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Ok, not the actual use of the kit - I'll work that out when i get to it.
But what do you need to build a basic system. I'm guessing a head (maybe 2) and batteries - but I've gotta have missed something.
I've been reading up on Lumedyne heads and they seem popular and very portable...
...has anyone got any opinions on any kit they have seen/used?
Jamie
Jamie, you could do it the way Takui Neko does; with a couple of Sigma DG 500 Supers (or Nikon SB-28s, which you can pick up dirt cheap).
i use quantams q-flash T4D, with turbo batteries. equivalent to about 150w. recycle is pretty fast, and the auto function is deadly handy when in a rush. its a pricey setup, though.
Unless you need the power, id go with an extra EX flash, and slave it with the one you already have. You could also pick up an old 420ex. works really well with stands and shoot through brollys, and if you need a bit more power, just up the iso.
the big plus with the EX flash setup, is e-ttl. seriously easy and quick.
I have two set-ups depending what I'm doing.
Two D-Lite2's, reflector, 2 x softbox, manfrotto stands x 2, reflector and stand/grip, snoot, honeycombs, reflectors, brollies. The D-Lite 2 kit provides most of this at an excellent price, it's only the reflectors, snoot, softboxes where extra.
If outdoors or mobile I use:
580EX, 550EX and ST-E2 transmitter. Can stick the flashes on stands if you need to. You get full ETTL functions via ST-E2.
I agree, the D-Lite kit is superb value for money and very well built. Also the results from a D-Lite verus a normal flashgun are far superior I feel. Also you can use all the Elichrom accesories such as snoots, barndoors and grids for better control of the lighting.
An additional advantage with these is they are very accurate and repeatable flash units exposing to within 0.1EV of the setting time after time. A lot of cheaper units do 'random flash' by as much as 2EV in one test I read. This would make consistent results impossible.
Don't forget with D-Lite set-up to factor in the cost of a flashmeter also.
D-Lites do require a mains supply and reasonable space unlike the 580EX/550EX/ST-E2 setup.
Quote: Wotashot - I've been reading up on Lumedyne heads and they seem popular and very portable...
Quote: Deviant - There are brands like Lumedyne that are 100% portable
PW and Nikon SB-28s! :0) Go for them James! If later you need more, buy more...
True they wont fire forever, nor they will they have such fast recycling time, but they are inexpensive and you can take them anywhere, as for light modifiers, easy to make your own...
On the bigger scale tho, Lumedyne, portable ones or the Bowens Portable System....tho price is higher and they are not lightweight, which are the only faults I can find in them.
EDIT: James, check here
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