Advice on Lights

[wantunn]

Just wondering if anyone could advise what a basic set of lighting kit would cost? Basically something for simple portraits would do.

TIA

 

[cyrilng]

At least $2000 to $3000 for 2 monobloc strobe lights, softbox, umbrellas, stands, depending on brand & power output. Check out Cathay Photo for some basic kits.

 

[wantunn]

Thanks. I was hoping it would be sub-$1k (wishful thinking I )

 

[mervlam]

go Ruby to see instead. They offer a few complete sets.

 

[StreetShooter]

You could get 2 light stands ($36 each), umbrellas ($40 each), umbrella holders ($30 each) and mount slave strobes onto them ($35-$120 each, for the auto types) triggered by peanut slaves ($18 each) or PC cord.

Very portable, too, and don't need electric supply, so you can work in outdoor locations of your choice.

Only problem is there would be no modelling lights.

 

[wantunn]

Wow, thanks for all the advice.
This suggestion definately sounds nearer to the budget I have (seems like it'll be < $500 in all).
Don't understand the requirement for modelling lights though. Care to advise what it's for?

Thanks all for the help.

Originally posted by StreetShooter
You could get 2 light stands ($36 each), umbrellas ($40 each), umbrella holders ($30 each) and mount slave strobes onto them ($35-$120 each, for the auto types) triggered by peanut slaves ($18 each) or PC cord.

Very portable, too, and don't need electric supply, so you can work in outdoor locations of your choice.

Only problem is there would be no modelling lights.

 

[StreetShooter]

By the way, the prices are applicable at Ruby Photo. CP might be... different pricing.

 

[ckiang]

Originally posted by wantunn
Wow, thanks for all the advice.
This suggestion definately sounds nearer to the budget I have (seems like it'll be < $500 in all).
Don't understand the requirement for modelling lights though. Care to advise what it's for?

Thanks all for the help.

The modelling light is a continuous light source (usually incandescent bulbs) built into the studio lights to let you see where the shadows fall.

Regards
CK

 

[canturn]

Originally posted by ckiang
The modelling light is a continuous light source (usually incandescent bulbs) built into the studio lights to let you see where the shadows fall.

Regards
CK

Not only that, u need some modelling light to help your camera to Autofocus, esp D60 :devil:

 

[wantunn]

I learn something new everyday.
Thanks guys

Originally posted by canturn
Not only that, u need some modelling light to help your camera to Autofocus, esp D60 :devil:

 

[chyeo]

Originally posted by canturn
Not only that, u need some modelling light to help your camera to Autofocus, esp D60 :devil:

Can use the focus assist light from the body yah?

 

[mervin420]

wah ... didnt know tat slave strobes are so cheap !
if they are auto triggered by the firing of your camera mounted flash then ...
1) how to meter ?
2) how to control the power of the strobes ?

 

[erwinx]

Originally posted by canturn
Not only that, u need some modelling light to help your camera to Autofocus, esp D60 :devil:

with 550ex or st-e2 can focus in darkness ;p

btw, sb-26 as optical slave works fine with d60/550ex in ettl mode for some reason.

 

[roygoh]

Originally posted by mervin420
wah ... didnt know tat slave strobes are so cheap !
if they are auto triggered by the firing of your camera mounted flash then ...
1) how to meter ?
2) how to control the power of the strobes ?

If you use digital camera, then you can just take a few test shots, check the histogram and make adjustments to the exposure settings.

For film, the best is to get a flash meter.

 

[Prismatic]

Originally posted by mervin420
wah ... didnt know tat slave strobes are so cheap !
if they are auto triggered by the firing of your camera mounted flash then ...
1) how to meter ?
2) how to control the power of the strobes ?

Yups... either for digital or film, here's where a lightmeter comes into play. For better portraits, I will suggest using a lightmeter instead of the built meter on your camera. But that will set you back a few hundreds more for a decent lightmeter.

For the slave strobes, some of them have no intensity control at all. So the only way to control the output is by their distance from the subject. Remember twice the distance= 1/4 the power.

 

[vince123123]

Just wondering, are light stands able to accomodate those slave strobes without modification? By slave strobes i am assuming u are talking abt those normal electronic flash units that you mount on cameras with the shoe mount thing

thanks

Originally posted by StreetShooter
You could get 2 light stands ($36 each), umbrellas ($40 each), umbrella holders ($30 each) and mount slave strobes onto them ($35-$120 each, for the auto types) triggered by peanut slaves ($18 each) or PC cord.

Very portable, too, and don't need electric supply, so you can work in outdoor locations of your choice.

Only problem is there would be no modelling lights.

 

[mervin420]

Originally posted by vince123123
Just wondering, are light stands able to accomodate those slave strobes without modification? By slave strobes i am assuming u are talking abt those normal electronic flash units that you mount on cameras with the shoe mount thing
thanks

This really depends on the light stands themselves. My lightstands comes with screws tat enable you to screw into the threaded base of the shoe mount of the strobe. i also have an adaptor (comes with a bigger screw) which allows me to screw on a tripod head unto the light stand.
The mounting head of the stands themselve come with a cetain design to suit certain lights/mono blocs. if u need to mount something else, there are adaptors which u can screw on to allow u 2 mount other stuff.

 

[mervin420]

if u really need modelling lights. can do as i do. the 550EX,420EX doesn't come with modeling lights. in a master/slave set up.

1. go to ikea.
2. buy a $5 bulb holder(plastic) + blub which comes with a clamp that u can clamp unto the side of the flash head.
3. hook it up to the electricity supply.
4. tada .... u have modeling lights !

ps. if u r really fussy about the placement of the modeling lights, then get a proper strobe tat comes with it!

hee ...

Originally posted by StreetShooter
You could get 2 light stands ($36 each), umbrellas ($40 each), umbrella holders ($30 each) and mount slave strobes onto them ($35-$120 each, for the auto types) triggered by peanut slaves ($18 each) or PC cord.

Very portable, too, and don't need electric supply, so you can work in outdoor locations of your choice.

Only problem is there would be no modelling lights.

 

[Neo]

You should really go Ruby Foto to take a look. My friend was looking for a studio set, and he got quite a good package deal (3 lights) for Bowens when Ruby run the promotion about a year ago. He is very happy with the lights, but you need to spend more money on accessories like light measuring meter and umbrellas.

If I remember correctly, they have a set of lights (2 pc) plus stands that was selling for slightly over $1200? Go and ask the boss Eugene lor... they are very friendly people and will give you advice.

 

[wantunn]

Thanks.. based on the posts here, seems Ruby is more the place to go for lighting.. Maybe I should drop by after my next payday

Originally posted by Neo
You should really go Ruby Foto to take a look. My friend was looking for a studio set, and he got quite a good package deal (3 lights) for Bowens when Ruby run the promotion about a year ago. He is very happy with the lights, but you need to spend more money on accessories like light measuring meter and umbrellas.

If I remember correctly, they have a set of lights (2 pc) plus stands that was selling for slightly over $1200? Go and ask the boss Eugene lor... they are very friendly people and will give you advice.