First strobe questions. (brand/new/used/etc)

I might start looking at buy a strobe or two sometime soon. I don't know if I care about TTL, but I might like to have hypersync available as well as battery power and a modeling light.

Any advice? Things to avoid? Anything to watch for if I'm buying used?

I have a couple bowens mount modifiers.. so I'd like to make them work somehow too.

Thanks in advance!
D

What's your budget?

Count me in as well. I'm upping my lighting so this will be interesting if people give feedback

http://flashhavoc.com …ii-c-ttl-flash-announced/

Here is the non ttl on sale from the vendor I would use if I was in the US
https://www.cheetahsta​nd.com …ives-p/cl-360p-combo.htm=

Usually HSS support only comes with an eTTL capable flash unit...it has to be able to accept commands from the camera to control output, of which HSS mode is another supported mode of output.

'Hypersynch' and HSS are two different concepts, usually mixed up by many less informed users.

• Hypersynch is a Pocket Wizard radio supported mode which allows a bit faster shutter speed than usually available yet still in a standard X-synch light output short burst output mode
  
• HSS is a means of changing light from one instantaneous burst of light, to instead outputting a long string of pulsating bursts of light which appear to the eye and the camera as one CONTINUOUS long duration output of light, which can be captured by the camera even at its highest shutter speed.
  

Budget... I guess the sky is the limit, but maybe 600$ish each?

I didn't actually mention HSS.. but I'm only sort of familiar with the difference anyway. At least I know HSS is a continuous burst and hyperspeed is not.

I figured the reason so many strobes require something like a YN622 to get hyperspeed is because it's tricking the camera. (and so it has it's limits)

D

It's not tricking the camera, it's only taking advantage of the flash timing capability of the camera, along with the length of the flash duration. There is a couple of long threads here on POTN that covers the Godox 360. I don't have one, but if I didn't already have three portable packs, that's the product I'd be looking at.

Dan Kearley wrote in post #17768425
Budget... I guess the sky is the limit, but maybe 600$ish each?

I didn't actually mention HSS.. but I'm only sort of familiar with the difference anyway. At least I know HSS is a continuous burst and hyperspeed is not.

I figured the reason so many strobes require something like a YN622 to get hyperspeed is because it's tricking the camera. (and so it has it's limits)

D

Heya,

So it comes down to lights, features, etc, at $600.

600ws and portable, Rovelight 600 or Jinbei.
360ws and portable, Godox or Cheetah AD360 (a new version coming) too.
Or a couple of Yongnuo 685's if you want 4 lights and lots of versatility.

You can also mix and match things.

I would focus on buying into a system that scales so that you can add lights.

I also have found, I have a big portable 600ws strobe which I really enjoy using, but it's big and heavy and unless you have an assistant it can be a bear to setup all the lighting and do the photography by yourself. When I'm totally by myself, I find speedlites are way more convenient, I'm just limited to the ambient light (ie, if it's too bright out, where I cannot overpower it). When I'm shooting in the "too bright" light, I use the 600ws strobe, to muscle through and over power the ambient light (which is why I got it). I go back and forth and use both. Just depends on your needs and where you're shooting and if you're alone or not. I think folk forget to consider what it's like to lug gear around on their own when recommending big strobes and stands and modifiers.

If you're in a studio and not outside, then it's simple, since you don't need portability nor battery packs and you can get a few strobes for your money that are plenty for studio. Then again, flash can do find in studio too! The big difference other than massive output is more the recycle times and such. Again, depends on needs and size of studio.

Very best,

Thanks MavVeauX... that's more or less what I was looking for. That Rovelight could be it.

Heya,

We have a few threads regarding the Rovelight and a few of us that actively use it. Take a look at examples. And also get to know the light's features, etc. It's not a perfect light, but it's one of the most affordable portable powerful 600ws strobes you'll find. With the YN622 transceivers, it's just an absolute beast of a light that is super portable. It's still heavy mind you and the stand it sits on and the large modifiers you'll use with it all add a lot of weight, so keep that in mind. I went with the Rovelight over the Jenbei (same light) simply because Adorama is here in the USA and the warranty and support is here in the USA, so I'm not dealing with warranty/issues over seas and Adorama has great support.

Thread on the Rovelight (pay close attention to the stock transmitter and how to use HSS with it, those are key features to pay note to).

I use my Rovelight 600B (bowen's mount) with a Cheetahstand Boomstand. It holds it nicely with the boom and counter weight (water bottles in the bag) and I stake it down with bunggee & 9" stakes because it's always windy here in Florida. I use two main modifiers with it, and sometimes use it without any modifier other than the stock bowl & diffuser cap. I use a 48" fotodiox EZpro Octa softbox. And I use a 60" silver lined black backed Westscott umbrella as a bounce surface. With 600ws, I can still over power the sun even when bouncing. That's why I dig this light. I use the Yongnuo YN622's with it. One has a PC Sync cable on it to the Rovelight's PC Sync port, which gives me HSS and worry free errorless triggering. I velcro my transceiver to the light.

Some of my configurations here in Florida sun:

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/vFSM​Ua

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/wPgH​Xy

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/wcvp​wQ

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/weYK​Js

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/uc8X​Wr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/vDcf​x7

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/wRUH​xS

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/wf8z​9k

AH... I've seen (and love) those images.

I might as well go for the Jinbei as I'm in Canada. I wonder is it the same Bowens mount?


D

Dan Kearley wrote in post #17768833
AH... I've seen (and love) those images.

I might as well go for the Jinbei as I'm in Canada. I wonder is it the same Bowens mount?


D

Heya,

The Jinbei would be the HD-600V II at this point (latest) with the updated transmitter. And they're Bowen's mounts I'm pretty sure since it's very universal.

Very best,

That boom stand looks like a winner.

Malveaux; I've already got 622s for my speedlights. I guess I could then use them alongside the strobe?

They would only be a fill light at best in the sun, but still.. then I've got 3 functional lights.