Anyone using More Powerful Flash than 580?

bigarchi wrote in post #13347096
yeah, i think that's a great plan.
i love my BD for on site work fwiw. wish i had gotten it and the vml earlier

Mitch

Are you using a grid with the BD or wide open. Also, are you using it pretty much for head and shoulder type shots ? Reason i ask is because we just started using some of the ocf lighting techniques that we do with our seniors for bridal shots. Its been kind of difficult because everthing is so rushed at weddings and girls often dont give us enough time to get the lighting right. We started showing the brides some of the senior shots at our consults and now some are giving us more time so we can get the type of lighting we need to make it work. These shots i posted are all done with this way and the girls see the difference. So we have many that are allowing us an extra 45 mins or so to get these looks. I want to incorporate a BD in the flow. If you could post a couple of examples that would be great.

yeah, i've been using it more for the tighter shots. haven't used in on whole bridal party shots or anything yet, but don't see why you couldn't.
obviously the source is smaller than from a PLM or large softbox like you are using (and well i might add), but at 22" its a decent size,
comparable to some of the umbrellas i've used.
certainly a better light source than the standard 7" cone

I bought it specifically for roller derby headshots, but brought it with me on that senior photo shoot that i posted a shot from earlier and saw immediately that i love it.
wish i had broke it out for weddings earlier in the year!

bigarchi wrote in post #13347313
but at 22" its a decent size,
comparable to some of the umbrellas i've used.

This is why I added it to my order. 22" ain't 64" . . . but it's 22.

When I'm working only with a speedlight on a stick, my assistant will use either of two umbrellas; a shoot through and a silver reflector. Both of them happen to be 22". While not necessaily the absolute best studio quality light, the results are very pleasing.

So a nice improvement over the stock can while affording me a little more light-throw plus and portability over PLM or SB . . . At least when circumstances don't allow for those other alternatives.

Peacefield wrote in post #13347422
This is why I added it to my order. 22" ain't 64" . . . but it's 22.

When I'm working only with a speedlight on a stick, my assistant will use either of two umbrellas; a shoot through and a silver reflector. Both of them happen to be 22". While not necessaily the absolute best studio quality light, the results are very pleasing.

So a nice improvement over the stock can while affording me a little more light-throw plus and portability over PLM or SB . . . At least when circumstances don't allow for those other alternatives.

yeah, totally. once it's on the light i love it. but it does suck that it's kind of bulky and annoying to transport and store becuase of it's shape.
so just something to be aware of. the umbrellas collapse, the BD doesn't

I'm also told that the current version of PCB's BD is very flimsy, so in addition to it not collapsing, I'll have to be careful that I don't end up being the one to accidentally "collapse" it.

I just ordered myself the Vagabond Mini Lithum from Australia, and got totally ripped off regarding price - i'll pay about US$500 delivered, instead of the $280 or so that US people pay. The Aussie outfit has a huge markup, plus shipping costs a lot.

Still, it's not too bad value, and i'm looking forward to having a lot more light to play with on bright wedding days.

Is your Vagabond still functioning?

Update too the thread from me. I sold the vagabond mini and AB1600's and im now using the Cheetahstand CL360 lights. They are more portable for my needs because Im traveling with my lights on airlines. I have 2 cl360's and a CL180. They work very well and the cells 11 transmitter allows me to HSS. That being said I need 2 cl360's all the time outdoors and if i were at the beach with a larger group, i would be wanting a 3rd. So Im can use a prime like a 35L and put it at F/4.0 and keep a lot of people in focus and faster shutter speeds for groups. Otherwise. for couples and small groups the cheetah stands system kicks butt