Look Here - Need Input

[JMWallace]

Ok, from what I understand, the Q-Flash is great asset to have. Versitile, powerful and controlable.

I have a chance to get my hands on a Quantum T2 Digital for possibly under $250 shipped.

Problem is I have NO IDEA if this is good deal. I mean it seems like it is because I have seen other Q-Flash models go for the $600 range.

Also, I have done a couple quick searches and haven't found any info it. I just haven't had to the time to get detailed.

I know so many of you guys are so much more seasoned and educated in gear and thuroughly trust your opinions.

So should I jump at this??

[cdifoto]

This MIGHT help, but I haven't actually read 'em.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21350

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=189046

[RichNY]

I've been looking into the Quantum Wireless T5D QFlash System. Below is a portion of a PM that someone on POTN was nice enough to send me about his unit. I'm not sure if the T2 has QTTL mode though.
_____
QFlash is not for everyone. Solves problems for ME, from macro in field, environmental portraiture, editorial, to cow manure handling in dark barns, that I could not do with hot shoe flash. None of my photos are studio.

- I did not want to carry battery powered monolights in the field. If I did go monolight route, I would have bought into Dyna-Lite UniJr400 and JackRabbit battery. Rugged. Short flash duration for a battery flash. Battery can power 580 EX. [The alternatives were JTL mobilight, Photogenic StudioMax, etc.]

- I did not want to meter on the go. I like Q old-fashioned thyristor Auto Flash (accurate) option when needed when I can't use Q-TTL or E-TTL.

- QF is not just luggable, it is portable. There is a difference.
- I wanted better quality flash lighting at events and QF gives it to you over camera on a bracket.
- I wanted a battery that would also connect and rapidly recycle 580 EX when choosing that route.
- I wanted something with service, because I beat gear up.
- I wanted an upgrade path because technology changes. Q is famous for support.

Monolights will hold light modifiers better than QF. I use Norman 19" box made for QF for only $45.

So I went QF. Later, when Q came out in 2006 with QNexus integration with Wireless E-TTL, it came together (OVER SHORT DISTANCES). One good KEY light is all it takes, with Canon EX hotshoe doing fill work. I studied Chuck Gardeners' web site, http://super.nova.org/DPR/#Canon, and everywhere he mentions Canon EX Wireless Slave ID B, I just substituted QF.

If you live for on-the-go, editorial, events, weddings, stuff; QF may be for you. If not, I'd stay away and get studio flash.

[JMWallace]

Maybe telling you what I was thinking of it for...

Although I do not want to do those standard, boring group/family/bridal party shots on the alters of church, I need to be prepared for that fact that they will most likely be wanted.

Cheap/sufficient route - use 580EX with 48 inch brolly box and ST-E2...or may have to purchase pocket wizard.

Alternate - Qflash.

[cdifoto]

I know how you feel...those standard borings unfortunately sell more than anything else! At least around here....

I'd go with a couple Sunpak 383 Supers on cheap umbrella hot shoe adapters and lightweight stands if I were you. It's approximately $150 for an entire light to sit on a stand and connect to the camera. You can get a hot shoe to pc cord adapter for one light and some $33 slave modules for the other light(s). Umbrellas are cheap too.

Mixing and matching lights sucks...I had some minor issues with my half-baked portrait setup with Maranda (580EX through trans. umbrella as trigger/fill, Sunpak 383 naked as hair, AB B1600 as main w/softbox). Since they each have slight differences in color temps, it was a little annoying.

[JMWallace]

Mixing and matching lights sucks...Since they each have slight differences in color temps, it was a little annoying.

WOW- talk about a white balance issue that could put you on the funny farm real quick!

You pretty much nailed the set up I am planning. I think I like the brolly because of the defusing panel. I was thinking up picking up another 580EX or even a 430 before the "big" day too.

[RichNY]

Here's a quick read on why not to ever by the ST-E2 from Monte Zucker's old assistant. (It's a good read on Canon lighting in general) http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/

Don, have you read up much on the new QFlash system? It sure looks like it will make life SO much easier for doing these types of shots and has the power to illuminate a large room, just a bit on the pricey side. From what I've read so far I think one 580EX and one QFLash make the best event lighting combination.

[cdifoto]

Here's a quick read on why not to ever by the ST-E2 from Monte Zucker's old assistant. (It's a good read on Canon lighting in general)

Don, have you read up much on the new QFlash system? It sure looks like it will make life SO much easier for doing these types of shots and has the power to illuminate a large room, just a bit on the pricey side. From what I've read so far I think one 580EX and one QFLash make the best event lighting combination.

It's the "pricey side" that I shy away from. I'd rather invest in a couple more Sunpaks at 80 bucks a pop. I only used the one I had on half power as fill against the B1600 in a smaller setting at f/8. Full power would be plenty for a group shot as long as I tolerate the recycle times.

If I wanna pay money I'll get all Alien Bees and plug 'em into the wall.

[JMWallace]

Here's a quick read on why not to ever by the ST-E2 from Monte Zucker's old assistant. (It's a good read on Canon lighting in general)

link, link...where the link??


From what I've read so far I think one 580EX and one QFLash make the best event lighting combination.

That is what one of they guys I assisted uses...and a couple of other
acquaintances have told me. Of course it was followed by, "when you have the money."

[RichNY]

link, link...where the link??



That is what one of they guys I assisted uses...and a couple of other
acquaintances have told me. Of course it was followed by, "when you have the money."

Oops.... Since it's a good read I won't spoil the ending for you:)
http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/

[RichNY]

It's the "pricey side" that I shy away from. I'd rather invest in a couple more Sunpaks at 80 bucks a pop. I only used the one I had on half power as fill against the B1600 in a smaller setting at f/8. Full power would be plenty for a group shot as long as I tolerate the recycle times.

If I wanna pay money I'll get all Alien Bees and plug 'em into the wall.

For studio work, the Bees are a nice way to go and the Sunpaks are cheaper but don't do what the Qflash does.

With the Sunpaks you are going to be setting your flashes manually after using a hand held meter, correct? You'll probably get some nice looking low cost formal shots (using a wedding as an example) but you aren't going to be able to get great photojournal style images with it on the fly.

The Qflash setup allows you to put your camera in Aperture priority or Manual mode for example, dial in an the approx. distance to the subject and shoot with the Qflash in wireless automode to get properly exposed images.

While everyone gets excited about Pocket Wizards which give you wireless radio control over your flashes in manual mode only, QNexus gives it to you in manual, ETTL, Auto, etc. If I'm understanding everything I've read correctly, using this setup a Canon shooter can finally have a better flash setup than Nikon's.

Time for Jamie to buy one of these and give us his review after shooting a wedding! It is not cheap, but it's less expensive than an L lens.