Anyone using More Powerful Flash than 580?

I gotta say though that the Vagabond Mini + Einstein on a stand can get pretty heavy. I mean, not in a impossible way, but I wouldn't call it super portable.

Well that would be the next part of the decision-making process; sorting out why I'd want an AB, Einstein, or White Lighting. Without looking too hard yet, each offer something in the ~600w/s range, the specs seem similar, and pricing isn't that different. AB's are the lightest of the three.

Ah, but that's another thread.

I do use a quantum trio basic, but not for the quantity of light, rather the quality. It puts out a little more than a 580, but not enough to make a big fuss.

That being said, I do use an einstein with a vagabond mini when I need some real power, and I love it. I think the posts above prove why strobes can be a good idea.

Peacefield wrote in post #13334333
That's exactly what I tried on Sunday and the disappointing results are precisely what prompted my post.

If I do go Vagabond Mini, I'll let you know.

Thanks, I appreciate it!

nicksan wrote in post #13334412
I gotta say though that the Vagabond Mini + Einstein on a stand can get pretty heavy. I mean, not in a impossible way, but I wouldn't call it super portable.

Do you have an assistant? I find an assistant invaluable for lighting help.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #13334469
That being said, I do use an einstein with a vagabond mini when I need some real power, and I love it. I think the posts above prove why strobes can be a good idea.

Do you find it to be a little bit heavy? I just got a 35" Octabox and set everything up, and it's pretty substantial as far as weight is concerned. Nothing I can't carry, especially using 2 hands, but it's certainly not the easiest thing.

nicksan wrote in post #13334496
Do you find it to be a little bit heavy? I just got a 35" Octabox and set everything up, and it's pretty substantial as far as weight is concerned. Nothing I can't carry, especially using 2 hands, but it's certainly not the easiest thing.

Well, it is much heavier than a 580 on a stick, but completely manageable. Now, if you feel like using the vagabond 2 instead of the VML, then we start talking abwout some weight. If I'm doing an engagement session, I prefer not to use the strobe so I can be more mobile, but when doing formals, or a reception, or a few portraits that I have some time for, I love it.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #13334566
Well, it is much heavier than a 580 on a stick, but completely manageable. Now, if you feel like using the vagabond 2 instead of the VML, then we start talking abwout some weight. If I'm doing an engagement session, I prefer not to use the strobe so I can be more mobile, but when doing formals, or a reception, or a few portraits that I have some time for, I love it.

And you also use a modifier right?

People look at me like im nuts but i really have a nice little system down. I roll to a HS senior session with my pelican 1560. Inside is the mini vagabond,17-35, 5D2,70-200, and the 85 siggy. Camera usually has the 70-200 or the 85L attached. I put the 1600 on a stand with the Medium softbox.

All i do is toss the light and softbox over my shoulder and balance it with my left arm. Its actually very light. Roll the case with the other. get to my spot, open the case, plug in the light and fire away. Piece of cake.

Tim, I would really suggest the vagabond Mini. I have 2 and use one for each light. I think we shot about 8 weddings this summer and never drained one yet. I think a 1600 is good for about 300 pops at full power,,800's around 450. Only draw back that i see is that you think your inside and you tend to click faster than the battery recycles so you will get a few underexposed as a result. Shoot one and count to 3 and you should be good to go.

By far the best set up is the ranger but it costs like 2K for one light and batterty. With AB lighting, depending on what you select, your in for about $1300.00 and that includes the stands and softboxes. 2 lights is way more efficient and much better spread of light than a single unit. I tried it with one light and was not satisfied with the results. 2 lights and mother nature for your backdrop and your set. I will never go back to fighting with speedlights.

Another solution is to use two speedlights instead of one. While I have four monolights and a Vagabond II for power (and I use them), I like the portability of my two speedlight/umbrella combo. I usually have an assistant hold this rig but I've done many engagement shoots solo where I will put this rig on a heavier 13' stand and it works fine (as long as there is no wind). One pocketwizard fires both lights. I own two 580's but I like using the cheap Sunpac 383's. Two speedlights give me plenty of light power.

Pic of set up.

I work alone, so carting around a couple of AB's is not an option. For times that I need a little more juice than the 580 can put out, I have a Sunpak 622 handle mount flash. It's a beast of a flash, but puts out enough light to overpower the direct overhead sun at about f11 and 10-12 feet away. When I researched powerful flashes, the Sunpak was actually more powerful than a Q flash, and a heck of a lot cheaper. If you need even more light, you can leave the 580 in the hot shoe and trigger both flashes at the same time. It's especially useful during full daylight ceremonies.

jcolman wrote in post #13334720
Clipped

Those are beautiful, Jim!

jamiewexler wrote in post #13336424
I work alone, so carting around a couple of AB's is not an option. For times that I need a little more juice than the 580 can put out, I have a Sunpak 622 handle mount flash. It's a beast of a flash, but puts out enough light to overpower the direct overhead sun at about f11 and 10-12 feet away.

I'm surprised you're getting that much performance from a 622. I have a couple of the 622's predecessors; the 544's, one of which I bought 30 years ago and it still performs like a champ. I know the 622's are a bit more powerful than a 544, but from what I've read, they're less powerful than a 300w/s monolight so I'm surprised that you've been able to over-power direct sunlight with one.

If only 400w/s would do it, than I'd probably go with a 400 w/s Qflash since that would also put another shoe flash in the bag for redundancy or other unique needs (assuming I'm willing to put up with the obnoxiousness, cost, and bulk of it and I'm not sure the I am) but I was beginning to think 660 if not maybe even 1320 w/s would be necessary, especially by the time you add a modifier of some kind, no?

nicksan wrote in post #13334658
And you also use a modifier right?

I do, I have the softlighter, but I'm looking for something a little easier to set up. I need to start shopping for softboxes.

jamiewexler wrote in post #13336432
Those are beautiful, Jim!

Thanks Jamie!

i've been able to do a 300w/s strobe + mini vagabond with either a softbox or beauty dish, but it definitely makes for a longer day, especially if walking around quite a bit...having an assistant can be worth their weight in gold. While not as fast, it can certainly create some even light or dramatic lighting giving your scenario