Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I am just getting started and am very clueless what all I need to buy. This is what I am thinking right now, please let me know if you have any suggestions. They would be greatly appreciated!! I also just bought a really nice Canon Speedlite, 580EX II if that will play into the mix at all.

Also, do I need a CyberSync System??

I think I am going to get:

2 - B800 Flash Units
2 - 13 foot Heavy Duty Light Stands
1 - Moon Unit Carrying Case
1 - 48" White Shoot Thru Umbrella
1 - Large Foldable Octabox

Is this too much to get started? Not enough? My big questions was wheter to get Umbrellas or soft boxes or one of each. Will those of you who are more experienced please help me out!

Thanks!

What do you shoot on a regular bases?

This may be a good portrait setup to begin with, if you add a reflector you may even use one of your flashes as your main light, the reflector as a fill, and the second light either as a hairlight, a kicker, or a background light. You would need to review your selection of supports depending of the use of the second light, and also verify if the moon carryng case is suitable for your needs.

It would be easier to help you if you mention what kind of photography you want to try with this setup.

Looks like a good setup--but may I ask how you intend to use the Moon Unit carrying case (since you are not ordering a ring flash unit and the separate moon unit for the ring flash)?

Ditto what everyone else said, it should be a good start except for the moon unit case which is used to start a ringlight accessory.

Your question about the cybersyncs, they are not ultimately necessary but will make life a whole lot easier and they are much more cost effective than pocket wizards.

Judging by your username, you are in SC? what part? I'm in Charleston area and would be happy to assist in getting you setup if you'd like or if there's any particular piece of kit you'd like to try before buying.