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Studio Flash vs Speedlight

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kylecesmat

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Im in the process of getting some new gear, and I am really trying to decide what type of off-camera lighting to order. I currently shoot bands and portraits on-location using natural lighting, then post-process the hell out of pictures in photoshop, as all I have right now is a D50 and 35mm 1.8. I'd like to upgrade to a D5000/D90 and 18-200 VR II soon as well.

I have some money to invest now, and am looking at getting an Alienbees B800 w/ Vegabond portable power supply. OR upgrading to the (rumored) new D90 soon and get 2 SB800's to use off camera in iTTL mode.

So my question is, what are the pros/cons of using Studio Flashes compared to Speedlights on location?

Posted 3 years ago #
PB PM

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For that kind of shooting your better off getting a full frame camera than a bunch of flashes, IMO. Flashes just kill the lighting and mood in concerts. Of course if that isn't in your price range, then by all means get some flashes. As for studio flashes, they are big an heavy, so that is something to keep in mind.

You'd have a hard time getting 2 SB-800s because they are discontinued (have been for over a year now), and they are selling for more used than SB-900s are new. Not sure how the 18-200mm would help, it's slow glass.

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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Welcome to the forum, kyle. I agree with Rob unless you're planning on using the strobes for something besides concert photography (like staged band photos, etc.). Get a D700 and 50 1.8 to start with if you can afford it. If not, the D90 would be worth the upgrade from a D50.

The vagabond is probably not worth it to you, as anywhere there is a concert is probably going to have power you can pipe into. It's a wet-cell battery that powers it (like the one in your car), so it's a heavy beast (20 lbs). I'd rather have one nikon flash and one studio strobe, and the B400 should have plenty of power for you if you're used to shooting a D50 in low light anyway.

So if you don't mind my asking, what is your budget and are you going to use them for things other than concert photography?

Posted 3 years ago #
smarterchild

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I have to agree with everyone else, A camera upgrade would be the best thing to go for first. D700 Would be best due to the resolutiona and iso capablities. Also glass is a major component.

Posted 3 years ago #
kylecesmat

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Im not looking to do concert/live photography. Just staged "promo" pictures so im planning on lighting multiple subjects and perhaps even props. Im currently using natural lighting and it just not giving me enough creative control.

My budget is around $1500-$2000 and im basically just looking for a solution for on-location photoshoots. Alot of my work has been in places where plugging into a wall just isnt an option, and I'm looking to grow into some new hardware. Im looking for a solution that will allow me to have alot of creative control, and able to be used sunlight to sundown in almost any outside location. Under ~$2000

would the D700 be worth it to invest in over a D90?

Posted 3 years ago #
kylecesmat

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overall Id be using it for:
Senior Pictures
Band Promo Shoots
Very light wedding use
Family pictures
Staged/themed shoots with props

there is NO live-action/sports/kids

Posted 3 years ago #
gd

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Your last 2 posts move the goal posts somewhat. I think everyone (me included) got the impression from your first post that this would be live work in which case the D700 would make a great deal of sense. For staged work - no, I would not recommend the D700 as its main benefit is better low light work.

I'm an amateur and I share an SB-800 and SB-600 with the wife - so if needs be I have 2 to hand (if I get there first!). We also have Bowens Gemini 200s and Bowens do offer a travel pack for this (though I haven't used it).

Pros for the strobes - I find them much easier to work with. Straight forward switches for power, sync, modelling lights for assiting with lighting \ metering. But they are much heavier, probably more expensive and considerably less mobile.

The speedlights have much better portability but have plenty of batteries to hand. And fiddling with the menu system on the speedlights takes some experience (it isn't difficult if you use them enough but it isn't as easy, imo, as using strobes).

I'd personally go with the speedlights and get to know them - use them a lot until setting them up is second nature. They do offer more flexibility and you can always add a strobe later.

Even better, try and hire the speedlights \ strobe for a weekend and see which you prefer.

Good Luck

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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No, with that info I don't think the D700 makes sense. You can get a lot more control with some strobes. The fact that you are considering hotshoe speedlights makes me think that the alienbees B800s will be overkill for you. I love my alien bees (they're B400s) and use them to light some posed shots at weddings and portraits, including large family groups. I just got some cheap ishoot wireless triggers for them on ebay and I'm excited to try those out at my next wedding this Friday.

My new recommendation for you:
-D90 ($780) This is the most important. I came from a D100 to a D300 and couldn't believe the extra latitude I had with more pixels and similar IQ pixel for pixel (meaning a 6MP crop from the D90/D300 looks like a 6MP image from the D100). The D90 has the same IQ as the D300.
-digi bee kit ($600)—2 lights, 2 stands, 2 umbrellas
-either one of (only you know how much you need portable power, but I love my softbox):
Their 47" octabox (or their smaller one) and the 13-foot lightstand for it ($240 total)—this would let you use a speedlight on one of the smaller lightstands
OR
vagabond ($300)

-one of:
SB-600 ($220)
AND/OR depending on budget
wireless triggers ($45-60)

Posted 3 years ago #
bmxdad

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I would also recommend a light set like Jonny has done, you can use Speedlights and I do, but they lack the modeling light. I use a speed light for backlight. And I use them outside incl with my dual flash bracket

Pete

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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PS Pete, thanks for the tip on those ishoot triggers. They came this weekend and they work like a charm on both my SB-600 and my alien bees. I haven't tested the range yet, but I won't need more than about 50ft and I can't see them being less than that.

Posted 3 years ago #
warprints

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I don't use studio lights, so I can't really address the speedlights vs studio lights, other than to say WITH PRACTICE, you can be a lot more creative and versital with speedlights. I agree that the D90 will probably serve you better than a D700 at this time. Get two (or three if you can) speedlights, and you should be able to do some good work. The key is to practice with the speedlights until they become second nature. Take lots of "fake" shots using friends, manequins, whatever, until you know what lighting options work best with various situations. Play and have fun, then do some serious work.

Posted 3 years ago #
bmxdad

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You are welcome Jonny, now you just need to build a dual flash bracket ;~)

Pete

Posted 3 years ago #
kylecesmat

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Thanks so much guys, that's the info I was looking for.

Here is what I'm looking at now:

-D90 body (wait and see if the rumored upgrade is launched)
-2x Alienbees B400 w/ Softboxes, 10ft Light Stands, & Cybersync triggers
-Alienbees Vagabond Portable Power Unit
-1x SB-600 (for BG fills and hot-shoe use on the go)

My last two questions are:

-What would you guys recommend for some good glass? I'm looking at the Nikon 18-200 VR II
-Do I need a wireless trigger for the SB600? Or will the D90 w/ iTTL automatically fire it off camera?

Thanks again guys, this is really helping me out. Most of my work has just been for fun with friends and stuff, building portfolio work as I've been limited by my budget & hardware and haven't been able to take the next step. this info really helps me out!

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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No problem, kyle. I think that's a great setup.

OK, lens recommendations. If you've got the 35 1.8, I think I'd consider the 50 1.8 ($120) and the 85 1.8 ($450), and the D90's 18-105 kit lens (extra $250 as part of the kit) instead of the 18-200. All of those lenses are pretty sharp, and you'd have fast glass everywhere but on the short end.
edit: I should have said except on the long and the short end. Sorry.

Posted 3 years ago #
bmxdad

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I use wireless triggers to trigger everything, I just don't like wires running from my camera to lights, and I don't think you can trigger the SB 600 with the D90 at the same time as the strobes

This wireless trigger works well, Jonny just got them too

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=1833

Pete

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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You could save a bundle switching the cybersync triggers with those inexpensive ishoot triggers Pete is talking about here. If you get them, though, they have some that have a 3.5mm jack and a hotshoe so you can connect it to either an SB-600 or an alien bee (which has a 3.5mm sync in).

I forgot you asked about the SB-600. The D90 does trigger it wirelessly with through the lens metering. The ishoots and cybersyncs will not do TTL—you have to set output manually.

Posted 3 years ago #
bmxdad

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jonnyapple said:
PS Pete, thanks for the tip on those ishoot triggers. They came this weekend and they work like a charm on both my SB-600 and my alien bees. I haven't tested the range yet, but I won't need more than about 50ft and I can't see them being less than that.

I tried mine outside and the range is app 70 Feet, and BTW I did have some issues with range and not firing at all, anyway it was the kind batteries that I was using, You can like the instructions informed only use Alkaline, NiCd does not work properly

Pete

BTW Mine did not ship with the 3.5mm cords, I ordered them from another supplier. I actual got 2 more IShoot's for a total of 4 receivers and 2 transmitters

Posted 3 years ago #