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View Full Version here: : my strobist kit just arrived


troypiggo
09-12-2009, 02:14 PM
With our first baby on the way, and a niece and nephew both under 6 months old, decided to get some off-camera flash gear for baby and family portraits mostly. It's something I've had on my "wish list" for nearly 2 years, but haven't been able to justify it to myself until now.

So now I can have 3 remotely triggered flashes on stands. I decided on Westcott 43" umbrellas instead of a softbox. They're reversible, so can use them as a reflector or shoot-through softbox type effect.

I already had a Canon 580EXII and a 430EX. I'll be selling the latter. Got 2 new Lumopro LP120 manual flashes (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,12311.html). They don't do E-TTL, so you have to set the power manually. Been practising this a little with my 580 recently to get used to it. These flashes were specifically designed by and for the Strobist (http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/) community.

For triggers, I've had CyberSyncs for a while, but haven't used them really. I bought them while they still sold them to Australia. Apparently they don't any more. There are more options now, with several remote E-TTL triggers on the market. But I'll stick with the CyberSyncs. I like the reliability and guaranteed light that manual flash will give over E-TTL's variable output.

Can you tell I'm excited? This purchase has been over a year in the planning, researching, drooling, and saving. I'll post some piccies when I get a chance. Maybe on the weekend.

Octane
09-12-2009, 03:53 PM
Troy,

I've done the same in recent times, with a colleague of mine.

A couple of Westcott 43" white satin umbrellas, a couple of light stands, and Cactus triggers.

Saving up for E-TTL PovertyWizards. ;)

I've done a couple of shoots now, and, as much as I hate artificial lighting (I much, much prefer natural lighting), the results have been spectacular. :)

It is such an addictive and expensive hobby.

Regards,
Humayun

troypiggo
09-12-2009, 04:10 PM
Oh yeah. Won't know til I get into it, but suspect next on my list may be a muslin or grey sheet type backdrop. I have gels, so can use those to colour the BG. So many possibilities :)

PS - the 35 f/1.4L arrived yesterday. Much heavier than I expected. Haven't had a chance to really use it. But that's what weekends are for...