korys_ins Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 I need some help choosing a light set that I will probably use 4 to 5 times a year to take some portrait picture Like it to include back drop and 3 lights with umbrellas I don�t need something very expensive since I will not be using it that often is there a package somewhere? I will be using it with my D20 EX580 flash my lens are 26-70, 2.8 70-200 2.8 IS and 50 1.4 any input will be appreciated . my budget is under $500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknagel Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 This post would be better answered in the lighting section. I'd recommend a backdrop and muslin set through Ebay for around $100 (comes with stands and Black and white muslins. Then a Paterson stellar (not colorflash)(2) 300w/s strobe kit ($450). I use this set up with 3 strobes, you can always add the 3rd if you need. I find myself rarley using the thrid, only when I need a hair light on a boom. The strobes have plenty of power and are RF wireless with a $30 transmitter. In my room(12'x16'), I set them from 1/2 to a few stops less than half power and get f/8 @ 1/250. If you set the power highger you can get f/32 @ 1/250. I also have 3 500watt contiuous lights, but they are hot and I can only get f/4 @ 1/100, so moving kids are hard to do. You may also look into the 150w/s models, but the $75 extra is worth the 300w/s. Avoid JTL and the cheap Ebay strobes. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknagel Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 Oops budget under $500, get the backdrop setup I mentioned above, 430EX, stands, 2 omni bounces (one for 580 and one for 430) a reflector, and the ST-E2 wireless transmitter. This setup will allow you to set you 580ex as main light from an angle, a reflector for some fill and the the 430ex for a back light or something else. Under $500. My previous post was around $650, but worth it. M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlatling Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 John, check out the photo.net lighting forum, and call Alien Bees. You can get excellent long lasting light(s) from them at a very fair price. They might even work with you a bit. Nice friendly folk who want their customers to return to them. I have and will continue to. You can do a lot with one or two lights and reflectors. and it won't beat your budget up too badly. Some of those cheap kits with three lights are exactly that--cheap kits. You have good equipment already, don't sacrifice too much on lighting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e._r._averitt Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 I have seen a pro use this set up. One Alienbees flash unit, shooting bounce into an umbrella, with a reflector on the other side of the subject. All three forming a triangle, with the flash and reflector position at the same distance from the subject. The 20d had no problems with the Alienbees! http://www.alienbees.com/beginner.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason_nakleh Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 Hey John, If you don't mind me asking, where are you from? Because I know a John Khoury from NY, but as far as I knew, he was never interested in photography.. from the sound of your last name, it seem's you're middle eastern of some sort [as am I, half Lebanese and half Palestinian].. Just curious.. Jn. http://www.nakleh.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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