Hi folks

Because I get asked regularly how I do this and that, which gear I use, how I use it and so on, I want to write a couple of blogposts where I show you exactly that: the gear I use, why I use it and how ... this will be a little „add-on" to the making-of posts, not a substitute for them. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask me ... I'll answer them as best as I can.

I want to explain why and how I work with a system first and than post a little list with the explained items at the end of each posts, so you can find the items I have talked about ... ;-)

I will only talk about and explain stuff I really work with (or have worked with) and you'll only get my personal opinion about it and my experience with it, not some theoretical values/tables/etc.

As „starters" of this series, I want to begin with my equipment and my experiences with a „low cost"-variant for unbound flashing outdoors. I really work a lot with this system as I don't want to carry around my big and heavy flash system all the time (I ususally work with an elinchrom Range RX system).

Basically my „low cost system" consists of 4 detachable flash-units with 2 pairs of triggers (as I wrote above, links will follow at the end of this post). Adding to that I usually carry some equipment like tripods and a couple of light-formers.

After I used and tested many different flashes, I work with the Yongnuo Speedlite YN-568 EX II detachable flash units now. They are much cheaper than the original Canon-flashes (with comparable performance) and at least as good (I think even better). Combined with the Yongnuo YN-622 C HSS triggers they build a unit which I think is really great (and I think the best in terms of value for money). With this combination and my 5DIII I can adjust (completely!!) all flashes directly from the camera, no need to walk from flash to flash to adjust them. You can subdivide them in groups and even let one or more of them work on their e-TTL (automatic) mode.

One of the biggest advantages and the main reason for me to work with this flashes and triggers is the fact, that you can work in the HSS-mode which allows very fast shutter speeds (which is very important to use the flashes while working with open aperature). I've really tested this a lot with working in the sun or with really fast objects like drops of water or explosions ...

I usually carry some additional equipment , which has to be as lightweight and small as possible. At first I want to mention my 60cm SMDV-softbox which can be assembled and disassembled real quick. The only disadvantage with this system is, that the difusing layers can't be removed (neither of them) because they are directly sewn into the softbox. The only other light-formers I use with the detachable flashes are some grids (OK, they don't really „form" the light, they only „direct" it), which can be easily attached and really help with guiding the light to an exact spot.

Another piece of equipment I really like are my Manfrotto Mini-tripods. They are really sturdy (if you keep the weight in mind) and they can be clipped to each other for transport which is a really great feature (3 of my Manfrottos need about the same space as one of my other tripods). And last but not least I want to show you my rechargeable batteries... I think my eneloops are really great, and not that expensive as you might think. When I consider how many times I've recharged them, I really think it was worth the investment.

And now the links:

Flashes
Triggers
Manfrotto-tripods
Softbox
Batteries
Grid

If you have some additional questions for my, feel free to ask me. You can just comment here, write me an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send me a message on facebook. I'll do my best to answer all your questions.

If you want me to write about a specific topic in the future please let me know. I'll be happy to write a little post about it.

And as allways: if you like this post (or not), please let me know ... spread the word, press „like", etc. I really appreciate your feedback!!!

Cheers,
Manuel