> > The next thing I'd like to do is pick up softboxes for the > flashes. I've > seen the Lumiquests on B&H's site. Anyone have a > recommendation? Also, are > their tripods specifically designed for flash use or is a > general use tripod > just fine?
IMHO you're making the right choice with ST-E2 and 2 420EX's. I'm pretty sure you can get some inexpensive light-stands that will take regular studio strobe units but also have a 1/4" threaded stud that will screw into the 420EX's little included stand. This would be cheaper and lighter than actual tripods, because these low-end light stands are often $30 or $40 or even less. As for softboxes, that's a hard issue. I haven't tried putting these lights on stands and using boxes or umbrellas or anything like that. These portable strobes are not terribly powerful to begin with (the 420EX even less than the 550EX) and any light modifier costs you at least 1.5 stops. I just put them on a handy shelf or fireplace or table, or have volunteers hold them up. I usually aim them at the subject or bounce them off a ceiling or wall. I know some people like Sto-Fen omnibounce, some people like Lumiquest, I've used both of them and prefer the Omnibounce but really prefer not to use either of them. There has been discussion on several of the EOS threads that the light boxes made for portable strobes are so small that unless they're right on top of the subject their diffusion value is minimal; all they do is reduce the light output without spreading it around much. I can't confirm that really but it makes sense to me. --Ken S. * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
