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question about light stand kits Anonymous
what's up guys

i've got an xti with a 580 II flash but no light stand to put it on, actually i don't even have any means to trigger it wirelessly

i've been meaning to order the canon off shoe cord but it's $70 and with shipping, it would come to nearly $100

so i've checked out online and i see this store offers some light stand kits

http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=Strobist%20Kits

i'm not too sure which one is right for me but i think it's the SP2 kit? at $109, right?

i get the light stand (most important thing i want)
an umbrella
some gels
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>> Anonymous
what are you wanting to shoot with the lighting setup?
>> Anonymous
random portraits

looking to spend the least possible
>> Anonymous
should have got a KM/Sony with the built in wireless flash.
>> Anonymous
meh, just want to know if that kit will work for me

or if i should buy a good tripod (i need one) and find some kind of adapter that will let me mount my flash on it
>> Anonymous
Something like this?
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14323
>> Anonymous
>>226704

that's only the cord though, and i think the SP2 kit comes with one :/
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
Don't use a cord to trigger your flash. PC cords will twist and shear really fast, plus I guarantee you'll trip over the wire, or someone else will. Invest in wireless transmitters. If you can't afford PW or Skyports, try the eBay triggers. Here's what I use (from BH):

Elinchrom EL-SKYPORT UNIVERSAL TRIGGER SET - ELESTSU $184.95
Photoflex UMBRELLA SHOE MOUNT MULTI CLAMP - PHMCUSM $16.95
Impact 45" UMBRELLA BLK/WHT w/REMOVABLE COVER - IMU45BW $21.95
Impact 8' AIR CUSHION 4-SECTION LIGHTSTAND - IMLS8AQ $34.95
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
Also, if you do choose to use the PC cord, remember you need a Hotshoe to PC adapter for your XTi, as I don't believe it has a built-in PC terminal.

The Canon shoe cord is useful because you maintain E-TTL, with PC or wireless you lose all TTL and have to use manual flash, by the way.
>> Anonymous
hmm, is this kit better then? it's the SW2 wireless kit

http://www.mpex.com/page.htm?PG=STROBIST%20SW1%20KIT

Includes:
1 - Vivitar 285HV Shoe Mount Flash
1 - 8ft. Air Cushioned Light Stand
1 - Cactus V2s Wireless Radio Slave set (Transmitter and Receiver)
1 - Westcott 43” Compact Umbrella - Soft Silver
1 - Rosco Pro Color Correction Gel Pack
1 - DIY Grid, Barndoor, Snoot kit
1 - CTA Ni-MH 2700mAh AA 4-pack Battery w/Rapid Charger
1 - Bongo Elastic Ties (10 pack)
1 - Umbrella Swivel
1 - Nano Gaffer Tape roll 1"x8yds

so with that, i got everything i need for wireless flash?

i got the light stand (the thing i want the most)
the umbrella
the wireless thing

that's good? for $129 only
>> Anonymous
>>226877

hey, what's the difference with the skyport wireless and the cactus wireless?

and what's that photoflex thing? is it to mount it on a tripod to convert it to a light stand?
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
>>226884
Range, for starters. The Cactus is only good for about 10 feet, the Skyports are 800 feet, I think. They're much more reliable, won't misfire, sync correctly, are durable and come with a warranty, plus are less prone to interference with selectable channels.

The price is more expensive, but I bought the Skyports because I want to get it right the first time. A lot of people have reported to be happy with Cactus triggers, so if you're on a tight budget, it's worth a try.
>> Anonymous
yeah, i don't need that kind of thing, the entire kit for $129 is fine (no flash included)

what's the photoflex thing? i can't understand how it attaches to tripods, does it even attach to regular tripods?
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
>>226891
Which photoflex thing?
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
>>226883
imo, buy the parts separately to save some money. Get a shoot-through umbrella with removable cover instead, plus the included batteries are worthless.
>> Anonymous
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>>226877Photoflex UMBRELLA SHOE MOUNT MULTI CLAMP - PHMCUSM $16.95

thing thing you linked

because if i can attach this to a regular tripod, i would not order the things from MPEX because i also need a tripod

i would then get a nice sturdy tripod for regular use, and if i need to use flash, i could mount it on, that would be better for me
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
>>226894
The bottom part screws into the lightstand, the top is for attaching the flash and the middle holes are for the umbrella, with the handle so you can tilt the umbrella. There's nothing on top of a light stand other than a threaded screw, you can also use it for a camera tripod, but it's not as solid.

Remember you'll also need a way of connecting the flash to the receiver.
>> Anonymous
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>>226895

oh, so i could get a manfrotto or bogen camera tripod and screw on that Photoflex, no problem?

that could save me some money instead of having both a tripod and light stand, i could have 1 tripod that does both

>> Remember you'll also need a way of connecting the flash to the receiver.

doesn't the Cactus wireless come with one? like this in the picture
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
>>226896
Yes, I can take some pictures of the swivel if you want so you can make sure. Generally, tripods don't reach as high as light stands, that's the only thing I'm worried for you about. I don't know how the Cactus interfaces with flashes, but I know the Skyports need a cable depending on which strobe you use. If it connects through the hotshoe, then I guess it doesn't work with studio strobes?
>> Anonymous
>>226897Yes, I can take some pictures of the swivel if you want so you can make sure. Generally, tripods don't reach as high as light stands, that's the only thing I'm worried for you about.

ah, yes thanks man

2 birds with 1 stone for me if it mounts on a normal tripod

>> I don't know how the Cactus interfaces with flashes, but I know the Skyports need a cable depending on which strobe you use. If it connects through the hotshoe, then I guess it doesn't work with studio strobes?

i have no idea, i don't have studio strobes anyway, just my 580 II

couple more questions, dude

the umbrella you linked, what is the interior like? shouldn't it be silver to reflect light back? it looks black from the picture

and i assume that if you can take off the exterior lining, it's for shooting directly through the umbrella instead of reflecting, right?

and for the list, i need these:

>> Photoflex UMBRELLA SHOE MOUNT MULTI CLAMP - PHMCUSM $16.95
>> Impact 45" UMBRELLA BLK/WHT w/REMOVABLE COVER - IMU45BW $21.95

plus a tripod and the Cactus wireless on eBay and i'm done, correct?

thanks for the help dude
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
>>226898
I'll take some pictures for you, hang on ....
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
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here's the umbrella, the stand, the photoflex and the equipment

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 40DCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS3 MacintoshImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:07:20 14:30:32Exposure Time1/15 secF-Numberf/4.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/4.0Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length18.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width968Image Height644RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
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the skyport receiver connects to the flash like so. I had to order the cable separately, since skyports are made to work with all strobes and flashes.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 40DCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS3 MacintoshImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:07:20 14:32:13Exposure Time1/8 secF-Numberf/4.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/4.0Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length18.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width968Image Height644RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
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the umbrella looks like so. you can shoot through it, or if I put the cover on (it's on the floor), I can shoot into it.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 40DCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS3 MacintoshImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution240 dpiVertical Resolution240 dpiImage Created2008:07:20 14:33:10Exposure Time1/25 secF-Numberf/4.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/4.0Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length18.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width902Image Height611RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
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the flash goes on like this

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 40DCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS3 MacintoshImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:07:20 14:34:40Exposure Time1/15 secF-Numberf/4.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/4.0Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length27.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width968Image Height644RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Liquefied !!CF1+3tSFCce
I don't know if this has been answered yet but the Photoflex bracket will mount on a tripod but I highly recommend getting a light stand anyway because it's nice to keep the camera in the same spot for experimentation purposes.
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
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then the umbrella goes into the swivel

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 40DCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS3 MacintoshImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:07:20 14:35:05Exposure Time1/25 secF-Numberf/4.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/4.0Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length27.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width968Image Height644RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
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the flash fires into the umbrella. it's that simple. you can remove the top of the lightstand screw for a standard tripod screw and put the camera on it, but I don't recommend it because it will barely support the weight.

also, buy sandbags or find a way to keep the lightstand from tipping over in wind.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 40DCamera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS3 MacintoshImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2008:07:20 14:35:57Exposure Time1/50 secF-Numberf/4.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/4.0Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length18.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width968Image Height644RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
thanks dude

>> Photoflex UMBRELLA SHOE MOUNT MULTI CLAMP - PHMCUSM $16.95
>> Impact 45" UMBRELLA BLK/WHT w/REMOVABLE COVER - IMU45BW $21.95
>> Impact 8' AIR CUSHION 4-SECTION LIGHTSTAND - IMLS8AQ $34.95

plus the Cactus wireless and it's complete?

the 580 slides directly into the mounting piece of the Photoflex?
>> Depressed Cheesecake !wFh1Fw9wBU
>>226911
Yes, it does, some say to put electrical tape on the contacts so they don't grind, but mine doesn't touch the mount, so it's all good.

Double check that the wireless trigger will not need any additional cables to connect to the flash and you're set.
>> Anonymous
good stuff

one more thing while you guys are here

recommendations for a good tripod? i think i need to buy the tripod then the ballhead separately? something like that?
>> Einta !!MWv3ICYobCM
>>226914
Depends. For high end stuff, usually. For low end stuff, very rarely.

I cheaped out and picked up a Manfrotto 190XDB with 390RC2FS head. Retails for $200 in Canada. It's aluminum, and the head is a 3-way. Good enough for me, as it gives decent portrait orientation, can reverse the center post (to hang the camera down between the legs), is stable and tall enough for me while standing.
>> Liquefied !!CF1+3tSFCce
>>226914
Manfrotto for sure. I recommend the 190XDB as well. For a head you want to decide if you want a standard 3-way pan/tilt one or a ball head. I prefer ball head because there's just one nob to turn for all motions. The 486 RC2 is the head I use.
>> Anonymous
>>226920

this one?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496266-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XDB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

how come the maximum height is only 57.1" (145.0 cm) that's 4.75 ft kind of short isn't it? that doesn't even reach my shoulder :/

and does the 486RC2 allow portrait orientation?

>>226915

and yours is this one?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/551339-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_190XDB_F_390RC2_190XDB_Tripod_Legs_
Black_.html

pretty good if i can use portrait orientation with that one
>> Liquefied !!CF1+3tSFCce
>>226940
If you're tall then you might want to look at a taller tripod. The 486RC2 does allow portrait orientation.
>> Anonymous
the manfrotto + ball head = $140
umbrella = $22
photoflex = $17
cactus = $40

more than twice what i wanted to spend ;______;
>> Anonymous
I have the Canon ST-E2 wireless transmitter. It allows me to use ETTL to automatically control flash power.
>> Anonymous
>>227369

$220

fuck that shit

i can get a 430 for $250 and have 2 fucking flashes
>> Anonymous
>>227375
If you use a wireless transmitter like the Skyport or Pocketwizard, you will have to set the flash power by yourself. It can get tedious unless you have an assistant or have mastered the guide number rule. The ST-E2 lets you use ETTL to control the flashes.
>> Anonymous
i don't need automatic

and i don't know any guide number rule

i'm going to set the power until it looks right and that's fine with me
>> Anonymous
Ebay is your low-budget friend here:
Light stands for almost nothing, and searching for PT-04 and V2s will win you lots of cheap remote flash trigger.