Quantum Qflash Trio basic

I have been looking at getting a quantum battery pack, and while looking around I had my eye on the qflash trio basic. Its quite pricey, and the reviews I have read for it seem fantastic, especially with the Turbo battery pack, (with the execption of the hotshoe being cheap). As much of the good I hear about this, I don't ever see them used for weddings, or know anyone who use it. I like that it has a larger head and seems like there is more flexibility with it, but does anyone have first hand experience? Can anyone help me tip the scale, to buy or not to buy?

Thank you.

I know David Ziser uses a Quantum T5d-R so you might get a little insight here - http://digitalprotalk.​blogspot.com …y-why-i-took-quantum.html

They are a bit pricey. While I can't say anything for the flashes, I use their Radio Slaves and they're solid when using strobes, but I can't get them to work right with my speedlights.

I use the radio version Trio, Pilot and T5d-R's and X5d-R's all with the Quantum radios and think they're great. I use the QLink adapters too to control my speedlights from within the Quantum system or just to trigger them or even the other way around - I can add the Qnexus so that my speedlights will control the T5d-R's and X5d-R's.

The Basic is about the same output as a speedlite, but doesn't have the zoom capability and needs an external battery (which you're wanting anyway). It will work great in a softbox, never overheat and can be upgraded to include radio at a later date with no cost penalty, which IMO is the best part about the whole system - the radio is all integrated. A radio equiped Trio on camera can provide on axis fill whilst at the same time controlling two bigger brother 160, 200 and 400ws remotes in Manual, TTL, Ratio etc.. or even another Trio. At 400ws - thats like having a remote TTL studio strobe! You can even fit one to a bracket and have it on your camera for bright days.

You'll pay more for it, but it does more and will provide access to a very versatile system... and the parabolic reflectors do provide a really nice light.

PhotographersWorldWide wrote in post #13047074
I use the radio version Trio, Pilot and T5d-R's and X5d-R's all with the Quantum radios and think they're great. I use the QLink adapters too to control my speedlights from within the Quantum system or just to trigger them or even the other way around - I can add the Qnexus so that my speedlights will control the T5d-R's and X5d-R's.

The Basic is about the same output as a speedlite, but doesn't have the zoom capability and needs an external battery (which you're wanting anyway). It will work great in a softbox, never overheat and can be upgraded to include radio at a later date with no cost penalty, which IMO is the best part about the whole system - the radio is all integrated. A radio equiped Trio on camera can provide on axis fill whilst at the same time controlling two bigger brother 160, 200 and 400ws remotes in Manual, TTL, Ratio etc.. or even another Trio. At 400ws - thats like having a remote TTL studio strobe! You can even fit one to a bracket and have it on your camera for bright days.

You'll pay more for it, but it does more and will provide access to a very versatile system... and the parabolic reflectors do provide a really nice light.

That is what I gathered from the whole system. Right now, I like how I trigger my OCF units, so I dont really want to buy into a whole new triggering system. While doing outdoor events and weddings, I find I am using my flash either direct, or with my bounce card (I know it doesnt bounce, but it does increase the flash size, to what appears to be about the size of the Quantum.

I was also looking at this:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Mini_Folding_So​ftbox.html
It looks like it will do really well for table/couple shots during receptions, having it on camera.

I am not necessarily looking for more power, as I have an Einstein to give me some good juice, but I am looking for better light. Being able to do that will hopefully put me a step ahead when people are looking at reception and event photos.

I think thats the reason why the Basic was introduced. You can get the same Quantum light quality without buying stuff you don't need. (It's useful to know that you can upgrade to the radio version for the difference in cost too at a later date.

Regarding power.. The only reason I got involved with Quantum initially was because I was fed-up with having to rescue detail in peoples faces and clothing when shooting groups in sunlight where they may be back lit with great views behind. Speedlights are just not capable in this situation, but an additional 2 stops or so sure sorts it out. Using an Einstein would be very similar to a Quantum X5D-R @400ws in this respect, only I've never seen an Einstein fitted to a flash bracket.

I've never used the Mini Folding Softbox, but I do use the 19" softbox and this works really well.

PhotographersWorldWide wrote in post #13050063
I think thats the reason why the Basic was introduced. You can get the same Quantum light quality without buying stuff you don't need. (It's useful to know that you can upgrade to the radio version for the difference in cost too at a later date.

Regarding power.. The only reason I got involved with Quantum initially was because I was fed-up with having to rescue detail in peoples faces and clothing when shooting groups in sunlight where they may be back lit with great views behind. Speedlights are just not capable in this situation, but an additional 2 stops or so sure sorts it out. Using an Einstein would be very similar to a Quantum X5D-R @400ws in this respect, only I've never seen an Einstein fitted to a flash bracket.

I've never used the Mini Folding Softbox, but I do use the 19" softbox and this works really well.

True, I am not putting an Einstein on a bracket, but I really do not want to put a bracket on my camera - its big enough, and if Im using 2 bodies, it is just not feasible. I am looking for better quality as it stands right now, and from the looks of things, the Quantum looks like the way to go. I am just surprised there arent more out there shooting it.

Also, i have read quite a bit about the hotshot being pretty junky - is there a way that one can replace the shoe with one from a 580ex2?

The hotshoe on my Nikon version grips like a limpet. The Canon one can't be much different. There have been quite a few changes since the original Trio came out so maybe they're old accounts you're reading about? Not using Canon, I hear the 580ex2 has more than it's fair shre of problems when it comes to hotshoe fitting, especially when in portrait orientation. Try a Basic Trio and see what you think.

Well I just placed an order for it, lets see how I like this bad boy.

The only complaint that I have with my Trio is the connection to the hotshoe. It is kind of flaky but once you get used to it you can get it secured tightly in no time. I have one Trio and a couple T5D-r's and only have a 580 for when I travel. The Quantum units are of high quality and they have some fantastic options that you don't get in the Canon units like distance limiting. Say you have your subject in shade under a tree but the background is in bright sunlight. With the 580 this bright area is being metered but with the Quantums you can say to ignore over 20 feet (pick a distance). It works great and these units are the first ones that I have used that work exceptionally well in any of their auto modes.

ssim wrote in post #13094261
The only complaint that I have with my Trio is the connection to the hotshoe. It is kind of flaky but once you get used to it you can get it secured tightly in no time. I have one Trio and a couple T5D-r's and only have a 580 for when I travel. The Quantum units are of high quality and they have some fantastic options that you don't get in the Canon units like distance limiting. Say you have your subject in shade under a tree but the background is in bright sunlight. With the 580 this bright area is being metered but with the Quantums you can say to ignore over 20 feet (pick a distance). It works great and these units are the first ones that I have used that work exceptionally well in any of their auto modes.

That sounds pretty handy....I must stop looking at these threads as they make me want to spend more!

ssim wrote in post #13094261
The only complaint that I have with my Trio is the connection to the hotshoe. It is kind of flaky but once you get used to it you can get it secured tightly in no time. I have one Trio and a couple T5D-r's and only have a 580 for when I travel. The Quantum units are of high quality and they have some fantastic options that you don't get in the Canon units like distance limiting. Say you have your subject in shade under a tree but the background is in bright sunlight. With the 580 this bright area is being metered but with the Quantums you can say to ignore over 20 feet (pick a distance). It works great and these units are the first ones that I have used that work exceptionally well in any of their auto modes.

I read about the hotshoe problem, but hopefully can live with it. I am excited to see what this can really do.

Well it came in today, and I am really excited to use it this weekend. I am really surprised there isnt a more vocal group on the forums boasting about these.

How did the Trio work out, did it live up to expectations?

I actually really like it.

Here is a shot of using it direct. I was second shooting at this wedding and didnt spend much time editing the image.