Quantum Flash sys. What do I need?????

[Stackinchips]

I want to get this kit

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=7037&A=details&Q=&sku=314906&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

But what do I need for me to be able to shoot wirelssly? Does that come with a Canon module??


Do I have to buy a Canon module, PLUS a wireless transmitter (quantum)???

If so, would I still be able to mount a flash on my camera (or use off show cord??))


Sorry for the dumb questions, im trying very hard to figure this system out and it is just confusing me not giving me straight answers and to what i need to get started off.


Thanks

[coreypolis]

it would connect via the sync cord of the camera. you can still use a on camera flash with it.

to go wirelessly, you would need a wireless transmitter and receiver. Pocketwizards are the L of that industry, with some cheepo chinnese versions on ebay the kit lens so to speak.

That kit comes with a couple hundred dollar battery for the flash and or camera.


what is the intended use of it? there may be a better suited kit for you.

[JaertX]

I hear all the cool people use the FreeXwire system. Actually, I only personally know two photographers who use the quantums and both of them use quantum radios...so they're cool to me! :)

[Stackinchips]

I want to do portable studio model shots... indoor/outdoor... something I can pack into my car, go with my subject.. prop it up and move on to the next place and so on

[Stackinchips]

I was thinking maybe go the poor mans route... the Sunpak 120J ? Maybe with canon module

[J Rabin]

do portable studio model shots...indoor/outdoor...pack into my car, go with subject.. prop it up and move on
As a QFlash user, I would say you do not need a QFlash for doing above. You can buy a cheaper AC/DC monolight, that uses quantum compatible lead-acid (or NiMH) type batteries. This gives you a modeling light, which the QFlashT does not. Any of them can be fired in slave mode by an on camera hot shoe flash, which you use throttled down for fill, or by PC cord.

The ruggedest, lowest flash duration AC/DC monolight, is the Dynalite UniJr400 with a JackRabbit battery. But, they are expensive. (Cheaper than QFlash). Throttled down, the Uni has a low enough duration to stop sport motion blur.
Cheaper is the Norman Allure AC/DC or the Photogenic StudioMax III 320 AC/DC and battery. Really cheap is the JTL Mobilight 300 and battery! They all go "pop" and make light. Explore these and their features, ruggedness, and ability to connect light modifiers. http://www.photonomics.com/sub300.htm

The QFlash does things none of these can do; walk around with flash bracket flash that has studio quality parabolic reflector. Use the Auto Sensor Limit in big halls or no-background outdoors settings - avoiding flash over exposure on the go. I could go on. QFlash does things for event photography.
Quantum's new development of integrating QFlash with Canon ETT-L wireless is going to be wonderful for me. I am sending mine in for upgrade. I'll be able to have a 580EX on camera, having benefit of IR focus assist beam covering all points in low light (Q does only center point) and fire the Q wirelessly as part of E-TTL setup. Oooo-lala. Slicker than butter.

Just making an AC/DC light pop on location from portable battery power is cheaper, and sounds like what you want. You can chimp the exposure. Most of the AC/DC monolights do not permit modeling light use while on battery, and do not provide the fine output adjustment of a studio light, but heck, just move the light stand back or forward a few feet. If you wait patiently, you'll find them for sale used. The JTL may be a piece of junk (slow recycle, breakable, etc.) but they sell a light, battery, umbrella kit for $400: http://www.jtl-lighting.com/JTL-Mobilights-Lighting.html. Light is light, but rugged reliability is something else entirely.
Here's another cheapo setup: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=429287&is=REG&addedTroughType=search. Slow recycling, no modeling light on battery, etc.

For outdoor fill work, you may be able to just use Canon ST-E2 and 580EX flash wireless in an umbrella or light modifier. For cheaper than one QFlash, you can do: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=358464&is=USA&addedTroughType=search which makes some nice outdoor fill light at close ranges. I was messing with ST-E2 and ONE 580EX in umbrella in low light: http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~rabin/Personal/Emily_Bat_Mitzvah/slides/Emily_FJCC_02a.htm or http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~rabin/Personal/Emily_Bat_Mitzvah/slides/Emily_FJCC_06.htm

Jack

[Stackinchips]

GREAT man ^^^ will definelty take into consideration. Any opinions on older, now cheaper models of the Qflash? They run quit cheap on eBay...

I forogot to mention I also shoot extreme sports photography... (street BMX and skateboarding) I usually am very close to the subject with a UWA lens and a flash or two set up on tripods away from me shooting at 1/200 or w/e my fastest sync is on the camera. That's also why I was interested in the Quantum (sorry for not mentioning earlier)

[JX]

Stackinchips

Quantum is coming out with a new flash TD5 r flash. You may want to wait. I bought the setup you posted from B&H. I am very satisfied with the TD5. The TD5 is far superior to my 580 EX. I am saving up for another flash and their wireless system. Jack's (J Rabin) post has some good advice.


Jim

[J Rabin]

forgot to mention I also shoot extreme sports photography... (street BMX and skateboarding)
Changes recommendations dramatically. Most of the AC/DC battery monolights (dynalite is exception) marketed have long flash durations, not suitable for sports.
I made a little spreadsheet before I settled on QFlash. Here's the durations on QFlash T5D, Recycle time 2.5 seconds:
1/300 Full Power 150WS
1/700 1/2 Power
1/1300 1/4 Power
1/2400 1/8 Power
1/4000 1/16 Power
1/6500 1/32 Power
1/9500 1/64 Power
As you know, sports photography uses extremely short flash durations, not fast shutter speeds, to get sharp blur free photos. Notice that you have to be at 1/4-1/8 power for motion blur stopping flash durations with QFlash T, which is not bad, but no where near the short duration of Dynalite 4080, Lumedyne, or Norman sports head and a power pack.
If you want location portraits AND extreme sport, you may have to bite the credit card to DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. For example, the expensive QFlash X5D has durations:
1/400 Full Power 200WS
1/1000 1/2 Power
1/2000 1/4 Power
1/3600 1/8 Power
1/5800 1/16 Power
1/9900 1/32 Power
Now you're getting fast. I think a Canon EX Flash is about 1/1100-1300 second, but not much power output.
I know they are expensive, but the Dynalite, Lumedyne, Norman short duration lampheads, or the QFlash X, can do short durations. I don't do that stuff enough to worry about it, so T5D was enough for me.

A used QFlash X on fleaBay might do you right, but many times the batteries need re-coring because they are not well maintained.
Jack

[Stackinchips]

You guys are great.. I appreciate all the advice given and will look into it all tonight.. ill post some pics on this thread with what I choose when I get it. Thanks fellas! If you have anymore info or advice feel free. Thanks!

[J Rabin]

Forgot to mention one more option, then I'll shut up.

The direct mail order marketed Paul Buff "Alien Bees" AB800 monolights are reputed to have a flash duration of 1/3200 AT FULL POWER. Impressive.
At $280, plus $350 for the Vegabond true inverter battery, this $630 would provide a sports duration or location light kit, both, that comes with a cigarette lighter charger (for use in a pinch).

I do not have any personal experience with Alien Bees, but they are popular, well priced. An electrical geek who disassembled one said the capicitors and circuits are well done. I only look at ruggedness,and short flash duration. On both counts, the Bees have something to offer no other monolight in their price range offers.
For $630 plus a stand and umbrella (less than 1/2 Q X flash cost), you can have a short duration monolight with car chargeable battery power, modeling light, and the ability to use light shaping tools like softboxes. Top that.
I suppose down side is the Alien Bees inverter battery is proprietary to their product line. You can fire it set on slave from an on camera flash, PC cord, or radios.

I am impressed with the short duration of the Alien Bees, but I'll let someone else who actually uses Alien Bee comment on this, as imagine most people buy them for price and company's reputation for service, not because they have a short duration (does not matter in a studio).

Enjoy your quest. Jack