Purchasing power--what kit or stands to buy for Canon set up?

[batmanforever76]

Hi there,

I've been perusing some posts for a while now, but this is my first post. I usually photograph horses in action--using natural light--and am just delving into studio stuff. I took a studio class last winter--it was wonderful for learning theory and playing with different setups. However, my teacher loved to light for less. He didn't believe in getting official lights and loved shop lights, etc. I think that's a great idea for learning theory and understanding what light does. Now that I've set up a studio in my home, though, I'd like to get something that looks and feels a little more permanent and looks official. I've been looking online and in the magazines to shop for lighting kits. Here are my two options--can you help me decide what to do? I have a Canon Mark II DN and two 550 flashes. Right now I have those flashes set up around the room with two umbrellas and my newly installed backdrops. The photos are looking nice, but my flashes are lovingly duck taped to any tripods I had around! My room is small--8 foot ceilings with a 10-foot wall with my backdrops and 20 feet to the opposite wall. The walls are all white.

First: Is there a wonderful starting-out lighting kit that anyone really recommends? I'd like to stay under $600.

Second: Would I be better off sticking with my flashes--which are giving good light--and getting stands and a radio signal for my camera? If so, what kind of stands will hold flashes and what's the best radio control for the Mark II and my flashes?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[highbarger]

If you like the results that you're getting with your current setup and just want to make it look a little nicer, this bracket will allow you to attach your 550's and umbrellas to lightstands. The bracket allows you to adjust the angle of the umbrella to your subject. This stand would be a good starter for a lightweight setup, but there are many other choices available. You might want to start out with air cushioned stands instead, in case you move up to monolights later and need the extra safety feature.

[batmanforever76]

Thanks very much. Will these attachments fit on any tripod? Or are there lighter weight tripods made just for holding them?

[highbarger]

A lightstand will generally extend higher than a tripod. The one that I linked to is 6' tall, which is about the shortest you'll find excluding backlight stands. The brackets in the link include a fitting that will screw onto a tripod's 1/4 20 threads.

[batmanforever76]

Thanks so much. I stupidly hadn't clicked on both links. I have it in my BH shopping cart now.

[highbarger]

Happy to help, but keep in mind that the stand is just a suggestion... you might find another one that suits your needs better or for longer

[coalcliff]

Strobist

Will be of great assistance if you wish to stick with your flashes.