I'll let you know what I think! Man, I sure wish I just had a store in town that sells this stuff so I could try both out right there!!

Denise

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I actually did have a Kirk L-bracket on my former Nikon D100, which I sold with the camera, and it was very nicely built. Not that there was anything spectacular about it, just made solidly. It was lacking the laser engraved marks for accurately lining up the body/bracket on the quick release mount, which the RRS has. I think I am going to order the RRS unit I mentioned, partly because I just realized that July 4th is coming soon, and I haven't been able to retrieve my old SunPak 7500TM tripod from the job site where I left it a few weeks back. The proprietary SunPak bracket that is on my 40D now won't fit anything else. I guess it is dumpster fodder at this point. [:(] Oh, well, I'd rather use the Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod anyway. [:D]