Quantum flash vs AB's

[NorCalAl]

Yes, I can see these are two different beasts. The AB's seem to be more flexible in terms of power and accessories. The Quantums seem to be more portable. But how do they compare in terms of overall usefullness? Could you use two Quantum QX5's (up to 400w/s) and get the same basic quality as two AB400's? Perhaps I'm not asking correctly or trying to compare apples-to-oranges, I just don't know.
I do know that AB's are (per light) WAY cheaper. AB400's are around $250 each where the Quantums are going to run $700 or so. Is that the primary reason I see AB's used more? Or is there something I'm missing?

[Rumjungle]

With Quantums, you're paying for portability and the ability to use them as bracket mounted flashes. Is this what you're looking for? I am almost certain that the quality of light would be better with an AB or any other big strobe. However, when you need a lot of light while on the move, then Quantum is one of your top choices.

[scottbergerphoto]

With Quantums, you're paying for portability and the ability to use them as bracket mounted flashes. Is this what you're looking for? I am almost certain that the quality of light would be better with an AB or any other big strobe. However, when you need a lot of light while on the move, then Quantum is one of your top choices.

I agree. Quantums won't replace studio lighting. They are the best thing going when you need a powerful portable flash, but they are not studio lights.

[jwwill0]

Be careful when comparing the AB's. The AB400 is NOT 400 w/s. It is 160 w/s. The AB800 is 320 w/s

[René Damkot]

Yep. From the specs: AB400: "Standard 7-inch Reflector f11 2/10 at 10-feet from the flashtube" -> GN = 130 or so.
Quantum T5 @ 200Ws : "GUIDE NO. FOR NORMAL REFLECTOR 160' ISO 100(50m)"
Seems the Quantum has a bit more power actually at 200 Ws.

[NorCalAl]

I've noticed that AB uses "effective WS" along with actual ws. I'm not sure what the difference is (to them) but I can see the Quantum can deliver quite a punch. Two Q's would be WAY more than two AB's and to get them fully wireless would be even more. I'm just thinking there might be something there if you split the time out in the field and in the studio. I don't see them mentioned much here, that's why I'm asking. I see AB mentioned all over the place.

[dennykyser]

I feel alot has to with what your difusing your light with. I love my Qflashes and will set them up in a church in a second and get Great studio quality lighting using umbrellas, also bare bulb can give you quick portrait lighting that you can move where you want in a hurry.

Guess it depends on if you will ever make use of the portability.

[NorCalAl]

It seems like there's a few pieces needed with the Q's. After purchasing the flash and battery, what other pieces are needed? Adorama seems to indicate a wireless receiver is a piece needed...if you were going to use one on a bracket and one remote, in order to get ETTL working on both, what's needed?

[scottbergerphoto]

It seems like there's a few pieces needed with the Q's. After purchasing the flash and battery, what other pieces are needed? Adorama seems to indicate a wireless receiver is a piece needed...if you were going to use one on a bracket and one remote, in order to get ETTL working on both, what's needed?

To maintain ETTL with off camera Q flashes, you need a Qnexus for each Q Flash that is off camera and an STE-2 or other wireless master on camera.

[J Rabin]

...a few pieces needed with the Q's...
Depends how you are going to use QFlash, and over what distance.
1. If you keep QF over the camera on a bracket, in Q-TTL/E-TTL, you need the Dw Q-TTL adapter.
2. If you use QF with Q-TTL/E-TTL wirelessly FAR from camera, you'd need the whole FreeWire set up. Or far from camera in manual, you'd need Pocket Wizards.
3. If you want to use it wirelessly, in E-TTL, over short distance close to camera, then you need a QNexus and Canon 580EX or ST-E2. This has been my set up of choice at events, and ever since getting my QF upgraded and getting QNexus, I've been in on-the-go event lighting hog heaven! It only takes one QFlash, one good light in life, to make a nice shot when you can get it off camera and/or have a hot shoe fill light near the camera.
4. If you were going to use QF like studio flash (silly waste of money), then you just need PC cord from camera.

Here is my own little parts list, and set up check list for integrating ONE QF with Canon Wireless E-TTL.
http://postit.rutgers.edu/uploads/QFlash%5FWirelessCanon%5FETTL.pdf
This setup has changed the way I work, improved pictures, and only needs one expensive battery light and Canon E-TTL wireless master (which many users already own). I really respect the performance over short distances, on-the-go. The Norman 19" box is great mate to the system. Can't sing it's praises enough.
Jack

[NorCalAl]

Jack - thanks much. I've written Q and asked them for a short list of product to accomplish the same thing, but with no response.
I like the idea of using a 580 on camera (or bracket) and one Q off camera. That's exactly what I was thinking.
Now, for the Q flash itself, I get the following as needed: flash head, battery, Qnexus. Right?

[Rumjungle]

For just the Q Flash itself, you need the flash, a battery, a bracket, and a cable to connect it to the camera (DW13R).

[J Rabin]

...for the Q flash itself, I get the following as needed: flash head, battery, Qnexus...
Yep. The "L" bracket comes in handy when using an umbrella, and the Norman $45 19" softbox is a wonderful partner with the system. You'll be surprised how many times you find yourself pulling off reflector and going bare bulb for "making ambient light."
Just be aware that your distance and angle of reception are limited. Not great. This is no radio control after all.
I dispise coming off as an evangelist for some company's product, but I do get a lot of use from this set up for on-the-go work. It has brought me better quality of light into wireless E-TTL system.
I pay one of my kids to carry the QF around on its pole making sure the QNexus is "looking" toward my camera position.

What can I say? Jack

[dennykyser]

Also dont forget about auto.. the Q is very accurate at what ever you set it at. Then you can use pocket wizards or anything you want to fire them.

[SuzyView]

For just the Q Flash itself, you need the flash, a battery, a bracket, and a cable to connect it to the camera (DW13R).

Saw this set-up close up and it's a beauty. The flash is truly powerful, but I cannot imagine keeping my 5D on a bracket all the time.

[Rumjungle]

Saw this set-up close up and it's a beauty. The flash is truly powerful, but I cannot imagine keeping my 5D on a bracket all the time.

Shooting with a bracket took me a while to get used to. I'm fine with it now and I like the consistency I get with lighting (as the flash is always in the same exact place no matter how I orient the camera). But as you probably already know, it gets heavy with "the brick" on there (and don't even get me started on the 70-200).:)