i basically started with manual
its not difficult at all
once i have 3x 560ii i will get myself a 565ex just for those lazy times i want to use ttl

no problem at all, will still add more here, just that i am sick and not in the mood to do a single thing
any questions let me know and i will certainly help, where i can

i have my gear etc and i have time tomorrow, so will show you what i recommend using

I'm kinda in the same boat as OP.

Right now I'm looking at combining a 43" orb softbox: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/820999-REG/Westcott%5F2340%5F36%5FApollo%5FOrb%5FSpeedlite.html

and a yongnuo 467 flash.

Anybody got thoughts on that combo? (sorry for thread jacking lol)

Edit I've got a couple hundred bucks to blow, maybe up to 375.

This post was edited by bygdubdiesel on May 7 2012 01:25pm

westcott are one of the better brands for lighting modifiers, and an octa softbox gives great soft light
reasons i did not go this route:

• because the flash is concealled inside the softbox it is not that easy to change your settings (power) of the flash
• it is not as portable

the yn-467 is a decent flash just a little low power wise i have the canon version (468), if you can rather get the 560ii (no ttl) or the 565ex (if you need ttl)

taking photo's now and will post them shortly

ok so here i go:

the basic gear (before i get a smart comment the lighter is there for size reference):


softbox items


softbox folds and unfolds like a car windshield reflector
nice a flat easy to transpost in a case, this way of folded


the adaptor ring is held in simply but very firm


with the swivel/ballhead and flash connected


from the front


internal defuser


cover


and 2 of the final product




will do links to similar items now as well
any other questions ask away

obv you will need to fix the eebay address's

the softboxes
24" / 60cm (as in photo)
http://www.eebay.com/itm/24-Easy-Fold-Softbox-with-L-Bracket-Hot-Shoe-Mount-Bag-/160635334026?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25669cad8a

32" / 80cm
http://www.eebay.com/itm/32-Easy-Fold-Softbox-w-L-Bracket-Hot-Shoe-Mount-Bag-/350544690330?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519e177c9a

light stands are pretty much all the same
i decided on this specific type due to its compactness
my previous set was air-cusioned but far more bulky
most important thing here is get something sturdy

speedlites and triggers etc i order from The PhotoGadget in china http://stores.eebay.com/thephotogadget
but there are several suppliers in US
the yn-560ii is not brand specific as it its manual, the yn-565ex is
the rf-603 is brand and model specific due to the shutter release cable

I don't plan on doing much outside work, so do I really need the extra power?