beginners lighting kit questions

[Cozen]

Seems like everyday I can think of something new I need/want. So here is an update for gear I've picked up for my beginner's lighting kit.





CTR-301P Wireless Flash Trigger with 2 receivers and PC Sync....$41.99 (from Ebay)


1 Flexible Gripping Large Tripod .................................................. .$8.99 (maxsaver)


Westcott 43" Collapsible Umbrella ...............................................$26 .00 (mpex)


LumoPro LP634 Umbrella Swivel Ada............................................$19 .99 (mpex)


LumoPro 8' Black A/C Stand............................................. .............$29.99 (mpex)


Nikon SB-24................................................ ..................................$60.00 (ebay)


Nikon SB-25................................................ ..................................$70.00 (ebay)


<span style="font-size: 10pt;"]<span style="font-size: 10pt;"]Background photo muslin (black) 10 X 6 ft.........................$24.99 (ebay)



8 AA Energizer rechargeable batteries/charger ...........................$25.99 (ebay)


2 Ultimate Combo Pack photo gels.............................................. .$34.00 (photogels)


2 10 degree honeycomb grids............................................. .........$20


Promaster Tripod/stand carrying bag...........................................$40 (adolf gassers)





This is roughly $400 for all the above listed gear. I'm sure there are some ways to cut costs with DIY etc.





I'm still debating on ball bungees, sandbag, flags/barn doors, but these all seem great DIY projects.





Yup, things are definitely starting to add up, but I can't wait!

[Sean Setters]

Just for comparison (I'm listing only the gear I carry with me to every shoot)

CTR-301P Wireless Flash Trigger with 2 receivers and PC Sync....$41.99 (from Ebay)

(5) CSRBs and (2) CSTs

1 Flexible Gripping Large Tripod .................................................. .$8.99 (maxsaver)

check

Westcott 43" Collapsible Umbrella ...............................................$26 .00 (mpex)

(2) white, (2) reflective, (1) 28" softbox, (1) 15" softbox

LumoPro LP634 Umbrella Swivel Ada............................................$19 .99 (mpex)

(3) LP634s, (2) LP633s, (2) LP632s

LumoPro 8' Black A/C Stand............................................. .............$29.99 (mpex)

(3) LP606s (product mentioned above), (1) Manfrotto 001b

Nikon SB-24................................................ ..................................$60.00 (ebay)


Nikon SB-25................................................ ..................................$70.00 (ebay)

(3) Vivitar 285HVs, (2) Vivitar 285s, (1) Vivitar DF400MZ, (1) Canon 580EX

Background photo muslin (black) 10 X 6 ft.........................$24.99 (ebay)

(2) Botero 5x7 Collapsible Backgrounds (black/white &amp; grey)

8 AA Energizer rechargeable batteries/charger ...........................$25.99 (ebay)

(10) sets of (4) rechargeable AA batteries (different makes) with a MAHA C801D Recharger

2 Ultimate Combo Pack photo gels.............................................. .$34.00 (photogels)

(3) older combo packs (slightly different combination of gels), (4) color correction, (1) special effects pack

2 10 degree honeycomb grids............................................. .........$20

(7) grids in foam housing ranging from 60 degrees down to 10 degrees of spread

Promaster Tripod/stand carrying bag...........................................$40 (adolf gassers)

(1) Standbagger Model 8, (2) Wal-Mart craft bags (perfect for strobes), (1) fishing tackle organizer (for triggers)


And I've got some ball bungees, (8) sandbags, a DIY snoot. And I wouldn't dare to total that up.

[Cozen]

dang Sean! I thought being a strobist was about traveling light and being able to be on the move! Haha, just kidding. But seriously, the 40 batteries alone must weigh quite a bit. You really need that many?


You have quite the collection, but with your help, it seems I'm on the right track.


I wouldn't want to total it up either. I regret even totaling mine up, but I just wanted to give people an idea in case they were looking to buy a beginner strobe set up as well.


Seems having another light stand and umbrella would be very useful to me, but seems as I'm trying to keep the gear to a minimum, I can use my tripod for a 2nd light stand if I handhold my camera, and I'm going to grab an inexpensive softbox.


Where did you get your ball bungees from?


The biggest challenge for me will be making the transition from constant lighting to working with strobes. Not being able to see the light before I shoot it will be tough at first. But when I get my gear, I will definitely post some of my first shots.





Oh, and what do you think about that barn door thing I saw on ebay?

[Sean Setters]

Where did you get your ball bungees from?

I got my ball bungees from Wal-Mart--sporting goods section.

Oh, and what do you think about that barn door thing I saw on ebay?

When I found some speedlight-sized barn doors, I snatched up a couple. However, I've only used the barndoors once (as they won't fit my Vivitars). I found snoots and grids to be much more useful. The one time I needed a flag I simply taped a 3x5 card to the side of the flash and that worked fine.


My one decent shot using the barndoors on my 580EX:

[Sean Setters]

Just to let everyone know, I started writing the rather lengthy strobist thread this evening. I won't actually post it until (most likely) tomorrow evening at the earliest once I get through the flash triggering section. I'll still have several sections to go after that, but at least it'll be up and started. I urge everyone to read through it and send me any revisions or additions needed (via conversations) once it's up.

[bastoone]

Awesome ! can't wait to read it !

[Gian Luca]

Sean, I never tried to work, the only exception is in the office, when I shoot some products for our catalougue. I look forward to read your post, as I am more and more convinced to try after reading all your past post.





Ciao

[Sean Setters]

Whoops! Forgot about the NFL season opening tonight--Titans vs Steelers. Not sure how much writing I'll get done. Might have to wait until Friday evening...





:-)

[Gian Luca]

Enjoy the opening, I will wait happily

[Sean Setters]

The first strobist info post is up.