why should I spend so much more for this compared to a CowboyStudio Fancy Pro 37 Inch Octagon Umbrella Speedlite Softbox?
1831925
Probably because I have yet to see Cowboy Studio produce much of anything "fancy" much less sturdy beyond a light stand. They're also not very well known for producing products that are easy (or rapid) to put together with little headache. The Westcott series of Rapid Boxes do what they say they do. I have both the the Octagon and the Strip Box, and they both are fully set up and ready to go in under 2 mins, and I can rest assured they will retain their shape and stand the test of time unlike the past products I've gotten from Cowbody Studio, which are at best cheap knock-offs of the real deal. It's up to you, though. You can always return if you're not happy with them, but I've had mine now for over a year in the case of the Octabox and remain thoroughly pleased with its performance.
1831926
Without comparing the 2 side by side that is hard to answer. I love the Wescott for its quality of light and ease of set up. If you are happy with the Cowboy then you should stick with it.
1502898
The cheaper strobes are often very light in weight so be aware of balance with the softbox attachef. This works great for me, I've had no issues with the ring.
1991463
I looked at Hydrawise and when it compared with our RainMachine, it seems to be doing a similar job. Here is a short list of differences. The local interface on the Hydrawise is ancient users a tiny black and white 'menu' LCD with conventioanl domed buttons -- Rainmachine uses a 6.5" capacitive touch screen with a 480x272 color TFT screen thus UI is much nicer. Also, and this might be most important, Hydrawise makes their data source a secret while the Rainmachine documents every aspect about the data souce (NOAA.gov). Hydrawise's Rain Forcasting is available for a fee, while the RainMachine has temperature and rain forcasting (QPF) for free, forver. Finally, Hydrawise is $395 (8 valve model) while the RainMachine is $249 (12 valve model)
516042
Yes. Let me tell you that this umbrella is no way cheap. It is better than what you buy at stores. The wood pole and the pin is so sturdy and the fabric on the inside is beautiful. I can't say enough good about it.
68545
I guess it would determine how much you want to spend on one. Expensive ones are mostly made of metal which are heavier than the cheaper plastic ones. Heavier ones are more stable in windy conditions. One that has telescoping legs for height, rotates 360 degrees and swivels up and down are how mostly all are. Table top tripods often don't have features stand up ones do and are more trouble at times. I would get a good stand up one that also compacts to use in a sitting position. Hope this helps.
1995736
Hi, we bought the Step 2 40'' umbrella, it fits perfectly and it has been great, super durable. We got it from Sears, but Step2.com also sells it, it should be just under $15. Enjoy the water table!
1748436
Usually I use this flash with a softbox that fits perfectly, I have never used it with a umbrella. The results are very good
1593366
I use the SB800 with small umbrella and it works great. If you want more power, you can upgrade to the SB900ish. I have a friend who has one and it work a bit better because it produce more flash power.
1491839
I never ordered any of the tri brackets but planned on doing so. It should work OK. I would be happier trying a 48" umbrella but really do believe one tri-mount will work well. It was always my plan so I guess I might as well get around to ordering one. I would add that if you are using full manual flashes getting to them to adjust settings is not a smooth task. You might like this umbrella type softbox instead...it's roomier:ePhoto 24" x 36" Photography Studio Speedlite Flash Umbrella type Softbox works on Nikcon Canon AlienBees Soft6090 I never ordered any of the tri brackets but planned on doing so. It should work OK. I would be happier trying a 48" umbrella but really do believe one tri-mount will work well. It was always my plan so I guess I might as well get around to ordering one. I would add that if you are using full manual flashes getting to them to adjust settings is not a smooth task. You might like this umbrella type softbox instead...it's roomier:ePhoto 24" x 36" Photography Studio Speedlite Flash Umbrella type Softbox works... » Read More I never ordered any of the tri brackets but planned on doing so. It should work OK. I would be happier trying a 48" umbrella but really do believe one tri-mount will work well. It was always my plan so I guess I might as well get around to ordering one. I would add that if you are using full manual flashes getting to them to adjust settings is not a smooth task. You might like this umbrella type softbox instead...it's roomier:ePhoto 24" x 36" Photography Studio Speedlite Flash Umbrella type Softbox works on Nikcon Canon AlienBees Soft6090 « Show Less
1652152
Definitely! This is a good strong and heavy softbox. I wouldn't use anything but a heavy duty lightstand with any monolight I own.
2194759
Can only compare to Superblinky, and they are much of a muchness. I got my Radbot because my riding state at the time required reflectorization. Dinottes are big dogs as I recall, cannot imagine the Radbot can come close, but this is an under $50 light. Sounds like apples to oranges to me.
38900
The carrying case is the best deal of this whole package: it fits all the gear fit inside their boxes. It's lightly padded, and the fact that the gear goes back in the box before going in the bag adds even more structure and protection. All that being said, I ended up returning mine because the quality of the light fixtures was poor (one broken upon delivery) and the umbrellas are flimsy... I knew it was cheap... But, it's CHEAP. It comes in a plain brown box, no pics. I ended up getting a different kit from amazon by limo studio... Still cheap, but it will last longer. The case isn't as nice as the cowboy one, though... :) The carrying case is the best deal of this whole package: it fits all the gear fit inside their boxes. It's lightly padded, and the fact that the gear goes back in the box before going in the bag adds even more structure and protection. All that being said, I ended up returning mine because the quality of the light fixtures was poor (one broken upon delivery) and the umbrellas are flimsy... I knew it was cheap... But, it's CHEAP. It comes in a plain brown box, no pics. I ended up getting a different kit from amazon by limo studio... Still cheap, but it will last longer. The case isn't as... » Read More The carrying case is the best deal of this whole package: it fits all the gear fit inside their boxes. It's lightly padded, and the fact that the gear goes back in the box before going in the bag adds even more structure and protection. All that being said, I ended up returning mine because the quality of the light fixtures was poor (one broken upon delivery) and the umbrellas are flimsy... I knew it was cheap... But, it's CHEAP. It comes in a plain brown box, no pics. I ended up getting a different kit from amazon by limo studio... Still cheap, but it will last longer. The case isn't as nice as the cowboy one, though... :) « Show Less
1752397
Kinda big and bulky but works pretty well. I like the following one better Fotodiox Elite Flash Umbrella Bracket with Swivel/Tilt Head, Mountable to Light stand and Tripod, for Canon Flash Speedlite 600EX-RT, 580EX, 580EX II, 430EX, 430EX II, 380EX, 270EX, 270EX ii, 540EX, 550EX, 300TL
1768690
With umbrella reflectors you have very little control since the light radiates out broadly in every direction. Yet if you are looking for an even, well-lite video (albeit two-dimensional flat light), this might be just the light for you. Be aware with smaller lights like these you'll need to be be fairly close to your subject/s. But for the incredibly low price, buy a couple of these packages (most charge $50+ for one single tripod, let alone 3 tripods, 3 lights, 2 reflectors and bags). Obviously this gear isn't intended for commercial/pro use, but where the price is important you can hardly go wrong. With umbrella reflectors you have very little control since the light radiates out broadly in every direction. Yet if you are looking for an even, well-lite video (albeit two-dimensional flat light), this might be just the light for you. Be aware with smaller lights like these you'll need to be be fairly close to your subject/s. But for the incredibly low price, buy a couple of these packages (most charge $50+ for one single tripod, let alone 3 tripods, 3 lights, 2 reflectors and bags). Obviously this gear isn't intended for commercial/pro use, but where the price is important you can... » Read More With umbrella reflectors you have very little control since the light radiates out broadly in every direction. Yet if you are looking for an even, well-lite video (albeit two-dimensional flat light), this might be just the light for you. Be aware with smaller lights like these you'll need to be be fairly close to your subject/s. But for the incredibly low price, buy a couple of these packages (most charge $50+ for one single tripod, let alone 3 tripods, 3 lights, 2 reflectors and bags). Obviously this gear isn't intended for commercial/pro use, but where the price is important you can hardly go wrong. « Show Less
1731632
If you have the one with the Bowens mounting system the 30" Neewer Beehive should work. The speedlight mount is found here: http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Bracket-Speedlite-Reflector-Umbrella/dp/B00JAAXH1A/ref=pd_bxgy_p_img_y Looks a bit ungainly at first but it works great. Link for the 30" Beehive is HERE: http://www.amazon.com/80cmX80cm-Speedlite-Speedring-Panasonic-Neewer/dp/B00KQDTU8O/ref=sr_1_14?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1421211161&sr=1-14 I'm considering it myself. Just do a search on softboxes on the Amazon site and specify the Neewer brand. Several styles are listed.
2148812
I do it all the time, I've had them for about 8 months now.. I attach 43'' umbrella and Yongnuo 468 or 560, also use them for neewer 160 video light .. I generally work with an assistant, so if I'm shooting outdoors I have someone keep a hand on them because with an umbrella attached they will blow over.. I'm usually on a tight budget and looking for the most economical equipment that's not total garbage, my YN 560 cost me $37 bucks and the 468 maybe $100, if you have $500 or $600 flashes or if money is not an object for you, get something else
422790
Your check list is correct but I would suggest the following changes:1. purchase pocketwizard triggers (pocketwizard x10) and not the cowboystudio tiggers. I have used the cowboystudio triggers and found them problematic. 2. purchase a higher quality 8ft or 9ft air cushion light stand as the unit is heavy and the wider base of the 8ft and 9ft stand will better stabilize the strobe. you'll need the extra height if you are using the strobe as your key lightYou will need to purchase the Fotodiox Pro 48" Octagn Softbox with the bowens speedring