Nikon SB700 Speedlight: about $325
This is what I'd call the most capable piece of lighting equipment I own. I originally purchased it as a replacement for the built-in flash on my Nikon D7000, but it turned out to be even more useful as an off-camera flash. The built-in "slave" feature on this speedlight allows it to be triggered off-camera by the built-in flash on the D7000, and it was that feature that introduced me to the world of off-camera lighting. The electronic TTL (through-the-lens) metering capability of this flash means that it can automatically determine the output required for correct exposure, making it great for situations where I wouldn't have time to figure out the right manual setting.
This was the second light I purchased, and while it isn't eTTL compatible, it works just as well as my SB700 in situations where I have time to set up my flashes manually, and at about 1/8th of the price. This flash has a built-in slave as well, but unlike the SB700, it doesn't fire 100% of the time, making radio-based trigger systems a better option. It's less powerful than the SB700, but it still manages to output more than enough light for most applications, and when combined with a Pocket Wizard or CowboyStudio radio triggers (more on those later) the two flashes function identically. It feels a little cheap in construction, but it's an excellent bargain if you don't need eTTL or brand-name durability.
As far as I'm concerned, this is the best bang-for-your-buck in the world of light modifiers. Softboxes are designed to increase the size of the light source that a photographer uses to illuminate their subject, and this one does a great job of taking the small rectangular output of a speedlight and turning it into an evenly-lit square of light. It's deceptively well-constructed and easy to use, and the ball-head pivot system used to attach the softbox to a stand gives you as much control as possible. This model is made to be used with speedlights, and the mounting bracket works well, allowing you to line the open end of the softbox perfectly with the head of the flash unit.
Umbrellas are pretty straightforward, but this one holds up relatively well to abuse, and provides a nice even circle of illumination. The white surface is relatively specular, putting out a much harder light than the softbox. This makes the umbrella/softbox a great combo for simple key/fill light, respectively.
CowboyStudio Radio Triggers: $30 (one transmitter, two receivers)
These are simply the best way to trigger off-camera flash units without spending more than $100. You can't use the automatic-output feature of eTTL-compatible flashes with these, but for manual output, these work just as well as the industry-standard Pocket Wizard system for less than 1/10th of the price. I've used them from as far as 100 yards, and they fire consistently regardless of obstructions or the number of units used. Another great bargain.
CowboyStudio Aluminum Light Stands: $15 apiece
Lightweight, portable, and durable enough for indoor use. For a speedlight setup that puts very little weight stress on the stands, there's really no reason to pay more.
Total cost of equipment: $476 (or as little $191 if you replace the SB-700 with another TT560)
The above system is portable, versatile and relatively inexpensive, allowing a simple key/fill setup to be taken pretty much anywhere, with very low replacement costs for lost equipment. A professional lighting system with C-stands, booms, studio strobes and battery packs can cost upwards of several thousand dollars and take a couple of hours to transport to a shoot on-location. For aspiring photojournalists like myself, a lightweight speedlight system is quicker, cheaper and easier to use.
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