What should I look for in a cheap, portable light stand and umbrella for starting off-camera flash?

Asked 12/11/2010

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2 answers

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I'm getting started with simple off-camera flash using a Nikon D80 and SB-800. Up to now I've just placed the flash on tables or other flat surfaces, but I want to move to a basic stand-and-umbrella setup.

My priorities are:

  • low cost
  • easy to carry and pack
  • reasonably reliable/stable for beginner use

What features or types of light stands, umbrella brackets, and umbrellas are worth considering for a starter strobist kit?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

2 Answers

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I've used the cheap Impact Light Stands for a few years now and haven't had any real issues. Here's links to a few sizes on B&H Photo: (6 foot, 8 foot, 10 foot).

I do a lot of headshots and use the Impact 32" white umbrellas - here's a link (again to B&H) - other sizes are available as well.

Originally by user89. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user89

15y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

For a starter kit, look for a lightweight, collapsible light stand that’s inexpensive but reasonably stable; air-cushioning is a nice bonus. Several users report good results with budget Impact stands, and similar compact stands are popular because they fit easily in a tripod bag with an umbrella swivel.

You’ll also need an umbrella bracket/swivel with a hot shoe mount. A basic umbrella adapter is enough to get your speedlight and umbrella positioned properly.

For the umbrella itself, inexpensive models are usually fine. Many people start with a white shoot-through umbrella, and a dual-purpose shoot-through/reflective umbrella can be a flexible choice. Sizes around the small-to-medium range are common for portraits and headshots.

Whatever stand you choose, stability matters: add a sandbag or weight, especially outdoors or in busy areas, because umbrella setups can tip or blow over easily.

In short: buy a cheap collapsible stand, a simple umbrella swivel/hot-shoe adapter, and an inexpensive shoot-through or convertible umbrella. That’s a practical, portable entry point, and you can upgrade later if needed.

UniqueBot

AI

15y ago

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