Getting into Flash, need some direction

nzondlo · 07-09-2017, 07:51 AM

So I'm looking to buy my first flash system in the next few days. Starting to get asked to do indoor work and it's a necessity.

Requirements:
HSS
Wireless
$500-600 total

Leaning towards:
Af540fgz ii
Cactus V6ii wireless trigger

Also want:
One of those bright white ring lights that act as a catchlight for the subject's eyes.

Unsure of:
Some sort of stand that I can hold in my hand if need be like a wizard conjuring light for when I'm without an assistant.
Small softbox

Is there anything I'd need that I'm not thinking of? Any suggestions besides what I'm mentioning here? Thank you.

Last edited by nzondlo; 07-09-2017 at 09:23 AM.

mcgregni · 07-09-2017, 08:23 AM

I would suggest you look at the Cactus RF60x flashes to combine with a single V6II. I'd try and get 2 flashes to start with. You'll have manual control initially, with the prospect of P-TTL metering coming in future via firmware update. This assumes you mainly will be using off-camera flash.

Of course if you want on-camera P-TTL and HSS also then the Pentax flash is perfect, but the all Cactus solution is probably better value for off camera working, given that only a single V6II is needed for that.

nzondlo · 07-09-2017, 09:16 AM

Originally posted by mcgregni

I would suggest you look at the Cactus RF60x flashes to combine with a single V6II. I'd try and get 2 flashes to start with. You'll have manual control initially, with the prospect of P-TTL metering coming in future via firmware update. This assumes you mainly will be using off-camera flash.

Of course if you want on-camera P-TTL and HSS also then the Pentax flash is perfect, but the all Cactus solution is probably better value for off camera working, given that only a single V6II is needed for that.

Yep, HSS is a must.

Also, do we the v6ii need a transmitter AND a receiver? They're about $150 total, right?

nzondlo · 07-09-2017, 11:14 AM

Also considering the Cactus RF60x. Anyone using that flash for HSS work?

Class A · 07-09-2017, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by nzondlo

Also, do we the v6ii need a transmitter AND a receiver?

You definitely need one transmitter. Whether you need a receiver as well, depends on the flash(es) you want to use.

If you are going to use RF60x flashes then no further receiver is required. If you want to use any other flash, such as the AF 540 FGZ II, then you'll need one V6II receiver for each such off-camera flash.

nzondlo · 07-09-2017, 11:23 AM

Thank you!

Class A · 07-09-2017, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by nzondlo

Also considering the Cactus RF60x. Anyone using that flash for HSS work?

I used it. It is a great flash and I have almost no complaints. Ideally the head would have a bit more movement (360 degrees rotation instead of 270 degrees) and if it could tilt down a bit that would sometimes help. But mostly, when used off-camera, these are not issues at all.

Note that the RF60x will only provide HSS in conjunction with the V6II. If you just mount an RF60x on the camera, it will work up to the sync-speed but not beyond that.

paulster · 07-09-2017, 12:02 PM

Can I ask why you're specifying that this is for 'indoor work' and you need HSS? If you're just future-proofing your rig so it'll be ideal for outside work as well then go for it, but typically you'll never use HSS indoors. What you might need is a very short duration flash if you're needing to stop motion (e.g. for liquid photography), but that's pretty much the opposite of HSS.

nzondlo · 07-09-2017, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by paulster

Can I ask why you're specifying that this is for 'indoor work' and you need HSS? If you're just future-proofing your rig so it'll be ideal for outside work as well then go for it, but typically you'll never use HSS indoors. What you might need is a very short duration flash if you're needing to stop motion (e.g. for liquid photography), but that's pretty much the opposite of HSS.

Indeed future proofing! I shoot mostly outdoor. But a job came up indoor.

gatorguy · 07-09-2017, 01:09 PM

Ah, starting down a path with no end. . .

---------- Post added 07-09-17 at 04:12 PM ----------

[/COLOR]

Originally posted by nzondlo

So I'm looking to buy my first flash system in the next few days. Starting to get asked to do indoor work and it's a necessity.

Also want:
One of those bright white ring lights that act as a catchlight for the subject's eyes.

Note that ring-lights present a very different catch-light that many photogs consider unflattering. I'm wondering if you confused a ring-light with an Eyelighter, which is a darn expensive curved reflector IMHO, but that does deliver a really nice catch-light. Unless you're doing a heckuva lot of portraiture I don't personally think it a good investment, rarely finding one under $300. Much (not all) of what you can accomplish with it can be done with cheaper modifiers. You could of course build your own version of it for less than $50, tho it's not very likely to b as convenient to use or store.

pschlute · 07-09-2017, 02:21 PM

Originally posted by nzondlo

Also want:
One of those bright white ring lights that act as a catchlight for the subject's eyes.

This may sound like heresy, but with a little photoshop skill you can have whatever catchlight you like in your subjects eyes. i have only started dabling with portraiture using flash (mainly dogs) and if I use say a softbox for key light and an umbrella for fill light, I have to edit the eyes anyway to avoid distracting double catchlights. Not much a stretch to remove square catchlights and replace them with wonderful looking round ones !!!

nzondlo · 07-09-2017, 10:36 PM

Originally posted by gatorguy

Ah, starting down a path with no end. . .

---------- Post added 07-09-17 at 04:12 PM ----------

[/COLOR]
Note that ring-lights present a very different catch-light that many photogs consider unflattering. I'm wondering if you confused a ring-light with an Eyelighter, which is a darn expensive curved reflector IMHO, but that does deliver a really nice catch-light. Unless you're doing a heckuva lot of portraiture I don't personally think it a good investment, rarely finding one under $300. Much (not all) of what you can accomplish with it can be done with cheaper modifiers. You could of course build your own version of it for less than $50, tho it's not very likely to b as convenient to use or store.

Yeah it's for a concept series, not just straight portraiture, which in that case I'd consider more of a gimmick and reminds me of late 90s music videos.

If they really are $300+ ( I was just in B&H and saw one for about $250) then maybe I'll just rent as I need it. I guess the cheap <$100 ones I've seen onlky or more like LED lights and don't flash?

raymondjackso25 · 07-14-2017, 03:15 AM

my current setup:
2 Cactus V6II triggers=about $180
Viltrox JY-680ch HSS flash=$46
Neewer octobox=$25
lightstand can be found cheap too=$30

sample:

but yeah Cactus V6ii Triggers are the way to go. With your budget you shoud be able to grab a much better flash and other accessories.

audiobomber · 07-14-2017, 04:56 AM

Originally posted by nzondlo

Unsure of:
Some sort of stand that I can hold in my hand if need be like a wizard conjuring light for when I'm without an assistant.
Small softbox

Is there anything I'd need that I'm not thinking of? Any suggestions besides what I'm mentioning here? Thank you.

I suggest a flash bracket and sync cord. I have a small vintage bracket that fits in virtually any bag, and a larger Custom Brackets Folding-T that is more bulky but gets the flash further from the camera. This article explains how useful a bracket can be: The B&H Flash Bracket Buying Guide | B&H Explora

A one-meter P-TTL cord will allow you to shoot one-handed while aiming the flash exactly where you want it.

I also recommend an Omnibounce to soften the light. Mine almost never comes off the flash head.

nzondlo · 07-18-2017, 11:48 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I suggest a flash bracket and sync cord. I have a small vintage bracket that fits in virtually any bag, and a larger Custom Brackets Folding-T that is more bulky but gets the flash further from the camera. This article explains how useful a bracket can be: The B&H Flash Bracket Buying Guide | B&H Explora

A one-meter P-TTL cord will allow you to shoot one-handed while aiming the flash exactly where you want it.

I also recommend an Omnibounce to soften the light. Mine almost never comes off the flash head.

Does P-TTL need a cord though? That can't work wirelessly?

07-09-2017, 07:51 AM	#1
nzondlo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 186	Getting into Flash, need some direction So I'm looking to buy my first flash system in the next few days. Starting to get asked to do indoor work and it's a necessity. Requirements: HSS Wireless $500-600 total Leaning towards: Af540fgz ii Cactus V6ii wireless trigger Also want: One of those bright white ring lights that act as a catchlight for the subject's eyes. Unsure of: Some sort of stand that I can hold in my hand if need be like a wizard conjuring light for when I'm without an assistant. Small softbox Is there anything I'd need that I'm not thinking of? Any suggestions besides what I'm mentioning here? Thank you. Last edited by nzondlo; 07-09-2017 at 09:23 AM.

07-09-2017, 01:09 PM	#10
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	Ah, starting down a path with no end. . . ---------- Post added 07-09-17 at 04:12 PM ---------- [/COLOR] Originally posted by nzondlo So I'm looking to buy my first flash system in the next few days. Starting to get asked to do indoor work and it's a necessity. Also want: One of those bright white ring lights that act as a catchlight for the subject's eyes. Note that ring-lights present a very different catch-light that many photogs consider unflattering. I'm wondering if you confused a ring-light with an Eyelighter, which is a darn expensive curved reflector IMHO, but that does deliver a really nice catch-light. Unless you're doing a heckuva lot of portraiture I don't personally think it a good investment, rarely finding one under $300. Much (not all) of what you can accomplish with it can be done with cheaper modifiers. You could of course build your own version of it for less than $50, tho it's not very likely to b as convenient to use or store. Last edited by gatorguy; 07-09-2017 at 02:04 PM.

07-14-2017, 04:56 AM	#14
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by nzondlo Unsure of: Some sort of stand that I can hold in my hand if need be like a wizard conjuring light for when I'm without an assistant. Small softbox Is there anything I'd need that I'm not thinking of? Any suggestions besides what I'm mentioning here? Thank you. I suggest a flash bracket and sync cord. I have a small vintage bracket that fits in virtually any bag, and a larger Custom Brackets Folding-T that is more bulky but gets the flash further from the camera. This article explains how useful a bracket can be: The B&H Flash Bracket Buying Guide \| B&H Explora A one-meter P-TTL cord will allow you to shoot one-handed while aiming the flash exactly where you want it. I also recommend an Omnibounce to soften the light. Mine almost never comes off the flash head. Last edited by audiobomber; 07-14-2017 at 05:01 AM.

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07-09-2017, 08:23 AM	#2
mcgregni Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 2,603	I would suggest you look at the Cactus RF60x flashes to combine with a single V6II. I'd try and get 2 flashes to start with. You'll have manual control initially, with the prospect of P-TTL metering coming in future via firmware update. This assumes you mainly will be using off-camera flash. Of course if you want on-camera P-TTL and HSS also then the Pentax flash is perfect, but the all Cactus solution is probably better value for off camera working, given that only a single V6II is needed for that.

07-09-2017, 09:16 AM	#3
nzondlo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 186 Original Poster	Originally posted by mcgregni I would suggest you look at the Cactus RF60x flashes to combine with a single V6II. I'd try and get 2 flashes to start with. You'll have manual control initially, with the prospect of P-TTL metering coming in future via firmware update. This assumes you mainly will be using off-camera flash. Of course if you want on-camera P-TTL and HSS also then the Pentax flash is perfect, but the all Cactus solution is probably better value for off camera working, given that only a single V6II is needed for that. Yep, HSS is a must. Also, do we the v6ii need a transmitter AND a receiver? They're about $150 total, right?

07-09-2017, 11:14 AM	#4
nzondlo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 186 Original Poster	Also considering the Cactus RF60x. Anyone using that flash for HSS work?

07-09-2017, 11:18 AM	#5
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by nzondlo Also, do we the v6ii need a transmitter AND a receiver? You definitely need one transmitter. Whether you need a receiver as well, depends on the flash(es) you want to use. If you are going to use RF60x flashes then no further receiver is required. If you want to use any other flash, such as the AF 540 FGZ II, then you'll need one V6II receiver for each such off-camera flash.

07-09-2017, 11:23 AM	#6
nzondlo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 186 Original Poster	Thank you!

07-09-2017, 11:29 AM	#7
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	Originally posted by nzondlo Also considering the Cactus RF60x. Anyone using that flash for HSS work? I used it. It is a great flash and I have almost no complaints. Ideally the head would have a bit more movement (360 degrees rotation instead of 270 degrees) and if it could tilt down a bit that would sometimes help. But mostly, when used off-camera, these are not issues at all. Note that the RF60x will only provide HSS in conjunction with the V6II. If you just mount an RF60x on the camera, it will work up to the sync-speed but not beyond that.

07-09-2017, 12:02 PM	#8
paulster Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 159	Can I ask why you're specifying that this is for 'indoor work' and you need HSS? If you're just future-proofing your rig so it'll be ideal for outside work as well then go for it, but typically you'll never use HSS indoors. What you might need is a very short duration flash if you're needing to stop motion (e.g. for liquid photography), but that's pretty much the opposite of HSS.

07-09-2017, 12:22 PM	#9
nzondlo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 186 Original Poster	Originally posted by paulster Can I ask why you're specifying that this is for 'indoor work' and you need HSS? If you're just future-proofing your rig so it'll be ideal for outside work as well then go for it, but typically you'll never use HSS indoors. What you might need is a very short duration flash if you're needing to stop motion (e.g. for liquid photography), but that's pretty much the opposite of HSS. Indeed future proofing! I shoot mostly outdoor. But a job came up indoor.

07-09-2017, 02:21 PM	#11
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,192	Originally posted by nzondlo Also want: One of those bright white ring lights that act as a catchlight for the subject's eyes. This may sound like heresy, but with a little photoshop skill you can have whatever catchlight you like in your subjects eyes. i have only started dabling with portraiture using flash (mainly dogs) and if I use say a softbox for key light and an umbrella for fill light, I have to edit the eyes anyway to avoid distracting double catchlights. Not much a stretch to remove square catchlights and replace them with wonderful looking round ones !!!

07-09-2017, 10:36 PM	#12
nzondlo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 186 Original Poster	Originally posted by gatorguy Ah, starting down a path with no end. . . ---------- Post added 07-09-17 at 04:12 PM ---------- [/COLOR] Note that ring-lights present a very different catch-light that many photogs consider unflattering. I'm wondering if you confused a ring-light with an Eyelighter, which is a darn expensive curved reflector IMHO, but that does deliver a really nice catch-light. Unless you're doing a heckuva lot of portraiture I don't personally think it a good investment, rarely finding one under $300. Much (not all) of what you can accomplish with it can be done with cheaper modifiers. You could of course build your own version of it for less than $50, tho it's not very likely to b as convenient to use or store. Yeah it's for a concept series, not just straight portraiture, which in that case I'd consider more of a gimmick and reminds me of late 90s music videos. If they really are $300+ ( I was just in B&H and saw one for about $250) then maybe I'll just rent as I need it. I guess the cheap <$100 ones I've seen onlky or more like LED lights and don't flash?

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07-14-2017, 03:15 AM	#13
raymondjackso25 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 93	my current setup: 2 Cactus V6II triggers=about $180 Viltrox JY-680ch HSS flash=$46 Neewer octobox=$25 lightstand can be found cheap too=$30 sample: but yeah Cactus V6ii Triggers are the way to go. With your budget you shoud be able to grab a much better flash and other accessories.

07-18-2017, 11:48 PM	#15
nzondlo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 186 Original Poster	Originally posted by audiobomber I suggest a flash bracket and sync cord. I have a small vintage bracket that fits in virtually any bag, and a larger Custom Brackets Folding-T that is more bulky but gets the flash further from the camera. This article explains how useful a bracket can be: The B&H Flash Bracket Buying Guide \| B&H Explora A one-meter P-TTL cord will allow you to shoot one-handed while aiming the flash exactly where you want it. I also recommend an Omnibounce to soften the light. Mine almost never comes off the flash head. Does P-TTL need a cord though? That can't work wirelessly?