What stand and brackets do I need to assemble a strobe?

[Kady1001]

Hello, I am a complete beginner and want to set up a strobe. My pockets are tied so I am planning on getting a Godox MS300V LED Studio Flash 300W

https://a.co/d/6cg1Kn9

with a Godox Softbox, Godox 120cm / 47.2in Portable Octagon Softbox Umbrella

Godox Softbox, Godox 120cm / 47.2in Portable Octagon Softbox Umbrella Brolly Reflector for Speedlight Portrait or Product Photography : Amazon.ca: Electronics

Godox Softbox, Godox 120cm / 47.2in Portable Octagon Softbox Umbrella Brolly Reflector for Speedlight Portrait or Product Photography : Amazon.ca: Electronics

a.co

I have a really small in home studio space and so got a MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit

MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit Studio Photography Continuous Lights Softbox with Dimmable LED 3 Colors Bulbs (85W/2700-6400K), Remote Control and Adjustable Stand for Portraits Photo Video YouTube : Amazon.ca: Electronics

MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit Studio Photography Continuous Lights Softbox with Dimmable LED 3 Colors Bulbs (85W/2700-6400K), Remote Control and Adjustable Stand for Portraits Photo Video YouTube : Amazon.ca: Electronics

a.co

and a white backdrop. I want to click pictures of clothes on full size mannequins and after going through a lot of videos and tutorials, I thought this might make a good front/main light. I however don’t know what additional tools I need to assemble this light with the softbox on a stand. Googling also has not helped much. I know I sound like a complete rookie and that I am but I just want to get started for now. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Klaus dk]

You've already bought these?

The strobe is fine, although it has a narrow power range (1-1/32). It will mount to any standard light stand. You'll also need a Godox X-type trigger. The one I linked to is for Canon, get one compatible with your camera. Strobes and phones don't go well together.

When buying a light stand, look out for the max load, and add some extra for stability with a softbox mounted on the strobe. Maybe there's a reputed dealer in your area - or one where you can get advice over the telephone?

The softbox is meant to have the flash mounted inside the softbox, where a softbox fitting your strobe would have a Bowens mount — and they are plenty. Look for the easy-open type, they are less cumbersome than those you assemble by putting rods into a speedring.

The better ones can mount an optional eggcrate grid, and it should be included in the package. Here's an example.

I'd return the one you've bought and find one better suited for the strobe.

The continuous lights looks very cheap, doesn't seem to accomodate your strobe, and will not play well with the strobe. Send it back and get yourself one of those collapsible reflectors, a second light stand and a clamp to hold it.

If you're going to do product photography only, get some quality LED lights instead of the strobe setup, and a tripod, because you'll need longer exposure times than you can easily hand hold.

I'm sorry if this seems harsh. I wish you the best but must admit I didn't take the time to sugar coat it.

Good luck and good light.

 

[JohnSil]

Hello, I am a complete beginner and want to set up a strobe. My pockets are tied so I am planning on getting a Godox MS300V LED Studio Flash 300W

https://a.co/d/6cg1Kn9

with a Godox Softbox, Godox 120cm / 47.2in Portable Octagon Softbox Umbrella

https://a.co/d/9QamduR
I have a really small in home studio space and so got a MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit

https://a.co/d/1OidmMw

and a white backdrop. I want to click pictures of clothes on full size mannequins and after going through a lot of videos and tutorials, I thought this might make a good front/main light. I however don’t know what additional tools I need to assemble this light with the softbox on a stand. Googling also has not helped much. I know I sound like a complete rookie and that I am but I just want to get started for now. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

Kady, welcome to dpr!

I know buying new is always great but not always what we need if we're on a budget.

For example and maybe I missed something but the Mountdog set-up is for video and not very good for that either since it really has no power.

The Godox light is fine, it has a Bowens mount so any softboxes you get for it have to have a Bowens mount/speedring. In good modifiers the speedrings can be changed out for different types/brand mounts.

You really should be using at least 2 strobes to cancel out the shadows.

If you live in or near a large city you should check craigs list for some used lights. Here is an example of some very old Photogenic strobes. These are American made and still in business. I have 5 newer than these but still old Photogenic strobes and they are built to use for 50 years. Any other used American made brand will work as well. I'm temped to buy these just for the sand bags!!!

This is just an example of good used gear for very cheap on Craigslist. Good luck

John

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/pho/d/san-francisco-photogenic-flashmaster/7740190581.html

 

[Bob]

HI. Good luck on your journey. When I started using strobes and softboxes, it was a real eye opener.

Two tips:

1. Also try the Lighting Forum here

2. I don’t think it’s a good idea to mix strobe lighting with continuous lighting. You may have issues matching the white balance and color rendering.

Okay - three tips

3. You need to give some thought to how you’ll trigger your strobe with your camera. You didn’t mention what camera you are using. The Godox probably triggers off your camera’s built in flash, but that doesn’t always work without a lot of tinkering. The Godox system uses it’s own proprietary remote system, so may need to buy a Godox transmitter for your hot shoe.

 

[Bob]

and to answer your question, you need a “light stand”, not a tripod. They range in price from $19 to $100+. Neewer is a budget brand.