When I went to One Light I was amazed at what can be done with a speedlight and an umbrella or softbox. BUT, it is limited a bit and I need more power for some situations. Does anyone know of a good and affordable strobe that is portable? I don't use lighting too often, but I do have situations where it is needed.

THANKS

I love my Quantum on a stick. Use it for weddings, seniors, engagement, etc.. We use it for all work outside the studio, which is most of our work.

You can get a nice used system for an affordable price. You can also look at the Vivitar 285VH which I do not own but I have heard is a good, affordable unit.

Lisa
It really depends on how much power you need/want and how compact you want it.

If you like the idea of using a flash like they used at the one light but want more juice, you could always become a TWO lighter. Basically get a flash bracket for your stand that supports two flashes. This way you still have the portability and get the benefits of extra juice.

If you need something in a single light and want the power the Quantums are very nice.

Still lacking? Now we really start talking about your use of the word "affordable".

Alien Bees makes strobe that is compact and generates more power. You can use it in studio and on location. It runs off of AC power but you can get their portable battery power supply they call the Vegabond that works really well. Their customer service is outstanding.

Now if you want something that should last forever and is a killer product check out the Acute line from Profoto.

http://www.profoto.com/en/products/generators/acute/

They have strobe units that rock, including a fantastic RING Light. Again they provide a battery power supply pack.

Hope this helps.
-Bill

Thanks guys. Wow, there are choices, choices, choices. Really all I need is just a bit more power, not loads. I have found that it works fabulous with one or two people, but I need a bit more if I have more people in the shot than that. Also, my speedlight always comes unscrewed and I get really irritable having to mess with it while on the stand. I don't want anything big or bulky, just something that is good all around while I am on location. I will go check out the two that were suggested. I appreciate it!Monarch...the Quantum you suggested, do you have a model for that?

+1 on Quantum Qflash. I love my Qflashs. I have 3 Qflashs T2 (used), upgraded to T3d-R to work with Quantum's TTL radio triggers and the newest one, T5d-R.

The older T2 models work great in manual mode and I would say, they are more stabile than the newest T5d-R.

T2 models, you can easily find at ebay with a little patience.

You also need a (used?) Quantum Turbo battery to power the flash. There are different ones like Turbo SC, Turbo Z, Turbo, Turbo 2x2.

Or you choose the Qflash X-version with a special generator battery from Quantum.

Or a Norman flash or a Lumedyne one which are compatible to Quantum. All 3 are battery generator (Quantum X) powered flashes with 200Ws, 400Ws or in case of Lumedyne up to 2400 Ws.

A normal flashgun (Nikon SB-800 or Canon 580 EX) has 60 Ws roundabout.

Mario

Hey Lisa,

I don't know if you seen Ed's Pingol's set up or post about his lightstick. You can check it out here FlashFlavor
I'm in the process of building one myself. I'm using 2- Vivitars 285HV's instead of Nikon's. If your using PW's , which I just got mine in yesterday " Cooool ! " You can go to Radio shack and get the 1/8th Monophone splitter there for 5 bucks allowing you to pop two flashes with one wizard... it's a really cool setup he has. You also gain on your recycle time too and double the power. I'm also combinding the Al Jacobson's Black box with the setup for $159 and I think I'll be set for anything as far on location stuff. I just want to throw this option to ya, because I think it's an awesome setup.

Have a great weekend

POST ASSIST:
http://www.aljacobs.com/THE%20BLACK%20BOX.htm

You guys are awesome!!! Thanks for such details Mario would you say the older T2's are something you like better? I didn't realize there was such a big difference in output from the speedlight to the portable strobe...I mean, I had somewhat of an idea, but not quite so much. Are they lightweight?
Thanks for the links Bill and Burt, I am going to check these out as well. Also, what would be the primary difference between Ed's setup and a Quantum? Price? Output? or both?

Thanks again!!!

we got a used pair of lumedyne's on ebay for $400 and they have been awesome.

r. j.

Lisa - Sorry for the delay in answering your question. We use a Quantum T5Dr and the Turbo 2X2 battery. We use it for all of our formals, groups, and event eh reception. You can check out our web site for more examples. It is pretty light, fast and easy to set up and break down. As far as size and weight with many flashes most of the weight is going to come from the stand and umbrella more so than the flash itself unless you get into some more powerful studio strobes. The Quantum itself does not weigh must more than any other professional shoe mount flash, the battery does add some weight but I am more than happy to lug it around for the results and ease I get with it.

Yes I would recommend going the used route I did not but knowing what I know now I would get a used version, from a reputable source, in a heart beat.

Hope this helps.

Thank you Jonathan! I will look at your website for examples. Do you know good places to buy used? Can I trust eBay?

The advantage with Lumedyne is that you can control all your power from the pack rather than the head which is REAL convenient. If they haven't changed, Quantum allows you to separate the flashtube and do something similar, but it's a way more delicate situation, and then you'd have the pack AND the bulk of the head to deal with in terms of trying to mount it below.







Marc

Hey! Marc's Lumedyne set up is a great rig. It really is.

Quantums are also great flash units.

I personally have an Alien Bee B1600 (640 w/s) with the Vagabond battery and it is a great set up for the money. Tons of power that can be dialed down 6 stops if needed. A B800 is a good choice as well.

There are at least a dozen great options out there for you. All of them have their pros and cons based on power, size, and of course, budget. You've got the $3,400 options like Elichrom Ranger rigs that are AMAZING and you have Alien Bee rigs for $700 that are really good. Profoto Acute rigs are fantastic as are Dynalites and Lumedynes.

At the end of the day you need light and more of it than an SB800 or 580. Remember, adding one more SB800 or 580 is only going to give you one stop of light. You add one stop of light each time you double your power. Once you need to get more than 2 stops more power you have to look at Alien Bee rigs and up. You are also looking to spend a good deal more $$$. Remember the slide in the workshop that shows to get 3 more stops of light from an SB800 or 580 you need to have 8 of them?

I suggest getting more power than you currently need. If you are just wanting another few stops of power, go ahead and invest into something that will give you more than that. You'll have far more options available to you then just baby stepping out of a hotshoe flash rig.

Cheers,
Zack

Burt,

What plate are you using to hold the flashes?

JT

THANK you Marc and Zack!!!! I like visuals and so it is nice to see the setup. Zack, that is very helpful info! My SB800 and umbrella or softbox has served me well since your FANTASTIC workshop, but I am ready for more power baby! Lemme ask you this Zack....I have found that the light falls off quick when using my softbox with my SB800, is that due to the lower power of the speedlight? Let's say I want to stay in the range just below $1k, can I get something really really good? Would that include battery pack as well? Ever since the workshop I have had SO much fun experimenting with light!!!

I am wanting to get something before April 15th as I have an incredible bridal session. They are all great, but this one will be fun b/c the girl really wants something high-fashion, she has amazing eyes and she has a birdcage veil that she says is "so Jackie-O". I want to use my video light as well.

Thanks for the thoughts and tips!

If you got the money honey definately invest wisely as Zack mentioned. I also have the AB800, great unit for the price.

pm sent James.

Lisa,

To answer your question about places to buy used gear I would only buy used photography equipment from reliable places like B&H, Adorama, or KEH. I am sure their are more places that could be listed but those are the main sources I look at. I have never ordered photography equipment form Ebay but I am sure many have with great success but I would always be a little hesitant to buy equipment I will make a living off of from Ebay.

Good luck,

Burt...you are makin' me wanna spend the money honey!! haha. Ok, I am on their website, do you mean the B800 or B1600? I looked up AB800 or AB1600 and they are not listed. Do I need batteries specific for those? I agree about Ebay..I think I just need to get new. It's not like I won't use it right? thanks so much.



ETA:
DUH....Zack already said which battery It helps to read right? haha

Here is a Quantum Qflash T2 with Battery Pack at Adorama for $449. This setup will be 3+ times more powerful than the SB800 and probably just as portable. If you want more power and still use it for on location, get the AB800 or AB1600 with the Vagabond II power pack and you are golden. The Alienbee system guarantees that you stay under your $1K limit. Best of luck.

Thanks Ramiro!!! Oh, I know this may sound silly, but can the AB's work with my pocket wizards?

Absolutely! But I think you may need a 1/8 to 1/4 conversion plug.

Hey Lisa,

I just got my PW's last week and haven't used them with the AB's yet so someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think your gonna need this adapter for your PW.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1054..._Miniphone.html

You can also use this one too.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1054..._Miniphone.html

It's 1/8th to 1/8th.




Quick edit ;

After my first cup of coffee I realized that your PW's come with that short " PC-1 Miniphone to PC Cable " so all your gonna need is this,

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1054..._Miniphone.html

I'll have to disagree with the T2 being 3 times more powerful than an SB 800. The T2 has a GN of 160 and the SB has a GN of 125. Based on the last Qflash I had, I could get about 2/3's of a stop more light out of the Qflash than the SB.

That being said, the T2 is a great light with a bit more punch.

Lisa - The AB800 or 1600 will be great for you. I suggest the the 1600 so you have more power if you need it and it can always be dialed down. You'll get a full stop more power out of the 1600 than the 800. I can get an f16 (from about 4') from my big mamma 50" Westcott softbox from a B1600 compared to an f 4.5 from a full power SB speedlite.

You'll have no problem getting PW's to work. You will need a mini plug to 1/4" plug cord. You can get those at Radio shack for $7.

Cheers,
Zack

This is an excellent product. I'm actually in the middle of completing another order with Al for some additional packs.

Lisa, you should check out the Pole Cat. That paired with a lightstand and Vivitar 285 should be a good and portable kit.

1/4" ?

Wow I need to go home and check on this. I thought is was 1/8th on both AB and 1/8th on the PW's. HUH ?

Loads of great info! Thank you and I am now off to research. Burt...I am now on my second cup of coffee and I am finding that this morning the fog won't lift!!!! I am trying to get so much done before WPPI and so sleep is not plenty right now Zack, I do think I am going to go with that. I agree, I could always dial down Will it fit in my umbrella type softbox like we used in One Light? Speaking of WPPI, do you think there will be any AB savings from the trade show?

Damon, I will check out the link you provided. thx

I absolutely could not recommend it!!! Sometimes, it is defective from the beginning, most of the time, it breaks when used twice. This little think is a nightmare on location and not worth a dime.

You'd better order this one:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4212...hone_to_PC.html

Mario

Zack, I was going from the fact that the SB800 is a 50-60Ws flash and the T2 is a 200Ws flash, hence my 3+ more power, unless I am wrong on the SB's Ws rating. I didn't go by the GN. However, this brings up an interesting question, because I thought that the Sunpak 120j has a GN150, yet, from what I understand the Qflash T2 is still more powerful than the 120j, precisely because of the higher Ws rating. I have not been able to find out what the Ws rating is on the 120j. Your thoughts?

T2 brings 200Ws only as X version (dedicated to Quantum generators). When used as T version (dedicated to use with Turbo battery), it is a 160 Ws flash. Says my T2 manual.

Mario

Thx Mario for the info. and link. I'll definately get that one.

You're welcome.

The paramount adapter is built stronger. Pocket Wizard's adapter is a fumble humble. I ordered 5 PW ones in HongKong, one was defective when I got it and after 2 months, 3 others failed ...

Mario

Even at 160Ws, if the SB800 is around 50-60, the T2 is still 3X more powerful than the SB800.

This is one of the reasons I am looking into the X2, rather than the T2....for about the same footprint, using the appropriate battery pack, I could get 400Ws out of the little flash, and then get the AB1600s for the more powerful things I may need like huge reception venues and overpowering the sun and such.

If you want more power, the Lumedyne system could be an alternative: Up to 2400Ws (basic models 200Ws or 400Ws), small, lightweight:

www.lumedyne.com

And the reflectors are compatible to Quantum, Sunpak's 120J and Norman.

Mario

I'm a little late to the party but I really dig my Quantums!

I use the T5d-Rs. Inside formals (yuck) and at every reception! I love how I can have a pretty decent lighting setup in a fairly small bag...plus, I don't have to plug in!

Here's what it looks like in a Think Tank bag...



A couple of T5d-Rs, 3 2x2 batteries, stands, umbrellas, cords, extra bulbs, chargers, blah, blah, blah.

I use them with my modified 580ex and can do any combination of the 3 right from my camera.

I sent you a message, full of questions :-)

Mario

Bad Mario!! Ask the questions here so we can all benefit. That is one great looking rig and in a "normal" gear bag, all the better.

Quantum on a stick? Can you be specific. I am in need of a great light to work with for weddings (churches etc).

I can second the reccomendation of this guy. I had a 580 that was hit by a basketball while shooting a game and not only did he modify it, but he fixed the shoe that had been damaged. He was quick and very affordable!

OK, here are my questions to Chad:

Hi, Chad.

You wrote: "I use them with my modified 580ex and can do any combination of the 3 right from my camera."

But the links goes to main page.

How exactly is it modified? And what can you do with this modification?

I also use one T5d-R and 3 upgradet T2 (to T3d-R) and also use Canon flashes (2x580 and 1x580EXII).

Mostly, I use ST-E2 to trigger T5d-R in TTL or manual triggering with PWs or Flashwaves.

But What's the advantage of using a modified 580? Do you use it as a trigger for your Qflashes?

Thanks

Mario

Hey Mario,

I know I already sent you a message but, here is the info in case it might be useful to anyone else!

Here is a shot of my 580ex (with sub-mini jack installed) connected to the FreeXwire transmitter. It can be done a bunch of different ways...I just run mine this way because I like being able to use my 580ex along with the any combination of the Quantums. I like how the FreeXwire receivers work with the T5d-R and run off the power from the 2x2. I also dig how quick and easy it is to switch each one off and on from the transmitter.



Here's one with the 580ex turned off and just one of the Quantums on...



One shooting into one of the Quantums...



And one using the 580ex for fill and the Quantums...

http://makelightreal.com/photographic-flas...rpower-the-sun/

I like the alien bee and vagabond. The vagabond becomes a nice stand weight.

Chad,

You rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Am I able to use my Pocket Wizards with Qflash or do I need that d adapter for it???

You don't need no d-adapter, just the right cable: h-prong to miniphone.

Mario

Hey Chad,
We are curious about this. We use the T5D as well as the 580ex, what mode do you shoot in when you combine the different flashes? (Manual, TTL?) We haven't experimented enough with the combos and looking to get pointed in the right direction... we don't want to "foof" forever. )

Hey Jim!

I'm shooting in Manual but, my 580s are usually in ETTL. I do usually drop the output on the 580s though so the on-camera doesn't look as noticeable.

Cool Chad, thank you. I'll have to play around with that... love that look!!

We'll see you soon!!