Q-Flash Alternatives?

Any recommendations for alternatives to Qflash T5d-R in the 150 WS range?

sunpak 120j

Norman 200B (200ws) can be had on eBay between $200 - $300 or the Norman 400B (400ws) between $300 - $400.
However, these are both Manual Powered Flashes, no Auto or TTL.....

AB400 and Vagabond Mini. Not quite as small, just a bit heavier and less money.
Only problem is the VML is till about a month behind on shipments.

Or the Einstein 640. 2.5 to 640 Ws. It too is on backorder but only about 3 weeks.

The Elinchrom Quadra Ranger RX would be comparable in price to the T5D-R with one of the heftier Quantum battery packs but more powerful.

If I were going to get something with a small head to do what I used to use QFlash for, I'd look at the Quadra. As it turns out I was fortunate to get Einsteins and VMLs and found they work well in place of my QFlashes. Now sold.

Don't hold your breath's but there are Chinese 120J knockoff's coming. Can't say when. Can't say how much. But they are on the way.

i have one of these for more than a year now. so far so good.

Thanks for the information. It will take me some time to look at all the options, but if anyone else has any, please add them. Has anyone taken 3 small flashes, like the YN560s, and put them on one bracket to make a powerful flash? If each YN560 has 50 WS, and the Q-FLASH T5DR is 150 WS, then 3 YN560s should equal one T5DR. Three x $70=$210, which is only 30% of the cost of a a T5DR.

roman_t wrote in post #12087763
sunpak 120j

These are no longer made, but there is one up for auction on ebay. From what I've read a TR-PAK II Battery is also needed if you want fast recycle times, but it's very hard to find.

The Loft Studios wrote in post #12087934
Norman 200B (200ws) can be had on eBay between $200 - $300 or the Norman 400B (400ws) between $300 - $400.
However, these are both Manual Powered Flashes, no Auto or TTL.....

None currently on ebay that I can find. Also, it seems like there may be a problem finding batteries? No ETTL I understand. What do you mean by no Auto?

dmward wrote in post #12089787
AB400 and Vagabond Mini. Not quite as small, just a bit heavier and less money.

Only problem is the VML is till about a month behind on shipments.

Or the Einstein 640. 2.5 to 640 Ws. It too is on backorder but only about 3 weeks.

The AB400 with the VML looks like an interesting alternative.The AB400 is around $225. The VLM is $300 (when in stock). $525 is not bad for the flash and the battery. How would this combo work for wedding formals? Would setup speed be OK?

Would all you need is the AB400, VLM, Flash Stand, Umbrella, and Radio trigger?

At $500, the Einstein 640 is a little more expensive than I'm looking to spend.

PacAce wrote in post #12089854
The Elinchrom Quadra Ranger RX would be comparable in price to the T5D-R with one of the heftier Quantum battery packs but more powerful.

400 WS isa spicy meatball! www.elinchrom.com appears down right now, but I will put it on my list of things to check out.

dmward wrote in post #12089921
If I were going to get something with a small head to do what I used to use QFlash for, I'd look at the Quadra. As it turns out I was fortunate to get Einsteins and VMLs and found they work well in place of my Flashes. Now sold.

lukeap69 wrote in post #12090288
i have one of these for more than a year now. so far so good.

SHINING Mini Portable LCD DC Strobes look interesting. $350 for the strobe. $140 for the battery pack (if I'm looking at the right one.)

TMR Design wrote in post #12090187
Don't hold your breath's but there are Chinese 120J knockoffs coming. Can't say when. Can't say how much. But they are on the way.

What are 120J's?

What about something like the Sunpak 622 Super Pro?

The Sunpak 120J was a nice flash that had a round flash tube just like the Q-Flash. It accepts Quantum/Norman/Lumedyn​e accessories and speed rings.

if you need ettl then only qflash with qttl adapter will do it the most correct i have ever seen

@elguapo

you can get them cheaper through their store in ebay. around 320USD for both strobe and battery.

I've used AB800 with PLM for formals. With line power and VML.
Just as easy to set up as a QFlash. Which I have also used for formals.

One advantage of more power, is ability to get the light farther away and thus get the background lit without blowing out the people.

TMR Design wrote in post #12090187
Don't hold your breath's but there are Chinese 120J knockoff's coming. Can't say when. Can't say how much. But they are on the way.

damn you.