I'm interested in shooting with flashes now. I've searched through some old posts from the 6, and think I'm going to go the 'easy' route mentioned several times (2 Vivitar 285s), but I want to know exactly what I need to get, and how many of everything... I am interested in this option due to its portability. Between storage in my condo, and me lugging this stuff around for whenever I'd use it, I'd prefer something small/mobile.

So, two Vivitar 285's...

When it comes to the triggers, I will need to purchase 2 of these, correct? I believe a set is 1 trigger and 1 receiver, whereas if I buy 2 285's, I will need 1 trigger and 2 receivers. So I'm going to need two of these:

http://www.gadgetinfinity.com/produc...roductid=16766

Next I will need flash stands and mounts for the Vivitars/Umbrellas. I came across this packaged deal, since suggested links are now discontinued items. How would this do?:

http://jbrlsr.com/?aid=5336064124&bi...pmid%3D1299289

and finally, I'm going to need ONE of these, or TWO?
http://jbrlsr.com/?aid=5336064124&bi...pmid%3D1299289


Am I going the correct route for this, or am I better off getting a set of AlienBees or an Impact Kit. The guys at B&H didn't provide me with any sort of help, so that's why I'm coming here. In fact they told me it would be no way possible to use Vivitar 285's. I explained to them I'd be using it off-camera, but they still looked at me like I was 'special'. Id like to stay under ~500 or so.

I shoot with a Canon 40D.


Any information and/or advice you can give to me I will be greatly thankful for.

Thanks,

Jon

links fixed

 

Your links don't work and I'm not familiar with Vivitars, but you should be able to set one of them as a slave, hence needing only one receiver, not 2. I know that works on Canon flashes.

What do you shoot? Flashes have a limited range (fine for portrait, tougher if you're in a large room). I used some full size strobes and it was definitely not portable stuff. It can be lugged around, but it's a PITA.

 

Too bad you're not shooting Nikon. The Creative Lighting System (CLS) is top notch for easy light setup, however it comes with a pretty steep price tag.

Unfortunately, I've never had the chance to try any other systems but I wish I had more experience with lights. I did use some Profoto lights back in August but they weren't flashes like you're talking about. Zorro is right about using strobes in that they work much better but as he also mentioned, they are a bit bulky.

I'll definitely be following this thread to try to learn as much as I can.