Have a $500 budget; getting the Genesis kits from Calumet

[alfa147x]

Have a $500 budget and im thinking about getting the Genesis kits from Calumet... It looks really good

Should I get that kit and a softbox + tripod?
I like softbox's in theory, but i have never used a softbox or umbrellas

Thanks angry hampster for the link in the other thread

Thanks for any help,
Alfa147x

oh and link
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CF0502K1/

 

[angry hampster]

Softboxes produce really nice, soft light, but shoot-thru umbrellas can come very close to the same effect. For the price, shoot-thrus are where it's at. Those umbrellas in the kit are good convertible units, I use one regularly and love it.


I personally don't like being tethered to a tripod while shooting portraits. IMO you'd be better served buying a set of CyberSyncs or Skyports from Alienbees or Calumet. Reliable wireless flash is awesome.

Also, what is a 28-105L?

 

[alfa147x]

Softboxes produce really nice, soft light, but shoot-thru umbrellas can come very close to the same effect. For the price, shoot-thrus are where it's at. Those umbrellas in the kit are good convertible units, I use one regularly and love it.


I personally don't like being tethered to a tripod while shooting portraits. IMO you'd be better served buying a set of CyberSyncs or Skyports from Alienbees or Calumet. Reliable wireless flash is awesome.

Also, what is a 28-105L?

How big is the difference between a $350 and $450 kit? I wanted to get a tripod because I like doing panoramas. I wish I could test out these kits before buying

Ah thanks for catching the typo its suppose to be 24-105L (by far one of my favorite lens)

 

[angry hampster]

I'm not seeing a $450 kit on Calumet. Could you link me?

 

[alfa147x]

I'm not seeing a $450 kit on Calumet. Could you link me?

Oh sorry I was just saying in general this $350 kit vs something more expensive

 

[angry hampster]

The biggest limitation with this kit is the wattage. The units are 200 w/s each. This is about 15% more powerful than Alienbees' AB400 unit. However, a pair of 200 w/s lights is still a LOT of light. You won't be able to overpower the sun with one, but you can easily light a group of 15 (maybe more) when using umbrellas with a pair of these.


Frankly, I don't think this kit can be beat for the money. It's a fantastic starter kit and Calumet products are of outstanding build quality.

 

[alfa147x]

The biggest limitation with this kit is the wattage. The units are 200 w/s each. This is about 15% more powerful than Alienbees' AB400 unit. However, a pair of 200 w/s lights is still a LOT of light. You won't be able to overpower the sun with one, but you can easily light a group of 15 (maybe more) when using umbrellas with a pair of these.


Frankly, I don't think this kit can be beat for the money. It's a fantastic starter kit and Calumet products are of outstanding build quality.

Sounds good! Thanks a lot and it looks great for a starter

Im also thinking about taking the other $100 and selling my 30d and buying a 40d

 

[alfa147x]

He already link above

Thats linked to a $350

 

[alfa147x]

So iv decided that im not upgrading my body, I hate seeing them get out dated in months. Instead im going to get a tripod (Smith Victor BH8 head, legs unknown) and a cheap old canon flash off of ebay so i can use the umbrellas on location without having to have power

 

[angry hampster]

Good plan. Has worked great for me.

 

[alfa147x]

its hard holding back from upgrading bodies... I think my next upgrade will be to a 5d

 

[alfa147x]

Quick question, how do I use the one P/C sync port on my camera to trigger two lights?

 

[twistedlogic]

Quick question, how do I use the one P/C sync port on my camera to trigger two lights?

The light you trigger with your PC sync cable will set the second light off via optical light sensor. If the flash doesn't have one, you can buy one to slide into the flashes hotshoe or can plug into the flashes PC port.

 

[angry hampster]

Quick question, how do I use the one P/C sync port on my camera to trigger two lights?

Flashzebra.com sells splitters. Very good company..Lon takes great care of his customers.


I highly recommend upgrading to a 5D. I went from a 20D->5D nearly two years ago and haven't looked back. It's just perfect for me, and you can't beat the image quality. Also, check out my old blog: hawkeyedownunder.blogspot.com ...Every pic on there was with my 5D from my Tasmania trip.

 

[alfa147x]

The light you trigger with your PC sync cable will set the second light off via optical light sensor. If the flash doesn't have one, you can buy one to slide into the flashes hotshoe or can plug into the flashes PC port.

Are their any downsides to using the optical light sensor?
Lag?

Flashzebra.com sells splitters. Very good company..Lon takes great care of his customers.


I highly recommend upgrading to a 5D. I went from a 20D->5D nearly two years ago and haven't looked back. It's just perfect for me, and you can't beat the image quality. Also, check out my old blog: hawkeyedownunder.blogspot.com ...Every pic on there was with my 5D from my Tasmania trip.

Wow I really want a 5d those pictures look great! makes me want to get a job just to buy one

Great link, could you link me to splitter I fail at webbing because I couldnt find it.
I'm thinking about going from PC port to RCA jack that way I can can order 10 ft. cables for $2. Any tips on how to go about doing that?

I think I want to get LINK Then cut it in half an hook a RCA jack to it and I'll do this to 2 cables that way I end up with 4 converters. This way I can use a RCA splitter for the 2 lights

I do plan on getting a cheap radio set, but I would rather have a hardwire set that will be my back-up system later. This way I don't need to worry about broken radios or dead batteries, etc.
Cost
Wired: under $10
Radio: around $30 - $40 + Batteries

 

[alfa147x]

UGH Today I was so excited that I can finally order my lights + tripod... EVERYTHING IS SOLD OUT! Calumet doesn't expect more till next month and I have no idea when the Smith Victor BH2 Metal Alloy Ball Head will be back in stock I am not a happy camper !

I did find out that the lights come with a 15ft PC Sync cord!

 

[angry hampster]

Get something different. It's not like they have a limited selection .