-YN-462 or YN-460 flash (37.99-45.99)- I truly love these flashes, though they don't support TTL or zoom features, as a strobist, you shouldn't need this. Learning manual controls is the brilliance of photography, and allows for maximum understanding of lighting. the YN-462 allows for a power control via turn nob, while the YN-460 has a digital control pannel. These flashes have a GN of 33, making them range between a SB-600 and Sb-800. Very easy to control, and incredibly cheap, makes this a terrific main flash for a cheap setup. (Obviously you won't be able to get f/stop 22 at 20 feet, but i've been able to get F/stop 12 at around around 6-8 feet)
If you're keeping in the 120 dollar range, skip the yn-460, and grab the yn-462 for about $5 cheaper. You do lose the optical sensor with the 462, but thats why we're getting wireless triggers.
-Yinyan BY-18 Flash (12.99)- Though it lacks power, this flash is an ideal grab for a backup, or backlight flash. For 13 dollars, who can complain? Adding this to your kit allows for more dimension, and better lighting angles.
With $51 spent, we need to get 2 wireless triggers and a reciever, along with stands. Lets see what we can find.
-Yongnuo PT-04 Trigger, with 2 Reciever kit (27.99)-Well built, better reviews than cactus triggers, 2 recievers, run on AA batteries, and have a great consistency...? For 30 less than Cactus PT-04s, this is the perfect contestant for a cheap, strobist kit. These also have a input so that these can mount to a tripod with a 1/4 inch screw, neggating the need for an adapter.
-2 x 57 inch Tripods (17.99)-Durable, portable, and cheap. That's the point. Throw two of these in, pop the receiver on top, the flash on top of that, and you're set!
Grand total........ 114.99 (I included shipping and handling in ALL of these prices)
Now hey, if you can go to you're local photo shop, and pick up some cheap stands, triggers, or diffusers, DO. IT. It can save money, and time.
If you feel the need to add a diffuser, use a $3.99 inflatable soft box!
All these items can be found on eBay, by just typing in what I wrote in bold.
If you need links, feel free to post a comment!
-BM
*Don't have money? Story of my life, I'll be posting a DIY light kit for $20 soon.
