Reddit reviews CowboyStudio Set of Two 7 feet Photography Light Stands with Cases

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I09WHLW x 2 - Speedlights - $56

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Wireless-Speedlite-Receiver-Universal/dp/B00A47U22U - Wireless Trigger - $19

https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4 - Light Stands - $29

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Universal-Speedlite-Umbrella/dp/B00JJJR7PY - x2 - Cold Shoe - $22

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0132I34K4 - Octobox - $23

https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Premium-Shoot-Through-Translucent-Umbrella/dp/B005ODKMOC - Shoot though umbrella - $14

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-43-inch-Collapsible-Multi-Disc-Reflector/dp/B002ZIMEMW - 5 in 1 reflector - $20

That brings you for a full starting light setup that can be used for headshots and starting boudoir for $183. And you even have flexablity in there to use a 1 light setup with reflector or use 2 lights. You would want a few sandbags to keep the gear stable, but I am not including those in the price.

Now for a background setup

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E6GRHBO/ref=psdc_3444601_t1_B00MTF6ZVC

Is a good basic stand but hard to fit under your budget with the above lighting gear.

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Studio-Collapsible-Backdrop-1-8x2-8m/dp/B00UWL02PU is also an okay starting backdrop, Grey can be turned into white or black. I will warn you that you will need a fabric steamer to get the lines out, but that is pretty much the same however you go with cloth. Another more expensive choice is to go with seamless paper, I love working with paper, but it is an ongoing expense to use it.

Now if you are going to make this her studio all the time, they make http://www.homedepot.com/p/EUCATILE-32-sq-ft-96-in-x-48-in-Hardboard-Thrifty-White-Tile-Board-HDDPTW48/205995949 that you can use to make a great background. Or to me the better option if you are going to use a room as a full time studio, paint the walls, put down hardwood or laminate, and you have a great studio setup.

I'm actually the husband from this shindig, but I would suggest making sure it has good lighting. Most likely the venue won't have a perfectly lit spot for a selfie booth all ready to go (honestly some places might, but check/make some preparations) I work in production so I set up a pair of 500 watt photo floods with some 45" umbrellas on a pair of C stands (any stands will do I just had these on hand) if you can snag some cheaper stands on amazon this is a really quick easy way to get pro looking light where you want it. There's also tons of ready to go kits on Amazon like this, but I can't really vouch for any of them specifically.

You may want to chat with your DJ/photographer and ask if they have any of this equipment and would be willing to rent it. If you don't see yourself using it again or don't want to be the ones to set up/take it down.

Definitely this. Even learning to bounce flash can dramatically improve the quality of your photos. Some of my favorite photos that I've taken have been in large part due to the lighting used. A few yongnuo flash units, umbrellas, stands, and triggers and you can really get into some lights for cheap. They won't support high speed sync, ETTL, flash groupings, or anything like that which means you're setting everything manually. What better way to learn, though! For under 300 bucks you can get a 3 flash setup and start taking some really great photos. If bounce is your thing you can get the Yongnuo 565 which puts out tons of power and does a great bounce (was the sole flash in that second photo). The only thing I wish it has was high speed sync.

Pick up one of these. It's a set.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012FTXOW4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And two of those. This is my set up for when I want to bring my vive somewhere, and it works perfectly. No wobble or anything.

What I've been using if I need to go portable (i.e. battery powered and no other power source) and it's not a large scale production, I've been using a couple of these cheaper LED lights - http://www.amazon.com/Neewer%C2%AE-CN-160-camera-video-light/dp/B004TJ6JH6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381513337&sr=8-2&keywords=led+light - mounted on these cheap light stands - http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381514172&sr=8-1&keywords=CowboyStudio+Set+of+Two+7+feet+Photography+Light+Stands+with+Cases .

The lights can get quite bright, but they can also be used pretty dim, so I really like them for what they are. The colors aren't perfect, so in the past I've sometimes used actual light gels and taped them over the light (almost always using the diffusing filter). They run off AA batteries, or you could use a few different options of camera batteries.

You could use several different light stands, I just linked you to the cheap ones I bought for these lights. One downside of those particular stands is that the pole isn't completely circular, so you can't just twist it to get the light in the direction you want, you have to actually rotate the stand itself. Not always an issue, but could be a hassle in tight spaces or on uneven terrain.

I use this tripod, but it does come with two tripods. Maybe you could find a solo elsewhere, but having two allows you to take your Vive to somewhere and set it up for demos. Did that at a friend's house a few months ago and it worked great.

Also make sure you have a mount of some kind to make sure your lighthouse can be positioned accordingly.

cowboy studio wireless trigger and maybe a pair of light stand

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4

I'm still using the super cheap suggestion. Working fine since April 5th when I got the vive. Two homes, one workplace, one convention center (next to walls because bass from concerts shaking the floor), one outdoors area under a gazeebo (against a support beam because wind).


$22 for 2 tripods:

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4

$5 each for a mount you can swivel (buy two):

http://www.amazon.com/EXMAX-Tripod-Camera-Camcorder-Bracket/dp/B012FTXOW4

Honestly I just bought this. 2 for less than $25.

They're obviously very cheap but I'm not planning on moving them around much. They don't need to be durable.

| Total | Quantity | Price | Item |
| -: | -: | -: | :- |
| $130 | 1 | $130 | Green Screen Kit |
| $18 | 3 | $6 | CowboyStudio AC Socket and Umbrella Holder |
| $40 | 2 | $20 | CowboyStudio Umbrella with Removable Cover |
| $25 | 1 | $25 | CowboyStudio Light Stand Pair |
| $15 | 1 | $15 | CowboyStudio Mini Light Stand |
| $60 | 3 | $20 | Alzo 85 Watt CFL (5500K, 4250 Lumens) |
| $288 | | | Grand Total |

Above is a 3 point lighting with green screen solution that's within your $300 budget.

I use a similar setup for most of my daughter's youtube videos that we shoot at home.

Shooting light through an umbrella will make it softer than reflecting it.

85 Watt 5500K (daylight) CFL Bulbs are energy efficient and don't get terribly hot.

So your saying something like this?
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001WB02Z4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

Its just I don't have much space and wouldn't those take more space than a bar?

I just purchased 5 triggers, 2 stands, 2 umbrella mounts, and 2 Brollyboxes they look like the softlighter mentioned below. I spent about 145 total. I played with it earlier today these are straight out of the camera, if that isn't obvious hahaha.

Hey this is all "Free super saver shipping" because shipping sucks.

• Triggers X2
  
  
• Optical trigger just for shits n giggles
  
  
• Strobe mounts
  
  
• Brolly Boxes
  
  
• Light Stands

I bought these to use when I travel with the Vive and they work great (and they were cheap). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4/

and two of these to mount them on the tripods https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012FTXOW4/

These and this work quite well, if you want something easier to move around.

Hi /u/kmichael500 - I would recommend two [$199 F&V ring lights] (http://amzn.to/1uK6m7O), [two light stands for $27.75] (http://amzn.to/1vwUkLK), two [$9 Sony NP-F550 batteries] (http://amzn.to/1pAfXY4) and a [dual battery charger for $19] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=321347920244&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg).

Ring lights are extremely flattering - in an emergency, when you only have one, you can shoot through the middle of the ring and still get even lighting - plus the F&V puts out a lot of light for its size while remaining cool to the touch.

Please take a look at this Diva Ring Light review to see what you can do with one, two or three ring lights: http://www.lafcpug.org/reviews/review_diva_ring.html

I own both the F&V and a Diva (see picture below) and they are the best lighting investments I've made in 40 years of video and filmmaking.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jrqsQtPN3TU/U1sjz3-jwnI/AAAAAAAAIt4/k2WveyQeO4o/w724-h543-no/P1120732.JPG

Good luck with your projects!

Bill

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4

you might prefer something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4/ref=sr_1_6?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1480977230&sr=1-6&keywords=light+stand

goes to 7ft, smaller footprint, and you get a matching set for about the same price.

I recently purchased Amazon Basics Lighting Stands to mount the lighthouses on for my Vive and it has really made my experience better. Previously I was limited to a 6'x6' space just barely big enough for room scale, and had difficulties keeping track of my boundaries (I punched the back of my TV prompting the light stand purchase). It's so much nicer to be able to change the position of the lighthouses, and I can now play in a larger space and put everything away when I'm done with it.

I cannot wait until the wireless adapter comes out, I have a large 10'x10' space in my apartment just too far from my PC to use now, it's going to be perfect once the wireless comes out.

Anyone who has a difficult space for mounting the lighthouses or wants more freedom with their setup I really recommend the light stands!

Edit:

CowboyStudio Set of Two 7 feet Photography Light Stands with Cases https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001WB02Z4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_17wvyb1KS6JDT

I believe these are the ones I got, I didn't want to like from Amazon prime now as that may not be available to everyone.

Edit 2: just checked those linked above are the ones I have! I will say the base is somewhat bulky, I'm sure if you wanted to spend a little more you could get some nicer ones. But the general idea of the lighting stands is what I'm plugging rather than that specific product. I love the ones I have and won't be changing them out anytime soon, but if you're concerned about the base width and everything it couldn't hurt to shop around.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001WB02Z4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3CMJOVFRS6QRR&coliid=I1PA514E40S76H&psc=1


Two for $26

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

http://www.amazon.com/Eggsnow-Tripod-Bracket-Holder-Ballhead/dp/B00L23XN9O?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

These look more then sufficient to hold the lighthouses.
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4

Im using stand similar to these for the lighthouses.

These clips are also solid if you have something appropriate to clip them to.

Grats dude!

I used the tape that I used to hang my curtains (much heavier than the vive sensors), but it's really hard to get it to feel secure because of the small amount you can actually apply to both the sensor and the wall while it's plugged in. My final solution has been these: https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4

They are definitely high enough, and if you buy the little ball adjuster thing that is the most commonly purchased item with those stands you'll be set. They are safe and secure and ive never had a tracking (or line of site between the two sensors) issue like I was having using the curtain tape.

Would these work for mounting?

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4

http://www.amazon.com/EXMAX-Tripod-Camera-Camcorder-Bracket/dp/B012FTXOW4

I've only used these a few times showing off the system on the road but they have performed great
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are the light stands I use:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are the ball mounts I use:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M07M9D4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't have issues with them but they aren't my permanent solution. I bought them because I take my Vive to a lot of different places so it nice as a mobile solution. The ball mounts are great but I'm not use how the stands would do over long periods of time. But for now, they are perfect. They do however come with little draw strings bags that are pretty shitty.

$27 for a set of 2 photography light stands: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4

$10 for a pair of swivel mounts so you can angle the base stations however you like: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M07M9D4

One advantage with these over the other suggestion in this thread is that this setup doesn't need to touch the ceiling to work.
I can confirm these work great for bringing a Vive around to random places, and works well even on soft surfaces like carpet.

Camera tripods seem to top out at 6 feet. HTC/Valve want you to mount them above you, angled down, for the largest tracking volume; as such, buying a light stand and an adapter might be cheaper and more effective. Here's a two-pack of cheap ones: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4/ref=s9_simh_gw_g421_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=1VNP07M1Z4M3DWTKTV00&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop

You'll probably need an adapter to actually mount the Lighthouses on them, though. I'm still looking for a solution that's guaranteed to work.

I bought these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4/ref=od_aui_detailpages03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

with the mini-ball adapters a couple years ago and have loved the mobility of it all. Also, I kinda like to redo my play area alot.. kinda nerdy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001WB02Z4/ref=s9_wish_gw_d45_g421_i2?pf_rd_p=1c5f02ae-183e-4906-990b-5a293310a66c&pf_rd_s=blackjack-personal-1&pf_rd_t=Gateway&pf_rd_i=mobile&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=K40ZQMT3ASK90Y8NG88J.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4/


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X5QO3B8/


I went with this pairing. I have wood floors and the lighthouses sway SLIGHTLY when I walk within a couple feet of them, however, I don't notice any tracking issues.


Really convenient for travel demoing and quick cleanup at home.

From the pictures he clipped them to the tops of some table stacks. Personally, I bought some light stands that do the trick pretty well.

These work really well for me in hours long sessions. They're cheap but very much sturdy enough: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001WB02Z4/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (comes in a set of two so buy one)

I use these to mount the Lighthouses:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VAH3KWC/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (buy two as they're individually packaged)

You know what's funny, too, is these ended up being better than the bookshelf method as my shelves would vibrate with any activity in the room.

Okay well I just ordered both!

This: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M07M9D4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And This: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001WB02Z4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use 3 of these cheap flash stands for a 3 sensor setup: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001WB02Z4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_T9832ejR5tXJB

Honestly, I think you’ll be unhappy going cheap in the beginning. You’ll probably want to upgrade later on, so you might want to save some extra money for better equipment. But if that’s not an option right now, I totally understand!

You really can’t go wrong with the Yongnuo flashes. Check those out to see which one fits your needs and is in your price range. These triggers are pretty decent. You’ll want a nice bracket for your umbrella and flash. These stands are also fairly decent.

The Six Sages Gaming Set up!

Lights!

Lights Stand

Battery for Lights

Battery Charger

Mic Stand This will also need a camcorder attachment. Will require more research to find correct one

Camera!

There are cheap pairs you can find on amazon for about $35-40. I ordered a pair but was unhappy with the amount of wobble when extended at max height. Now returning those, I ended up spending a bit more for quality, these are the best I found. IMO, it's worth investing a bit more for something sturdy and quality built.

I have a shelf as well which this clamp will work nicely.

Do these work with this brand or do I need something else?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001WB02Z4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3CMJOVFRS6QRR&coliid=I1PA514E40S76H&psc=1

Check these Out

I don't think you can beat those for the price/quality.

Yea I spent 2x that on a goddamn lens... lol. I ordered these and some joints for a travel kit. Now I need a tiny case.

Three light kit with led panels at 400 gonna be tough.

Just make sure you are getting reasonable cri, unlikely that low. Another option that would fit in that range would be something like this:

Softbox qty. 3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLVR1JK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_VVTEDb9K7EDK0

Bulb quad splitter qty. 3

https://www.amazon.com/JACKYLED-Light-Bulb-Socket-Adapter/dp/B07BFMY8TR

Led bulbs, qty 12, two six packs

https://www.amazon.com/Hyperikon-Dimmable-Equivalent-Qualified-UL-Listed/dp/B0779C6F3Z

Dimmer qty. 3

https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-TBL03-10E-Tabletop-Control-300-Watt/dp/B00A80756O

Cheapy stands, qty. 4 (at least one will break)


https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4

Add in some sandbags, extension cords, etc and up and running as cheap or cheaper than bad quality led panel lights. Not an elegant, durable, or great solution but way better than poor natural light and then can save up for proper lights at better budget maybe?

I like both but for different reason. If I am going for a quick flight or during my lunch break. Then I take goggle diversity. If am doing a race day or a longer day or flying I take the ground station. I do like that my ground station is taller. I got a "photography light stand" off Amazon that extends up much higher than a standard tripod. https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4?th=1

$179 - 2 pack flash with trigger

Umbrellas you already own

$150 - Calumet backdrop stand kit

$26 - cowboy 2 pack studio light stands

$19 - Godox S bracket bowens mount flash mount

Total price for home studio = $393 + plus what ever you'll spend on a backdrop.

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Aluminum-Tripod-Stands-Softboxes-6-23/dp/B003I6ENXS/ref=sr_1_44?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1466330295&sr=1-44&keywords=light+stand

https://www.amazon.com/PBL-Stands-Studio-Photographic-Lighting/dp/B007F0GBD8/ref=sr_1_22?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1466330287&sr=1-22&keywords=light+stand

https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4/ref=sr_1_2?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1466330083&sr=1-2&keywords=light+stand

There are a few, hope that helps. I'd suggest getting a little ball joint for the top

You could set your self up pretty good with $500. I have a couple suggestions, but the first would be to get yourself a cheap prime lens first. Either a 50mm 1.8 or a 24mm pancake. Both are around $100 and would still leave quite a bit in your budget. So, saying you go ahead and do that:

• You could get a couple of Yongnuo 560 IV
  You could choose to fire then optically with your Canon speed lite or get one of these
  
• Grab a few of these to hold your flashes
  
• And a few of theseto stand them up
  
• In terms of modifiers you have a few options. You could go with cheap umbrellas which are fine. Or you could get some small soft boxes. I say just grab a huge modifier. As big as you can get. It's gonna really depends on how much space you have. check this out
  
  That's a decent, portable, and effective setup with two lenses for right about $500.
  
  Since your using someone else's studio lugging equipment is gonna be a pain. That's why I think speed lights is the way to go. But if you don't mind, look into a monolight kit. For your portraits I really do think you'll like what you get from a fast prime lens.