I am in the process to buy lighting gear, since I don't have the budget -nor big pocket clients- to buy Hensel, Elinchrome or Profoto gear, I will take the plunge to cheaper units, it is OK I don't break a sweat about it much, but certainly there are lots of things I want and lots of things I need, it is easy to get carried away, thanks goodness I don't have a credit card -I have always believed on spending cash and not others people(read banks) money-
If I had shitloads of money... I would get the 200m f/2.0 ASAP, mostly because I am a declared shallow depth of field whore, and can't get enough of it, the same for an f/1.2 -be it the normal 50mm or the speciality 58mm noct-nikkor-.... but back to planet earth what I really need is an 80-200mm f/2.8 and the studio lighting, somewhat of a need is the vertical grip -more battery-... it all is reduced to money and priorities! first the lighting gear later the rest......
Are you in the same dilema? what do you want and what do you need???
Posted by Jorge Teix... on February 18, 2008 4:21 PM
Hey Eduardo, yep i'm pretty much with the same dilema.
I've now started working for a new agency and they don't have a studio nor lighting, so i'll have to ask my magazines to borrow me some lights and then i'll buy my own in one or two months... i'm studying all those kits instead of buying one flash head here, another there, tripods, softboxes, etc. This is pretty much what a i NEED for now.
Then, what a WANT, would be pretty much the 16-35mm 2.8 L, 24-70 2.8 L and the 70-200 2.8 L IS... but those three lenses would cost aprox. 4000 Euros...
Posted by eduardofre... on November 03, 2007 11:41 PM
@cris: lol I know what is it, I worked on a studio and man the boom- modifier-disassembling is a pain in the behind!! really!!
I have never used a beauty dish, many people prefer it over the softbox or octabox :), I am really interested to know your opinion on the beauty dish!!
back@eduardo: yep, i know what you're saying. i rarely do product stuff but just did some catalogue work for a sunglasses company. i used a beauty dish with strobe because i didn't feel like taking the softbox off of the boom.
Posted by eduardofre... on November 03, 2007 2:26 PM
@robert price: yeah I am doing stuff with a SB-800 and SB-600 mounted on umbrella swivels and a master brush wide umbrella and white translucent umbrella and using Nikon's CLS wireless system to trigger them, but there is a limit on what you can do with that stuff -but it has been mighty helpful-
I have some jobs lined up and I finally have a pretty nice -basic- package to start, I will be getting an Alienbee AB800 with a medium soft box- a heavy duty stand and I will use the SB's -triggered by radio remotes- as fill and background/ hair light whenever needed :).
Posted by Robert Pri... on November 01, 2007 10:10 AM
I too am considering lighting, What I want vs. what I need. Good Lighting is essential for studio work. I would go for lighting first as you may see more return on investment there first..
@ Chris: I have reflectors and diffusers :) but right now I had to reject lot's of jobs because of the lack of studio lighting -mostly for product shots- I much prefer to shoot outdoors with people it is more fun :)
@treamus: I feel your pain buddy!! I hope you get your softbox!!!
I know how you feel. I want a nice set of softbox's, one of the new Nikon D3's about to be released. Maybe some Leica gear as well. But wanting and needing are separate thing's. I only need the softbox's.
honestly, if i were you and had a limited lighting budget, i'd invest in light reflection and bounce and diffusion equipment, mate. you can make amazing amazing amazing photos with daylight!
Beloved, your page is beautiful. Your work is fabulous. Your eyes are blessed. Your mind is free. What is... must change. What will be... must be. Write On! We are the Change we want to see. We Can Do It!!! Much Love & Respect, Crystal CARTIERX
Thank you dear for such wonderful and kind words!!! you humble and honor me, thank you!!!! sorry for the late reply I have been pretty busy and not being able to check uber :(
My Dear Brotha Eduardo.... Equipment comes an goes .... Great Art is the Goal,.... If "They" ain't got Heart and "they" ain't got Soul , Then you know its coming from a bunch of Eletist Ass Holes.... Be to Tall to see that Small,And among Giants you will be counted Tall..... Your Pal.... Eddie.... P.S. Glad you stuck it to um....HA HA HA.... Keep um on there toes .... You the MAN.....
You are quite welcome my good friend. Your photos are just fantastic! I wish you good health, and will keep you in my prayers for a fast and happy recovery.
I've now started working for a new agency and they don't have a studio nor lighting, so i'll have to ask my magazines to borrow me some lights and then i'll buy my own in one or two months... i'm studying all those kits instead of buying one flash head here, another there, tripods, softboxes, etc.
This is pretty much what a i NEED for now.
Then, what a WANT, would be pretty much the 16-35mm 2.8 L, 24-70 2.8 L and the 70-200 2.8 L IS... but those three lenses would cost aprox. 4000 Euros...
Damn.