Quantum Qflash T5d-r...Insights?

[jilliantodd]

I currently own a 420ex, just recently purchased an off camera shoe cord, but I am going to be shooting some pretty large groups, and a bunch of portraits/dance promos on the beach. An instructor I had used the Quantum, and I loved the results, but I have never used one myself. The 420 has no manual settings, is not that powerful for such a large group (25+) Has anyone used the Quantum and noticed any "idiosyncracies" about it? Do I need the D13w-r for the wireless TTL on the 30D, as they suggest, or have you just used the cords? Any success/not so successful stories will be appreciated before I purchase this nifty little thing!
Thanks!
Jill

[sboerup]

They might be a little over priced if you don't know exactly how you want to use them. Ya they are more powerful than your typical flashgun (i beleive 160ws), but nowhere near your AB units.

[JX]

Hi Jill
Follow this link to the Quantum website. They recently put out a free DVD that explains their product line. The DVD will answer all your questions.
http://www.qtm.com/DVD/?res_set=&res=1024

I recently purchased the Qflash T5d. I am saving up for another. My 580 ex can not compare.

Jim

[scottbergerphoto]

I use the Quantum T2D. Quantum flashes are very powerful and have a true parabolic reflector. You can't beat them for weddings and such. They are more cumbersome to use then a speedlight because you are dealing with a separate battery pack. They cannot be hot shoe mounted. You need a bracket. They are also much more expensive. In QTTL mode, you basically operate as though you were using a Canon EX speedlight. Quantum flashes give you an excellent Auto Thyristor mode, which is very consistent and preferred by some pros to ETTL. If you plan on doing alot of formal work, it's a good investment.
See also:
http://www.photography-on-the.net/fo...d.php?t=210589

[jilliantodd]

I have a pretty clear idea of how I want to use it (large groups, beach with backlighting as my instructor did--loved the results!)...It's the same flash she uses...

Jim, thanks for the DVD info. I had been on the website, but somehow didn't notice the DVD offer. I signed up for it, am looking forward to using it as a tutorial when the flash arrives!

Thanks Scott! I actually found that thread after I had done the post (this after looking through all the postings but not finding it the first time....blonde moment!). Thanks for responding with it, it really anwsered a ton of questions I had, but couldn't figure out how to express.

[ssim]

I've been shooting with the T5D for awhile now and absolutely love this unit. The control you have over your lighting is phenominal. I was excited to see the -r option announced. I am sending my flash in on Monday for the conversion to have this done on it.

I also have some of the Quantum batteries for powering my 580's and I was equally excited to see that they now have a new door closure for the 580 when using their system. This has always been a sore point with me when using the 580 and had written to Quantum to complain about this.

They are a really good company to deal with. Even at the consumer level if you email them a question they take the time to give you really good answers. I'm very impressed with them and their products.

[scottbergerphoto]

The Turbo Line of battery packs (Turbo, Turbo 2x2, Turbo Compact) plug into the High Voltage Port of the 550EX and 580EX, so there is no need to mess with the battery compartment door.
http://www.qtm.com/Turbo/?res_set=yes&res=1024