No problem. :)

Ok, so flash is pretty easy. My setup might be a bit outdated, but here is what I use currently:

• Flashes
  
• Transceivers
  
• Controller
  
  I have 3 of those flashes, they're really pretty great if you aren't too snobby about brands. I believe Yongnuo has flashes now with the transmitter built into them, but I have never used those and the only time I've seen them in action it didn't go super well. I'm sure they're fine, I just can't recommend them.
  
  So basically you put the controller on your camera. You put each flash you want to use off camera on the transceivers. The controller lets you adjust each flash's settings remotely and triggers them. It's awesome.
  
  If you generally don't know what you're doing with flash for the reception, it's generally best to bounce the light off the ceiling. Point the flashes roughly upward and fire away. At receptions with a defined dance floor you can get pretty great results by placing them in a couple of the corners. Your light might come back kinda yellow. If you don't want to worry about using gels on your flashes then just keep an eye out for it and adjust the white balance in Lightroom after the fact.
  
  Aside from flashes you will want some modifiers to place on them. When I was starting out the two that I used are these (these aren't the exact ones, but they're close):
  
  
• Flashbender
  
  
• Baby Softbox
  
  So there are probably better modifiers to use, but these are cheap and they work pretty well at diffusing/directing light. The softbox is great for portraits and I frequently would use the flash bender to direct light gently over a wide area, like when the toasts are going on or the bridal party is entering the room or the dance floor. When used correctly you should get pretty great lighting and avoid hard shadows.
  
  Anyways, how I shot those photos. You're generally right. I love shots like that (probably too much), and so I do them all the time. The general idea is the same for all of them, soft light in front and a bright light in the back. Using the specific equipment I listed above, my usual MO is to put a bare flash behind them, typically on the ground (using these)or on a stand as low as possible to the ground. Point it at the couple and slightly upward (photo 1 is the exception, it was pointed essentially straight up to make the gazebo light up like that).
  
  Set up a flash in front of them. In most of those photos I used the flashbender modifier on the flash pointing at the couple to direct but diffuse the light. It helps it look a bit more natural. Generally you want to position it in a way that the shadows aren't too distracting, so do it slightly off to the side to get more natural lighting. Obviously I messed up in a few of mine but it is what it is and most people don't even notice. We're always our own harshest critic.
  
  Next is the settings. This is honestly the toughest part in my opinion. You need to expose for the background you want and then use the flashes to achieve the lighting you want on the subjects. I don't know how to describe this, but the easiest way is with photo #6 on my website. I exposed the photo for the city behind the couple and got the look I wanted, THEN I added flashes and whatnot. General rule of thumb is the light behind the couple should be one step brighter than the light in front. That way you get the glowing backlight effect.
  
  Thanks for the compliments on the photos! I hope this helps. I'm sorry if I did a bad job of explaining things, just ask me to clarify anything you don't understand.
  
  EDIT: All this being said you don't NEED off camera flash. I've shot entire receptions using on-camera flash. The most important thing to remember is you just want to diffuse the light in some way. When you're using flash on camera you typically achieve this by bouncing it at the ceiling. Practice this at home, it usually works pretty well!
  

As the other commenters mentioned, it should really depend on the situation and you should be making these kinds of decisions on a case-by-case basis. 4 speedlights in the corners could potentially work, but it would depend on the room. Additionally, you want to think about the type of light you are creating - do you want to point everything at the ceiling and have light everywhere, or do you want to have a kicker or two to shoot into to create some depth to the images?

If you only have one speedlight, on-camera bounce can provide decent results. However, if you're going to add additional off-camera units, my advice would be to invest in flashes with triggers/tranceivers built into them, such as the Yongnuo YN-560 IV line. They're incredibly cheap, reliable, and work perfectly for this sort of application. By doing this, you'll be able to trigger the flashes remotely (and reliably), with the additional benefit of being able to balance your output with the ambient light in the room, so as not to completely overwhelm it. Your batteries might have to be replaced once every 2-3 hours, depending on how bright your flash is set to. Buy some rechargeable batteries. You'll save hundreds.

My personal preference is to use a master flash on the top of my camera to light my subjects, and use it to control other off-camera radio slave units for additional fill or edge lighting (kickers) as the need arises. You get the flexibility of on-camera bounce with the look of multiple off-camera lights. It's the best of both worlds, I think.

Also, to your question about the light temperature, bare flash will show up as blue light in an image where the white balance is set to match most ambient indoor lighting, which is far warmer (usually tungsten). This will definitely create some weird-looking shots. You can easily get around this by gelling the flashes to the ambient light in the room, and I would definitely recommend it, no matter what lighting setup you go with. Just pick up a couple of gel kits off Amazon that include some CTO (orange) gels, and you'll be golden. In terms of bang for your buck, this will be the most effective way to improve the look of indoor images shot with speedlights.

Good luck with your shoot!

I wrote an article on intro DSLR kits on Amazon. I wouldn't bother unless you bundled them with your camera.

They're definitely crappy extra toys, but they may help you learn more about photography (by showing you how things make your image quality worse); but they also were kind of fun at the beginning and encouraged me to get out and shake the bugs off and dig into learning how to shoot good photos (and how extra toys don't really help). Everyone takes shitty photos at the start anyway, so you're not missing much; and it's not a ton of extra money over grabbing a body/kit lens/good SD card; but if you already have your camera kit, you can skip it for sure.

DO NOT USE THOSE TRIPODS!

Those are strong enough for point and shoot cameras at most. Especially with a telephoto lens, the tilt arm is likely to fail and it'll fall on sensitive optical mechanics. Those are in the $10 price range. Spend at the very least closer to $30 on a tripod, and a $100-ish tripod will be a safe, and useful tool to use with your precision imaging equipment.

tl;dr - Sure, it's a waste of a little money, but they can be kind of fun toys. Burn the tripod.

Stuff I'd suggest getting:

• 2-3 nice SD cards: Class 10, 32-64 GB each
  
  
• Another few cheaper (but still fast) SD cards: 4-8 GB
  
  
• Solid tripod. $30 or $100 is well worth the money
  
  
• Rocket blower. Avoid touching the lens, whenever possible and never touch the sensor. A lens cloth should be plenty. Avoid being tempted to use a wet cleaning kit on the lens or the sensor if possible
  
  
• I love my big, cheap camera bag. I have 3 lenses, and a speedlight and this is perfect for me. I wear it across my chest and carry it on my lower back where it's out of the way and easy to deal with 95% of the time.
  
  
• An Intervalometer that matches your camera
  
  
• Manual flash that can tilt & swivel
  
  
• Flash triggers are fun and work great with those cheap $10 tripods. Check Strobist.com for great tutorials and inspiration
  
  
• Flash gels can be fun creative tools too. Can you tell I'm getting into playing with off-camera speedlights?

Yes, definitely! Lighting does not need to be crazy expensive unless you want it to be crazy expensive. (That 50 is going to be your best friend when you're starting, a fixed focal length gives you one less thing to worry about while you're fussing with lights. It's also a super sharp lens).

First, you're going to need a flash. Off-camera capabilities are ideal, and Canon has some amazing speedlites (that also come at an amazingly high price). I recommend this one. it's affordable, it has in-flash metering, and it comes with wireless capabilities. (your camera also has in-camera wireless flash triggering, but you need a flash that's compatible)

Next, a light modifier. bare flash is terrible for portraits, especially single-subject portrait work. What I personally would recommend (this is totally subjective), is a light stand with a shoot-through umbrella mount and a reflector. Umbrellas are cheap (I bought a ProMaster shoot-through umbrella for like $15 about a month ago, it works great), a light stand or two may run you about 40 bucks or so, and a bracket that fits your flash and umbrella on your stand is cheap (example ).

Reflectors can be found anywhere, Neewer makes generally cheap stuff (kinda crappy sometimes imo), but you don't need an expensive one. 20-30 bucks is good enough.

For the techniques and lighting methods you can do with a one-flash, one-reflector setup, a quick google search can give you some great ideas. However I recommend reading Strobist. Super good insight, some gear picks (that are more expensive), and some tried and true lighting methods to give you awesome results.

My biggest recommendation is to use the tried and true methods as a jumping-off point, and start playing around with your setup. You can do incredible things with one flash and one reflector, and while it can be intimidating at first, it can only get easier. Good luck!

(This was orignally a post, but got removed by a mod because of the sub's rules)

Hey,

First off I'd like to state that even though I've been shooting for 5 years on the regular and know how to operate a camera and frame a photo, photography wise, I still see myself as one hell of a beginner.

Post-processing (heavy composites) have always been more of my thing, and a decent camera has always been essential to having good material to work on for later in PS.

What I presently own :

• Canon EOS Rebel XSi - 18–55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (What I've been shooting with for the past 5 years)
  
• 2 X Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite
  
• Reflectors / Stands / Tripods
  
• Wireless remote
  
  What I'm looking for :
  
  I'm still looking to do some studio-type photography and get better at it (might be keeping my Canon for that), but as of now, I'm looking to get into street photography. I live in the heart of Toronto and there's a lot of nice things to shoot here!
  
  My budget :
  
  My budget is between $1000-$1200. I'm okay with buying used.
  
  My research so far :
  
  I've started going through this sub 3 weeks ago, doing lots of research. It got me a little intimidated (hence this post's 1st paragraph), until I started to feel the community's love for the Fujifilm X100S. Reading on it, I started to like a lot of things about the X100S, but as time went on, I began to feel pretty underwhelmed when I saw the photos it produced (and I saw a lot). It just felt like... the feel of the photos (35mm lens maybe) wasn't the right fit for me(?). Can't put my finger on it.
  
  Shortly after, I started to read up on the Fujifilm X-E2 and that's when I started to really love the vibe and feel of a Fuji camera, even with its 18-55mm lens. So as of now, this is what I'd like to go with.
  
  I'm reading a lot about full-frame cameras and a lot of people suggesting to invest in new glass, and as much as I agree, I'd really much like to go with a new camera completely.
  
  Question :
  
  So, with that said, I come to you and ask; what the hell should I be buying? Stick with Canon, get my hands on a Fuji/Nikon...? If it's of any help, my Instagram account might give you a better idea of what I like to do shoot for now: http://instagram.com/justinleduc
  
  Thanks!
  

The advantage of a flash with a trigger is that you can take a couple with it, click the transmitter off, and take a couple without it...

I use a flash on a very low stand for exit photos, generally - but if something wrong - for example, if I can't get into the right position to put the couple between me and the speedlight for some reason, I want to be able to click it off remotely and still get photos! Of course you can handle that with a signal to your husband to switch off that light, so you'll be fine there!

That said, there are cheap flashes that are absolutely fine. You can buy a manual only flash for $30, or one with TTL for $50-60. In addition to the 622's, which are what I use most of the time, you can also get the super cheap 'dumb' transmitters that just pass the trigger signal for under $20. If you're really not going to use this stuff again, they'd be fine.

So something like
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Wireless-Speedlite-Receiver-Universal/dp/B00A47U22U/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524622121&sr=8-3&keywords=flash+trigger

And

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Electronic-Flash-Cameras-Canon/dp/B01I09WHLW/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1524622217&sr=8-16&keywords=yongnuo+flash

That flash will actually trigger as an optical slave to any flash... so you COULD skip the trigger and just use your diffuse fill flash to trigger it while your husband holds it.

Are those great products? Nope. Would I shoot paid weddings with them? Nope. But I think there's a 95% chance they'd do what you need them to do - all for under $50.00.

If you'll use off camera flashes again... invest a little more in the YN-622c's and/or the godox flashes. But if not, cheap out and you're probably okay.

Whatever you do, make sure to get out there 10 minutes before the exit and test your setup! Sparkler exits have everything a photographer hates - bright lights, darkness, fast movement, and a narrow window of opportunity!

Also, coach your couple! Tell them to come out, kiss, move to a certain spot, stop and waive, wait for your signal to move to the end of the line... kiss again. They tend to just RUN for it and it's easy to miss the whole thing, especially if you need two seconds to adjust a setting or switch on or off a flash trigger. That's more important than the gear! The sparklers really DO give enough light to get a shot with ambient only, or ambient and a little flash fill.

Oh, and if you are using front fill, gel it warm!

When it comes to macro, depth of field is a major challenge, because it's razor thin at those distances. You can increase the depth of field by using smaller apertures, but the smaller you go the less sharp the image will be (due to refraction). I'd just try different apertures, because you may still find it acceptably sharp. Another way to improve how much appears in focus is to use focus stacking, a post processing technique using multiple images focused at different points, but it can be challenging. One easy tip, since the plane of focus is perpendicular to your camera, shooting straight on will utilize the entire plane of focus.

As far as lighting, as HelplessCorgis said, outdoors can be challenging because the slightest movement can throw things off. If it's bright enough to use a very fast shutter speed, you may be okay. If you're indoors, and the table and tripod are stable, you can even use longer shutter speeds to get the exposure you want.

Ultimately flash is always better for still photography than constant lights, due to efficiency and light output. Even a $28 Amazon Basics manual speelight will do a decent job! Then you'd want a cheap flash cord so you can move the light around (just make sure to get the right one for your camera brand).

I don't have a whole lot of experience with the built in flash as when I used it I didn't have much luck with it. It isn't very powerful but I have seen youtube videos showing how you can use it some what effectively. If you are using the kit lens you can use it straight on but if you have a longer lens, such as a Sigma 16mm, the barrel of the lens is so long that it gets in the way of the flash make the built in flash unusable unless you point it upwards and bounce it off the ceiling or such (again i'll refer you to youtube for more research on that). If you are looking for a cheap alternative to the built in flash I highly recommend a cheap $30 flash off Amazon (maybe even cheaper with the Amazon Day deals going on right now) and a cheap LED light for photography for extra light. I personally have this flash (for $30.99) and this LED light (for $34.59).

​

There are a few scenarios in which I use these lights.

1. If I am indoors and there is some ambient light I will typically just use the flash on the a6000 which I then mount the a6000 on a tripod. It is great for group photos as I am still able to hit my focus, use a low ISO (typically 100), and not have to use f1.4 or f2. Typically your lens will be sharper around that F4-6 range in my experience.
   
   ​
   
   
2. If the room you are shooting in has no good natural light source or poor lighting and you want to use an ISO of 100 and etc I will use the LED light as my main light source. I find a constant light source gives my camera the ability to find the proper focus as the a6000 seems to have trouble finding focus when it is very dark. So if your camera can't hit the proper focus a flash won't really help all that much. Nobody wants a well lit photo that is out of focus.
   
   ​
   
   
3. Then you can also use them in combo. You can use the LED light as a constant light source and flash if you wish.
   
   ​
   
   I will say if I am taking photos of animals or people I never use the LED light as the constant light source can be overwhelmingly bright on the eyes where as the flash is just a quick, well, flash of light. So shooting stills might be best to use an LED light of sorts in your scenario. Again this is my experience of a hobbyist photographer AND if you want to do it on a small budget, by no means am I a professional and I always recommend people to do their own research on how to use their camera properly as there is great videos and guides out there from known professionals.

At that budget, get some manual offname speedlights, and some cheap 28in umbrellas. They are far from the best things out there, but even the junk has its place, and that place is on shoestring budgets. As for backdrop, go to walmart, and pick up some queen or king size bedsheets of the walmart brand. Get one thats close to middle grey if possible. A middle grey sheet with a speed light and a color gel will become whatever color your gel is. I bought the strobist pack of gels, so my one sheet instantly becomes the whole rainbow. The reality is that $150 is a drop in the bucket of a proper studio, but there are plenty of budget ways of doing things. If you want even cheaper lighting, at the trade off of control, go to your local hardware store and pick up some of the $5 work lights that look like more like a bowl from your kitchen than a proper light. Continuous light can still be plenty useful but can be a little trickier to set up, and dealing with spill can be a pain. $2 foam core project boards make great dirt cheap reflectors and flags. You best bet at that budget is to think more DIY than "what can I buy". Try things and experiment. I have spent almost as much money at HomeDepot making my own lighting modifiers as I have on buying actual modifiers, and the results aren't really much different between my homebrew and the actual gear.

edit: Here's some links!

AmazonBasics speedlight $28 (x2, ~$60)

flash triggers, $15

two shoot-through, two silver reflectives, two gold reflectives, w/stands and carry bag $57

so that puts us at ~$135 right there

grey bedsheet $15

cheap gel kit $8

So add in tax and shipping, and there's your $150 budget plus a few bucks extra.

Now like I said you can do continuous light a little cheaper.

Here are some lights, modifiers, stands, and backdrops for $97

The key here is this is all "junk". That doesnt mean dont use it. I have a bunch of stuff from kits like these. But dont be surprised if an umbreallas silver lining separates off, or a softbox develops a tear in it. They just arnt made to the same standards as "pro" gear, but you can get just as good results with it if you take your time to learn what you are doing, and accept the downfalls of what you are buying and work around them. Work in your budget and develop your skills more. You will either pursue it further and buy better stuff later, or like me, still have the cheap off name junk because it works fine and you would rather spend money on glass than umbrellas.

Hey, I've been shooting some of the cassettes with /u/killallmusic above. Heres some tips. First, as others have said, OFF CAMERA FLASH IS ESSENTIAL. That goes for any product photography. By far, the best bang for you buck is the Yongnuo IV and the wireless trigger to make it sync here. They are fully manual so no TTL (which is a feature of more expensive flashes that auto set the flash output to the available light) but I'm a big fan of learning strobe photography with manual flashes. You'll get way better way faster and there are a MILLION places online to read flash tutorials to get you started and plenty of video guides to get these flashes synced with the controller. On top of that, another absolutely essential part is some sort of diffuser. Softboxes are most often recommended. I use the following with my shots. These are both very nice pieces of gear and you can definitely find cheaper options that will do just fine on eBay and Amazon. You can get away with 1 for sure but I usually end up using two sources, one for a key light and one for a fill to add texture back to the shadows. As for actually shooting cassettes, your biggest problem will be glare. Any light hitting at a 45 degree angle to your lens will cause a flare so just adjust your angle of the tape or flash until you get rid of the glare. Last tip, when it comes to light, the closer a source is, the softer the light will be. That might sound backwards but its true. So get that flash all up in its business as close as you can to the product. Check out the Strobist blog for an amazing flash primer course. Trial and error is the name of the game. You can see some examples at http://killallmusic.storenvy.com. The Coutoux and Jay Pray tapes were shot with the exact gear and method I listed above. Happy shooting!

Just to compare, here is a selection from the Canon side of things with Amazon used prices:
Canon 7d - $990
Tamron 17-50 2.8 - $340
These two are a great basis to work off off and get you to $1330.

If you want to spend some more you could add the following:
Canon 50mm f/1.8 - 100
Canon Speedlite 430EX - 235

But to be honest, if your wife is just starting out and money is a bit tight, don't go out spending $900 or more on a body. As most people will tell you, picture quality is mostly due to lenses. Canon t3i, Canon t4i or 60D as well as Nikon 3200 and 5100 are all excellent bodies and have more than enough features to keep her happy. If you get either of those bodies and a decent 17-50mm lens as well as a 50mm prime she will have great tools to learn on with space to grow.

Just like daegon I would recommend to buy used. Most Photographers look out for their things quite well and most of these lenses and bodies are made at quite good quality levels. I hope this helps.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I09WHLW x 2 - Speedlights - $56

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Wireless-Speedlite-Receiver-Universal/dp/B00A47U22U - Wireless Trigger - $19

https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4 - Light Stands - $29

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Universal-Speedlite-Umbrella/dp/B00JJJR7PY - x2 - Cold Shoe - $22

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0132I34K4 - Octobox - $23

https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Premium-Shoot-Through-Translucent-Umbrella/dp/B005ODKMOC - Shoot though umbrella - $14

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-43-inch-Collapsible-Multi-Disc-Reflector/dp/B002ZIMEMW - 5 in 1 reflector - $20

That brings you for a full starting light setup that can be used for headshots and starting boudoir for $183. And you even have flexablity in there to use a 1 light setup with reflector or use 2 lights. You would want a few sandbags to keep the gear stable, but I am not including those in the price.

Now for a background setup

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E6GRHBO/ref=psdc_3444601_t1_B00MTF6ZVC

Is a good basic stand but hard to fit under your budget with the above lighting gear.

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Studio-Collapsible-Backdrop-1-8x2-8m/dp/B00UWL02PU is also an okay starting backdrop, Grey can be turned into white or black. I will warn you that you will need a fabric steamer to get the lines out, but that is pretty much the same however you go with cloth. Another more expensive choice is to go with seamless paper, I love working with paper, but it is an ongoing expense to use it.

Now if you are going to make this her studio all the time, they make http://www.homedepot.com/p/EUCATILE-32-sq-ft-96-in-x-48-in-Hardboard-Thrifty-White-Tile-Board-HDDPTW48/205995949 that you can use to make a great background. Or to me the better option if you are going to use a room as a full time studio, paint the walls, put down hardwood or laminate, and you have a great studio setup.

What's the point of taking photographs that suck? Tricks and techniques that require a DSLR are mostly just tricks and they won't make a fundamentally bad photo any good. Shallow depth of field, or creative control of shutter speed won't fix a fundamentally poor composition. First get good.

You can get very good with just a phone. Lots of people spend big bucks on expensive cameras thinking it will let them take great pictures. It turns out you can take bad photos with any camera, and you can take great photos with just a phone. If I were in a photography club with only a phone camera, I would want to learn to take better pictures with it than my uncle/mom/friend/etc can take with their big expensive DSLRs. It's fun to win, especially when you're an underdog.

Anybody who is excels at anything, photography or otherwise, has mastered the fundamentals. There are no exceptions. Fortunately, you don't need fancy equipment to learn some of the more important fundamentals in photography: composition and lighting. It's a rare photo that is good, but lacking in one of those areas.

Composition is easy to learn and hard to master. Google around. Read about the rule of thirds, leading lines, and so on. Learn to do each one well. Take lots of different pictures using each techniques. Combine techniques. Then figure out when to break the rules, and thus learn why they are important. A phone will work just as well as a DSLR here. Your only real limitations are inability to control depth of field and inability to change your focal length, and those aren't so important. At least, it's easy to find situations where you don't need those particular tools.

Lighting is also important, but it seems to get less blog space than composition. You can learn all the important things about lighting with very little equipment. You also don't need to leave your boring classroom as long as you have people and stuff. Do portraits. Do well-lit product photography.

You can study lighting without flash. There's a lot you can do with just a window, or the sun and a wall, or a lamp you can move around. Dig up some scrap cardboard for a gobo. Cover it with white paper and you have a reflector. Cover it with tinfoil and you have a different kind of reflector. Rembrant didn't have a flash.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2nNxaBA6ss

On the other hand, if you have even a little money to spend, you could learn about off-camera flash, even with phone cameras. For $40-$60 on Amazon you can get a cheap but powerful hotshoe flash with an optical slave mode that you can probably trigger with a phone's LED flash. Hotshoe not required.

For example:

http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-560-Speedlight-Flash-Nikon/dp/B0079M711S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416351709&sr=8-1&keywords=yn+560+ii

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Speedlite-Panasonic-Fujifilm-single-contact/dp/B004LEAYXY/ref=sr_1_federatedaps0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416351691&sr=8-1&keywords=flash

Add a mirror or your reflectors from above and your one light source becomes two or three. Clothespin a plain white T-shirt or tape a white plastic garbage bag to a bent wire clothes hanger and you've got a diffuser that works like a white umbrella. Attach a black plastic garbage bag to the back and now you've got a softbox with more control over the backscatter, so it doesn't bounce around the room and light up parts of your subject that you don't want lit. Just be sure not to enclose the whole flash body so you get enough light to trigger the optical slave sensor.

Now you can do this: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

One of the problems with phone cameras is that you don't have much control over depth of field. While you can't really blur out distracting backgrounds, you can use lighting to de-epmhasize them. See, for example, the first photo in the Lighting 101 link above. Can your Aunt who keeps her DSLR in Auto mode do that?

In general, they're right; you should invest in lenses over cameras.

The question you need to answer, before you go on, is "Am I going to upgrade to a full-frame (FX) camera body, or stick with my current crop-sensor (DX) body?". In general, FX has some advantages; larger sensor means you can go wider-angle, and have a higher dynamic range. But it also means you're going to spend 2-5x as much for lenses -- it is much cheaper to manufacture lenses for DX bodies than FX bodies.

In general, for people in your situation, I strongly recommend staying with a DX body for the time being. You will be able to get 95% of the same effect for 30% of the cost.

Your current kit is the two kit lenses, 18-55 and 55-200. If you want to upgrade, I would strongly recommend getting a few fast, high quality primes: the 35mm 1.8 DX is excellent for most "normal" uses (it has about the same angle of view as your eyes), and the 85mm 1.8 is excellent for portraits including for the yearbook you mentioned. Your 55-200, set all the way at 200mm, is also a fine portrait lens.

The other thing that you need, if you don't have one already, is a hotshoe flash like the SB500 or SB700. Better lighting will improve the quality of portraits much more than better lenses will.

You've got good taste in lusting after a fixed tele zoom, and both the FL ED and VRII are great. But for the purpose you described, either of those lenses is like trying to swat a fly with a sledgehammer. And an expensive one, too.

Brand flashes are some of the most overpriced items in photography. I wouldn't jump straight in with one if I wasn't sure I needed it.

People recommend YongNuo flashes for good reason - they are well built, do pretty much exactly the same job as the brand flashes, but are a fraction of the price.

You can go for a 560iii which is fully manual, or the 565 which is TTL; that is, the flash will adjust itself based on information gathered Through The Lens.

As you can see, the 560 is under £50 and the 565 is under £70, so even if you do upgrade, you haven't exactly broken the bank, and it will mean you just have 2 decent flashguns. Which you go for is up to you. TTL may be useful for parties where you going around taking candid or quickly posed shots in changing light, so if you can afford the extra 20 quid, go for it. If your budget is tight, the 560 will still do a great job - it's easy to adjust on the fly.

You will probably also want to look into light modifiers like softboxes (mini ones for on-camera, larger ones for off camera), umbrellas, light stands, and remote triggers. A more affordable flashgun gives you much more leeway in that regard.

As for learning how to use it, head over to The Strobist. And of course, you can always ask here.

I always think that a tripod is a good thing to have. When I didn't have one I never thought I needed one, but once I finally got one I found that I wanted to use it all the time. You do not need to get an expensive one, I have 3 and I have gotten them all from thrift stores and yard sales.

If you want something which will help you take different kinds of photos I would recommend an off camera flash. These are a little more on the expensive side, but there are great options out there that do not include the $500+ Canon version. I have two Yognuo's and they are fantastic. These wireless flash triggers are an awesome addition to the flash.

The cheapest ways to do studio lighting is probably with large continuous bulbs, if you havent worked with lights before, this can be nice because you can see where the light falls, and get instant feedback on what it looks like when you move a light. The other option is strobes (rather than continuous), you can get into this relatively cheaply as well if you look at off brand, all manual flashes, and some radio triggers to hook them up to your camera. If you are planning on eventually working weddings and events, you will definitely need to learn how to work with on camera flash, and off camera is a plus as well. I would recommend buying some cheap manual flashes to play with if only because you want to do weddings, and you can use the same lighting set up for studio work and weddings if you use flashes rather than continuous.

Here is a link to a continuous lighting kit for cheap, its pretty basic, but get you some brollys and light stands to start with so you can play around!

Here is a link to a manual flash that may be a good fit for you starting out, it has a radio receiver built in so you don't have to add fiddly triggers to it. It's the Canon version, but there is one for Nikon as well. The trigger goes on your camera and tells the flash when to fire.

Here is another transmitter option for the above flash, it will let you control its power from across the room so you don't have to walk over and adjust it all the time. Again make sure you figure out if you need Canon or Nikon.

Here is a valuable research to teach you a little about the principles of lighting (both with flashes or continuous lights) if you aren't there already.

Did some research, here's I think my bargain basement lighting kit, and good reviews too.

• $50 Neewer flash with wireless trigger. a nice manual flash that comes with a wireless trigger. You put one trigger on the flash, and the other in your camera's flash shoe, and bam, radio triggered flash.
  
• Neewer stand/shoe/umbrella kit for $33. It comes with three umbrellas.
  
• Rechargeable batteries for your flash. I've had good luck with my Energizers, and they are cheap at $13 for a charger + 4 AA's. I'd buy two of them because the cheapest price on a 4 pack is $11, so why not spend the extra $2 for the charger to have a backup charger.
  
  There, you're good to go for wireless flash for ~$100, manual flash power, works with any camera that has a flash shoe.
  
  If you can only spend $50, then just get the flash separately for $30 and the batteries. Then you can get the radio triggers, light stand, and umbrellas later when you have the money to spare.
  
  Also, eventually, you may want to get a larger umbrella - I use an Impact 60" convertible umbrella. Big, beautiful, soft light. I have two of these; they have 4.5 stars on amazon, great umbrella. They are a little unwieldy though; 60" is a big umbrella to deal with.

For a starter set, I went with yongnuo speed lights and cheap stands and umbrellas from Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015ZALVI4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1453912336&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=yongnuo+560+iv&dpPl=1&dpID=51z85GnO1DL&ref=plSrch

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005FHZ2SI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1453912456&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=light+stands+for+photography&dpPl=1&dpID=51fq2%2ByrrcL&ref=plSrch

I bought the flash and trigger separate but since found this deal for two speed lights and the trigger, saves you a few bucks. They are quite good for the price. Keep in mind they are manual flashes

Also, there is a "frequently bought together" suggestion with the speed lights. You'll need the hot shoe adaptor to put onto the stands if you plan to do it that way. The little diffusers are helpful when I don't have an umbrella and can't bounce the flash off a wall or ceiling.

The stands are pretty cheap. But for the price I can't complain. The only real issue I have is if you are outside you will probably need something to hold them down as they are pretty light.

Hope that helps get you started.

The best system for you is probably Nikon DSLRs. They have the best low light performance for your money in the DSLR world, and being a camera manufacturer pretty much exclusively, they have looooots of lenses.

My recommendation:

Refurb D7000 - $519. 1/320 flash sync speed, plenty good in low light, pro ergonomics, works with nikon's newer and older lenses.

Lens: 50mm f1.8G. You said portraits only, so here is your best bang for your buck lens for that. $215.

Lighting: Check out the strobist 101 lighting kit. $100ish.

Flash: YN 565 + radio triggers. $150ish.

With a memory card and whatnot, that comes to around $1000 and you have a great portrait setup. But, you're limited to one focal length (albeit a very useful one). Here are some tips if you wanna push it into the $1000-2000 range:


Nikon 80-200 f2.8D - crazy bang for your buck.

Sigma 18-35 f1.8 - the best wide/normal zoom lens for aps-c cameras. The quality out of it is nothing short of astounding.

85mm f1.8G. You want shallow depth of field? You've got it.

I am about to get into flash photography and, wanting to hit the ground running, I will buy three flashes and related equipment off the bat. I have decided to go with the cheap Yongnuo flashes.

The Yongnuo is up to version IV, but I can purchase some used version III's for a bit cheaper. The difference between them is that the IV has a transmitter built in that can communicate with the other flashes remotely. If I am understanding correctly, this would eliminate the need to buy a separate transmitter (called the TX for Yongnuo).

Is there any benefit to buying three IV's or is it fine to buy one IV and two III's? The latter seems fine to me, but as I am new to all this, I thought it best to ask the more experienced in case I am missing something. The savings are minimal, but as I am about to buy quite a lot of photography gear, it should contribute to substantial savings overall.

I may purchase from a similar cheap flash company if I can find a better deal. If anyone knows and even more cost-effective way to get into flash, please let me know.

Link to the IV

Link to the III

When you're just getting started, best buy is alright, but it's when you get more into it you start to need specific gear. For example, none of the ones I've been to lately sell neutral density filters, these pretty much just make it darker, which you would want if you do video, or especially for long exposure.

Also a lot of their off brand stuff is just rebranded gear that is sold for twice as much. Ex, this flash, compared to the same one online

• Insignia from Best Buy for $69
  
• Neewer from Amazon for $33
  (I wish they showed the backs of the flash so you could see, but you just have to trust me that they are the same :/ )
  
  They don't carry much accessories for video with for a DSLR, like a glidecam, gimbal, or fluid head. They carry the basics, just not any of the more specialized gear.

I have a Yanguno YN-560II and a Canon 430EXII that I shoot with Yanguno C-603 wireless triggers. As others here have said, the 560II is manual only, but I find myself using manual modes exclusively on my 430EXII. I should mention that I usually don't use flash from the camera shoe, and the C-603 triggers don't transmit ETTL. The most rounded option imo, is the YN-565EX you linked. Since it has ETTL, it would likely come out to be more useful to you in general.

I'd look into the Yanguno wireless triggers that I linked as well. They become highly useful if you want to get a little more creative with your flash placement, or if you want to quickly adjust angle. I found that the marginal cost increase of the wireless triggers like the 603C's is worth every penny.

Canon person, but a Nikon person should come and correct me if I'm wrong. :D It looks like a 18-55mm kit lens. What kind of nature shots does she like to take? More wildlife or landscape stuff? If it's animals, a telephoto would be great. Something like the 70-300mm or the 55-300mm. Those would be in the $300-500 range. Indoor events, it would be good to have either a faster lens (50mm 1.8 is a cheap start, ~$100-150) so that she can take non-blurry photos in dark conditions.

Alternatively, get her a tripod (good for landscapes that require long exposures) or a flash like the Yongnuo to play with for portraits/indoor stuff.

That's a great body, the only issue I have is I can't seem to find the same adapter I use on my nikon setup for canon. How I do mine in a nutshell is I have an adapter that mounts the lens backwards on my camera, with new lenses tho since they're digital you need a way to control the aperture, so you have this nice little handy adapter that lets you control it. Here is the kit I use, it comes with pretty much everything need to reverse mount a lens. Your next best and cheapest bet would be the 2.5 50mm Macro lens built by canon, it seems to be a great lens for the price of around 200 used. The next thing you need is a shoe flash, any cheap manual flash that fits canon cameras will do. The last thing you need is to build a good flash diffuser, I built one for about $15, here is how I built it. After you get everything up and runing you go out take pictures and learn to experiment with different aperture settings and flash values.

Artificial lighting is the best and easiest way to make great, professional-looking portraits.

Are you sure you can't afford a speedlite ? You don't need an expensive name-brand one. A basic speedlite is $35. Get two of those, a basic radio control, some flash brackets, one more basic umbrella and you have yourself a portrait lighting kit for $100.

The only limitations will be that this kit won't take heavy use, and the flash won't do TTL (you have to set the power manually, which you want to do for off-camera flash anyway).

Finally, read strobist tutorial and you are now good to go and make great portraits.

Late to the party today!
Ok, I have a pair of the Yongnuo wireless transmitters RF-603 II C3 and the YN-468 II E-TTL speedlight. I'm wanting to add 1-2 of the YN560 IV flashes. The YN560-TX transmitter looks like a great value, but I'm wondering what my options are to keep my older flash in the mix.
Set it to slave mode and hope for the best? Doesn't LOOK to me like the two setups can talk to each other.

I'd recommend one of these suckas, especially if you think she might combine cooking & taking photos. Photography is all about light, and one of these speedlites is an awesome and affordable way to get a better understanding of that. Read the reviews to get an idea of how kickass these things can be.

Alternatively, I learned photography by taking pics of the night sky. It was the most interesting thing to me and is what drove me to learn more about taking photos. I bought one of these, which allowed me to take pics with crazy long shutters on my T2i and also do cool stuff with star trails. I remember being so damn pumped when I took that photo with my T2i, the stock lens and a $10 shutter release.

Coupling the release with the tripod is a nice combo. The flash is great for indoor stuff.

If you're feeling SUPER crazy, consider the famous "nifty fifty." My biggest frustration with the kit lens when I had my T2i was that it was practically useless handheld in low light, and it was hard to achieve any shallow depth of field, which are two pretty big draws to DSLR photography. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II changed that all.

It can be had for under $100 used on Amazon, but I'd check your local Craigslist. Everyone Canon shooter has owned this lens at one point, and I've seen them for as low as $50 on NYC CL.

I would go for the 50mm lens and a tripod, throw in the shutter release and flash if you're feeling super generous. It would set her up for a very long time if she is serious about photography. If all the stars align, you could probably get the lens + tripod + shutter release + flash for under $150 but it's not very likely.

I would say that a FX camera would be far off for me... very, very far off lol

I am a partially disabled old man so on a very tight budget and, if not for this truly great offer from my neighbor/friend, I would probably be decently far from even having a DSLR at all.

For the flash, I did see this on Amazon that I thought might be a good investment (other than lenses of course) but, again, I know nothing about what is good, bad, or mediocre.

I will have to play around more taking a ton of pics at both 35mm and 50mm to see what I really like and would want to use for general picture taking. There is a yearly art show here called "ArtPrize" and so it would be nice to finally have a good camera for taking pics of everything.

My goal, in the future, is taking pictures like this and this but, as a newbie, no idea how to get from here to there and am just excited to learn as I go. (and then figure out what equipment I need hahaha)

Alright, I picked up a couple of the Neewer TT560 from Amazon ($37 each). Works AMAZING. I can't believe the quality of these for the price. They work perfect out of the box wirelessly with my SB-700 and D7000, and the photo quality is great!

Thanks for the recommendation!

Here's an Amazon link if anyone needs it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LEAYXY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwplasmaglow-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004LEAYXY

I'm not pro, but please allow me to recommend this item: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H84WRK2/ . I skimmed through several speedlites, and that one was the better option for me, according to my current equipment and budget. Really, give it a look and you may find it cheaper than others you perhaps have already considered. The speedlite has several modes, so it can be used mounted on the flash [camera] or mounted in a tripod (it also includes a little pocket-sized stand if you don't have a tripod). It also includes a wired shutter release, which happens to be wireless as well, so you can set your environment and the taking the pictures without touching the camera at all. Note: the remote shutter comes with the batteries for its two parts, but the speedlite does not (4xAA). The speedlite also comes with a plastic diffuser and .... well, perhaps I'm saying too much, and you can check its features over there; I just wanted to say I am very happy with it. edit: oops, I meant the speedlite can be mounted on the camera's hot shoe.

The Yongnuo YN-468 II for $87 has E-TTL support, and as a Nikon shooter is definitely on par with the Nikon flashes, and about 1/4 the price (looks to be 1/5 the price of the 580EX II.

If you're not aware, TTL = Through The Lens, and means that it is able to automatically meter the light and adjust the power of the flash in tandem with the camera to get a decent exposure.

If you've not done any flash photography before, then I'd definitely recommend a TTL Flash.

Otherwise, you can spend even less, and get the Yonguo YN-560 II for $71, which is a manual flash (I bought two to accompany my older YN-467 TTL flash to use as off-camera flashes). I believe the YN-560 II has a longer range (more powerful flash), but I don't think it will impact you in your situation.

You might also try looking at the Yongnuo 568EX or the Yonguo 565 EX which are intended to be direct competitors to the 580 EX2 recommended by /u/arachnophilia but I have no experience with either.

Note there a bunch of Amazon pages for all of these flashes, so hunt around a little and read lots of reviews. I love my Yongnuo flashes :)

Good Morning All I currently have a D7100 with a 35mm f1.8 G and a 18-105mm lens, I got it 5 years ago, used for back then for vacation pictures (me and wife), then we had 1 kind then another and haven’t used the camera for the pass 3 years… But now that I don’t have to carry a million things to fulfill my kids needs I can actually start taking my camera to places, So again I just want to use the camera for taking pics of family at places like zoo, beach, aquarium etc so I have few questions

1. Any reason to upgrade this camera? Like sell it and get a better one like Z6 mirrorless or 7500
   
   If 1 = NO Then
   
   

2. I currently have those lenses listed, any suggestion on a better lens? I rather not carry many lenses so is there 1 that fits all needs? I tend to normally take the 18-105mm with me
   
   
3. As far as accessories go I already have a tripod, and few batteries, I’m thinking about buying the Adorama battery grip, what other accessories do you guys recommend?
   
   3a) As far as flashes go I see many recommendations for the SB-600, how does it compare with something cheap like: https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Professional-Flash-NIKON/dp/B00H84WRK2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550680497&sr=8-3&keywords=d7100+flash

Do you want a RF trigger or to run it off your camera via a flash-based system?

EDIT:

Looks like the "cheap" part is going to require you to get an RF trigger and run it manually. You can get a few different kinds of manual off-camera flash for under $40, but a $60 Neewer TT860 will work great manually and you can use it with TTL on the camera as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer®-Speedlite-Camera-High-Speed-Cameras/dp/B00E3K94T6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1420084596&sr=8-4&keywords=E-TTL+flash

A Cowboystudio dual trigger is going to run you $27 and works pretty darn well. Just keep stuffing dollar tree AAAs.

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-NPT-04-Speelights-extra-receiver/dp/B005IQRMN4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420084639&sr=8-1&keywords=cowboystudio+trigger

24-105 mm is a great all around lense. Well worth the money if you ask me. it would also replace 2 of your lenses so there is less for you to carry. I also really like the 70-200. If you plan on taking alot of landscape style photos try a 17-40 mm.

If I were you and had $3000 to spend, I 'd pick up a 6d with 24-105 mm lense combo

6d combo

a nice manfrotto or ravelli tripod

A nice flash

430 flash

and a nice back pack.

That's my two cents.

That camera has a 1/2.5" small noisy sensor. It is pretty much useless over ISO 200. The optics are also nothing spectacular. It hasn't happened to mine, but that camera seems to be pretty prone to lens error faults that render the camera unfixable and unusable.

For what it is, it is fine, an 8mp superzoom advanced point and shoot from 2007-2008.

Adding a tube to put a UV filter over the lens is not going to really be worth the effort. Any optics that you add are going to be adding to the distortion the built in optics already have, so I'd say that's not worth it either.

Here's one thing you could do. Get yourself a canon external flash and a off camera flash cord. That camera has the standard canon hot shoe and having a flash that can be taken off the camera is going to do a lot more for any pictures you take than any crazy lens tube adapters.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Speedlite-II-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001CCAISE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292870603&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Off-Camera-Cameras-Speedlite-Equivalent/dp/B002B8ZYPK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1292870658&sr=1-1

Something like those will actually be useful when you get rid of the S5 and move to something else in the future.

The great thing about photography is that things like SLR lenses and flashes can outlive camera bodies and be useful for a long time.

I use Nikon lenses whenever I need a long zoom or macro (2 of the Nikon mount lenses I have). Tamron 90mm macro for food photos, Sigma 70-300mm for city photos from far away. These are not top of the line lenses, but I already had them so why not utilize them. Those modern lenses do not have an aperture ring, so you should get an adapter with an aperture ring. There are tons of them on Amazon and on eBay. I got one with aperture ring AND a tripod mount so it's more secure and easier to handle when mounted on a tripod with a big lens. Fotodiox is one common brand, but there are many similar products under different brands. One I have says "NI G-NEX" on it with no brand.

For old manual lenses, you can pretty much get any adapter since the lens itself has the aperture ring. Just make sure it can focus on infinity (read the reviews if possible)

You will have to do manual focus with these adapter. As far as I know only some adapters for Sony Alpha and Canon mounts can have autofocus (slow). And they are at least $75 (cheapest one I found on amazon for Canon)

As for the flash, I got 2 of these. They are NOT TTL. You can either connect them to your camera, and let it fire whn you press shutter. Or, you can use them externally, and fire them with camera's internal flash (mode S2). Either way, it works fine. I am not a professional photographer, so I cannot compare these flashes with other brands, and tell you how good or bad they are. But they are #1 seller on Amazon, got very good reviews.

While everyone suggests a 35 or 50mm f/1.8 lens, let me suggest a flash that isn't on top of your camera. I'd get at least the 430EX flash (http://amzn.com/B001CCAISE) so you can swivel and tilt the head of it. Pair that up with a good diffuser (http://amzn.com/B000CLNHXY) and you can take some great portraits. Flashes are great to have even in bright sunlight to soften shadows and add catch-lights to eyes, and are invaluable in other types of photography and situations.

Also, a RapidStrap is nice to have (http://amzn.com/B002WR7VSS), as it will get your camera off your neck and onto your shoulder. It's a hell of a lot more comfortable to carry it around during hikes like this.

Of course! Links at the bottom

I use a canon version YN-603, but Nikon should be fine too, just the central pin is used. It would also be possible to use the 560-TX, in order to remotely control the speedlights, but it's too big to fit comfortably on the 500. The 560-TX is really great on a camera with a hotshoe though.

And since the trigger doesn't accept PC-sync input (only out), a hama hot-shoe adaptor with pc sync cable to the lens.

This triggers a couple of YN-560 speedlights. All in all a starter kit at less than 200 USD!


http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-RF-603CII-C1-Wireless-Flash-Trigger/dp/B00HVT34FG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416957202&sr=8-1&keywords=yn-603cii

http://www.amazon.com/Hama-Hot-Shoe-Adaptor-Cable/dp/B00006JAII/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416957278&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=hama+hot+shoe+pc+sync

http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Professional-Speedlight-Flashlight-Olympus/dp/B00BXA7N6A/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1416957414&sr=1-1&keywords=yongnuo

http://www.amazon.com/YONGNUO-YN560-TX-Transmitter-Compatible-Receivers/dp/B00KM1QZRY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1416957546&sr=1-1&keywords=yongnuo+560tx

Agree w/ /u/fuqsfunny (I think I keep doing that w/ you heh, I'm new here) that they don't look that grainy or underexposed. The easiest solution is to do what you're doing, shoot raw, big aperture, and add noise reduction if necessary. Nothing to learn and spend. For a website you probably don't need super high res so the noise won't be as visible.

If you do want to go flash what kind of gear do you have? Assuming a canon or nikon DSLR a yongnuo yn560 IV for $70 is an affordable way to start with built in wireless triggering (to fire the flash off the camera). It's manual though so if you want TTL (where the camera choose the intensity of the flash for you) the YN568EX is $100 and the cheapest way to go. There's definitely a learning curve so prepare for that. I don't know if you're on some kind of deadline for this. No doubt a flash would give you more options if they're moving like stopping a jump in mid air but to make it look good it's not as easy as popping it on your camera. But, if you're already committed to photography in general you can't go wrong buying a flash even if you don't use it much on this project. It's an investment you'll use elsewhere for sure.

All that said, you're in control of the shoot right? This is as opposed to only observing a class and taking pictures. I say that because you may have the opportunity to pose them. If they could hold a position you could lower your shutter speed and ISO to get cleaner shots. I mean, this won't work for everything like the jumping or trying to get some real emotion during a spar but something else to consider.

Hi
I mainly use my camera (Canon 700d) to take pictures of people holding fish, i.e. short range portrait shots like these (http://imgur.com/a/RBJCs / http://imgur.com/a/IMuik). In the day all is well but at night I need to use some sort of lighting. People have steered me away from using LED lighting like those lamps used for video and advised I use a flash. My question is, which of these flash would be best for my needs?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BXA7N6A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3SDpybFEQVF73

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Speedlite-270EX-Flash-Unit/dp/B004MKNBUK

Thanks!

I have a Canon T3i / 600D. I'd like to start using an off-camera flash, and I've read the Strobist 101 guide.

I'd like to use the wireless flash trigger built into the T3i, but my budget probably won't stretch to a Canon speedlight just yet. I'd like one of the sub-£100 Yongnuo flashes but I can't work out which ones are compatible with the T3i's wireless function.

Would something like this Youngnuo YN-565 unit work? Essentially I'd like to stick the flash on a pole with an umbrella, and trigger it using the native wireless function on my T3i.

Are there any better options around the £100/$150 range?

I also wanted to experiment with flash units for portraits. I bought a couple of these: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Electronic-Flash-Cameras-Canon/dp/B01I09WHLW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1542945415&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=amazon+basics+flash&psc=1

It's fully manual and rather close-range (the guide number is only 33), but you can trigger it remotely with your onboard flash, and for the price, it's great to just have fun and experiment with. And they've improved my indoor photos dramatically.

Hello reddit! I got a cheap full manual flash with strap on soft box to do some photobooth type shots with my t2i. I noticed an s1 s2 and m mode with intensity and all that. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LNN13S6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1420972464&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SY200_QL40 that is the flash I have. It is super bright and so far I like it. My question is should I use a bright setting with low iso or a lower setting with a faster iso in case people are moving? Also I read somewhere that certain batteries charge the flash better than others. Is there a way to "plug in" the flash maybe so I don't have to change batteries? Also there is a flip down plastic piece I'm not sure about lol. I was thinking of using the flash box with the flash for the booth. Still learning and always used the "wonderful" built in flash and was always disappointed lol. Thanks for the help!

here's a link to the 50mm - it's the newer version of the one you found, and the autofocus works significantly better - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1143786-REG/canon_0570c002_ef_50mm_f_1_8_stm.html

that's the sigma i was referring to - some people prefer the tamron version of the same lens - they're similar, just make sure to get the canon mount if you decide to go this route. any good camera store or amazon will certainly let you return or exchange it.

here's the flash kit I was referring to - http://www.amazon.com/YN-560IV-Wireless-Speedlite-YN560-TX-Controller/dp/B015ZALVI4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449856325&sr=8-1&keywords=yongnuo+560iv+kit

I have exactly this, and it's loads of fun to play with

I'm gonna say you can do it with what you have. Maybe if you wanted to, get a longer lens (maybe 55-200? I know they make cheaper lenses -- and if you buy used, you can save more money. All of my lenses are used). But the important part is to just move around a lot, get up high, put the camera on the ground, zoom in and zoom out, focus and recompose and have fun with it.

The only thing I do think you'll definitely need, is this

a flash is important for interior shots. Just keep your ISO at a solid 1,000 to 1,600 (yes even with with 5300, it will be fine!) and aperture as low as it will get (but not lower than 2.8 if it does go lower, and just keep upping the flash power if you need to, to get a nice, well-lit, shot.

Just have fun. If she knows its your first time, but sees that you studied and really wanted to do a good job, it should all turn out fine. And if not, then maybe you aren't to blame! You'll only need one battery, but maybe buy a backup just in case.

Don't bring the tripod.

Your lenses are slow, but I wouldn't bother buying new lenses. Buy the 430EX, and learn how to bounce it, sync it, adjust it, etc. You're going to need an off camera flash eventually.

Don't bother with that package, just buy the straight flash from Amazon for cheaper and pick up batteries locally.

Eventually, I'd pick up the 50 1.8 lens. It's a very sharp, decently fast lens for $100. I have $1400 lenses and I still love this lens.

Please don't go buy $300 lenses right now. Your situation will be best served by getting a flash and learning to use it.

Ok how's 3 tiers?

First tier is very basic. Any kit like this should do the trick. You would most likely put one light on either side while your product is on a table, then have the 3rd light pointed at a wall behind the table.


A step up from that would be a basic set of speedlights like this paired with one of these or an umbrella (two if you're feeling ambitious one on each side, then snag another flash for a BG light) Flashes are better vs continuous lighting from the first link as they allow you more control and let you modify the light easier (with softboxes and other various things, this would allow you to get softer light, harsher light, more focused light, etc etc) You can also bounce them off a white ceiling at higher power which would act like a big softbox overhead.

Top tier for someone starting out would be a set of alien bees Paired with a couple of softboxes and a background light. They take up more space and I wouldn't recommend them if you're just getting your feet wet. (mine are set up all the time and I shoot stuff like this and this with them. )

Hey :) I am looking to buy a speedlight/flash. I don't have much money as a student and this will be my first experience with a flashgun, so I'm trying to stay pretty low budget. I have been looking at the Godox TT685N (which for me is at the high end of my budget), but also the Neewer 750II TTL (which is a lot cheaper, but it almost seems too good to be true?). My budget either way is around 50-100, max. 120 (euros).

Does anyone here have experiences with these flashguns, or does anyone have any other recommendations or tips for buying a cheap flashgun? Thanks in advance :)


( https://www.amazon.de/Godox-TT685N-Blitzger%C3%A4t-Speedlite-Autoflash/dp/B013HZ2AVG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=godox+tt685n&qid=1562887740&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-750II-Speedlite-Display-Cameras/dp/B00GE4MNQA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=neewer+ttl+nikon&qid=1562336226&s=gateway&sprefix=neewer+ttl&sr=8-3 )

I generally take food photographs and I want to up my game. I was thinking a flash to setup as back lighting so I could get more consistent results. Right now I rely mostly on natural window light which varies a lot.

Option 1: Alien Bee B800 - I would use this with a softbox as the main back lighting source. Reviews look pretty good, although I don't know if this is overkill or too little for what I want to do.

Option 2: Nikon SB700 - I'm sure this isn't as powerful a flash as the Alien Bee but this has the benefit of being useful outside of taking standard food shots in a static environment

Option 3: Yongnuo YN565EX - Off Brand flash, much cheaper than the Nikon, are there any negatives for the casual photographer?

Thoughts?

You can get some TTL for very affordable prices, certainly good enough until you've found your way and can justify more expensive equipment.

Example: Neewer 750II TTL Flash Speedlite - It won't be the quality of a brand name TTL, but it has some pretty good reviews. I have this, and it does all I need. I built a diffuser for macro photography as well. Only complaint is that it chews through batteries pretty fast, and rechargeables don't really work well on it.

Highly recomend:

2 Speedlights with trigger

Then buy 2 of these

This was the first lighting kit I used. To this day I still use Yongnuo, but I upgraded the stands to C stands and got a better octobox.

(By the way, I used to take portraits with this kit but should do with your needs)



`

Edit:

I wanted to add that white foam core board from walmart is great for reflecting stuff and if you want to make a soft light box (not sure of the offical name) try this.

huh! may I recommend this one? http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Professional-Speedlight-Flashlight-Olympus/dp/B00BXA7N6A

I've always been a Nikon guy but this guy can do amazing things for a 10th of the price. And if you're going to use it off camera, just get one of the cheap wireless yongnuo remote triggers off ebay for like 30 bucks, the speedlight has an integrated wireless trigger. Besides it's twice as bright as an SB-600.

Two of these and an umbrella are all I need for a professional lighting in any situation.

If it's an indoor location with no windows, you might be hard pressed to get nice images without a flash. The ISO performance on the d5300 isn't fantastic. I would look into possibly getting video lights, or a flash to light your images, you can pick up both from yongnuo pretty cheap.

The best moments to pick up here would be if she had family or friends she's interacting with, you can only take so many pictures of her getting her hair done before it gets boring. Look for laughs and interactions, good luck!

I love the Canon brand flashes, and will often rent them for larger events. However, for every day use and budgetary reasons, I carry a Yongnuo 600ex-rt

Honestly, for the price, the quality is quite good.

You can also save 40 or so dollars and go for the Yongnuo 560 III

I have two Yongnuo 568 EX II flashes, and they are quite good, and inexpensive. This model has TTL metering, which you might want, though if you can live without TTL you can get a cheaper model probably. Amazon Link
I also got a tripod + umbrella setup to use with this flash, which I recommend for studio work; this kind of setup is pretty cheap on amazon as well. You can use flash slave mode, by using your on-camera flash at 1/128th, though you may have to get a remote and receiver pair for better results.

After we lost a set of family pictures (and having to pull teeth to get another set) to crappy, non-responsive mommytographers after our second was born, I decided to finally get a real camera and learn some photography basics. We've got our third on the way now, so I'm starting to evaluate the kit I've acquired over the last few years in light of this.
If you're looking to get a flash, just grab the cheap AmazonBasics manual one and bounce it off the ceiling behind you; you'll get 80%+ of the utility of the flash for $30, adding the Cowboy Studio radio trigger gets your flash off camera for cheap as well. Regardless, learning how to use flash is another skill to research (the Strobist is a great resource) and takes a ton of practice. However, babies are slow enough that you should be just fine bumping your ISO a bit and shooting your 20mm wide open.
Really, though, I'll echo what other posters have said: knowledge beats throwing money at kit. What you have is plenty sufficient for good pictures, and buying more kit will barely move picture quality if you don't add knowledge. Practice with mom, practice with a doll, look at pictures of babies, etc. In addition, learn to post-process. Your first attempts will suck, but shoot RAW and practice. You're better off spending $150 on good PP software than another lens, but you can still make do just fine with open source software.
 
We have a similar setup: EM10m2, 14-42 kit, 25mm f/1.8, 40-150 f/4-5.6, 7.5mm f/3.5 fisheye, as well as a smattering of old adapted lenses (most useful is the 50mm f/1.7 that fills the classic "portraiture" role)

Are you asking about other speedlites (small flash guns)? Or are you looking to upgrade to monolights?

If you're sticking with small flashes, it might depend on your camera system. Probability suggests you're either shooting Canon or Nikon.

With Canon people really like the 430EX

With Nikon, the SB800 gets a lot of love.

These are not the top of the line flash for either system, but they appear to have a balance of cost and features that people like. Buying on-brand flashes also means you benefit from the full functionality the system. e.g. I have a bunch of YongNuo flashes and a Nikon D610, which means I can't use the camera menu to group and control the flashes. As for the power you're looking for - these are as powerful as you might ever need a small flash to be.

Both of these will work on rechargeable batteries, and your request that your power lasts "all day" really depends on what you're shooting. Just buy and carry a few few extra cases of batteries. (I have 48 Eneloops the last time I counted)

If you're thinking the solution to your power problem involves an upgrade to a monolight, and money isn't really an issue, then you should look at something like the Profoto B1 500 AirTTL

These are fast becoming the go-to flash for professional photographers on the move. They're powered by battery packs that slide right into the body, so there are no cables to deal with. The consistent quality of the light and the feature set in general are hard to beat when you the portability in account.

Shop lights from Home Depot... 37 bucks will get you 1,000 watts. They have cheaper configurations as well, put off a ton of heat tho.

As someone else has mentioned Yongnuo speed lights. I picked up three of the YN 560 III at 70 bucks a pop and have been very, very impressed with the quality and performance.

Those silver sunscreens for car windshields will work as a make shift reflector, then again so would white poster board.

I'm pretty sure rigging up a homemade snoot wouldn't take much imagination, or a homemade honeycomb style grid (straws perhaps? Google is showing me one with corrugated cardboard, clever).

It's getting to be the holidaes, LED christmas lights will be on shelves. Could use them to rig up a ring light perhaps.

This site covers some of what I touched on and more: http://www.popphoto.com/DIYLighting

But at the end of the day nothing works as well as lighting and equipment designed for photography mostly do to how much light you really need to be effective. Just think that the sun throws roughly 1000 watts per square meter, achieving that kind of saturation while still remaining useful can be quite tricky.

Soo. I recently did my first paid shoot for a couple friends, which also was pretty much the first time I ever did anything studio related (at least in a serious way). It looks like I did relatively well, as I'm being approached by people who saw the pictures about shooting for them. Which is pretty awesome, but I borrowed nearly all of the lighting equipment for the shoot I did and can't always reliably bet on doing that again. Further, that equipment was full-blown studio strobes and I'd probably prefer something more portable. As I'm also on a pretty tight budget: are YongNuo flashes (like this one) any good? No TTL is fine, it'll only ever be used in manual, but the reviews are somewhat mixed, with them breaking down being a fairly common concern. Should I shell out for that Fuji EF-42 (or the Sunpak one it's rebranded from) instead? It's more than double the price, and I'd rather not if the Yongnuo does it for now.

I don’t see anything about Sony compatibility for the Amazon Basics model. However, Neewer has this one with good reviews:

Neewer TT560 Flash
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LEAYXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_npl-BbC5RFY29

Just to make sure you’re looking for the right piece of gear, what do you want to do with the flash that you can’t do with the built-in one?

External flashes are awesome, I just want to make sure you’re looking for the right tool!

Hey folks -- looking for any advice on getting started with Flash. I have been thinking about picking up a YN 560iv because they are cheap. I have a Nikon F3 and an SB-16 flash that I am experimenting with right now for portraiture, but hoping to get more control and ease of use with a modern flash. Any reading material would be appreciated!

am no pro so YMMV but I feel 90% confident saying

• if you're going 'manual' then yes, all basic flashes work with your hot shoe
  
  
• a basic setup (I would suggest the Yungnuo line, myself) would be a fine intro and all that softbox stuff is compatible with all the 'standard' full-size flashes you may consider.
  
  
• you can buy some very cheap flash diffusers so it's a great way to jump in and play around without much risk.
  
  

If you want a really nice flash unit without breaking the bank, take a look at this. This is what I use along with a shiny cover of a tracker boat catalog lol. Works REALLY well. Look through my post history for examples. $50 and does an amazing job.

I also came across the Neewer and Altura brands which seem to look good, which come with a receiver and transmitter as part of the kit. Any particular reason Yongnuo would be the better option? Or at that price point, they're pretty much the same?

https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Professional-Flash-NIKON/dp/B00H84WRK2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1485187367&sr=8-4&keywords=wireless+flash

Thanks for the other umbrella recommendation. Is this more to do with projecting a soft light?

Okay, here is a better list, sorry for the mess:

Flash -- around $65.

Transmitter --around $35

Light stand + umbrella + flash bracket // around $30. I got this one used for $20 on Amazon. There are different ones and with different quality.

Canon 24mm f/2.8 -- around $150

Canon 50mm f/1.8 -- around $110.

Also, Yongnuo makes their version of the 50mm ($50), the 35mm ($88) and some others. I can only vouch for the 50mm, I either got a great copy or it is just great.

Thanks for the feedback! Using a Shoe adaptor isn't ideal but 2 hss flashes that work together for around $200 that both have decent guide numbers seems like a good deal to me; the nissin i40 costs more than this ($250) and that's the cheapest "native" hss flash you can get for mirrorless Sony cameras.

Getting an ND filter costs about the same as the flash, with the adapter that costs $22, that's about the same as a cheap flash so it's a tie in terms of price.

Nice thing is if I ever end up getting a Sony branded flash (Sony HVL-F32M or better), the 3600hs will work as a wireless hss slave.

What sort of photography are you working on? Unless you're doing light painting, or desperately need portable hot-lights, flashlights are generally awful for photo work. They're specialized all wrong.

The biggest issue by far is simply brightness. If you're getting good results with a smartphone flash (which is roughly 50 Lumens), then certainly we can improve on things. The Zebralight /u/infinity526 suggests obviously improves on that number quite substantially, although I think this more-expensive variant would be a better option, as it has better CRI and a daylight color temperature.

But for photography, 900 Lumens is nothing. A pretty basic speedlight comes closer to a million lumens. And has variable brightness and adjustable focus.

Im going to apologize in advance for links, im on mobile.

I have this yongnuo flash https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGTOX26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cDbdBbQERE1DE

And this trigger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JVEXRE2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YEbdBb9TKN17R

They both work extremely well and reliably. I'm not super well versed in off camera flash but you could easily keep the yongnuo on camera and optically trigger the canon or remote trigger the yongnuo to have both flashes off camera as you described with the 2 products I linked. Good luck!

I picked up 2 of these flashes and this wireless trigger, and this(or similar) set of reflective umbrellas and stands. All that stuff is pretty universal and should work on most cameras.

It's nothing fancy, but it's less than $200 for the whole setup and it gets great results. I use the same stuff for portrait work.

The Tokina lens looks great, but unfortunately it's designed for a crop sensor. I can put it on my full frame camera, but it's going to leave me with a big black circle around all of my pictures.

You will need a flash, and most likely your on camera flash will not be enough.

You will need an E-TTL flash so that you can take pictures on the fly without having to adjust the power of your flash. You can buy a 3rd party one or a Canon version, or rent one if you want.

You will also want something to diffuse the light. There are simple caps, on-flash soft boxes, and another that seems to be popular is the Gary Fong Lightsphere. I personally use an on-camera softbox as it offers the largest light source, though the lightsphere seems to work pretty well too and isn't as bulky and fragile. These things also should be used in close range, over about 10ft the diffusion quality diminishes and they require too much power to light the subject.

Honestly, I think you’ll be unhappy going cheap in the beginning. You’ll probably want to upgrade later on, so you might want to save some extra money for better equipment. But if that’s not an option right now, I totally understand!

You really can’t go wrong with the Yongnuo flashes. Check those out to see which one fits your needs and is in your price range. These triggers are pretty decent. You’ll want a nice bracket for your umbrella and flash. These stands are also fairly decent.

Hi,

I am starting to get back into my macro photography and I was looking at flashes. Any advice on whether I should get a macro ring flash or a normal hotshoe flash?

I am thinking that I should get a normal hotshoe flash for my Nikon D7100, but I am unsure what type I should buy. The reason for this is that I read that the ring flashes can make the images look very flat. My current setup uses a lamp in the house and the torch from my mobile phone, but I would like to try and move outdoors as well.

I would be grateful to hear any suggestions from you.

Thanks in advance,

How do I mount a speedlite to my sony a200 which uses it's own proprietary mount?
I recently got into photography with a second hand sony a200, I want to buy a speedlite but I realized that the hotshoe isn't the same on my camera as the ones on most flashes. I realize I need some sort of an adapter to use them but is that all I need? I was thinking about getting these two, keep in mind I'm very new to photography and I don't want to invest far too much money so I don't want to buy a dedicated sony alpha compatible flash that I can't use later in my life.
The speedlite I want
The mount I want
Is there anything else I would need to use the speedlite? Also with this adapter will I be able to use it as a regular flash/speedlite?
Thanks!

I'm looking to get into flash photography with my sony camera. I have been reading the stobist lighting 101 blog which recommends lp180 s at ~$150 or lp180r at ~$230. But I'm so tempted by kits like these that would give me all the functionality of 2 lp180r + oden remote for a fraction of the cost. ($170 vs $760). I really like the lp180 but there seems to be no good way to use it without an oden and the yonhnuos are just so much cheaper.
I can buy one lp180/lp180r and a transmitter or the yongnuo kit. I'm just a hobbyist so I don't need rock solid durability/reliability. Will the yongnuos be as powerful and will they and/or the lp180 fit my sony "Multi-interface hot shoe"?

May not be much help, but I bought this flash for 40 dollars, and I must say I really enjoy it. I think it's a great flash especially if you are starting out (like myself).

Thanks for the pointers. I meant to ask earlier, how can I tell if the flash is TTL? I assume the Canon 430EX is but I don't see TTL anywhere in the product name or description.

Thanks for the pointers - I'm already having a lot of fun!!

Great info, thanks for the response! My main interest in having a flash is to use it wireless. If I were to get THIS flash to use wireless, could I get a cheap off-brand flash trigger to pair with it? Or what would you suggest?

The AmazonBasics flash is ~$30 and is just a rebranded Neewer model. It's full manual, but if you're shooting off camera with speedlights, with the A6000 that's the only game in town anyway. (If there's a TTL wireless transmitter/receiver out there for the Sony multi-interface shoe, I'm not sure).

For stands and umbrellas, when I started off Cowboy Studio stuff was inexpensive and relatively good quality to price. I'm not sure if it's still that way, but if you're looking to keep it cheap to start with, it's not a bad way to go. Same with their wireless transmitter, but Neewer has one for $16 on Amazon right now that comes with 2 receivers.

(The one thing to keep in mind is that the hotshoe on the black A6000 is painted/coated, so the transmitter may have issues grounding, but I haven't had one of these in hand for several years, and I'm having difficulty remembering if the transmitter required a ground spot in the first place, as it's just a simple "pop the flash" affair. You should be fine though.)

So for a starter kit to learn off camera stuff, I'd say go with 2 of the AmazonBasics Flashes

This umbrella/stand kit

And the above mentioned trigger set. That's around $130 and two lights should be plenty to get you started. Maybe even consider getting some softboxes while you're at it.

Since you're just getting started with it, I wouldn't dump too much money into it for now. Those two flashes with umbrellas/soft boxes will be plenty to just get the basics down, learn the different lighting styles, and decide if shooting with flash is where you want to go.

From there, shelling out for some PocketWizards, Profoto strobes, and all the high end kit is up to you!

I just recently bought the 60" umbrella and a second flash, so most of my portraits are with one light only. I did some shots with a small softbox + lightbulb so that I can use my flash to get the background pure white (you see the rectangle shaped catchlight in these cases). Although the lightbulb light wasnt even close to a flash regarding the power (and therefore theses shots are at >100ISO) it was pretty good for learning to see light and shadow....because...yeah, you actually see this stuff with a continuous lightsource :)

Most of the shots are with the smaller shootthrough-umbrella, but since I was lacking a second flash I had some extra work with lightroom / photoshop to make the background pure white.

Oh, and last but not least: Go and buy a 5-in-1-reflector if you havent already, this little thing is a godsend! This portrait was shot with the small shootthrough and the 5-in-1-reflector, as you can see in the catchlights.

Next step for me would be a third flash (man, these things are cheap!) to get rid of the need for someone holding the reflector when one flash is busy with making the background white.

I have a couple of YN-560 II's and they've worked great for over a year. I use them with Cactus V5 triggers and they've performed well.

If you're going to do any shooting with a flash on the camera, you'll want to get a YN-468 such as this one because it has TTL metering while the 560 does not. If you're wanting two lights, I suggest one 560 and one 468 just so you have TTL capability if you ever need it.

Eneloop batteries are a great addition with the flashes. They last forever.

Hello, relatively new Canadian here. I am planning on buying the Yonguo 560 IV! for about $100 in hopes of taking better portraits. What controller works best? the YN560 TX! for $60 seems to give me wireless controls but it requires batteries so I don't know how reliable that is, there is also just a simple trigger! for $40 dollars. Is there anything else I should be looking into when purchasing? Thank you.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Electronic-Flash-Cameras-Canon/dp/B01I09WHLW/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1520620988&sr=1-3&keywords=flash


They work great, adjustable power, swivel/tilt head, guide number 33 so they're fairly bright, optical trigger. They even have a pc sync port.


And the voltages are safe to use with a modern DSLR.

I have the Godox TT350S and the trigger that comes with it when you buy it in a bundle on Amazon and it works well in a studio environment but if you are shooting events/weddings I don't recommend it. It can be slow and the fill in a big open room is really lackluster. If you are comfortable shooting with a manual flash I recommend the Yongnuo YN560 IV because it's cheap and can be used as a trigger if you decide to buy more than one. The only thing is it isn't supposed to be compatible with the hotshoe on Sony cameras but in my experience it works fine. Also, if it stops working you can get a relatively cheap converter for the hotshoe.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PGTOX26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06X9M43N2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Picture info:

• 28mm
  
• f2
  
• 1/30s
  
• ISO 800
  
  Flash trigger I used:
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVTSTI8
  
  Flash that I used (On full power):
  
  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LEAYXY
  
  Setup:
  
  All in a line:
  Tripod with flash on top of it (pointed straight at model with no diffusion) -> trampoline with friend on it -> me with camera -> large wall behind me.
  
  
  I had my friend (the model) stand where he was going to do the flip, and used the autofocus to lock on to him. I then set the camera to MF so that the focus wouldn't move around from there.
  
  My friend then grabbed two handfuls of snow and did a backflip while letting go of the snow. I took the picture when he came between me and the flash. The light bounced off the wall behind me and lit him up. Without the wall, it would have just been a silhouette.
  
  EDIT: Formatting

Yes, there are a few decent options out there. For my personal, non-funded work, I use Alien Bees lights. They are actually very good quality for the money. In general, I've found that monoblock lights have a wider range of inexpensive options, whereas the power pack style lights are very pricey.

You can also invest in several small hot shoe flashes and syncs. Ebay and amazon sell very cheap version of the Canon Speedlight (and others) that are quite good quality. I've heard from several people who use the knock off brands and are very happy with them.

Cowboy Studio offers reasonably priced equipment of good quality.

Once you learn how to properly use studio lighting, only the most well trained eyes will be able to tell the difference between cheap equipment an this.

EDIT: Here are some lower priced power pack kits. I've never used novatron, but Elinchrom is a solid product.

If you can get without TTL there are the yongnuo flashes, I've personally tried the yn560iv and the yn685 with their triggers. As for triggers you should use the YN560-TX. All of these must be the Canon versions (not the nikon ones).

With the trigger you can set your flash(es) parameters from it (without touching the flashes themselves) which is a big advantage once you've set the flashes in place, maybe inside a softbox, etc.

​

Don't buy the yn-622c-tx which, while it works on canon bodies, and it even gives you TTL with the yn685, doesn't even fire the flashes on M43 cameras, at least not on the olympus E-M10 and the Panasonic Gx85.

I've tried all of the above-mentioned yongnuo products on both of these cameras (E-M10 and Gx85), I'll add some amazon links to the products, I hope they can be helpful

​

​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGTOX26/ref=sxts_kp_bs_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=8778bc68-27e7-403f-8460-de48b6e788fb&pd_rd_wg=xMKtJ&pf_rd_r=Q1W0BDPWVAHWKBY1N9CE&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B00PGTOX26&pd_rd_w=XGvyX&pf_rd_i=yongnuo+yn560+iv&pd_rd_r=1c36158b-ccf3-4d7c-b5e6-2c40cbbb898a&ie=UTF8&qid=1543588353&sr=1

​

https://www.amazon.com/YONGNUO-YN685-System-Wireless-Speedlite/dp/B0159PJL8C/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1543589021&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=yongnuo+yn685&psc=1

​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KM1QZRY/ref=sxts_kp_lp_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=8778bc68-27e7-403f-8460-de48b6e788fb&pd_rd_wg=xMKtJ&pf_rd_r=Q1W0BDPWVAHWKBY1N9CE&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B00KM1QZRY&pd_rd_w=XGvyX&pf_rd_i=yongnuo+yn560+iv&pd_rd_r=1c36158b-ccf3-4d7c-b5e6-2c40cbbb898a&ie=UTF8&qid=1543588353&sr=3

Hello, i come back with an other beginner question,

So i am buying my first flash for my Nikon D5200 and i came across this seems to be Chinese brand that offers good flashes (according to many reviews on youtube)
and i was willing to buy the Yongnuo YN-560 IV
so i have to questions:
1- what do think about it, do you recommand it?
2- is it compatible with my Nikon D5200?

thank you once again lovely subredditers :3
cc u/MrSalamifreak

Hi there, so I'm a flash newbie, but I want to buy a yongnuo flash to work with my Canon 5d classic. I also want to be able to attach the yongnuo to a tripod and fire that with a wireless trigger on my 5d in certain settings. I'm wondering what flash equipment I would need for this to work. I'm considering this, but I'm not sure it would work? Would I need something like this for it to fire the flash wirelessly? Is it simple enough to buy the yongnuo YN560-TX, attach that to my 5d's hot shoe, dial in the settings, attach the yongnuo YN560III to a tripod or wherever, then press the shutter button on my camera to activate the flash? Thanks for the help!

I would highly recommend the Yongnuo external speedlights! You'll also need wireless flash triggers to shoot with your flash off-camera (made for your camera brand) I personally like to shot through a white umbrella for close up portraits. You can find all of this equipment on Amazon :)


Yongnuo Flash: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGTOX26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_B3jizbSQH5JC7


White Umbrella: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003PEX8XE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_K8jizbZE9WMJ8


Flash Adapter for light stand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TYDBYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_m9jizbNDJBSJ6


Light stand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K69A0QY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_79jizb8EEAZAT


I can recommend wirelessly flash triggers too! What brand is your camera?

Photographer friends! I'm finally going to buy some lighting equipment, so I was looking for any recommendations. My budget is around $500 for a two light setup. I usually shoot costume photography (at conventions and outside of them) and portraits.


I would like to go with Yongnuo for the triggers (YN622) and flashes themselves (probably 1 565EX and 1 560).


I have no idea what to go with for the stands (Maybe Manfrotto Nano or Lumopro Compact?), swivels, and umbrellas, except that I'd love for them to be small and light (I'm weak!).


I'm also not sure what modifiers to pick up for using an on-camera flash, like a softbox (LumiQuest Softbox or Lastolite Ezybox?), the Gary Fong Lightsphere that everyone has, or something else (LumiQuest Quik Bounce?).


I will put some good rechargeable batteries (Eneloops?) into my budget, but is there anything else that I'm missing?


Also, I'm not in a hurry to pick any of this up, so are there any sites to keep an eye on for sales?


Thanks!

HEY! Thanks for the links! I took a look. It I want something to be more automatic, and basically just have the flash and camera figure it out for me, would you recommend the this, or this? Thanks again!

I have a single 430EX II and a softbox from CowboyStudio. When deciding on the softbox I read many reviews deriding CowboyStudio's continuous lighting equipment. I cannot attest to the quality of the continuous equipment but I can say that the softbox is a good value. If your camera does not have a built-in wireless trigger, I recommend FlashZebra for TTL cords.

Also, check out Speedlighter's Handbook by Syl Arena for more tips to master flash photograhy.

As a complete newbie at off-camera flash would you suggest going TTL or just jumping right into it? I feel like most of the time I would want to just be able to pick up and go, but I'm not a stranger to working my camera in manual.

Could you recommend me a couple good flashes? (one manual one that has TTL)

Actually I've found this flash: https://www.amazon.com/YONGNUO-YN-565EX-II-Speedlite-Number/dp/B00JQ4HZPO

Should I invest in an 85 1.8? I already have a 35 and a 50, but since I mainly do portraiture I'm going to give the 35 to my mom. Also, does anyone use the Altura flash off of amazon? It's got great reviews on there but I've heard nothing about it on reddit.

I do not know where you are, but I guess your best bet would be a Yongnuo unit from Amazon... it can be quite unexpensive HERE.

Also, consider looking for a fisheye lens... It's a gem in nightclubs with flash... ;)

I started here. Read his "lighting 101" and "102" entries, then start on his blog. Really good info there.

As for equipment - you can get a huge start with a pair of relatively cheap manual flash-guns and either a cable or a cheap radio trigger. I use the YN and 285HV (notes about the 285HV ), and I trigger them with either optical triggers or these stupidly cheap radio triggers. Side note... the CBS triggers I've had to re-solder a couple of times. Wouldn't recommend if you're not handy with an iron. After that, most of the light modifiers you can fake. Cheap tupperware makes a good diffuser, foil and cardboard make good gobos or reflectors... Paper works reasonably well as a softer reflector.

And, of course, the usual thought and composition reminders. I shot most of these with a single flash bounced off either the wall or ceiling - just a single flash-gun can help enourmously. :D

> It won't have anything like TTL, HSS or rear curtain capabilities, but they're cheap and cheerful, and work.

I don't need TTL or any automated features. Manual mode is all I need. I'm in Ireland so Amazon UK is my usual place to buy gear. Would this flash with this trigger work? I know the trigger will set off the flash for sure but don't know if when the trigger is mounted to the GH4 hot shoe that the camera shutter button will set it off.

I think I'm pretty much "done" building a basic camera kit and just wanted to run this item by you guys. I have a Canon 60D (that I bought used for a great deal, I am the definition of a crappy weekend shooter), EF 50Mmm, EF-S 18-135mm w/ Hood, and some generic other stuff (wireless shutter release, crappy tripod, etc...) I was looking for an entry-level E-TTL-equipped hot shoe flash, and found these two items:

http://www.amazon.com/YongNuo-YN-468-E-TTL-Speedlite-Display/dp/B00660H6KU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415663362&sr=8-2&keywords=E-ttl

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer%C2%AE-Speedlite-Camera-High-Speed-Cameras/dp/B00E3K94T6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415663362&sr=8-1&keywords=E-ttl

These appear to be the two main beginner-level (and cheap) E-TTL capable hot-shoe flashes for my 60D, anyone have any experience with either, or suggestions as to which might be better? Thank you!

I wouldn't recommend that cheap flash. Looks to be only (or mainly) manual flash, which would require that you know how to use it. The cheapest one that I recommend these days is this http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN-565EX-Speedlite-Flash-Nikon/dp/B006R6TUJI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Or else maybe rent a Nikon SB700 or SB900 etc.

Even though they have 'an uncle' doing the photos, I'd still recommend treating him with all the respect that you would give a pro. At least until he proves unworthy.

Let him know who you are and what you're doing, maybe the two of you could work together to give the B&G the best photos.

I have the T2i and its great. If you feel like spending a couple hundred more, you could look at the T3i. Its basically the same as the T2i with an updated movie mode and an adjustable screen.

Shopping list.

Canon T3i

Canon T2i - You can get used on Amazon for under $600.

Nifty Fifty

Canon Speedlite 430EX II

Thanks!

I used two of these and this set of colors.


Easy results for under $100. around $100.

EDIT: Oh yeah, and this for my off-camera triggering system.

> I was gonna go for the Yongnuo, YN-560 or YN-568.

The former is manual-only. The latter supports TTL and HSS. You probably want to decide on whether you need those features first.

https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/wiki/index#wiki_what_is_ttl.3F_do_i_need_it.3F

https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/wiki/index#wiki_what_is_high_speed_sync.3F_do_i_need_it.3F

It's also important to note that you've linked the YN-560 IV and not the original 560. Version IV comes with a built-in radio transmitter and receiver for Yongnuo's RF-603 (non-TTL) radio system.

> Then I need receivers if I wanna use it off-camera

The flash needs a receiver and the camera needs a transmitter.

https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/wiki/index#wiki_how_should_i_sync_my_flash.3F

> something like the YN-622C here.

That's a transceiver. So you put one on the camera and that will act as transmitter; and you put another under the flash and that will act as receiver. And that system supports TTL, which is what you want if you want remote TTL functionality with flashes like the 568. But it's a bit of a waste for flashes like the 560 which don't do TTL anyway.

> But what about this one here?

That's a transmitter with its own screen. You can put that on the camera instead and use it to transmit to a transceiver unit (acting as receiver) that is connected to a flash.

> do I need both, or only one?

You need a transmitting unit and a receiver unit. For remote TTL, that will require two units as described above.

For manual control with the 560 IV, the flash has its own receiver so you just need a transmitter unit for the camera. That would be an RF-603 transceiver or, if you want it to have its own screen and remote power control, there's the 560-TX.

> Anyone know of a beginner friendly but still in-depth intro/guide to flash photography?

We have one linked in the sidebar.

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Professional-Speedlight-Flashlight-Olympus/dp/B00BXA7N6A

Get this and start practicing. Play with the power settings on the flash and the settings on your camera for a proper exposure. You're going to want to go with a low ISO and fast shutter speed if your trying to freeze an active child. By the way, I'm also a m43 user and I love the system. If you're not on mu-43.com already, jump over and browse the forums, lots of very knowledgeable folks over there discussing these same topics.

vaxt definitely gave a lot of good advice, but if you want to go the less expensive route, I use a Altura UNV1. It's a really nice on-camera flash kit that has quite a few adjustments and comes with a diffuser!

[Amazon customer video bug] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yongnuo-YN-560-Speedlite-Olympus-Cameras/dp/B00PIIRO1C/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1464039457&sr=1-3&keywords=Yongnuo+YN-560+IV#customerReviews) You might be able to live with it but if not you may want to consider the older 560III instead. Don't let it put you off Yongnuo they are very good value for money and generally make decent stuff. It just seems this model may be iffy though.

I am looking for some input on a cheap umbrella lighting kit versus a decent add-on flash for my DSLR. I was looking at getting a lighting kit like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WLY24O/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3BEPADCNG466L&coliid=I3QAC42G79T1CA&psc=1

However, I saw some comments saying I would be happier with the more versatile add-on flash that costs a fair amount more.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CCAISE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3BEPADCNG466L&coliid=I2T75QSPRHX8UX

Aside from having good photography equipment the real trick is getting your flashes off camera. Get a radio transmitter and flashes (two or three is a good start) which work with it. We understand depth through shadow, and on camera flash gives no real sense of depth.

I use this setup:
Yongnuo YN560-TX Wireless Flash... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KM1QZRY

YONGNUO YN560 IV Wireless Flash... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGTOX26

You'll want a pelican case to transport your flashes and camera gear in as well.

And if anyone is interested, this is a series I shot using the above gear: https://flic.kr/s/aHskSTPDnC

Well, for a camera body I recommend something like the Canon 5d or 7d or the new full frame micro 4/3 with an adapter to ef mount lenses. Basically any body that is compatible with the lenses with red dots (EF). Full frame vs cropped doesn't matter IMO unless you wanna start using really wide lenses like a 10mm.

Then for the lens either grab the Canon 100mm macro, the Tamron 90mm IS macro, or the Canon MPE-65.

Lights are easy, just grab a pair of yongnuo flashes that step down their power. I have these guys and love them. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00LSGDHNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qAhTCbCTMEZHY

Really you can pick and choose what you want to buy but I at least recommend the macro you buy is 1:1 and has built in imagine stabilization. Mine doesn't and it's the devil trying to use it for video lol. You can use macro lens as normal lenses too they just have the option to go in really close.

https://amzn.com/B004LEAYXY

Here you go. Reliable, cheap, and it works. Don't forget the batteries!

Yes, it's a manual flash. Best kind. Works off camera via optical triggering.

Yes, I did. I am not clever sometimes. Updated the second link.

How about this then? It has solid reviews and also comes from my wishlist. :p

My thought is if you're going to get an external flash, invest in something good. A good flash can really make all the difference between a good and bad photo (and can even compensate a little for a less-than-superior lens). I would save up and get the $250 one I posted, but if you need something quick and fast, the $40 one should be good.

Built in flashes usually aren't great in comparison, just so you know.

Thank you so much. I wish I had seen this before. So much knowledge!

Could you help me on this though; it recommends the YN-560 III flash gun because it" comes with a radio receiver that is compatible with the RF-602 and RF-603 radio systems."

However when I view the flashgun on Amazon, I don't see an adapter/receiver. https://www.amazon.co.uk/YONGNUO-YN560-III-INT-YongNuo-YN-560-Flashgun/dp/B00BXA7N6A

Could you help me find where I buy the adapter it mentions?

I have a gig taking photos of a restaurant and food next week. I have the Canon 700D with 18-55mm lens, and this flash (YongNuo YN-560 III Flashgun).

Is my gear enough to take usable photos for a website? I'm starting out so it doesn't have to be ultra pro quality but decent enough to show the items at their best.

I'd definitely pick up a speed light. If they choose right in front off the Windows and it's bright out, you're toast without it. Something like Altura Photo Professional Flash Kit for NIKON DSLR - Includes: I-TTL Flash (AP-N1001), Wireless Flash Trigger Set and Accessories https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H84WRK2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_j0a-ybVCZGCG4 Will get you ittl and a remote trigger for not too much money. Since you're traveling, worst case scenario you make your bf hold it, but you might be able to get away with it on camera bounced of the ceiling. I might grab something like this Flash Diffuser Light Softbox 6x5” by Altura Photo (Universal, Collapsible with Storage Pouch) for Canon, Yongnuo and Nikon Speedlight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ERRQ802/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_e2a-yb78Y3G53 too, just to be safe

I am getting into flash photography and my first step is buying a flash then heading onto strobist.ive done a little research on cheap flashes that are within my budget and i have narrowed it down to the neewer vk750 ii and yongnuo yn560 iv.The flash would be used for indoor events for example weddings. I would like to know which flash is the best of the two.

I would love to get a flash recommendation for my Canon 60D.

I've been lurking on Amazon and looking at Yongnuo flashes:

• YN-565EX II
  
• YN 560 III
  
  and the Altura:
  
  
• AP-C1001
  
  I'd like TTL and to remove the flash from the camera and fire remotely. I'd also like to stay below $150 so Canon flashes are out.
  
  
  Has anyone had experience with either brand and is willing to provide to feedback and guidance?

I've been searching for an external flash for my canon rebel T6. I came across this one but read a review and discovered it lacks a good Assist Focus and that is very important in low light photography for me. Does anyone know a better option? My price maximum is $100

I'm interested in getting a flash to start learning with and I'm ideally looking for one that I can fire remotely off something like a light stand. I'd prefer to stay around $100, and so far I've narrowed it down to these two but can't really tell the difference.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PGTOX26?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_4&smid=A1NZ7IEFV816B1&pldnSite=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OUU7W8O?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_8&smid=A6EGA15UEFYEQ&pldnSite=1



Any help / recommendations?

I have a Canon T3i btw.

I would check out Keh.com for some great stuff.

Here's 60D for $550. You can snag a 17-85f/4-5.6 for another $200. They only have new copies of the 50mm f/1.8 for $125 (but can be found for less than $100 used). For another $200 you can get a pair of serious Yongnuo flashes and a trigger. Take that other $500 and grab the accessories you need and shabang you have a very nice kit to work with.

Whats the best flash setup for the a6300? I have this basic flash https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LNN13S6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 currently, but I would like to upgrade or buy an additional flash. I dont know much about HSS and TTL but , this flash does fire when i set the shutter to 1/4000 so idk what HSS would do differently. It would be nice to have TTL too from what ive read.

Any of the cheap flashes like this one http://amzn.com/B004LEAYXY (sorry $30) in manual mode will work on the Nimslo.

Are you using some super old Vivitar flashes? Do they work on other cameras?

You could set your self up pretty good with $500. I have a couple suggestions, but the first would be to get yourself a cheap prime lens first. Either a 50mm 1.8 or a 24mm pancake. Both are around $100 and would still leave quite a bit in your budget. So, saying you go ahead and do that:

• You could get a couple of Yongnuo 560 IV
  You could choose to fire then optically with your Canon speed lite or get one of these
  
• Grab a few of these to hold your flashes
  
• And a few of theseto stand them up
  
• In terms of modifiers you have a few options. You could go with cheap umbrellas which are fine. Or you could get some small soft boxes. I say just grab a huge modifier. As big as you can get. It's gonna really depends on how much space you have. check this out
  
  That's a decent, portable, and effective setup with two lenses for right about $500.
  
  Since your using someone else's studio lugging equipment is gonna be a pain. That's why I think speed lights is the way to go. But if you don't mind, look into a monolight kit. For your portraits I really do think you'll like what you get from a fast prime lens.

Unanswered question from the previous megathread

Author /u/ddharani4 - (Permalink)

Looking into getting an external flash finally and here are the options I found on Amazon that don't break the bank...any recommendations on which one to go for? I'm still a beginner and wanna try some flash photography but also will be doing an indoor party shoot where lights will be dimmed down so will need a better flash than the built-in one on my Nikon D5300.

1.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LEAYXY/ref=psdc_3109929011_t2_B00H84WRK2

2. https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Professional-Flash-NIKON/dp/B00H84WRK2/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1505793035&sr=8-1&keywords=external+flash+for+nikon&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_72%3A2661618011%2Cp_n_condition-type%3A6461716011

3. https://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Professional-Speedlight-Flashlight-Olympus/dp/B00I44F5LS/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1505793779&sr=8-1&keywords=yongnuo%2Bexternal%2Bflash&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_72%3A2661618011&th=1

Looking into getting an external flash finally and here are the options I found on Amazon that don't break the bank...any recommendations on which one to go for? I'm still a beginner and wanna try some flash photography but also will be doing an indoor party shoot where lights will be dimmed down so will need a better flash than the built-in one on my Nikon D5300.

1.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LEAYXY/ref=psdc_3109929011_t2_B00H84WRK2

2. https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Professional-Flash-NIKON/dp/B00H84WRK2/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1505793035&sr=8-1&keywords=external+flash+for+nikon&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_72%3A2661618011%2Cp_n_condition-type%3A6461716011

3. https://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Professional-Speedlight-Flashlight-Olympus/dp/B00I44F5LS/ref=sr_1_1?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1505793779&sr=8-1&keywords=yongnuo%2Bexternal%2Bflash&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_72%3A2661618011&th=1

http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-YN560-TX-Wireless-Controller-Speedlite/dp/B00LSGDHNC/ref=sr_1_1?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=warehouse-deals&ie=UTF8&qid=1453462989&sr=8-1&keywords=560TX

I've had good luck with amazon warehouse deals on some gear. Always just been packaging that's been banged up a bit. $124 - if this was for Nikon, I'd pick it up. THIS IS FOR CANON - you didn't mention what you shoot..

I have purchased the Opteka E-TTL AF Dedicated Flash (IF-980) for my Canon t6i and am looking to purchase a wireless triggering system that would work for it. I'm trying to stay under $100 CAD. Would I need something that compatible with ITT-L? Any suggestions?

I just want to make sure the system I purchase will work for this and a cheap AmazonBasics Electronic Flash if necessary even though it does have a slave function.

So I couldn't get a decent reflector here without it costing more than £15 so I was gonna leave the reflector for now. However, I just saw this on amazon it looks really decent since its super basic and it could help a lot. Thoughts?

Yes I see what you mean. I assume jumping to a 7DMII after a few years would still improve on the performance of the T1i .

I actually did purchases an external flash, I'm receiving the package sometime next week. It's one of these, the Neewer 680

I can definitely afford the $150-$200 loss, I'm not sure if I'd even call it a loss because then I'd have used the lens quite a bit. I suppose what I wonder at this point is, which one is a better long term decision and after reading your message I feel I should stick with my current body and pick up either the sigma 18-35 f1.8 or a new prime.

That's because it has been discontinued. Some vendors like to jump prices when that happens. In case it becomes a precious collectible, I guess. Barely anyone sells it anymore.

There's a link to the new one.

In the box:

• Fenix PD32UE flashlight
  
• 
  Ray-Ban 3025 Aviator Polarized sunglasses
  
• 
  Zippo Slim circa 1960
  
• 
  Nite-Ize S-Biner with County Comm Titanium Widgy Pry Bar / Ti split rings
  
  
• Leatherman Skeletool CX
  
• Saddleback I.D. Wallet
  
• LGE Nexus 5
  
• Pilot Precise V7 RT pen
  
• Clairefontaine pocket notebook
  
• Klipsch Image S4i Rugged
  
• Spyderco Techno pocketknife
  
  The camera pictured is my beater/backup, a Nikon D7000 with a Nikon 35mm F/1.8G AF-S DX lens. These were all taken with the camera I use on assignment - a Nikon D800 with a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S lens, an SB700 speedlight and a Rogue Small Flashbender.
  
  I leave the D800 at home when I'm not working, but I keep the D7000 in my car or on my person pretty much all the time. Everything else here goes almost everywhere with me.