RockyNH_RIP
Senior Member
Ok, it was time to pull the trigger!!! There have been posts and threads regarding lighting, speedlights bouncing, speedlights off camera, continuous lighting for a studio, modifiers etc.
I have been taking this all in and trying to decide what I wanted.. (I am looking to learn more) I at first was leaning toward a continuous setup but later decided I would have more flexibility with speedlights. Earlier I bought a Nikon SB-700 for my main light, on camera bounce etc... It works well and I am glad that I invested in it.
So ... lets look at stuff...
This is a shot of everything... all of the new stuff was purchased at Amazon...
Prior equipment was the tripod, SB-400 and the Nikon remote shutter release.
Note: I bought budget equipment, I am wanting to learn but if this strobist stuff is not for me, no big bucks invested.
The light stands came complete with carry bag, 2 stands, 2 umbrellas with either shoot through or reflective by adding the black & silver cover (not pictured). A pair of adaptors were included for mounting the umbrellas & lights. I was impressed by the quality, not that they are heavy duty or pro, but for what I paid, it was better than I expected! The adaptors were metal where some cheap kits had plastic. Brand was Polaroid.
This table shot shows the "stuff". The Yongnuo came with a nice carry case and a stand. I was very impressed with this speedlight. Feels well made, heavy. The 560 II is a manual only unit and can be controlled in M or S modes. M with work with hotshoe or the triggers... S will trigger from another flash. Tried both modes and it worked well.
The controls are simple and I like how easy to dial up or down by a full stop or 1/3's
This last shot shows a closer view of the speedlights, Yongnuo to the right. Also is a flash sync cord to attach any flash as an off camera without triggers (but limited by distance) The Triggers are the 3 piece set by Cowboy Studio. All plastic, they take a few knocks for build quality but are rated reliable and a great bargain. I also looked at the Yongnuo Triggers. Rated a little better and are "transcievers" so they can be used either on camera (transmitter) or on flash (receiver). They were a few bucks more but also only could power one flash. The Cowboy Studio set had 3 pieces, a transmitter and 2 receivers, so for a little less money I can fire 2 speedlights...
So, how did it all work??? Well quite well by my book. I did a couple shoots at home this weekend and I was pleased, plus I learned a lot which is why I got the gear. The stands are not the sturdiest but they work great for my needs. The triggers worked fine. Th only issue I had was the location of the on/off was on top which made it awkward to get to on the Yongnuo unit because of the closeness of the mount. It was not a problem on the SB-700. CS could have put them on the side..
I would buy any of these again, especially a Yongnuo speedlight!
Pat in NH
I have been taking this all in and trying to decide what I wanted.. (I am looking to learn more) I at first was leaning toward a continuous setup but later decided I would have more flexibility with speedlights. Earlier I bought a Nikon SB-700 for my main light, on camera bounce etc... It works well and I am glad that I invested in it.
So ... lets look at stuff...
This is a shot of everything... all of the new stuff was purchased at Amazon...
Prior equipment was the tripod, SB-400 and the Nikon remote shutter release.
Note: I bought budget equipment, I am wanting to learn but if this strobist stuff is not for me, no big bucks invested.
The light stands came complete with carry bag, 2 stands, 2 umbrellas with either shoot through or reflective by adding the black & silver cover (not pictured). A pair of adaptors were included for mounting the umbrellas & lights. I was impressed by the quality, not that they are heavy duty or pro, but for what I paid, it was better than I expected! The adaptors were metal where some cheap kits had plastic. Brand was Polaroid.
This table shot shows the "stuff". The Yongnuo came with a nice carry case and a stand. I was very impressed with this speedlight. Feels well made, heavy. The 560 II is a manual only unit and can be controlled in M or S modes. M with work with hotshoe or the triggers... S will trigger from another flash. Tried both modes and it worked well.
The controls are simple and I like how easy to dial up or down by a full stop or 1/3's
This last shot shows a closer view of the speedlights, Yongnuo to the right. Also is a flash sync cord to attach any flash as an off camera without triggers (but limited by distance) The Triggers are the 3 piece set by Cowboy Studio. All plastic, they take a few knocks for build quality but are rated reliable and a great bargain. I also looked at the Yongnuo Triggers. Rated a little better and are "transcievers" so they can be used either on camera (transmitter) or on flash (receiver). They were a few bucks more but also only could power one flash. The Cowboy Studio set had 3 pieces, a transmitter and 2 receivers, so for a little less money I can fire 2 speedlights...
So, how did it all work??? Well quite well by my book. I did a couple shoots at home this weekend and I was pleased, plus I learned a lot which is why I got the gear. The stands are not the sturdiest but they work great for my needs. The triggers worked fine. Th only issue I had was the location of the on/off was on top which made it awkward to get to on the Yongnuo unit because of the closeness of the mount. It was not a problem on the SB-700. CS could have put them on the side..
I would buy any of these again, especially a Yongnuo speedlight!
Pat in NH
