Kurt
Shooting digital you can always guess about the lighting and check the shot to see if it's right -- but I wouldn't do it that way. You can pick up a Sekonic 308bII or a Minolta Flashmeter IV for under $200 at B&H. These are older meters that work just fine - but without some of the nicer bells and whistles. Other than a meter you need a stand. That's it!
Under the recommended catagory you really need some kind of light modifier. However, an umbrella reflector usually comes with lights like this (I'm not an AB user) or if it doesn't it's cheap -- and a 42 inch umbrella for it is even cheaper. With an umbrella mount you can hang all kinds of other things to modify the light. A soft box is GREAT -- but they cost and the speedring (which connects the softbox to the flash unit) costs. And it's a single-purpose device -- it's a major light modifier best used for portrait or people lighting. Umbrellas can be more flexible -- although they're kind of "old fashioned." I also think that a wireless trigger is VERY nice -- but that's another $200. Check out the wireless set that Calumet sells under their name that's made by Bogen.
So - here's your list:
A:
light stand
meter
A/B: reflector w/umbrella mount and umbrella
B:
softbox & speedring
wireless trigger
Bob
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