Portable Studio Backgrounds - What do you use

[Donald]

This is wonderful. I am taking it all on board, please be assured and you are causing me to re-visit, again, my shopping list. I know people have different ideas about how to go here and I know that at the end of the day, I have to make a clear decision that I think is right for me.

One of those 'dilemmas' has been picked up by Manfred in suggesting going the TT1 and TT5 route rather than the Plus III route with radio triggers. This is one I have spent hours over and is part of the reason I think I woke at 5am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. I think if I am making this sort of investment then, I should go the whole way and opt for the Mini's, even though that puts the cost up quite a bit. I know that, further down the line, I'd probably regret going for the Plus III's on the grounds of cost.

Richard keeps making me question myself on that major decision of which way to go re heads.

And thank you, Terry. That was very helpful in terms of me getting a better understanding about backgrounds. And, yes, I have sandbags on the list!

[DanK]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...und_Paper.html

etc. I use the narrow stuff for my work. As photo supplies go it is relatively inexpensive and lasts forever. I bought my rolls back in 2011 and have lots of paper left. I cut it off and throw it away when it gets too creased or too dirty.

Thanks. What do you use for a stand?

[Manfred M]

Thanks. What do you use for a stand?

I use the Manfrotto system.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...t_System.html#!

[Manfred M]

This is wonderful. I am taking it all on board, please be assured and you are causing me to re-visit, again, my shopping list. I know people have different ideas about how to go here and I know that at the end of the day, I have to make a clear decision that I think is right for me.

One of those 'dilemmas' has been picked up by Manfred in suggesting going the TT1 and TT5 route rather than the Plus III route with radio triggers. This is one I have spent hours over and is part of the reason I think I woke at 5am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. I think if I am making this sort of investment then, I should go the whole way and opt for the Mini's, even though that puts the cost up quite a bit. I know that, further down the line, I'd probably regret going for the Plus III's on the grounds of cost.

Richard keeps making me question myself on that major decision of which way to go re heads.

And thank you, Terry. That was very helpful in terms of me getting a better understanding about backgrounds. And, yes, I have sandbags on the list!

The Minis are transmit only and use higher cost button batteries and the Flex are transceivers and use AA batteries. I have one Mini and two Flex (and one ZoneController). Minis are a lot smaller than the Flex, but lately, I find when I shoot a single light (probably 95% of the time), I will grab the two Flex units + ZoneController. I find the external antenna on the Flex seems to have a bit better range than the internal one in the Mini.

[DanK]

I use the Manfrotto system.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...t_System.html#!

Many thanks. My clothes-drying stand is a nuisance--it falls over a lot--so it might be time for me to upgrade.

[Donald]

Many thanks. My clothes-drying stand is a nuisance--it falls over a lot--so it might be time for me to upgrade.

Me too, but with the Lastolite label on them (Lastolite is part of Manfrotto)

[Manfred M]

Me too, but with the Lastolite label on them (Lastolite is part of Manfrotto)

Both are owned by the Vitec Group, which is based in England. They own some of the top brands in photography and video gear including Gitzo, Sachtler, Anton Bauer, etc.

http://www.vitecgroup.com/Productser...ategories.aspx

[inkista]

... shopping list ...

I already have one Canon 580 EX II flash unit. ...

I've heard the PocketWizard TTL units may have interference issues with the Canon 580EXII. May want to avoid them, or get the little blanket thingies. Nikon gear doesn't have this issue. In general, most folks who like the TTL PWs are Nikon shooters. This may be the likely reason Canon came up with the 600EX-RT.

2 x Sigma EF 610 DG Super Flashgun Canon fit

This is just me. But you may want to consider Godox or Phottix flashes instead, if you're going to go 3rd party. It's becoming extremely common these days to find third-party flashes that are either full TTL/HSS or manual-only with power control that have radio receivers or transceivers built-in. Convenience-wise, what this means is that you'll never forget to bring your triggers along and you'll never have to battery manage your triggers. This may seem trivial. Once you have a five-light setup, you'll find that it is not.

In addition to this, some of Godox's speedlights come with a lithium ion battery pack. Again, handling two sets of four AA batteries for one speedlight is no big deal. Doing it for five of them is something else. And, of course, the battery pack means faster recycle times. More on Godox flashes below.

2 x Pocketwizard Plus iii Twinsets

The Plus IIIs are manual-only, and do not offer power/zoom control, let alone TTL/HSS.

Godox's new X1 triggering system is TTL/HSS, and offers power/zoom control over their £50 manual-cheapie (that runs off AAs), the TT600. A Tx/Rx set is currently £64 on Amazon. Arguably, this may be like going with el cheapo Yongnuos. But with the big difference that if you use the X1 triggers, you can also get built-in TTL/HSS control over their TT865, AD360II, AD600, and their big studio strobe (QT600). This is an integrated trigger and light system, with every size of light along the way, in both manual-only (with power control) and TTL/HSS varieties. So you can start with super-cheap manual speedlights for cost, add more expensive TTL/HSS speedlights for convenience, move up to bare bulb flashes for more power with portability, and eventually expand into studio shooting, with manual or TTL/HSS monolights and one very funky TTL/HSS convertible light (AD600) that can go from being a cordless monolight to a pack and head. You have choice and room to grow in this system.

Phottix is doing similar things with building Odin receivers into their Mitros+ speedlights and their Indra monolight. They're also getting industry acceptance as LumoPro and Sekonic are both now building an LP180 speedlight and a meter, respectively, with Odin receivers in them. But they don't have the barebulb option. Yet. They do seem to have a better reputation (and higher price tags) than Godox.

Honl 1/8 Speed Grid

Comparison shop this against MagMods, if you can find them. Might not be for you, but I'm kind of growing to hate that freaking velcro. And I'm getting sick of flimsy gels and lust after hardy ones. It's the bit where they stack the gel and the grid that gets me.

Lastolite 1.35x11m Paper Roll - Shadow Grey

I don't use a big backdrop stand (I have no space to set up in), but Zack Arias demos using a jersey backdrop that stretches in his white seamless tutorial (part 1) video. He uses A-clamps to the bars of the backdrop stand to keep it taut. He mentions it's smooth on one side, and plush on the other.

You will definitely want to go to your local DIY and pick up a couple of clamps to secure the paper and keep it from unrolling on the stand. They have other uses, as well.

I also humbly suggest adding a roll of gaffer tape to the shopping list, on the general principle that everyone ends up with one.

[Donald]

I also humbly suggest adding a roll of gaffer tape to the shopping list, on the general principle that everyone ends up with one.

Thank you, Kathy. Yes, I read that elsewhere.

You have provided a wealth of information there. I'm going to take my time and work through it slowly, making sure I don't miss anything.

[inkista]

Gaffer tape--it's weird how you end up finding more uses for it all the time. Most commonly, it's used for securing cables, sealing light leaks, and holding down switches/knobs/dials on your camera. But like duct tape, it eventually becomes a handy tool for just about everything. Unlike duct tape, it removes cleanly. I once had to gaffer tape a flash to a wall as a background light (this was before I bought my second stand). I also slap little pieces over little blinking LEDs that bug me at night on various electronic devices around my home (cable modem's got one big strip on it).

[Manfred M]

I also humbly suggest adding a roll of gaffer tape to the shopping list, on the general principle that everyone ends up with one.

I would also add cinefoil to that list.

[IzzieK]

Many thanks. My clothes-drying stand is a nuisance--it falls over a lot--so it might be time for me to upgrade.

Dan -- in some op shops (e.g. like Good Will or similar) go and look for time to time for an expandable clothing/garment rack. I have a backdrop holder but with the size of studio room I have, it almost go from one side of the room to the other side near the window. The expanded legs are very inconvenient and though it is portable, it will take me forever to take it down to bring it downstairs if I need it there. (One of those named photography brands so I will not name it here.) I had taken it down since, since I will not need (nor have) that much space to use it and just use a clothing rack, it is more versatile and not to heavy to move around nor to dis-assemble if need to. Get one with a roller so you do not scratch the floor nor your carpets.

This advice will go very well with those who have a small space to use as a studio.

[shreds]

Donald,

You say you are planning to shoot outside, so on occasion the sun might be too bright when utilising speedlights. (I use up to three Nikon guns plus pocket wizard flex 5 + a mini transmitter on the hotshoe), but yes I have heard of issues with some Canon kit.

I am still watching the Godox AD600Bs which are serious kit and use the Godox triggering system that works well with their other recent offerings. I am hoping that as the 'newness' factor wears off the prices will fall slightly. (They fluctuate wildly with the £ v $ exchange rates anyway).

A friend of mine uses Godox kit and compared to Nikon pricing, its a snip for what it does. Also bear in mind that even at 600w this kit may not deal with any 'into the sun' type shooting and you may need more power. It is rumoured that they will be introducing 1200w and 2400w combinations in the future, by just adding more base units. Wow!

Equally they have head(s) which will sit on studio stands (but get good quality ones for robustness) and sand bags to weigh them down, but the control part of the unit and lithium batteries which clip on the back can be set on the ground as additional base weight. Saves them blowing over quite so much.

PS I wouldn't buy a Lastolite Ezybox, when Godox have much the same thing but with a far superior and simpler mounting system for the speedlight and at around £25 all in, (via Amazon), they are robust, well made and just perfect for the job. 60 x 60 or 80 x 80. Also it would likely protect the speedlight if it falls or blows over, which I doubt the brolley or Lastolite version would to the same degree. Astounding simplicity.

[DanK]

Dan -- in some op shops (e.g. like Good Will or similar) go and look for time to time for an expandable clothing/garment rack. I have a backdrop holder but with the size of studio room I have, it almost go from one side of the room to the other side near the window. The expanded legs are very inconvenient and though it is portable, it will take me forever to take it down to bring it downstairs if I need it there. (One of those named photography brands so I will not name it here.) I had taken it down since, since I will not need (nor have) that much space to use it and just use a clothing rack, it is more versatile and not to heavy to move around nor to dis-assemble if need to. Get one with a roller so you do not scratch the floor nor your carpets.

This advice will go very well with those who have a small space to use as a studio.

thanks very much

[Donald]

Okay, all you folks. This is starting to get to the sharp end.

It's question time ..................... with a question within a question!

If I was to go the way of buying a Godox head (or heads) and was using the Godox radio trigger system, can I use my Canon 580 EX II alongside that and have it driven by the Godox radio trigger. Could the 580 be used in same 'group' as any Godox head and could it also be assigned into a separate group and still be fired alongside the Godox unit?

The question within the question is - Let's assume I have Godix heads with the built-in radio receiver, so I don't need separate receivers. Do I need a separate receiver for the Canon 580?

Oh and of it can be answered simply, how much more powerful is the Godox AD360II than the 580 EX II?

I think I'm asking the right thing here. If you don't think these are the right questions, tell me what they should be and give me the answer for them, if you can.

[Manfred M]

Let me start with an image that shows the relative size of the different flashes I have and use.



From left to right, the tiny built in flash on my Panasonic GX7, my Nikon SB-900 (I believe it is comparable in size and output to Nikon's current top of the line Speedlight, the SB-910), the Godox Witstro AD360 (with the required external battery pack and cable) and the Paul C Buff Einstein 640.

I suspect that your Speedlite and my Speedlight are likely roughly comparable in terms of output. The Godox pushes out around 4x - 5x of what my Speedlight does and the Einstein 640 has ~ twice the power of the Godox. The external battery pack I have for the Einstein 640 is considerably larger than the Godox one, but it's not in the image. Now that I have the Godox, the Einsteins generally stay indoors.

Yes, with the appropriate trigger you can integrate your Canon Speedlight into a lighting setup with the Godox, but you will need a separate receiver for it.

[shreds]

Donald,

You can buy receivers and transmitters for the Godox system in the same way as with PW. You just attach them to the base of the Flash/speedlight. Should not be a problem but do make sure you specify Canon, as there are both Nikon and Canon versions.

The Godox AD360 (360w) (and AD180 (180w) for that matter) are however 'bare bulb' flashes.

They do not have the built in diffuser/zoom head evident to the Speedlights. Within a softbox, this is an advantage as you avoid hot spots on the front of the softbox, which a conventional speedlight might create. They spread more light around evenly in all directions within the softbox which then acts as the diffuser, (ideally it should have an inner and outer diffusion panels - those I use (Bowens, Bessel and Godox have, as will the other better quality ones), so in that respect, it is a win/win situation. Just have to remember to keep replacing and not losing the metal safety cap for the bulb protection after use.

Godox AD600s have a built in receiver, so you only need the transmitter.

The cost of these AD600 units tends to vary dependent upon the type of fitting for light modifiers on the front and whether they include HSS.

So a suffix of BM stands for Bowens mount manual. B Bowens Mount inc HSS Sync. No suffix = Godox Mount. There may be others for Elinchrome Mount etc but that is not something I have explored in detail. There is a significant price difference, so beware if you order, that you get the correct one.

Also check you have the Canon ( C ) rather than ( N ) for Nikon or ( S ) for Sony.

[Manfred M]

So a suffix of BM stands for Bowens mount manual. B Bowens Mount inc HSS Sync. No suffix = Godox Mount. There may be others for Elinchrome Mount etc but that is not something I have explored in detail. There is a significant price difference, so beware if you order, that you get the correct one.

Carefully said, Ian brings up an important point. When it comes to studio flash, there are a lot of proprietary mounts out there with limited interchangeability. Unlike tripods where the Arca-Swiss mount has become the defacto standard, the situation out there is quite wild.

The Godox Wistro AD 360 does not have a mount, but uses an adaptor that I use to mount it to my light stands and their standard is the Bowens speed ring.

http://www.godox.com/EN/Products_S_t...e_Bracket.html

My Paul C Buff lights use a Balcar mount and I can get both Bowens and Elinchrom speed rings if I want to use my Paul C Buff softboxes with Bowens or Elinchrom lights. Profoto, which are used a lot by higher end photographers in North America, have their own proprietary design. My reflectors are Balcar only, so I can't use them with the Godox.

I have no idea as to what the story is in your part of the world.

[shreds]

Thanks Manfred.

I dont know Donald, if you have looked at Godox's site, but it certainly answers quite a few (but not all questions you might have).

http://www.godox.com/EN/Products_Cam...ble_Flash.html

Expect at present to pay around £550-£620 for a AD600B, lower than that and it will be without HSS but you must decide for yourself and the subject whether the HSS is necessary. I consider that the Bowens mount is probably the most 'universal' in this country though the Godox mount may become more popular in future due to its price advantage, unless you have money to burn and clients that pay, for using the high end Profoto.

PCB stuff is not really found commonly in the UK.

You will notice that there are an array of companies 'white labelling' Godox kit with their own brand. They are all the same and made in the same factory, so don't be misled. One or two of them like UK Bradford based LenCarta actually do have some input on quality and design, and offer a better or longer warranty, but is still very often similar kit.

[chauncey]

I don't do fancy...just cloth from a fabric store draped over and clamped to a pvc plastic frame.
Or...just park my subject in front of a monitor image and fire away.