VML or VLX for ski photography?

I am purchasing a White Lightning X3200 (1320 Ws) strobe for ski photography. I am contemplating whether or not to go with the VML or VLX. The VML is rated for approx 200-250 full-power pops whereas the VLX is rated for 250. So roughly the same. Things to consider. Weight. Initial cost. Cost of extra battery. Size. How well will each unit handle the sub zero temperatures. Ideally, I would like to keep the battery in a backpack which my assistant will be wearing. So size and weight mean a lot. If I can get away with the VML, that's what I would prefer to do. But I want to know what you guys think first. Is the size and weight of the new VLX worth dealing with?

Thanks in advance.

Ryan

Aressem wrote in post #17016563
I am purchasing a White Lightning X3200 (1320 Ws) strobe for ski photography. I am contemplating whether or not to go with the VML or VLX. The VML is rated for approx 200-250 full-power pops whereas the VLX is rated for 250. So roughly the same. Things to consider. Weight. Initial cost. Cost of extra battery. Size. How well will each unit handle the sub zero temperatures. Ideally, I would like to keep the battery in a backpack which my assistant will be wearing. So size and weight mean a lot. If I can get away with the VML, that's what I would prefer to do. But I want to know what you guys think first. Is the size and weight of the new VLX worth dealing with?

Thanks in advance.

Ryan

My VML's battery is starting to tank after just two years, whereas the VLX battery is supposed to last up to ten years and can withstand a lot more charge cycles than the VML. In the long term the VLX is considerably more economical, in addition to recycling faster than the VML. IMO the VLX is well worth the extra cost. For me the exta size and weight aren't an issue, as the unit is still pretty small compared to other brands.

Bear in mind that the operating the units in a backpack probably isn't a good idea as
you'd be blocking the cooling fans.

Strobo wrote in post #17016689
Bear in mind that the operating the units in a backpack probably isn't a good idea as
you'd be blocking the cooling fans.

Probably not going to be an issue at -5 to -15 degrees Celsius

I actually just got off the phone with Paul C. Buff. They said that it would more than likely work, granted the cold temperatures but they can't guarantee that. The reason I wanted it to stay in a pack pack was simply for ease of movement and to keep it dry incase it starts to rain. That is the one disadvantage of switching from elinchrom. :/

If you are going to do some ski photography, Is this going to be the typical, "on the mountain" family type stuff? or are these going to be in-air action shots?

If they are action shots, you may want to consider something with considerably faster flash duration.

This kind of application screams profoto B1.

At max power, if the subject is moving, they are GOING to be flash-dragged across the frame with the white-lightning.


If price is a concern, I suppose, the new and unreleased, cheetah stand CL600 could do, you could have your assistant(who will hate you) carry the battery pack in a backpack, and just prop up the light.


If you were really attached to the idea of the VLX battery pack, you could look at a profoto D1 1000w/s, a speedotron Force10, a elinchrom style1200, or 600.

But a better question may be, what is your budget?

pyrojim wrote in post #17016942
If you are going to do some ski photography, Is this going to be the typical, "on the mountain" family type stuff? or are these going to be in-air action shots?

If they are action shots, you may want to consider something with considerably faster flash duration.

This kind of application screams profoto B1.

At max power, if the subject is moving, they are GOING to be flash-dragged across the frame with the white-lightning.


If price is a concern, I suppose, the new and unreleased, cheetah stand CL600 could do, you could have your assistant(who will hate you) carry the battery pack in a backpack, and just prop up the light.


If you were really attached to the idea of the VLX battery pack, you could look at a profoto D1 1000w/s, a speedotron Force10, a elinchrom style1200, or 600.

But a better question may be, what is your budget?

I understand how flash duration works. I just sold my elinchrom ranger on Saturday. As durable as my ranger pack was, I am switching to all Paul C. Buff for action and portrait work. The X3200 will be used at higher shutter speeds, thanks to Hypersync. I got sick and tired of ghosting issues, despite my rangers fast flash duration, so this is my new game plan. I am simply looking for advice from those of you who have had a chance to use both vagabond systems mentioned above. Thanks.

VML will be slower to recycle with X3200 unless you running the lights at lower powers.

Recycle times aren't a great concern. I suppose what j really want to know is: which one will perform better in the cold?

Aressem wrote in post #17018900
Recycle times aren't a great concern. I suppose what j really want to know is: which one will perform better in the cold?

The "Cold" will certainly degrade the battery in terms of capacity and how many "POPS" you get. Depending on the how cold the environment you are operating in, you could see 50% of the battery capacity vanish. http://batteryuniversi​ty.com …high_and_low_te​mperatures There could be some issues with discharging the battery at cold temp with a heavy load. I glanced at the specs, but I did not see any references to temp in the specs....

Regards,

110yd