For portability and to keep cost down, I decided to go the speedlight route as I start to learn lighting. These are the gears I am starting with.
The choices are partly dictated by what are available in, or easily shipped to, Thailand. This precludes quite a few items often recommended online. Brands like Westcott can’t be found. But at the same time, some decent Chinese brands like Godox are more easily available than in the US.
Lights
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As far as manual speedlights go, this comes highly recommended. The built-in 2.4Gz receiver makes this very convenient to use. |
This newly released transmitter can trigger the YN-560 III as well as adjust the power and zoom. Very nice indeed, especially when some of my light diffusers require the flashlight to be mounted inside rather than the back, and adjusting can be a pain. |
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My trusty, native Micro FourThird, TTL flash. This is the very first lighting equipment I bought. The difference it made for indoor photography made me realize lighting provides a lot of bang for bucks compared to, say, lenses. |
Light Modifiers
Phottix Octa Easy-Up Umbrella Softbox with Grid 43″
This is going to be my main key light. Or at least, that is the plan. |
Godox 60x60cm Softbox
In the local store, the Godox S-Type bracket only comes bundled with one of these softboxes. There are 40x40cm, 50x50cm, 60x+0cm, 80x80cm. I got the 60x60cm to be safe that a single speedlight can provide enough power. |
Godox Beauty Dish Reflector 55 cm White
I got this from a local store but the only place online with this available seems to be Ebay. Even with the diffuser (not shown) this produces considerably harder light than the softboxes. In hindsight I should have gotten the grid for this. |
Godox Translucent Umbrella 40″
Basic white umbrella for fill. |
Phottix 5-in-1 Premium Reflector (with handles) – 42″ |
Godox Speedlite Color Filters Set
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Light Support
Phottix Multi-Boom 28″ Flash Bracket and Boom Arm
This is to light the 43″ Octabox. I hope 2 flashes will be enough, but to be on the safe side this bracket supports 4. It also allows the Octa to be tilted more freely on the flash holder. |
Phottix Varos II BG Flash Shoe Umbrella Holder
The 43″ Octa and potentially up to 4 flashes is going to be quite heavy. So, I wanted to make sure the umbrella bracket is strong enough and went with the Phottix recommended one. It is not that expensive anyway compared to the non-brand ones. |
Godox S-Type Speedlite Bracket
This bracket holds any speedlight and comes in Bowens or Elinchom mount. I got the Bowens mount. |
Godox E Speedlite Holder
Simple, but good quality, umbrella bracket |
| Lightstand – 10-foot air cushion | Lightstand – 8-foot spring cushion |