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my gear
cameras | lenses | flashes | accessories | Quantum | video light | Think Tank
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Lighting accessories:
Pocket-Wizard Plus II Tranceiver (B&H)
If you need to use off-camera lighting that you trigger remotely with radio transmitters and receivers, then you will gravitate towards the Pocket-Wizards. They have become an industry standard for a reason – simplicity of operation, reliability and range.
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Umbrella Bracket (B&H)
And if you want to connect your flash to a light-stand, and to an umbrella, then an umbrella bracket is a necessity. And they aren’t expensive either.
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Brass Adapter & Stud (B&H)
Since the umbrella brackets come with a stud with a hole in it for some explicable reason – it makes it akward sometimes to fasten the stud. So I’ve replaced the stud that comes with the umbrella bracket, with this adapter & stud that has no hole in it.
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Hot Shoe Adapter (Hama) (B&H)
If you have a flashgun that doesn’t have a PC terminal, (for example all Canon Speedlites before the 580EX II), then you’re going to need one of these little devices to enable a Pocket-Wizard to trigger your flashgun.
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Hot Shoe Adapter (Paramount) (B&H)
If you use Pocket-Wizards, then this slightly more expensive, but much sturdier alternative by Paramount, makes more sense, since it takes the hot-shoe mount directly to a mini-jack that the Pocket-Wizards use.
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Nikon AS-10 multi-flash adapter (B&H)
If you want to mount your SB-800 to a light-stand (or a quick release), then you could simply use the plastic foot that came with your Nikon Speedlight. But if you want something sturdier (even though fairly expensive) to mount a Speedlight to a light-stand, then the AS-10 makes a good alternative.
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Stud Adapter (B&H)
If you need to attach your Speedlight (via the plastic foot that came with it), to a lightstand, then you’re going to need a stud adapter such as this.
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Umbrellas
To soften the light from your flash, you need to turn it into a larger more diffuse light source. Of all the items lighting accessories available that will soften your flash, the umbrella is probably the most accessible and easiest to use of them all. I normally use the larger 60″ umbrellas.
60″ white satin umbrella, with removable black backing (B&H)
45″ white satin umbrella, with removable black backing (B&H)
45″ white satin umbrella (B&H)
The white satin umbrella allows you to shoot flash through the umbrella, or bounce it. The black backing makes the other umbrella more efficient, and also prevents lens flare if you shoot from a position behind the umbrella.
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Light-stands
I use the Manfrotto 1051BAC (B&H), and (B&H) (B&H) light-stands.
Also check out my review and images of these light-stands.
If you’d like to see more about the specifications of these Manfrotto light-stands, or order them from B&H, please use the following affiliate links:
Manfrotto 1051BAC (B&H), which can also be ordered as a set of three light-stands (B&H)
Manfrotto 1004BAC (B&H), which too can be ordered as a set of three light-stands (B&H)
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truly portable light-weight light-stands:
The update to the classic collapsible light-stand by Manfrotto, is theManfrotto Nano 5001B (B&H). This is ideal for photographers who travel and need their gear compact.
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lower-cost alternatives for light-stands:
If you’d like a lower cost set of light-stands, the 6′ tall Impact light-stands (B&H) (B&H) are around $20 each. There is also the 8′ tall Impact light-stands (B&H) for $35 each. Impact also makes a 45′ convertible umbrella (B&H) for $15. Then you just need an umbrella bracket (B&H) to hold it all together.
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Softboxes - Lastolite EZYBOX softbox kit
Lastolite EZYBOX softbox kit, 24×24″ (B&H)
This softbox is light-weight, compact and very easy to set up.
Read my review of the Lastolite EZYBOX.
Softboxes – Photoflex Q39
To mount a softbox to your Speedlight, you have numerous options.
Here are the softboxes I use - the Photoflex Q39 series:

Photoflex Litedome Q39 – 16×22 (small) (B&H)
This softbox is compact, but offers a much wider spread (and hence softer light), than direct off-camera flash would.
Photoflex Litedome Q39 – 24×32 (medium) (B&H)
These are the softboxes I now use during the workshops I present. The larger area gives softer more diffuse light than the smaller softbox. This softbox has an additional baffle inside, unlike the small Q39. I use this particular softbox with either a Speedlight, or with a Quantum Q-flash.
With either of these softboxes, you’re also going to need a speed-ring, to mount the softbox, and some kind of connector to mount the speedlight to the speedring and softbox.
A sturdy (but spendy) option is the Westcott Magic Slipper. (B&H) (It comes with the speedring and also with an umbrella clamp.) With the Magic Slipper you use the speedlight’s foot attachment to keep the Pocket-Wizard to the plate.
If you want the smaller softbox (16″x22″) and not bother with individual items, the simplest would be to get the Westcott Small Softbox With Magic Slipper Kit. (B&H)
A more affordable, but more flimsy option is the Photoflex hoe-mount connector (B&H), for the Q39. For this you would also need a speed-ring (B&H) to mount the softbox. With this I also used the Quantum L-bracket (B&H) to mount it all together.
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Softboxes - Westcott Apollo

Westcott Apollo Softbox (B&H)
An alternative to the Q39 softoboxes, and one that is perhaps easier to set up, would be the Westcott Apollo. All you’d need here as an additional item, is an Umbrella Bracket to hold the Speedlight to the center rod. Very simple to set up and break down.
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Light meter:
Sekonic L-358 (B&H)
Even though I favour using the histogram in determining exposure these days, a good lightmeter (and knowledge of how to use one), remains a fundamental part of understanding of exposure metering and photographic lighting.
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Camera bags & cases:
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Tamrac 5769 Velocity 9x Photo Sling Pack (B&H)
A camera bag that is easy to sling off the one shoulder, and very comfortable to carry. Since it doesn’t hang directly on your shoulder, but more against the outside of your shoulder near your upper arm, it causes fatigue less fast than other shoulder bags.
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Crumpler 7 Million Dollar Bag (B&H)
A fashionable bag that is very roomy. I use this to carry everyday equipment around in when I travel. Or you may prefer it in a flamboyantly blue version. (B&H)
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For a larger camera case, I use the Think Tank Airport Security.
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..next: the Quantum flash system that I use for off-camera lighting
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Neil,
I just bought the Magic Slipper and the Manfrotto 679B hand holding pole but I seem to need a connector piece for the Manfrotto pole to attach to the slipper. The screw in the top of the Manfrotto pole is too wide to fit in any of the available magic slipper screw holes. I took a picture of your set up when we were in class and you have some sort of connection piece in between the slipper and pole. What is it?
Thanks,
Cicely
Comment by Cicely — November 20, 2009 @ 4:18 pm
Comment by Neil — November 20, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
Neil,
Thanks! That helps out a lot.
Cicely
Comment by Cicely — November 21, 2009 @ 1:11 pm
Hi Neil, between umbrella and softboxes which one that you prefer? If I go with softboxes, what size should I get. I mostly do a baby portrait or family portrait. thanks
Comment by Adi — February 25, 2010 @ 4:01 pm
Hi Neil, on b&h photo site it said that Photoflex Litedome Q39 – 24×32 (medium) is good for a half length adult. So do I need the large version for group portrait or a full length adult? thanks
Comment by Adi — February 26, 2010 @ 8:54 am
Comment by Neil vN — February 27, 2010 @ 10:37 pm
Hello Neil, my question is about Camera bags. Do you often carry any bag on shoulder during ceremony? And are they really practical bags above?
I need to choice bag too and my think is that one is necessary to transport equipment and must be large but to carry a second flash or body it is neecessary to have second one. Maybe this Velocity is more often on your arm?
It is hard to buy 7 Million Dollar in my country cause for Europe are different models, “Muffin”, “Messenger” and “Master Delhi”. Could you choose similar to yours from these new types today? What reason you selected 7 Million Dollar instead typical photo bag. What is your opinion?
Tad.
Comment by TadGawin — March 1, 2010 @ 6:13 am
Comment by Neil vN — March 15, 2010 @ 3:26 am
I don’t know if this is the right place for this question, but I was curious why you use a Better Bounce Card instead of a white piece of craft foam (e.g. a white version of the black foamie thing).
Also, without a dual card reader in camera, do you have any recommendations for protecting images during a wedding (besides the obvious like having an assistant)? Have you ever had a memory card failure?
Thanks!
Comment by Debra Wallace — April 5, 2010 @ 11:25 pm
Comment by Neil vN — April 8, 2010 @ 6:26 am
Hi Neil,
Just wondering do you recommend a diffuser or the Stofen? Sorry what kind of situation would you use them? Thanks.
Comment by Brandon — April 20, 2010 @ 11:52 am
Comment by Neil vN — April 20, 2010 @ 1:34 pm
Hi Neil,
I’m really enjoying reading your book and your website, and find it a great reference to flick back to when I am pondering a scenario…
I would like to ask a bit about the Pocket Wizard PlusII set up you use – in your book there is an image of it fixed to your 580EXII flash that your assistant is using on camera. Is this being used as a Master to a wireless slave, or as a slave, or both, alternating? If used as a master, is the TTL metering also transmitted from the PC connection on the 580EXII and then wirelessly through the PW? Then if used as a slave, the same in reverse? Do you set the 580EXII to master/slave or leave it as standard?
It just seems too easy and too clever :) It seems the pocket wizard system is well and truely superior to the ST-E2 I am using, and far more versatile than just the 580EXII as a master.
I do love the ST-E2, and use it within it’s limitations, but having the ability to have a long range transmitter and receiver on camera as well as having the flash on camera, is an awesome concept.
Cheers, and thanks for your help,
Mick (from Hong Kong)
Comment by Mick — April 22, 2010 @ 6:10 am
Comment by Neil vN — April 27, 2010 @ 12:15 pm
Just bought a set of two softboxes and all accessories (including stands) from ebay for $100.
Check out more from this seller for great prices:
http://shop.ebay.ca/ephotodiscounter/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340
Hope you find it helpful.
Motti
Comment by Motti — May 28, 2010 @ 7:37 am
Hi Neil
I just arrived on your website. It was wonderful. I found your webpage very compelling and influential on me and I believe for others. I have a question for you. I have 1 Nikon D700 CAMERA with NIKON lenses of 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 VR II lenses and NIKON SB 900 flash. i am about to order the following camera accessories for wedding photography. Would you please be open and advise me with the following. Would these materials have an effect on my camera body and flash. From you experience what is the long term effect?
Thank you
ALZO Flip Flash ® Bracket Umbrella Kit w/ Tilting H-Bar
(1) Shutter Release for ALZO Flip Flash® Bracket – NIKON PRO
(1) Porta-Flash Ultralight Photo Umbrella Kit – 2 Lights w/ Case
(2) Light Stand – ALZO 8′ max – Air Cushioned
(2) Rapid Battery Charger w/4AA bats -2900 mah
(2) AA Rechargable Battery 2900mah – Set of 4
(1) Tripod / Light Stand Soft Case – 38″
(2) Photo Umbrella – ALZO 33″ Silver Black Backed
(2) Sync Cord 11″ – AUTO Flash
(2) ALZO Flash Photo Umbrella Mount with 1/4 x 20 screw
(2) Manual Speedlight with Optical Slave
(2) ALZO Wireless Flash Trigger Receiver – 4 Channel
(1) ALZO TTL + Wireless Double Hot Shoe Cord – Nikon
(1) ALZO 42″ 5-in-1 Reflector/Diffuser Kit
(1) Light Stand – ALZO 10′ max – Air Cushioned
(1) ALZO Reflector Holder Arm
(1) SALZO 42″ 5-in1 Reflector/Diffuser
(1) SWireless Flash Trigger kit – 4 Channel
Comment by Melak — June 6, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
Comment by Neil vN — June 6, 2010 @ 10:05 pm
Hi Neil;
I work at ‘street’ & ‘essay’ photography w/ and w/o flash, but mostly available light. As I’ve been finding that my shots with 70-200 L IS & 100-400 IS are not as sharp as I would like, I’ve been considering a Monopod. At a recent trip to Miami Beach I tried using my tripod on one leg and RRS ball head to approximate a monopod. It’s a bit clunky, but seemed to work better than hand held and also forced me to concentrate and be more selective.
I don’t see that you mention a tripod or monopod in your gear.
What advice can you offer on such an acquisition: monopod? ball or swivel head? any experience with make or model, twist or lever action etc?
As always your input is trusted and appreciated.
Fred
Comment by Fred Silver — June 10, 2010 @ 10:15 am
Comment by Neil vN — June 10, 2010 @ 12:24 pm
Hi Neil,
Been a longtime reader of your blog and also have your book. Really tried out some of your techniques including the black foamie thing and just got great results. I am just a serious amateur and i have been asked to help to shoot an Indian wedding by the bride (they are know to me and they happen to like my pictures). The groom has a pro covering the wedding. I was wondering if i can use NIKON CLS instead of Pocket wizards(I dont have them). was planning to set up two speedlights off camera. And other diffuser than your suggestion of umbrellas what option do i have for something more portable. Can i use your black foam on the two speedlights. I shoot with D700, nikon 24-70mm,F/2.8, 70-200 f2.8VR, 50mmf1.4, 105mm micro nikkor. Any advice from you will be appreciated a lot
Comment by Gregory — July 15, 2010 @ 11:50 am
Comment by Neil vN — July 15, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
Neil, Thanks for answering my question. Much obliged. I have to shoot some close ups in a wedding ceremony of intricate designs that are drawn on the hands of the bride and female members of the family in an Indian wedding. I have D700 and also the 105 nikkor micro and 50mm f/1.4. Location is indoors. Should i use SB400 with diffuser or with a Sb800 TTL off camera held at the edge of lens with a sto ofen diffuser. Or what is your expert opinion. How about if i want to take close up of elaborate jewellery on the bride.
Thank you
Comment by Greg — July 15, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
Comment by Neil vN — July 16, 2010 @ 2:05 am
Does the pocket wizard II work with Nikon? I’m confused on their site regarding what’s compatible with Nikon and what isn’t. Do you need one for the camera and each flash? Thanks!
Debra
Comment by Debra Wallace — July 17, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
Comment by Neil vN — July 18, 2010 @ 2:09 am
Hello Neil,
Sorry i wasnt specific. I meant shooting some closeups indoors with existing light. I have read thru your book and most of your blog but couldnt find anything about close up photo techniques. So i was wondering what your advice would be for shooting maybe folded hands or bangles/rings on the hand or patterns drawn on the hand, maybe an elaborate ornament the bride is wearing etc or any other interesting stuff that begs to be shot in macro or close up. How do you augment the existing light with flash and how would you do it in on location in a wedding.
Do you have any plans to hold any workshop in atlanta. I would die to participate in one.
Comment by Greg — July 18, 2010 @ 8:09 am
Thanks! They have a bunch of different products on their site, including the Mini T1 and Flex TT5 which are for Canon and I think do have intelligence between the camera and the flash. Then on the site, they don’t call anything a Pocketwizard except the company, and the unit you have listed on your site is called the Plus II. Hence my confusion. Thanks for your response.
Debra
Comment by Debra Wallace — July 21, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
I just noticed you call it the Plus II. I didn’t notice that before. Oops.
Comment by Debra Wallace — July 21, 2010 @ 3:33 pm