Posted: 4/11/2008 10:49:54 AM EDT
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I need to start looking at some portable lighting set ups. I don't do a lot of portrait work but I have in the past used them to light volleyball games and the occasional high school basketball game. I never had my own setup, always used the setups from where I worked. I'm looking for something to get me started and not break the bank. It's not a huge priority, so I have some time to look around and was hoping to get some ideas from the folks here on what to look at. |
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Check this site for all things related to off-camera lighting with small flash units: Strobist |
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What features are you looking for? That will really determine what types of strobes are best suited for you. Personally, I was looking for digital strobes, remote control of the strobe output was a plus, around 500-700 watt seconds, with excellent modeling lights, good recycle time, and allowed for a large selection of modifiers. My requirements led me to the Hensel Integra Pro Plus. The consistency of these strobes, both from color temp and flash output is fantastic. The aluminum housing is very rugged, and will withstand a great deal of abuse. I bought two of the kits, which gave me 4 lights total, carrying cases, stands, two remotes, two sets of reflectors, and two small softboxes (which I find to be excellent hairlights). I know 3 other locals who have the Hensels, and we all love them and wouldn't think of changing. Alien Bees are inexpensive. Their customer service is one of the best. However, what kept me from them is that they only have analog controls, 100 watt modeling light (you can upgrage to a 150 but that isn't much better), and the killer was the fact that there are known issues with these lights with variance in color and output from shot to shot. Here are some examples of Hensels in portraiture:      |
Well mainly I intend to use them to light sporting events when allowed. We did it a lot for volleyball games and tennis matches when I was in college. I don't do much portrait stuff but I could see using it for some. Working with lighting setups is something I don't have much experience with. Most of the stuff I shoot is sports/action stuff and with a few exceptions using strobes just doesn't work or isn't practical. But it is something I need to and want to work on a bit because I do have a few things I need to shoot eventually where something other than a speedlight is going to be needed, well I could get away with just the speedlight but it would be better to have something else. |
Well, based on this I think the AB-800 with the larger sport reflector (11") would be great when paired with something like a PocketWizard and a Bogen SuperClamp. I clamp the light to an unused basketball goal to the side of the court and direct it as appropriate to bounce the light back to the court. I also attach a cable tie to the strobe that I use to run a cable through that's attached to the goal. This is just a little insurance in case the clamp fails. I don't want the strobe falling and hitting someone on the head. I don't have the Vagabond power system so for now I just run an extension cord to the strobe. I'm sure I've got a picture of the setup somewhere. Finding it is another story. 
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