flash Vs Strobes

[OceanRider]

Could/would you get the same effect(s) in say a protrait if you used 4 580/EX's as compared to using 4 Alien Bees (Key, fill, hair, backround?)

Which one would give better effect (ie better picture generally)

Iam still up in the air with what to buy.

Joel

[KevC]

Probably 4 AB800s. Wayyyy more control.

[mbze430]

umm.. I like to hear how KevC came to that conclusion. And define control.

In any case. I do own 4x 580ex and I do use them in a studio setup. I also use this same setup for outdoor. Is it enough, that depends what you are after.

Besides the general purpose of light allowing you to light a subject, it also allow you to increase your DOF. The more light, the more DOF. But do you really shoot f/22 in a portrait? Maybe a group of people from 10-20. But within the 2-3 people, most I say f/5.6 With a background light you create enough light even for a f/5.6 and plus some.

KevC spoke the word control...well if you turn off your ETTL, you have full control of your flashes. You have settings from 14mm-105mm at 1:1 down to 1/128 power in a 1/3 step. That's control.

Since you are shooting them off camera, your effect range on the flash can vary by just moving it closer or farther away from your subject.

The only control that you will not have is the modeling light. the DOF button gives you about 3sec.
Another downer is that recharge time isn't as fast as some monolights. Even with the battery pack (I have 4 of them as well, they work pretty good, but I still have to wait on a full pop).

Now of course this is only good for up to 3/4 body shot, full body is possible, but you might need a 5th one. If you plan to shoot cars or anything larger, than this is totally pointless.

But that doesn't mean a real monolight its not good. But for what I do, its good enough. If I plan on shooting something large I will get myself 1 or 2 monolights and sell 1 or 2 of my 580EX.

The great thing about having a few EX already is that they work great with monolight with light sensor. If you don't use ETTL and set them up as Manual, you can trigger the monolight. I have even found a way to use the ST-E2 to trigger the EXs and monolight with light sensor.

Oh btw, I do use softboxes with the EXes, Photoflex has an adapter that fits all their softbox for flashes. however the largest I would use with the 580ex is Medium.

So here is a list of stuff I have for flashes

4x 580ex + ST-E2, 1 Umbrella reflects and shoot-thru, 1 Photoflex umbrella white, transform from square to circle, 1 Photoflex QXS (xtra small) softbox, 1 Multidome medium softbox, 22" 5 in 1 reflector, and maybe some stuff I forgot.

[robertwgross]

What's DOP?

---Bob Gross---