Good starting point for the futurre

[kpepin]

This is my first post here so please understand if I am posting in the wrong thread or if this is a redundant question.

I have a 5D Mark II and I want to build up a lighting kit. I want to start small, but be able to expand easily. Looking for a remote triggering unit that I can use on location easily and also for future studio work. I don't mind spending the money up front on a top of the line unit, as long as I have the flexibility to expand in the future.

With that being said, I would like to start with something like a Quantum T5D but eventually plan on having a studio lighting package with several lights. Any suggestions on the best wireless solution for me?

Thanks

[TMR Design]

First of all, welcome to POTN :D

Second.. may I ask why you say you want to start with a Quantum T5D(R)? It's a pricey unit and requires pricey battery packs. For the same money you could have a 2 light kit with strobes, stands, umbrellas and a set of triggers.

Is there a particular reason you want to buy into the Quantum flashes?

[kpepin]

I'm a firm believer in, "you get what you pay for". I don't want disposable components. I like things to last for years. As far as thinking about a quantum, I've read reviews, seen results, and heard quantum has a very good product line. As I stated, I don't mind paying for quality. I would rather save my pennies a few extra months to buy something that is built to last.

[TMR Design]

I'm a firm believer in, "you get what you pay for". I don't want disposable components. I like things to last for years. As far as thinking about a quantum, I've read reviews, seen results, and heard quantum has a very good product line. As I stated, I don't mind paying for quality. I would rather save my pennies a few extra months to buy something that is built to last.

I understand and I haven't recommended buying junk. The price of the Quantum system is very high and it's still a small flash with limited accessories and modifiers. Unless you have some really great reason for buying Quantum flashes as a starting point, it's a bad move.

Spend the same money and buy yourself a very good monolight with more power and the ability to use a full and comprehensive line of accessories and modifiers.

You do get what you pay for, and you get more for your money buying a monolight than you will by buying a T5D and Turbo battery.

[plasticmotif]

http://www.alienbees.com/

Look at their packages. Very good lights for the money.

If you're wanting portability shoe-mount flashes are the way to go. They aren't 'disposable'. Vivitar 285s can last 20 years!

Portable strobes and battery packs are expensive and you'd be able to use more modifiers.

[Damian75]

Based on your stating that you want something that will work equally well on location and in the studio and in a system that you can grow with while not minding spending the money for quality you might want to check out the Elinchrom Ranger Quadra http://www.elinchrom.com/products.php?cat=96http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/632659-REG/Elinchrom_EL_10293_1_Ranger_Quadra_Head_A.html with the adaptor http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/632667-REG/Elinchrom_EL_26339_Ranger_Quadra_Reflector_Adaptor .html you have access to all the great elinchrom modifiers and a flash system you can grow with.

[walrusgoat]

I'm on the same boat with the OP. Only difference is that I want to have enough watts to over power the sun, so as of now I'm going with the Ranger RX Speed AS kit. What bothers me is that it's over priced. I feel for the same amount of money or cheaper I can get more lights and modifiers from another brand. I like quality over quantity, but it's going to be really expensive to expand if I want to add more lights + accessories. Anyone know a cheaper solution?

[kpepin]

Thanks for the suggestions. As far as shoe mount flashes, I use a 580EXII right now. I really want a good off camera lighting package and I don't want to be tethered. I guess what I'm looking for first is a recommendation on a wireless transmitter/receiver setup. I've looked into pocket wizards and have heard good and bad things. My main concern is I hear they sometimes don't work with the 580EXII because of interference.
The Elinchrom Ranger Quadra looks like a good fit for me and I know Elinchrom makes a ton of modifiers, so now I'm leaning in that direction. What do I need for a transmitter? I couldn't find one on Elinchrom's site.

[Seanzky]

Elinchrom has Skyports (EL), I believe. And as for Pocket Wizards being a bad pair for 580EX II, that's already been solved. Buying the new Mini/Flex units come with socks that block interference.

[dmward]

Not being tethered can mean different things.
The ONLY advantage to the PW MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 for me is the ability to do High Speed Sync with my 580EXII and 580EXs. That offers capabilities when doing portraits outside and wanting to keep the aperture opened up. (I get acceptable range by standing the Flex off the 580EX with TTL extension cable.)

For other outside and on location shooting where mobility is important my Quantum units are nice. They offer about twice the power of the 580EX and the batteries deliver lots of flashes. The disadvantage outside when trying to overpower the sun is the sync speed limitation. (1/200 on my 5D)

My AB800s, along with softboxes, PLM etc. are great for shooting indoors when I want total control of the light.

I use Cyber Sync wireless with the ABs and Quantums and either Cyber Sync or PW TTL triggers with the 580s.

Best bang for the buck unless you NEED mobility and TTL outside in the sun is the ABs.

Shoot with your 580EXII in manual mode for awhile on a light stand using CyberSync wireless to see if the 1/200 sync speed limitation is a real hindrance. That will also help you get a sense of how mobile you need to be. The ABs with Vagabond are portable but less mobile than Quantum. Also, about half the price for more power.

BTW, if you decide on Elinchrom they make a wireless trigger (Skyport) that may offer some specific advantages when paired with their lights.

[Damian75]

The Elinchrom Ranger Quadra looks like a good fit for me and I know Elinchrom makes a ton of modifiers, so now I'm leaning in that direction. What do I need for a transmitter? I couldn't find one on Elinchrom's site.

The Quadra has a skyport built in all you would need is the transever for your camera this will also alow you to adjust power output http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=505377&is=REG

[TMR Design]

The Quadra has a skyport built in all you would need is the transever for your camera this will also alow you to adjust power output http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=505377&is=REG

He needs a Skyport transmitter for the camera. There is no on-camera transceiver. You've linked to the right product but your terminology is incorrect. :D

[Damian75]

He needs a Skyport transmitter for the camera. There is no on-camera transceiver. You've linked to the right product but your terminology is incorrect. :D

Thanks my bad I was half asleep when I wrote it and had been looking and reading about the USB one for the computer that I believe is a transceiver :o

[TMR Design]

Thanks my bad I was half asleep when I wrote it and had been looking and reading about the USB one for the computer that I believe is a transceiver :o

Correct. When the USB transceiver is used on your computer with Skyport RX's on RX series strobes you have bi-directional communication. The computer can control the strobes and the strobes will send over settings as well as internal temperature and number or actuations.

[kpepin]

Thanks for all the input. Is the A head really worth the extra $70 or so for standard studio work? I think I'm going with the S head because I really don't need to shoot a 1/6000 sec for portraits and standard studio stuff.

[TMR Design]

Thanks for all the input. Is the A head really worth the extra $70 or so for standard studio work? I think I'm going with the S head because I really don't need to shoot a 1/6000 sec for portraits and standard studio stuff.

Hi Kevin,

For studio work and portraiture you definitely don't need the A head. It's worth the extra money if you need it but for the work you want to do the S heads will be fine.

[kpepin]

Because of your input (and it's my b-day and I got B&H gift cards), I ordered this today (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611247-REG/Elinchrom__EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slave.html).
I should have it in on Wednesday!

[TMR Design]

Because of your input (and it's my b-day and I got B&H gift cards), I ordered this today (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611247-REG/Elinchrom__EL_Skyport_Universal_Radio_Slave.html).
I should have it in on Wednesday!

Cool but if you're getting the Quadra then I'm not sure I understand why you got that kit.
The Quadra has a built-in Skyport and all you would need would be the transmitter and no cables at all.

BTW, Happy Birthday!

[kpepin]

I can use it with my 580EXII for now (Hot Shoe attachment) and upgrade to the Ranger after the holidays. I'm not allowed to buy myself more new toys until after Christmas :cry:

edit: plus can still use the 580EXII as a fill or background light in a pinch

[TMR Design]

I can use it with my 580EXII for now (Hot Shoe attachment) and upgrade to the Ranger after the holidays. I'm not allowed to buy myself more new toys until after Christmas :cry:

edit: plus can still use the 580EXII as a fill or background light in a pinch

Ahh I get it. Cool! You also could have gotten the Universal kit that consists of a transmitter and 2 universal receivers. Then you just need to grab the specific cables needed.