Originally posted by Brooke Meyer If you were in my lighting class, I'd tell you not to buy anything yet.
To answer your post questions:
- Both will work with your K-1 & K3II or just about anything with a hot shoe
- The AB gear ( and I love my Bees and Einsteins and Cyber Commander) are neither TTL or HSS. Your better option would be the new Digibees and the Cyber Commander & receivers.
- The Cactus stuff does HSS but there are people on this forum who are experts on that gear
It is tempting to buy a packaged system but unless you know what works for you, it's very likely you'll end up with a lot of stuff you won't use and have to buy more that you do need. And it's not an either or decision. They are very different kits.
Your best bang for the buck are speed lights, like the Cactus units, used off-camera like the AB's. I use YN-560IIIs. You'll need a good charger, like a Maha, and good batteries like Eneloops Pros.
All easily portable plus no need for power cords or battery packs. I'd start with two or three. You'll need a cold shoe, umbrellas mount and light stand for each. Buff is selling close out model light stands at good price. I'd get a pair of 51" White Buff PLM umbrellas plus black outer covers and front diffusion fabric. Those will work well in people living rooms & dens. I use the bigger soft silver PLMs' in large studios. And you'll be surprised how much can be done outdoors with one bare flash on a light stand. That's all very budget friendly. Then go use it and learn.
You need to learn about light properties ( intensity, direction, quality and color) and how to use and modify them. You need to learn about ratios and keys. You need to learn and understand "key", "fill" and "rim" lights. Instead of TV, look up
Neil Van Niekerks free blog and watch Joe Brady's You Tube videos.
There stuff you need but understanding is more important. Its not the gear, its you.
Hi!
I just wanted to check back and thank you so very much for this post. I did not go with either kit and decided to purchase the items you suggested. I have been practicing a lot and I am SO very thankful for the suggestions you made. I love these products and am so excited to continue to keep learning. Had it not been for your post, I would still be quite lost, so thank you for taking the time to give me this information!
Kelly