Q-Flash or 580EXII opinions please

[Coastie72]

I am going to buy a new flash system but I would like to hear some opinions on both of these choices. I have a friend that swears by his Q-Flash he is using with a 10D body. He is trying to convince me that I won't be satisfied with the power of the 580EXII. I know there is a big price difference but would it be worth it. I will be doing some weddings and some team sports work. The 430EX I have now has done well in most situations but I want to go larger. I am open for opinions please.:confused:

[msowsun]

Have you seen this thread? http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1025&message=23451284&changemode=1

[Bubble]

don't believe on review/compare you read online regarding these 2 flashes. I would recommend you to rent the Qflash and use it for a few shooting session and make your choice. The learning curve for Qflash is a bit complicate due to it complexity (at least for me. :))

I rent the Qflash and bought it after. Been using it and love it. (i have the T5Q-R)

[pcunite]

I have been researching more powerful on-location battery strobes. About all that you will really want to buy is Norman (200C or 400B) or LumeDyne system. I am referring to mini power pack systems not the big pack profoto setups.

The 580EX II is about 100ws. So if your want an extra stop you will need the Norman 200C. The 400B will give you two stops. QFlash does make a 400ws system and that would be the one to get in their line.

[Coastie72]

Thanks for that link, I think I am more confused than before. I am leaning more to the 580EXII. I sure see many people useing them.

[Coastie72]

Keep the opinions coming!!!!

[Bubble]

Thanks for that link, I think I am more confused than before. I am leaning more to the 580EXII. I sure see many people useing them.

MUCH cheaper in cost is the main reason. :)

[thumphrey]

Coastie: There is a huge difference in quality of light with the Qflash over the 580EXII. There may not be that much difference in power, the Q should have a slight edge. The Q is a Professional piece of kit. Your pocketbook will take a hit with the Qflash but you won't be disappointed. I use mine in manual mode the majority of the time.

[M Powered]

Coastie: There is a huge difference in quality of light with the Qflash over the 580EXII. There may not be that much difference in power, the Q should have a slight edge. The Q is a Professional piece of kit. Your pocketbook will take a hit with the Qflash but you won't be disappointed. I use mine in manual mode the majority of the time.

Whats light quality?

[thumphrey]

The quality of light is produced by the size of the parabolic reflector of the Qflash. You can also shoot the Qflash without the reflector, also known as bare-bulb. Look at the the 580EXII's flash output area. It is miniscule compared to the Qflash.

[M Powered]

The quality of light is produced by the size of the parabolic reflector of the Qflash. You can also shoot the Qflash without the reflector, also known as bare-bulb. Look at the the 580EXII's flash output area. It is miniscule compared to the Qflash.

Hrmm.... not sure how the size of the output head will effect the image in practice. Mathematically the different is apparent, but in practice I'd be interested in seeing some test photos.

I used both Q Flash and 580EXII this weekend. Both by itself and combined.

While these images are not to compare or contast the difference between the two units; merely to prove they are both formidable flash units when used properly. So to which is superior? You decide.

Q-Flash Only w/ a round softbox attached + Reflector
http://home.socal.rr.com/mpowered/laurenimplied.jpg

580 EXII Only Bounced off the internal white card (Yea its ghetto, but it works) + Reflector
http://home.socal.rr.com/mpowered/katrina2.jpg

Q-Flash + 580EXII, Qflash is positioned to the far left about 9' in the air, 580 is positioned about the same height to the front of the model. No reflector
http://home.socal.rr.com/mpowered/kristin.jpg

I'll let you guys be the judge.

The 580EXII with its versatility is hard to beat. I even use it for some of my over powering the sun applications.

This weekend I'll be using various high output strobe units, from Profoto's to AB's, QFlash and 580's w/ Reflectors. I'll post some results next week.

[thumphrey]

Nice images MPowered.......My comments with regard to light quality were aimed at the flash heads as is. When you start adding modifiers, they both do a good job.

[Coastie72]

I am thinking for what I intend to do, the 580EXII will do fine. Those are some fine shots M Powerehead. It is obvious you know what you are doing.