This is a pretty new world for me, so I don’t have a ton of information on why my set up is good vs. bad…but I do know how it’s changed my game and why I like it this way. I’m no expert on gear (and not trying to sound like one), but wanted to share how I’ve gotten my set up to a better place without spending a TON of money right off the bat.
In my bag I carry 3 Nikon flashes:
2 – SB24s
1 – SB600
Triggers:
1 – AlienBees CyberSynch Transmitter
2 – AlienBees CyberSynch Receivers
1 – hot shoe/PC adapter (for the SB600 if I need it)
So…why this set up? Cheap, Portable, and Powerful. I feel like I’m getting a lot of power out of my SB24s, sure they’re not the 2009 model that Nikon’s selling, but they’ve got plenty of punch and since I’m shooting on Manual ALL THE TIME, I don’t have a need for all the fancy bling that an SB900 or SB800 provides. I guess if I had money pouring out of my hiney I’d buy whatever I want, but I’m really happy with the SB24 and recommend it to anyone that can find ‘em used.
The CyberSynch triggers are amazing. I know…”what about PocketWizards? They’re the industry standard…” well…first off because of $$$. Second, because of another photog buddy (Jay Eads) recommendation. He introduced me to these triggers and I was able to get the trigger and 2 recievers (with chords/etc) shipped to my house in under 5 days, for just over the cost of ONE POCKET WIZARD! Now, I know I might be conceding on a few minor advantages of the PWs, but honestly, these things are amazing. I’ve never had an issue with them, they’re just as durable as the PWs (though they’re actually MUCH smaller) and did I mention that I got the whole set up for a few bucks more than 1 PW? For a guy starting a business with no $$$ to spare, this was a critical move and one I’d make again today.
The SB600 was my first flash. I bought it a few years ago and was having fun playing with the slave mode and working on my off-camera flash images, but it doesn’t seem to be as powerful and the infared slave mode is extremely frustrating when shooting from any distance at all (especially if you’re using an umbrella or modifier of some kind). I kept it, just in case I show up on location and my CyberSynchs decide to stop working, break, etc.
Beyond cheap and powerful though, this set up has been nice because everything, other than a lightstand or two, fits right in my bag. I don’t have a 40lb battery to lug around (YET) and like the ability to drop my bag and have everything up, plugged in, and firing in seconds.
Next Steps:
For me, I do think I need a light rig of some sort to combat bright sunlight and other instances where “Captain…..I need more….power!!!”. Like my camera bags…I’m just spending time trying to research what I feel I need, as well as what I can afford. If I was a betting man, I think I’d put my money on the AlienBees lights, but we’ll see where I net out.
What do you use? What works for you, and what hasn’t in the past?
