I really like the LumoPro units also, but there is a time most of us have a need for on camera/TTL and if you can afford only one unit it should probably by Yongnuo or Nikon if budget permits.
Tapp'n on the go
Questions - flash / tripod
- Thread starter bmilcs
- Start date
I really like the LumoPro units also, but there is a time most of us have a need for on camera/TTL and if you can afford only one unit it should probably by Yongnuo or Nikon if budget permits.
Tapp'n on the go
Yin Yang Yong! LOL...couldn't stop laughing. 
I have the SB-700 AND a Yin Yang Yong...I mean the Yongnuo YN565EX, and I can tell you, they both work extremely well together, as well as on their own. I wouldn't hesitate to get another YN565EX...which I will, as soon as I can scrape together the necessary coin. Literally half the price of an SB-700.
I have the SB-700 AND a Yin Yang Yong...I mean the Yongnuo YN565EX, and I can tell you, they both work extremely well together, as well as on their own. I wouldn't hesitate to get another YN565EX...which I will, as soon as I can scrape together the necessary coin. Literally half the price of an SB-700.
Browncoat
Senior Member
There's something to be said about the Yin-Yang-Yong flashes. I've been surprised to learn just how many pros actually use them. Most of those guys describe them as "throwaways" because they're so cheap, but Average Joe shooter isn't going to put the unit to extreme use and abuse, either.
I'm die-hard LumoPro because my local camera store designed them, so I feel a sense of hometown pride. They have all kinds of cool lighting gear, not just speedlights.
I'm die-hard LumoPro because my local camera store designed them, so I feel a sense of hometown pride. They have all kinds of cool lighting gear, not just speedlights.
rocketman122
Senior Member
SO MANY pros I know use them in weddings. light is light. they perform very well. fast to recycle and strong. they do exactly what they need to do. durability? well my 568 flash fell because I used their POS 603 slave which doesnt lock into place but just slides on and off. after some time the head was too loose and I sent it for repair. its on its way back. just $30 for shipping. but the Sb is better for me. ripoff prices though.
I also have the SB700 and 900. for me as a pro Id buy the 910 only because I shoot so much. but for semi pros, I would highly recommend the yongnuo. performance isnt different. but small features the SB have makes it worthwhile for me.
I wouldnt pay so much for a manual only off camera flash. no need. I even use my workhorse SB28 for manual off camera and I love it. plus my flashes are on stands and its happened people knock into them almost toppling them over. if they fall, I know its a cheap flash that fell. so no issue. I wouldnt spend today more than $100 for an off camera flash.
knowing how to use a flash is more important than what flash.
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Amazon.com : Yongnuo YN-565EX ETTL Speedlite Flash for Nikon : On Camera Shoe Mount Flashes : Camera & Photo
I really, really like the price tag. Now, will this be powerful enough at 1/3 or so the power to bounce off walls / ceilings for portraits in rapid succession? A review suggested that you use at 1/3-1/4 the power and it'll last for an entire shoot.
I really, really like the price tag. Now, will this be powerful enough at 1/3 or so the power to bounce off walls / ceilings for portraits in rapid succession? A review suggested that you use at 1/3-1/4 the power and it'll last for an entire shoot.
rocketman122
Senior Member
1-its very strong and very fast to recycle. I love the springed door that opens up automatically when you release the door and the diagram for inserting batteries is way better than the nikon. I can read the white label in the dark and with nikons you have to angle it to understand. but I remember the top battery in the SB900 goes with nipple out.
I also prefer the lock wheel on the yongnuo vs nikons flip to lock switch for the foot. yes its faster but after time the nikon will start rocking and feel like its going to fall off. have it on my SB700 SB800 SB900 and my friend has it on both 910's of his.
2-what the hell is an entire shoot? are we supposed to guess what a "shoot" is?
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LOL. You know...
I'm trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about when I am clearly just learning.
What I meant is relative to the Nikons, will the ying yang be comparable in terms of the battery lasting?
Browncoat
Senior Member
It's all relative, I suppose.
Yes, light is light. I've yet to encounter a situation where I couldn't overpower ambient with my speedlights or strobes. Therefore, I can't justify the expense of ultra high end lighting (like ProFoto). $1,250-$2,500 for a light just seems ridiculous to me. But, I know a more than a few guys who swear by these things and don't shoot with anything else, even when a lower power light would do just fine.
I only recently pulled the trigger on a TTL flash. It's rare that I need an on-camera flash, because I just don't shoot that way. But, when I need one, I need one that's 100% reliable and gives me the control I'm used to with off-camera lighting. I hated plunking down $500 for an SB-910. Still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth because that's a lot of cash for something that will spend most of its time in my bag. Same thing with the light meter...it's something I rarely use, but when I need it, I know I have a good one.
Yes, light is light. I've yet to encounter a situation where I couldn't overpower ambient with my speedlights or strobes. Therefore, I can't justify the expense of ultra high end lighting (like ProFoto). $1,250-$2,500 for a light just seems ridiculous to me. But, I know a more than a few guys who swear by these things and don't shoot with anything else, even when a lower power light would do just fine.
I only recently pulled the trigger on a TTL flash. It's rare that I need an on-camera flash, because I just don't shoot that way. But, when I need one, I need one that's 100% reliable and gives me the control I'm used to with off-camera lighting. I hated plunking down $500 for an SB-910. Still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth because that's a lot of cash for something that will spend most of its time in my bag. Same thing with the light meter...it's something I rarely use, but when I need it, I know I have a good one.
Thank you everyone for your insight. Considering my economical situation and needs, I went with the Ying Yang flash. It seems like it'll be a great product and will give me some experience with Flash photography.
Pulled the trigger on the flash and also a sensor cleaning kit of amazon - Lenspen, a blower, and a second memory card.
That Sigma 18-35 has my attention. Not gonna lie! Looks awesome.
Now I need to decide on a tripod and head for under 150.
Pulled the trigger on the flash and also a sensor cleaning kit of amazon - Lenspen, a blower, and a second memory card.
That Sigma 18-35 has my attention. Not gonna lie! Looks awesome.
Now I need to decide on a tripod and head for under 150.
Another question: Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH BeFree Travel Tripod MKBFRA4-BH
This tripod has the latches to loosen / tighten legs once extended. Am I going to need to use a wrench everytime I want to tighten it for use??? Or is that just for extra support?
This tripod has the latches to loosen / tighten legs once extended. Am I going to need to use a wrench everytime I want to tighten it for use??? Or is that just for extra support?
Fortkentdad
Senior Member
I went for the Benro "Transfunctional Travel Angel"
It is functional and transforms into a monopod (one of the legs unscrews).
Folds up nicely and compact.
Seems to be of decent quality.
Mid-range price. Not cheapo cheap, but wont break the bank.
And it has a really cool name.
Then there's this model. Great price, IMHO. Tripods | Strobepro Studio Lighting
rocketman122
Senior Member
their ball heads are also very nice. no need to pay $200+ for a good head. I had the markins Q10 head and sold it and went with a benro and cannot see the reason for paying so much for one for half price.
I think I found ::THE ONE::.
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 ALTA PRO 263AB 100
[h=1]Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead[/h]
What do you guys think? Good choice?
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 ALTA PRO 263AB 100
[h=1]Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead[/h]
What do you guys think? Good choice?
That's the one I have. Very sturdy and solid. Not for travelling if you are thinking of using it for that. I've used it with my d7100 and 70-200mm without any issues. Also has the multi angle centre column, which is great for macro shots.
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I don't plan on "traveling" with it, but moreso bring to say a family get together or kids sporting event for pictures. Is this too much for that purpose?
It only weighs 5 lbs.. can't see it being too bad.
You should be fine for that purpose.
So, I now have my Vanguard Alta Pro and Yungnuo Flash.
The tripod: a beast. It is a rock. Not so sure about bringing it out and about as stated in a previous post but for around the house, it's a monster.
The Flash: I put in 4 brand new Alkaline AA batteries. I got maybe 200 pics out of it - most at -3 or -4 power and it's already dead. Is this normal? I wasn't expecting it to die that fast but then again, it's my first speedlite.
I was told to keep the Yungnuo output to -3 or -4 power from an Amazon review, but when using those options, it doesn't even feel like I'm adding any light. Was this advice poor? I did a few pics at full power and they were outstanding via TTL hot shoe bounced off the ceiling.
Obviously, I need to pick up some rechargeable batteries. Are Eneloops the standard?
The tripod: a beast. It is a rock. Not so sure about bringing it out and about as stated in a previous post but for around the house, it's a monster.
The Flash: I put in 4 brand new Alkaline AA batteries. I got maybe 200 pics out of it - most at -3 or -4 power and it's already dead. Is this normal? I wasn't expecting it to die that fast but then again, it's my first speedlite.
I was told to keep the Yungnuo output to -3 or -4 power from an Amazon review, but when using those options, it doesn't even feel like I'm adding any light. Was this advice poor? I did a few pics at full power and they were outstanding via TTL hot shoe bounced off the ceiling.
Obviously, I need to pick up some rechargeable batteries. Are Eneloops the standard?