There are lots of options in lighting gear, and lots of solutions to many problems. These are my picks for the right pieces of equipment to get your lighting on point.
SPEEDLITES:
Budget Pick
Yongnuo YN650 IV
Holy Smokes, Yongnuo is killing it with these flashes. They aren’t perfect, but they are VERY impressive for the price. I’ve used a bunch of these and can attest to the fact that they can get the job done. The U/I isn’t at all as friendly as a Canon flash, and the build quality feels a little cheap to me, but if you can deal with that, you’ll save a few bucks.
Value Pick
Canon 430EX-III RT
These flashes are super high build quality and very reliable. Canon got wise and started building radio transceivers into its flash units, so this is a huge leg up on your off-camera flash game. These are plenty powerful for most uses. A pair of these can produce some very professional looking results in studio and on-location.
Pro Pick
Canon 600EX-II RT
These puppies might set you back a few bones, but they’ll never let you down. I keep two in my Stealth Reporter bag at all times and a stash of Eneloop AA rechargeable batteries to keep them going all day. They are small, they are powerful, they have radios built into them, and if you pick up the Canon ST-E3-RT like I did, you can get multiple flashes off camera dancing like a puppet from that device, it’s head and shoulders above a simple trigger kit. These flashes own.
LIGHT MODIFIERS:
Budget Pick
Neewer Reflector & Stand Kit
A reflector is a basic piece of gear that is great outdoors for bouncing light back in, or even using it to block light off. The stand, although not necessary if you have an assistant, is a great way to use this tool when you’re shooting alone, which I know I frequently am.
Value Pick
Westcott 2338 Apollo Strip Box
I love strip boxes for lighting, they offer soft light that is very controlled. It’s simply my favorite kind of light, paired with my favorite kind of flash unit: the convenient speedlite.
Pro Pick
Westcott 3662 5 foot Octabank
Want some seriously soft light? You’ll get a nice, broad, highly-sought-after wraparound light with a unit that is this size. This kind of modifier is one that will make even the humblest of speedlites seem like something far more regal.
SLAVES/TRIGGERS:
As previously discussed in my article on What You Need To Know About Off Camera Flash Kits, I recommend radio slaves because they cover every situation. There are a HUGE range of options and I feel like just about anyone can get in the game. I’m not going to gush about these, they all do the same thing to varying degrees of reliability and/or complexity (grouping and whatnot). I’d say you should probably buy whichever models seem consistent with all your other gear. If you’re shooting with a kit lens, you’ll do ok with the Yongnuos. If you’re into the full frame game, you’re looking at at least the Radio Poppers, maybe the PocketWizards.
Budget Pick
Yongnuo for Canon or Nikon
Value Pick
Radio Popper Nano
Pro Pick
PocketWizard 801-130 Plus III
MONO LIGHTS:
These lights are for studio work. I usually find that I can get what I need out of speedlites, but if you have higher-power-needs, or want flashes that don’t need to travel, these could be good options for you, they are certainly more likely to be modifier-friendly, and that’s a huge plus in the studio.
Budget Pick
Neewer DS300
Modeling Lamp, 300 Watt Seconds
Value Pick
Godox AD600BM
Modeling Lamp, 600 watt seconds
Pro Pick
Profoto B1X
Everything you need, and then make it wireless!
