... a real dilemma indeed! ... what would you do?

Hi,

Overview:
My current flash setup comprises of the 580exII's and PW miniTT1 & various TT5's.
I use the Sekonic L-758DR to remotely trigger the flashes to ascertain correct exposure settings. At the moment all seems to be working perfectly well.
I use various 'borrowed' camera-bodies (7D/40D/5D/30D/6D/60D) from fiends for photo-shoots that they need me to attend, so I take along my flash gear and triggers. I do make sure that everything is calibrated before any given shoot with the Sekonic/colour-checker passport. [Don't ask me about batteries! ]

Dilemma:
To take my photography to the next-level what would you guys choose between:
a) 4 x Canon 600ex-RT's & ST-E3-RT combo
or
b)1 x ProFoto B1 (various modifiers/reflectors) - hmmm battery-pack

I haven't found any info' on the ProFoto being compatible with the PW's.
The PW site does list the 600ex-rt as being compatible with both the mini & the TT5.

Yes, I have experimented with firing my current flashes at a distance of 60m+ - but only as an experiment to test the capability. The 30m distance offered by Canon is more than adequate - never shoot studio-based in excess of 10m anyway.

I leave for Bulgaria for a 3month break within the next few days so I will be able to experiment tirelessly with any new purchased kit.

A btw fact:
Yeah I know, I am currently camera-less. I travel around quite a bit, so to get a good deal at an airport will be quite easy.
I need the GPS & Wifi capability for what I shoot -> 6D
I love the silky-smooth quality of images that the 5Diii produces

It really depends on your preference.....
Personally, I would go with the 600's because I like shooting more than just one light. And if you go with the Profoto and you're on location and it takes a fall, then you're S.O.L. Whereby if one of your 600's take a fall, pull out another one and keep shooting. Yes, I know that the 600's does not have the power near the Profoto, but I rarely shoot outdoors in the mid-daylight sun. So, again, it comes down to preference and shooting style. Sounds like you're really the only person who can answer this question.....

Well I can tell you this. Canon RT only plays nicely with Canon RT. There are no exceptions except for on. The YN-E3-RT which was designed specifically for Canon RT. If you use PW with a 600 you need to put a PW receiver on the flash.

This goes for Sekonic as well. It will not work with Canon RT. . I called Sekonic about a year ago and they have no plans to come up with Canon friendly RT. Sekonic is in bed with PW.

My work around is this. When using my Sekonic I'm on manual. I carry the ST-SE around with my Sekonic. I use the test button on the ST-E3 to fire a flash one at a time and adjust. I cut the foot stand down a bit and attached a strap. When done the ST-E3 goes on the camera.

What do you normally shoot?
For people/portraits, a modeling light is indispensable, and would be the deciding factor for me.

Also, the Profoto B1 is already battery-powered, so you don't need an external battery like a Vagabond. Unless you mean a second battery - if it's even swappable, that is.

If I had the cash I would go with a Profot B1 over the speed lights any day of the week. AA batteries can get expensive, and the recycle times of speedlights (especially when the batteries start getting low) seems like an eternity. Alas, though, my cash flow does not allow a B1 to be in my bag. Speedlight for now, with an AB800 in the very near future...hopefully.

Yes, the battery pack in swappable. I think an extra battery cost around $250.

Your choices are on the extreme end. I would skip the speedlites if you are serious about any sort of studio work in the long run. But you dont have to jump all the way to profoto. There are other monolights including elinchrom that will allow you a fuller kit at lesser costs.

I'm selling an elinchrom ranger if you decide to go that route

See link in signature.

Thanks for these suggestions guys. I know it's a tough one!

@ Mark: yeah, minimal-loss Vs total-loss. Much easier to replace a single 600 than a B1
@ D..P..: so, I should just go completely with the Canon flash solution!?! - you have an ingenious solution
@Nathan: Individuals 'posing' with guns/cars/etc... // outdoor shoots for budding models // general.

Also, I hook-up with other photographers in both Brazil & Bulgaria where we experiment with various lighting scenarios for glamour and formal portraits. My contribution here is generally to provide additional lighting options - so I take all my gear along. Sometimes, If I feel like it then I will 'lead' and roll-off a couple of CF cards during any one given session. My interest is mainly Macro at the moment.
I use a PW flexTT5 attached to my MT-24ex macro lite (yes this works well too) with the MiniTT1 on the camera-body.
So far, my friends are being very patient with me in 'loaning-out' their cameras to me for my 'experiments'. When done, I either 'gift' them the shots that they want or I store them onto backup hard-drives.


I really like the way the Sekonic helps me accurately control the exposures with the PW's on the 580's.
It's a neat solution that thus far has worked extremely well.

I just need more light to shoot outdoors around the time of sunset.

I watched this ProFoto video that has given me some interesting ideas [UK £1,600.00]: http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=isfxMXpkm_Y

I also watched this video with 6 x Canon 600's + ST-E3-RT solution. [UK 4 x £450.00, + £250 = £2,000ish]
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=7cwTQfv2NOY

gonzogolf wrote in post #16940677
Your choices are on the extreme end. I would skip the speedlites if you are serious about any sort of studio work in the long run. But you dont have to jump all the way to profoto. There are other monolights including elinchrom that will allow you a fuller kit at lesser costs.

Just saw this Post, sorry G..G.. -> can you recommend a battery-operated model by any brand that you believe is reliable.

Aressem wrote in post #16940682
I'm selling an elinchrom ranger if you decide to go that route

See link in signature.

Wow, I am so so tempted. Here in the UK, prices for gear are ridiculous. I wish I was permanently based in the USA. Then I could afford both the lights and the Shipping. No way will it work out for me to get this Shipped to me here or for Bulgaria.

Cham_001 wrote in post #16940749
Just saw this Post, sorry G..G.. -> can you recommend a battery-operated model by any brand that you believe is reliable.

I would suggest E*****om since you are international as opposed to USA. In USA I would suggest alien bees. Keep in mind that the battery pack system and the lights are, or at least can be, separate. The vagabond packs for Alien Bees will power other brands of strobe.