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I want to start messing around with lighting and the like. I currently have one SB600. As a start into this field, would it be better to get a SU800/SB800 + SB600 combo? Or actually go for the whole studio lighting stuff (whatever you call the big stuff)?

Also, can anyone recommend me a lighting course I can take? Or a book would be good too!

Thanks!

adhoc wrote:I want to start messing around with lighting and the like. I currently have one SB600. As a start into this field, would it be better to get a SU800/SB800 + SB600 combo? Or actually go for the whole studio lighting stuff (whatever you call the big stuff)?

Hi Adhoc ... If you are only in photography for the love of it then I think you will get better use out of the SU800/SB800 + SB600 combo. For one thing, you can use them anywhere, unlike most studio lighting kits that require you feed them 240 volt and they are compact enough to take anywhere. Although my kit is somewhat modified, most of my location portraiture these days is done with a couple of small flash units that fit into my carry on bag with my camera kit. I usually use my main light (a modified Sunpak) through a brolly and then my SB800 as a hair or background light. They were great and I have light almost wherever I go.
The SU800 is also a good unit to get... it ensures that you get control of the flash units without the risk of getting the master unit working in the image.
Hope this is a help... Ants

I believe this site is great for all things lighting:

http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/

Strobist is a great resource to have a look at for off camera lighting.

If you want wireless TTL control, then the SU-800 or SB800 is the way to go. Personally, I'd be more inclined to get a SB800 first and play around with that and the SB600.

Start with that and build up to using Manual control with the flash

I also recommend strobist.
If you want a book, the generally regarded bible for lighting
Is Light Science and Magic
I saw it the other day in Dymocks main store in Sydney. (upstairs in the computer section of all places)
The amazon link is http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0240802756/giftfella-20
I am still working through it. I think if you nail all the concepts in it, lighting will become second nature.

As for Strobes Vs Studio lighting, Strobes give you portability. Studio lights give you greater control and power when you need it.
I am using 2x SB800 and 1x SB600 ATM , and am increasingly aware that I could be achieving better results for less outlay if I had gone down the studio lighting path. Mind you the strobes fit in a shoe box when not in use, and I can take them hiking too.

EDIT: the dymocks copy had a different cover to that shown on Amazon
EDIT2: This is the link to the same book as Dymocka (and I ) have http://www.amazon.com/Light-Science-Introduction-Photographic-Lighting/dp/0240808193/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211346436&sr=1-1
I think its a different edition. Not sure if it is older or newer. Mine is the Third edition

Greg, you can have as much control with a speedlight as well. The only struggle now is finding light modifiers for the speedlights, but then there's the DIY path You can do a lot with cardboard, straws and just a bit of imagination.

Another useful DIY site for speedlights is http://www.diyphotography.net/

Thanks for all the help guys! I have actually joined this forum 2 years ago, but I totally forgot about it, and it was yesterday that I came back.

Pehpsi wrote:I believe this site is great for all things lighting:

http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/

Actually it was that site which got me interested in getting in this stuff!

I think I will go with the strobes for the moment. I already have one strobe so I only really need just 1-2 more. I will move on to studio lights later on I guess.

I think part of the fun with lighting would be experimenting with your own DIYs!