Studio setup

[Jordan Compte]

so I'm finally going to get a setup to take semi to professinal quality images.

This is the gear I am going to purchase, if you believe there is anything wrong with the following please let me know so I can alter it etc.

also I won't be ordering till mid/late january (at this stage)


13-foot Air-cushioned Light Stand
Price per Unit (piece):
$157.30 x2 = $314.60

The 22” High-Output Beauty Dish Reflector WHITE
$136.32 x2 = $272.64

The AlienBees B800 Flash Unit 220V Version
$415.80 x2 = $831.6

Vagabond Mini - 230v
$399.00 x1 = $399.00


TOTAL PRICE
$399.00
$831.6
$272.64
$314.60
__________________________________________
$1,817.84

[rellik666]

Cool shots...I just had a look at your flickr! Nice surfing.....

So what are you hoping to achieve with your set up? Or do you just want to know if that specific kit is any good?

[Allann]

I use 2xB400 units in my small studio and they usually sit at 1/8 or 1/4 power without any issues. Think i've only used full power once. The 22" beauty dish is terrific producing a great quality of light. Example (http://allannielsen.smugmug.com/Portraits/Nicole/Nicole-Strawberry-221/1122232146_8ecPF-XL.jpg). The only thing I would add if the budget allows is a good softbox, I bought this one (https://paulcbuff.com.au/cms/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=51&category_id=25&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1). I would love to get the Mini to make the whole setup portable. I think you've made a good choice

If you are specifically after a portable setup don't discount the Elinchrom Quadra RX (http://cameraelectronic.blogspot.com/2010/09/elinchrom-quadra-rx.html) though (a little more expensive but has MANY more benefits when it comes to portability).

It you wanna come have a play with my setup and see what your getting, drop me a PM and we can organise something.

[Jordan Compte]

ooooo, Alan (not sure if it's spelt like that correct me if I'm wrong!) I might have to take your offer up on that.

what I am going to start doing full serious is band promotions and portraits, I don't have a studio or a room to do it in, so I will be basing it off the enviroment I will be around, I have seen some GREAT photos taking with the above Alien Bee's I know I won't be needing the power, but that doesn't mean in the future I am not going to want/need to use that power.

I cannot remeber the example photographer I have from flickr to showcase his work, but his gear and shots taken from it have dragged me in 100%


also I would like to expand this setup to use for modeling campaings as I can easily get work for company called seafolly aka sunburn up here.

I know I would have to get reflectors and the lot but that will come in time, for now this is my main focus and possibly getting a fixed focal lens, possibly a 80 f/1.4 or f/1.2


also a good softbox will be great for me, but also like the reflectors that would be added to the "later" on category.

so for my list of items I'm saving/working my arse off for are

ST-E2 Transmitter
My second 580 EX II
Studio Setup
Canon 80 f/1.2 or f/1.4 (still unsure, the lower f stop is dragging me in regardless of the slow focus)
Canon 100-400 f/3.5-5.6 L
Water Housing (again :P)
I'm hoping to achieve them all by the end of next year (Hopefully!)

PS: Sorry for the long paragraph :P

[Allann]

PM me when your free in the new year. Sorry busy till then.

[Jordan Compte]

no, I understand 100%, just quickie, would you be free on a sunday, I know the most important day weekend.
only because I work 6 days a week.

[Allann]

no sorry, busy until the new year. 9th Jan is my first free Sunday.

[Clubmanmc]

your welcome to borrow my ST-E2 as i really no longer use it, due to i have some Yonugo triggers...

M

[Jordan Compte]

no sorry, busy until the new year. 9th Jan is my first free Sunday.

what I meant are you free Sundays, my only day off :P


your welcome to borrow my ST-E2 as i really no longer use it, due to i have some Yonugo triggers...

M

thanks for the offer, got one for $100, and picking it up on friday! thanks anways!:th3:

[Allann]

what I meant are you free Sundays, my only day off :P

oops, yes as long as its organised a little in advance. what about 9th in the arvo. bring a model, and we can make it a portrait session.

[Jordan Compte]

oops, yes as long as its organised a little in advance. what about 9th in the arvo. bring a model, and we can make it a portrait session.

Hmm might do, I'll let you know by Friday?

;)

[Wayne]

As Allan mentioned, take a look at the Ranger Quadra if you need portability. The only issue with the Quadra is for outdoors in bright daylight, being max 400Ws, it will struggle to overpower the sun. The Ranger RX kits at 1100Ws are better suited if you do lots of outdoor daylight shooting, and they are almost as portable.

[Jordan Compte]

how portable are Alien Bee's in regards to moving them about etc etc?

[Clubmanmc]

what I meant are you free Sundays, my only day off :P



thanks for the offer, got one for $100, and picking it up on friday! thanks anways!:th3:

all good... its collecting dust like my 1D II since i bought the 7D

sad really!

M

[Allann]

how portable are Alien Bee's in regards to moving them about etc etc?

Like any other studio strobe setup. The units are not heavy, but bulky. Not really designed for outside use, but for the occasional shoot they would be fine (as long as it isn't raining, as the units have open vents for cooling).

[Jordan Compte]

all good... its collecting dust like my 1D II since i bought the 7D

sad really!

M

should sell that and fund a new lens?


Like any other studio strobe setup. The units are not heavy, but bulky. Not really designed for outside use, but for the occasional shoot they would be fine (as long as it isn't raining, as the units have open vents for cooling).

true, I would be doing a fair amount of outdoor shooting rather indoor for now, as I want to push Band Promo's but next year I will be taking the indoor thing ALOT more seriously haha.

and regards to coming on the 9th to use your Alien Bee's I'll take you up on that offer Allan, bringing the girlfriend around for a guinea pig haha

[Clubmanmc]

might have to do that

i am thinking of getting a 15mm 2.8 fisheye!

M

[Jordan Compte]

definantly do it!

and if you want a fisheye with versatility, go for a Tokina 10-17 f/3.5-5.6 (Unless you want the f/2.8 stop :P)

[Wayne]

One huge advantage of battery powered units like Ranger Quadra/RX is that you don't need an inverter like Vegabond or home made job running 240v. Slightest rain and time to pack them away, and only the very stupid would even think of using a 240v setup anywhere near water on the beaches etc.. Ranger? Just keep shooting until the water depth is at least 10cm deep.

[Othrelos]

The other advantage of the Elinchrom battery power system is that it is possible to power the style RX series flash heads from them - you get no modelling light though, and the radio control/power setting control from PC/mac is still possible. that kind of versatility can come in handy.