I am in need of some experienced photographers' advice for expanding my lighting capabilities and making a sane business purchase.
I am a full-time editorial portrait, corporate event and portrait, and wedding photographer. I typically have to set up various shots (or rooms) ahead of time to maximize my subject's time. I have been satisfied with renting gear and billing my client when possible, but it is a challenge for next day assignments.
Until recently, the Canon 600EX-RT system has been great to me for portraits and events. 3 speedlites with battery packs and the ST-E3 RT triggers have offered me excellent reliability, just enough power, and a very quick and easy system to set up/tear down. Lately, I have been finding myself lacking in power and/or out shooting my lights, needing more depth of field, or having larger venues to light. Typically my main light source are two speedlites doubled up to increase power or reduce recycle times.
I am in the market to add some more lights to my work flow, with these goals in mind:
1. More power and quicker recycle times (can add more speedlites to double up more of my light sources),
2. Must be reliable for wedding use and use with corporate executives,
3. Must be relatively light weight and compact in size,
4. Simple to use with on-camera power control (God-send tool),
5. Budget oriented.
I have been looking at the possible three options, and need help deciding which is the most practical and best bang-for-the-business buck:
Option A:
– Add 3 more Canon 600EX-RT speedlights
– Add 1 ST-E3 RT trigger
– I would also have to add some battery packs, a load of Eneloop batteries, and a couple of new chargers
This would give me 6 speedlites and 2 triggers, enough to double up my main lights, or break down into multiple, elaborate shots when necessary. Price is okay but I feel I still may be underpowered.
Total price – ~$2,400
Option B:
– Buy 4 Paul C. Buff Einstein 640 monoblocks
– Cyber Commander for adjusting power settings from my camera
– a gang of Cybersync triggers and transceivers
– 2 Vagabond Mini Lithium batteries for location work where a wall plug is not available.
– I'll add in a bunch of accessories, grids, spare parts, etc. just to be safe.
The Einsteins will give me a ton of power and control for a pretty decent price. The Cybersyncs will also pair up to my Speedlites for event work.
Total price – ~$3,500
Option C:
– Buy 4 Elinchrom Quadra S heads with Li-Ion batteries
– Add a couple more packs and batteries
This would give me 4 heads, 4 packs, triggers, and 2 spare batteries. Super lightweight and compact design, decent power, but at a sky-high price.
Total Price – ~$9,000
I'd love to hear your thoughts on these options, pros and cons to each, and any experiences you have. I love my speedlites but I think it's time to only use them for event work or when I must have the smallest setup.
