Newbie getting into flash photography. Need help with terms and flash choice.

sash · 12-29-2009, 01:14 PM

Hey all!
I’m just starting to discover flash photography and starting to play with remote flash. I’ve heard term strobe lighting. Would that be same as flash lighting?

I have K20D and Pentax AF 360 flash that I trigger wirelessly via onboard flash. Instead of putting flash on top of cabinets, roof of my car or on top of whatever is near by, I am planning to get a proper light stand… maybe even one with umbrella!... like a pro!

While thinking about that, I started to think about adding another flash to my lighting equipment. I’m thinking about getting a flash that’s perhaps more powerful than my AF360, so it can be my main flash and AF360 could be used to reduce shadows. Is this a good idea?
I am also planning to go with a different wireless trigger system. Something that has a transmitter on the camera and receivers plug into the flash units (I guess with some hotshoe mount connector??). Reason for this is because I am considering buying some cheap flash that may mot work with K20 wireless flash mode. No way that I can afford AF540FGZ!
What wireless trigger system would you recommend?
What flash unit would you recommend?
Would I need Pentax compatible flash, or could I use even the ones for Canon/Nikon hotshoes?

Needles to say, I'm on a tight budget (as most of us are)..

Last edited by sash; 12-29-2009 at 01:19 PM.

**Ash** · 12-29-2009, 11:22 PM

Yes sash, strobe = flash gun
I'd suggest you read and understand the material presented in Strobist in Lighting 101 and 102.
It'll help you appreciate lighting, the equipment used and what to get for your purposes.
All the best in that.

bymy141 · 12-30-2009, 03:55 AM

Did you read Matt's P-TTL page?
Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison: The Definitive Guide

Peter Zack · 12-30-2009, 04:15 AM

And after you go through those, check out this: Flash triggers 1 and Flash Triggers 2

sash · 12-30-2009, 08:38 AM

Sweet! I will go through those links guys. Work is pretty dead so this will keep me occupied.

On a side note.. I HATE PHOTOGRAPHY!!!!! Yesterday I bought Tamron 90mm 1:1 Macro lens... While walking around I also saw at Henry’s Pentax DA* 50-135 on sale for $900. Going to pick it up during my lunch break along with Lowepro AW300 bag. I will be officially broke! Ahhhh,... I can not do anything about it!!!! The urge is stronger than me!!!!!

atupdate · 12-30-2009, 08:44 AM

Originally posted by Peter Zack

And after you go through those, check out this: Flash triggers 1 and Flash Triggers 2

Peter,

Have you clicked on the g9chon.com link in those threads lately? They take you to Amazon page below and it is not intuitive how to find the Flashwaves.

Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more

Tim

12-29-2009, 01:14 PM	#1
sash Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 26	Newbie getting into flash photography. Need help with terms and flash choice. Hey all! I’m just starting to discover flash photography and starting to play with remote flash. I’ve heard term strobe lighting. Would that be same as flash lighting? I have K20D and Pentax AF 360 flash that I trigger wirelessly via onboard flash. Instead of putting flash on top of cabinets, roof of my car or on top of whatever is near by, I am planning to get a proper light stand… maybe even one with umbrella!... like a pro! While thinking about that, I started to think about adding another flash to my lighting equipment. I’m thinking about getting a flash that’s perhaps more powerful than my AF360, so it can be my main flash and AF360 could be used to reduce shadows. Is this a good idea? I am also planning to go with a different wireless trigger system. Something that has a transmitter on the camera and receivers plug into the flash units (I guess with some hotshoe mount connector??). Reason for this is because I am considering buying some cheap flash that may mot work with K20 wireless flash mode. No way that I can afford AF540FGZ! What wireless trigger system would you recommend? What flash unit would you recommend? Would I need Pentax compatible flash, or could I use even the ones for Canon/Nikon hotshoes? Needles to say, I'm on a tight budget (as most of us are).. Last edited by sash; 12-29-2009 at 01:19 PM.

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12-29-2009, 11:22 PM	#2
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Yes sash, strobe = flash gun I'd suggest you read and understand the material presented in Strobist in Lighting 101 and 102. It'll help you appreciate lighting, the equipment used and what to get for your purposes. All the best in that.

12-30-2009, 03:55 AM	#3
bymy141 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,563	Did you read Matt's P-TTL page? Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison: The Definitive Guide

12-30-2009, 04:15 AM	#4
Peter Zack Pentaxian Moderator Emeritus Join Date: May 2007 Location: Edmonton Alberta, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 10,643	And after you go through those, check out this: Flash triggers 1 and Flash Triggers 2

12-30-2009, 08:38 AM	#5
sash Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 26 Original Poster	Sweet! I will go through those links guys. Work is pretty dead so this will keep me occupied. On a side note.. I HATE PHOTOGRAPHY!!!!! Yesterday I bought Tamron 90mm 1:1 Macro lens... While walking around I also saw at Henry’s Pentax DA* 50-135 on sale for $900. Going to pick it up during my lunch break along with Lowepro AW300 bag. I will be officially broke! Ahhhh,... I can not do anything about it!!!! The urge is stronger than me!!!!!

12-30-2009, 08:44 AM	#6
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,723	Originally posted by Peter Zack And after you go through those, check out this: Flash triggers 1 and Flash Triggers 2 Peter, Have you clicked on the g9chon.com link in those threads lately? They take you to Amazon page below and it is not intuitive how to find the Flashwaves. Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more Tim

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