Fortkentdad
Senior Member
I have had almost a few ( and by that I mean less than eight. Biblical scholars will get it) - anyway I have another 'gig' coming up and had thought I'd upgrade my lighting system.
Currently I have four flashes (Nikon's SB400, 600, & 700) and a Metz 58 AF-2. Three of which I can use with the Nikon CLS control system (the 400 isn't CLS compatible). CLS has worked so far. I have a light stand and use a spare tripod as a light stand. I also have one LED constant light.
It looks like the Switronix Torch and puts out a nice light).
But it is not that powerful - nice to lighten shadows.
I use some cheap eBay umbrella's and a small pop up soft box (the one below - from Strobepro - I like it).
And maybe I need a radio trigger system too? (Cactus or Yongnuo or ???)
Speedlights work.
I don't "need" to upgrade.
But sometimes I snap faster than the speedlight recharges and miss the shot - this is especially true at the end of a long shoot - think Christmas time with kids on Santa's knee at the local daycare.
--------------- So -----
I thinking that upgrading to some sort of portable studio would be an investment I should make.
But I'm not sure which way to go.
On line I read about the DIY approach using clamp-on lights with bright LED's I can get at the hardware store? And maybe an white umbrella to diffuse the light?
And maybe a dimmer switch wired in the line?
OR maybe one of the less expansive kits like
$199 CDN (250 x 2 watt tungsten halogen lamps)
For $170 each I can get the Opus Beginner one
Or for a few dollars more (well a few hundred)
Or a LED lighting system like this one
Kit includes a four lamp 105W adjustable daylight balanced spiral fluorescent, softbox for $160 per stand ($225 CDN with 9' air cushioned stand)
https://strobepro.com/collections/continuous-led/products/quadstar-1000w-continuous-light
. . .
I will have to spend some quality time chatting to sales people at a few of my favourite stores to get their pitches.
Love to know who uses a portable kit like this?
Recommendations? Advice?
No rush - the shoot is not until the 19th ....
Currently I have four flashes (Nikon's SB400, 600, & 700) and a Metz 58 AF-2. Three of which I can use with the Nikon CLS control system (the 400 isn't CLS compatible). CLS has worked so far. I have a light stand and use a spare tripod as a light stand. I also have one LED constant light.
It looks like the Switronix Torch and puts out a nice light).
But it is not that powerful - nice to lighten shadows.
I use some cheap eBay umbrella's and a small pop up soft box (the one below - from Strobepro - I like it).
And maybe I need a radio trigger system too? (Cactus or Yongnuo or ???)
Speedlights work.
I don't "need" to upgrade.
But sometimes I snap faster than the speedlight recharges and miss the shot - this is especially true at the end of a long shoot - think Christmas time with kids on Santa's knee at the local daycare.
--------------- So -----
I thinking that upgrading to some sort of portable studio would be an investment I should make.
But I'm not sure which way to go.
On line I read about the DIY approach using clamp-on lights with bright LED's I can get at the hardware store? And maybe an white umbrella to diffuse the light?
And maybe a dimmer switch wired in the line?
OR maybe one of the less expansive kits like
$199 CDN (250 x 2 watt tungsten halogen lamps)
For $170 each I can get the Opus Beginner one
Or for a few dollars more (well a few hundred)
Or a LED lighting system like this one
Kit includes a four lamp 105W adjustable daylight balanced spiral fluorescent, softbox for $160 per stand ($225 CDN with 9' air cushioned stand)
https://strobepro.com/collections/continuous-led/products/quadstar-1000w-continuous-light
. . .
I will have to spend some quality time chatting to sales people at a few of my favourite stores to get their pitches.
Love to know who uses a portable kit like this?
Recommendations? Advice?
No rush - the shoot is not until the 19th ....
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