I May Have Found The Ultimate “David Hobby” Lighting Kit Bag
You know how as photographers we go through phases with our gear? For example, I go through phases where if I go to a shoot and I don’t have at least three big lenses, two camera bags, three cases of lights and a tripod that weighs more than my kids, I feel like I’m out there naked.
Well, right now for me, the pendulum has swung completely the other way. Now I’m in my “shoot light” phase, where I’m shooting with just one lens if I can get away with it, a very lightweight (but sturdy), tripod and if I have to bring lights, I want to bring one; preferably a off camera flash, like a Nikon SB-800. OK, maybe two SB-800s, but if I have to bring lightstands, they have to weight less than my daughter’s stuffed animals.
That’s why when I went to David Hobby’s (of the Strobist fame) excellent Off Camera Flash seminar last year (here’s the link to that story), he was speaking to my “less is more” mindset. I went and bought his exact on-location set-up (putting an SB-800 on a super compact, lightweight light stand with a hot shoe adapter clip and firing the flash thru a shoot-through umbrella), and I find myself using it more and more (see this link for more on me using it in the field). That’s a photo the basic rig below.
In fact, I use his rig so often now I bought a few (they’re very inexpensive, which is part of the beauty of it), and I wanted to keep one in my trunk, so I would always have a location lighting kit with me at all times. Anyway, after searching every “real” lighting case, I have found the perfect solution (which isn’t a lighting case at all).
It’s a Hakuba PSTC 100 Tripod Case and I swear this baby rocks!!!! (photo at the top of this post, and below by RC Concepcion). There are five things that make it so perfect if you use a David Hobby kit:
- It’s only 27″ long, 7.5″ high, and 6.5″ wide. It’s just slightly bigger than the lightstand itself, and that was the main challenge; finding a bag that is big enough to hold everything, but not too long, and it has a shoulder strap.
- It’s incredibly light; weighing only 1.92 lbs. (0.870 kg).
- The bag comes with a perfectly sized side-pouch that holds (you guessed it), an SB-800 (or a Canon 580 EX flash). The whole case is padded.
- The bag holds not just one, but TWO full kits easily (2 lightstands, 2 umbrellas, 2 clips, and yes—-two SB-800s, or one SB-800s and a Nikon battery extension pack).
- The price is right; it sells for only $34.95 at B&H (here’s the link).
The case is surprisingly rugged, it’s super-lightweight, and I used it on Friday for a formal bridal shoot, and I was reminded at what a great bag it really is. Anyway, for those of you whose pendulum over to the “less is more” side, like I have, I think you’ll totally dig this bag. As for the David Kit itself, he arranged his kit through Midwest Photo, and here’s the link to their site with the details on all his kits (they now carry 14 different Strobist kits, and I couldn’t figure out which one was the kit I bought back in April. This is an example of the “More is Less” thing in action).
Below is exactly what I bought at the time (and still use today), which is 1-1/2 kits (I didn’t need the 2nd umbrella):
Hope that helps.
Hi Scott,
my back would be really scared to carry 870.9 Kg.
cheers André
What a tidy little kitbag… great set up and practical too… It seems maybe I don’t need to re-mortgage the house and child to get this photography game off the mark after all
Thanks Scott
Tanya
I’m definitely on the less is more side too, not by choice though. Mine is more a decision based on economics. I was convinced that I needed more equipment until you posted your vacation shoots. I’ve been trying to figure out why I can’t get my D300 and 18-200 3.5-5.6 VR to take photographs like those ever since.
–Wade
Hey Scott, great tip on the bag - I am doing to same kit with the elinchrome skyport uni’s you recommended in the past- I still have full sized studio stands - Which stands are you using? I should go smaller- Also in case you do answer, I just got the canon 500d 77mm, and I remember that post you did for your wife’s cookbook, the wine shot where you used the filter and showed the before filter and after. Well, I set up for a studio food test and tried to use it on a 80-200 2.8 and I had to got get super close, I could not focus as far out as you demonstrated on you post. Something I am doing? is it the 80-200 vs 70-200? It is similar on my 24-70 2.8 - only focus is very tight. BTW this is the mike from the DC photowalk. the other mike, not that pie crazed fella…
Scott,
Question. In your book you talk about how you don’t like using umbrellas because the light goes everywhere and is not controllable, was that discussion only geared towards studio shoots? Has your opinion on umbrellas changed or only for times when its not convenient to carry around strobes with soft-boxes.
Thanks for the info.
Hi Frank:
Traditionally, photographers have been bouncing their light into an umbrella, and then it returns back toward their subject (so the flashhead is actually facing away from the subject), and the light is kind of like a “light grenade” that spreads everywhere, which why I prefer softboxes so much.
However, when you shoot directly through the umbrella, you can make the light much more directional, and get much closer to your subject, so in that instance, I think the shoot-thru’s work well.
-Scott
Would this be everything I need to start taking some more in depth portrait shots? I use a Canon Digital Rebel. I am interested in doing some wedding photography but dont have the lighting and umbrella needed.
Scott,
I think I will go and get one those bags this week!
Thanks for the tip. Of course I am in the less is more because I have less money to spend so I need it to do more
-S
Funny you should post this now, Scott. I just bought a Nikon kit that comes in a similar case (not padded) with a light stand, umbrella and hot-shoe mount. It’s great and i’m sure it will hold another stand as well, and there are two internal pockets for you SB-800’s.
Ed
Great post Scott! I’ve been looking for a lightweight solution for on-location shoots. This just may be the ticket!!!
I love how its so cheap. It’s nice to have everything scouted out for you. That kit sounds like a winner. Thanks for the info.
Good post, Scott.
I too have moved over. I had inherited a studio strobe setup and although it is nice, it is a bit of a pain to carry around.
I have gone the slightly cheaper route and have 2 SB-600’s (an 800 is next on my list), along with the (2) stands & umbrella’s from the studio kit I have. All I need now, is the bag and I’m set. As a bonus, it looks like the bag has enough room to tuck in some DIY grids, snoots and some gels. Saaweeet!
That’s a neat kit bag! With that shoulder strap you could hike around all day with it.
On the shoot-through vs reflective umbrella vs softbox, the shoot-through is nice because you can position the light source very close to your subject, but there still is the issue of light spill because it doesn’t have the black cloth shielding that a soft box has. On the other hand, a conventional softbox consumes more light than you’d like with a small flash and doesn’t pack as small. A reflective umbrella is more efficient and sometimes that helps with small flash. Personally I use shoot-through most, but I do fight with light spill and lens flare. Sometimes I get some benefit from half-masking the back with the cover of a convertible shoot-through/reflective combo.
On the economics, small flash are great, but do keep in mind you can also find economical monolights if you can rely on A/C power. Calumet for example has an inexpensive kit (strobe, umbrella, and stand) for under $200 I believe — less than the cost of an SB-800 alone. Just another option to consider.
If you have a speedlight already, then it’s not too much for the stand and umbrella.
Fun stuff!
Great post Scott. I have always been a “less is more” person when it comes to hauling photo gear. I’m a huge proponent of the rule:
“The best camera in the world is the one you have with you.”
Hence, when it comes to hauling around camera gear, I always try to travel as light as possible.
I also wanted to tell you, that last nights Photoshop User TV was one of the funniest ever! I was laughing my head off (probably b/c it was 2:30am and I was pretty giddy). The post production edits and sound effects were such a riot that I couldn’t stop laughing! Is that all done by “the Scriv”? I think we need to meet this guy as a featured guest on the next show.
Hilarious!
Thanks as always,
Mark
I forgot to add that your lighting bag looks remarkably like a soft sided gig bag. perhaps a tenor sax or trombone gig bag. I thought that’s where you were going with this post.
One last thing please: What Tripod are you using for your “lightweight” setup. Thanks, Mark
This is s great kit for beginners because it doesn’t overwhelm you with too much equipment. The more crap you have to set up (or think you have to have) the less likely you are to ever get started shooting with off camera flash. This is probably why David recommends this kit and the less is more philosophy. Get the basics, take em’ with you wherever you go and don’t be intimidated. Great tip Scott/David, I’m very close to purchasing my first off camera flash kit and this will be heavily considered when the time comes.
Damien.
I read ur blog first thing everyday …. and this is my first comment (lazy to comment .. :P) but u forced me to comment today …
I have two words for u … YOU ROCK …
I really enjoy reading ur blog … and i’m just a beginner …
but I learned a lot from u … coz u open new windows to a whole
new world … I just wanna thank u for ur effort …
I wish to meet u someday and learn from some one like u
thank u again
my best wishes
That is a great find. I’ve been wondering how to carry the lightstand and umbrella around when I finally get some. Plus it’ll hold to sets? Even better. A lot more portable than the makeshift softbox I’ve got right now.
Another kind of inexpensive bag (and also doesn’t scream Photo Bag) is an adult baseball bat bag. The cost is around $14.00 and we have been able to fit four small light stands, a lightweight Gitzo tripod, four small umbrellas, some super clamps and other small pieces of equipment.
Scott, I have you all beat in the cheap department. I found an archery case at Dick’s Sports that was on sale for $4.50 that will hold two light stands, has a hard shell on the outside and padding on the inside, room for several flashes, cords, slaves with space left over. More protective than everything else mentioned and less expensive. Being Irish (and cheap) rocks!
Informative review Scott, thanks for sharing.
Come on, you forgot to add your awards’ logo to this: “Scott thinks it Hot”
I’m in the market for a lighting kit but still struggling to decide.
Anyway, thanks again for the information.
Hey Scott,
This is an “off topic” comment.
I have a suggestion for a Kelby Training class.
Outdoor Portrait Techniques (From A-Z)
-Family and individuals.
-Selecting a location (shooting at the park & beach).
-Time of day to shoot.
-Posing.
-Equipment.
-Lens selection.
-Exposure & Metering, (suggested iso,f/stop, shutter,balancing ambient light with fill flash).
-Using reflectors.
-Workflow and showing proofs to client.
-Pricing.
I’m probably forgetting some topics.
-Thanks,
Michael
Awesome! I’ve been looking for a good, lightweight bag to carry my strobist kit around in. This hits the nail on the head. Thanks so much!
Here’s another option for hauling lighting apparatus: I’m using a 61 note keyboard soft case. It conveniently holds 3 stands w/ hot shoe adapters, reflector/boom arm, 3 umbrellas, 3 reflectors, and a few “A”clamps.
Scott:
Thanks for the information. I bought your other two kits and love them. This will provide a nice compact solution when I don’t need all of the equipment for a location shot.
My only question is why is there shipping on your order? Didn’t you take advantage of the free 3-day shipping offered by B&H to NAPP members? You are a member of NAPP, correct?
Scott,
I know this doesn’t relate to your latest blog but thought you would be able to offer some advice. I am going to purchase a new Apple computer-dual quad core. My question relates to monitors and photoshop. I am trying to decide whether to get a 30″ or two 23″ monitors. With all of the work stations you have at NAPP maybe you would give me some advice as to which works best for your group.
Thanks
ARG! I had it in my shopping cart, I browsed for some other items (hey, since I’m ordering ONE thing from B&H, might as well load the cart to save on shipping, right?) by the time I come back to my cart (30 min later) it’s now out of stock
Scott, you should really give B&H a heads up when you are going to rave about a product so they can stock up!
Hi Scott! Thanks so much for the tips! I shoot a lot of weddings and travel a lot so something like this will be nice, BRAD
Scott,
Thanks for the great lighting update. I recently bought the Metx 54MZ-4 as suggested in Vol. 2 of the Digital Photography Book. But as I get in to off-camera flash stuff, how does the above umbrella stand compare to the Justin clamp?
Thanks!
Scott,
I love these little posts about gear and “Scott’s Recommendations”. Could you possibly write a post discussing portable power units sometime? I use Photogenic lights and now I’m looking for an inexpensive portable power source. There are so many out there, but I don’t know if one is compatible with other light sources. Does this make sense? For instance, the Vagabond from Alien Bees is a nice unit, but is it compatible with Photogenic lights? Or is it solely for the Alien Bees and White Lightening lights? Can these power sources be used in a mixed light setup?
Thanks for your consideration… - greggl
Great find, Scott. …and thanks for sharing the tip.
I totally dig the “…I wanted to keep one in my trunk, so I would always..” part. I cant count how many times I could have used some kind of lighting when being on the road.
Great post as always.
Jan
Great looking bag for lighting Scott. B&H was till showing them in stock this afternoon here in the east, but calling them turned up the fact they ran out of them. Oh well, Adorama had them in stock and I ordered one from them. Thanks for the tip.
And just like that…they’re out of stock!
Scott,
My wife and I went to a family session at a large waterfront home a couple of weeks ago. We brought everything - 4 Monos, beauty dishes, 13′ Lightstands - the whole nine yards, plus my recently purchased SB800s and brackets (now they announce the SB900s!!!).
We used the big monos for 1 setting (we had to outshine the sun and it worked). The rest of the day we used the “strobist” outfit and moved the entire setup to 5 different location settings in under 2 hours.
Thanks for the tips on the path to en’light’enment.
Another option, I use a bat bag. These easily hold a couple of light stands, umbrellas, SB-800s and a heavy tripod. They are VERY heavy duty and can be found at any sporting goods store that caters to Little League or softball teams. About $39.00
Scott, I LOVE these kinds of posts you make on your blog….so VERY helpful….
Now, if you could just talk with my wife about all the money I spend on camera equipment….can you swing her to our way of thinking?
Cheers,
Scotty
where can I get just the adaptor for the light stand?
thanks,
Michelle
Scott, thanks for the hint.
How do you fire that flash off camera? Do you use a commander, on camera flash, or something like pocket wizards?
Would be really interested to know.
Thanks
Kajo
Scott,
I received my Hakuba bag today and I am very happy. Great quality for a great price and free NAPP member shipping from B&H to boot
Thanks for the Tip. I have went through a couple other bags and they were never worth it.
Frank
Great idea. I recently purchased a great bag for my 2 light stands and umbrellas and assorted “stuff” that has worked out amazing. Went to the local sports store and bought a Baseball Bat bag by Mizuno for about $20. It has lots of space inside plus a pocket on the side and the front and the bottom also unzips for another hidden compartment.
Drat you..drat you..drat you, Scott…you just made me spend more money…LOL. Actually…2x…bought two of them from Adorama since BH is sold out.
And gasp..one is actually going to be used for my tripod..lol. Great find.
Thanks a lot! Just bought one from Adorama
B&H are sold out. Shipping to Norway cost more than the bag itself though, but now I don’t have to look for a bag any more 
Another option for a kit bag (which I’ve also used as a tripod bag and a backdrop bag) is the shoulder strap bags that foldable chairs come in. I get them at Sams or Costco for about $25-30 and you get a chair with them.
I have 1 Tamrac backpack (expedition3) to carry all my strobist stuff.
See it here (dutch language)
http://www.fotofolio.be/blog/?p=214
I’ve had that exact same Hakuba bag for about a year now and I can agree with Scott, it’s perfect for a small strobist kit when using the Nano style lightstands.
The real advantage that it has over something like a bat-bag is the generous padding built in. The sidewalls are really stout and provide a lot of body and protection for the items within.
It’s a great deal for the price.
Someone asked “how the use of Justin clamps relates to the use of lightstands and umbrellas.” I’d say that they both have their place and one is not a perfect replacement for the other. It’s likely you’ll need both sometime during a shoot.
Justin clamps, while rather compact, still require a good attachment point and they do not have built in mounts to hold a shoot-through umbrella.
The combination of Lightstand and umbrella mount, while more cumbersome, is self-sufficient and can accommodate umbrellas or most other lighting modifiers.
I choose to carry Superclamps instead of Justins. This way, using the umbrella mounts from my lightstands, the flash can be used with umbrellas easily.