[invisiblegirls]

I'm looking to pick up some basic studio lighting to learn about light. I've been reading all I can and think that the following will suit my purposes at a fair price. Also supplied from a UK supplier. eBay.co.uk: 3 FLASH HEAD KIT,540W/S,SOFTBOX,UMBRELLA,STANDS,CASENEW (item 190042281397 end time 27-Oct-06 21:16:32 BST)
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2 Questions can anyone see any major problems with this set up and what else do I need to connect the remote trigger to my Cannon 430ex flash.
Thanks
Stan.

[hoffy]

The answer to this is NO

Don't waist your money.
There are really only 3 to think of. The first two are the top end and will cost you over £500.00. That is Bowen and Elichrome.

Look at the Interfit Stella sets, a good set is the 300 heads sets, they will do all you need for now and will take you to the next level, then when you are ready bye Bowen.
For starters, don't buy the softbox, buy the Softbox Umbrella. You will get two lights with Umbrellas for around £300. If you want studio then you will need backgrounds.

The new in thing at the moment is lifestyle, this is where you shoot people in the own enviroment with just the lights of natural light. I would buy a reflector and if you are working on your own then get a surport arm and spare tripod.

I am not sure what camera you have, but remember you will need to fire the flashes, so if you don't have a built in sink lead port, think of how you want to fire. Nother worst than having a new toy and you cannot use.

Don't buy lights from ebay, backround and reflectors ect. are ok.

Hope this helps.

paul

[invisiblegirls]

Thanks Paul,
It does indeed help.
I have a Canon 350d and a 430ex flash.
I am now thinking of the Elinchrom dlite 2 kit, if I can find a supplier for about £400.
I will also look at the interfit kit.
I need to also bring my flash into the equation but have been told that the cheap radio triggers have problems with the Canon 430 flash.
I like the idea of 'lifestyle' photography as I have no room for a studio and am still unsure how good I'd be at 'directing poses'
The research continues!!!
Stan

[danpen]

I have an Interfit Stellar 300 kit and I'm pleased with it, not sure how it compares to the Elinchrom and Bowen but it's streets better in terms of build quality than the cheaper sets I've seen in Jessops etc. and certainly does everything I want. One good point with these is that they use a standard S-Bayonet fitting so there's a good range of accessories available.

You say you need to be able to use your 430ex with this kit, why's that? I find setting up two studio lights and a reflector gives me more than enough options right now without trying to use another flashgun. If you really need to use it just set the other lights in slave mode and they should fire when your on camera flash does.

I initially used a synch cord connected to the camera to trigger the flashes and when having wires dangling about became annoying I used a wireless trigger that fits in the camera's hotshoe.

Don't underestimate how much space you need to do this well, lights so far from the subject, subject so far from the background etc. I often only use one light and a reflector or two in order to simplify the setup and make it more practical in a smaller room, especially when there are children around as reflectors don't need power cables.

[invisiblegirls]

thanks Danpen,
I'm now torn between the Interfit Stellar 300 & the Elinchrom dlite 2 kits the cheap options have now been ruled out.

The issue now is stellar 300 with soft boxes £490ish D lite2 with soft boxes £400ish
so is it worth £90 for 300w/s vs 200w/s and 150w modelling light vs 100w.
My wife was unhappy at the thought of £250 being spent

My thoughts with the 430 are either as a hairlight or b/ground light, not as an on camera flash, I also want to get the flash off the camera for when I'm out and about.

One of my main concerns has always been about having no space but think that if I get the lights opportunities will arise that I've not yet considered.

cheers
Stan.

[Toonie]

Invisiblegirls

The Elinchrom is the kit to go for without a doubt, It's very well made & is part of a vast range which includes everything that you would ever need in the future as your skil levels increase

[invisiblegirls]

Thanks Toonie,
looks like it'll be the Elinchrom then, read nothing but good reviews.
Looking for a cheap supplier now then!!!!

[Toonie]

Invisiblegirls

Try Warehouse Express, good company to deal with, Fast & efficient Service, Also knowledgeable sales staff who will always answer questions sensibly

[invisiblegirls]

Thanks Toonie,

Will contact them tomorrow if my wife calms down!!!

Stan.

[invisiblegirls]

Elinchrom dlite 2 on its way from Warehouse Express.
Thanks to all for advice.
Stan