Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Todd, I am at the crossroad and I know I will want control of my lighting source and yes, I will use the source outdoors too. I have watched Erik Valind on YouTube and will tune in to Robert Harrington. Deciding if I want to take an armload of stuff outdoors is convincing me that I will go towards the speedlight even if I need a few of them to get the light I need in a certain situation. The lights I have now have whetted my appetite for moving on.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I'm looking closely at the Godox/Adorama Flashpoint system.
(I have one of their speedlights with a built-in receiver and a transmitter and it works great.)
http://flashhavoc.com/godox-flash-system-overview/
They have speedlights, A/C powered monolights, battery powered monolights, lighting accessories and that amazing new controller I gave a link for.
I think everything is compatible with their transmitters.
A deeper system than Yongnou which has probably been the most popular inexpensive 3rd party seller up till now.

And, yes, I almost always use manual, but the you can use the remotes to adjust power...remotely.
That new transmitter will be easier to use too.
The older one is a bit cludgy...

There are several FaceBook forums devoted to off-camera flash.
A lot of them are using Godox/FLashpoint lights.
Learn to Light - An OCF Lighting Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/LearnToLight/?multi_permalinks=293411547730264&notif_id=1507521666669711&notif_t=group_highlights
Strobist.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/strobistdotcom/

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I started out with a single Speedlite and a $20 umbrella with umbrella holder for a cheap light stand my friend was throwing out. I have since added 2 more Speedlites and the Canon ST-R3 controller. I now have 1 600 EX-rt I and 2 600EX-RT II Speedlites and while it is an investment I decided I wanted to stay with Canon rather than a 3rd party. I use my stuff with additional modifiers both indoors and outdoors. I shoot drag racing and usually use one or two speedlites at night at the track. I also have a bunch of MagMod modifiers I use with the Speedlites and I like it, versatile and easy to use. I went speedlites because I knew I would be using it outdoors a lot and also because it was radio capable starting with the 600s. I also could acquire it as I could afford it over a couple of years time. Someday I would like to get dome actual studio lights perhaps something that is battery powered so I can take them out now too. I have purchased my larger modifiers so that they are forward compatible with that goal. The Studio strobes are a larger investment than I can justify right now. You will get there, just study and learn where you want to go, make a plan to get there over time and work the plan as you learn more too.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

I purchased 2 of these to be able to use modifiers with speedlights on location. Creative Lighting may still sell these handy units, massive strong construction, and they allow the use of strip soft boxes, octagon soft boxes, and square soft boxes as well. I paid $125@ for them and they are worth every penny on location when I do not want to carry the studio to a setting or when battery power is all that I have.

As far as mixing lighting, I always shoot raw and shoot a gray card prior to each series. The Lightroom white balance adjuster will correct for color temperature, and from there I can adjust to my liking...no problem. Using the Pocket Wizzards, I often use my 22 year old Speedotron light bank with newer Profoto lights, Quantum speedlights and tungsten lights too if I need additional lighting in select spots. Manual is the only way to go using a good light meter. With universal triggers, there is no need to have the latest and greatest when your lights are operating in good condition.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

I will take a look at this. I have seen Godox on Ebay but didn't pay much attention it. It took me 6 months of educating myself on a good tripod and ballhead for my camera before sinking the $$s in to that but happy with my decision. This is going to be fun. Thank you so much for the suggestions with this beginner who is pretty ignorant about artificial light sources available.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Kudos to Canon!
I got tired of waiting for Nikon to do radio, and they still aren't there yet in my opinion.
That's one reason I looked elsewhere.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Not seen these built that well!
Mine are under $30 but are some sort of composite and I'm leery of hanging a larger softbox on them.
Thanks!
Had a few too many hernias using Speedotron lighting, so anything to make life lighter is good.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Are the rings universal fit for softboxes or will I need to purchase a specific fit for a softbox. I take it there is a shoe for the mounting of the speedlight.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I purchased similar mount from Profoto that can hold multiple speedlites. It is about $180 but has Profoto quality and ruggedness. I am happy with it and use it with other Profoto softboxes. I also found some relatively inexpensive mounts and holders of different types from Matthews. Getting some good light stands and C Stands with sandbags are also a good long term investment.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I've read it's best to get Flashpoint (Godox) branded lights from Adorama because they have a better warranty than through any other place.
Check with them to make sure they will work with the Godox system.
https://www.adorama.com/l/Lighting-and-Studio/Monolights-and-Strobes/Flashpoint~Monolights?perPage=60

Again, my own experience is based on only one Godox speedlight and transmitter, but the system looks great and it gets very good reviews.

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

Still love my Speedotron lights, the choice of the NBA and the pros for sports photography. When I need real light power, Speedotron is it. The bracket shown is very heavy duty aluminum metal throughout. You can hang a 4 x 6 softbox or 5' Octagon softbox on them, and I use them with my Quantum X5D 400/600 watt speedlight. I had to send in my Profoto lights for repair trying to use a 4 x 6. I have Profoto lights, and they are overrated and far too expensive for what you get.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

I've ordered the Flashpoint R2 i-TTL flash remote trigger and receiver for my Nikon and Westcott monolight. Also, ordered a Westcott 43" Apollo Orb with grid and stand. Eventually, I will add the Flashpoint speedlights for Nikon and Flashpoint Xplor 600 monolight to the stash of stuff. Kind of starting off slowly to make sure this is the route I want to take.