Flashpoint eVOLV 200 R2 TTL Pocket Flash | (AD200) Thoughts?

260 dollars off the two head kit at adorama with coupon code

$531

https://www.canonprice​watch.com …canon-kit-569-at-adorama/

Too bad I have all that stuff already all I need is the trigger

RDKirk wrote in post #18502397
And by the time you've done all that, you've "lost" as much light as the indirect bounce inside the Apollo, because every layer of diffusion material costs a stop.

That's the point. One should select modifiers based on the light they deliver to the subject and adjust source power and camera settings as required to create the intended image.

I prefer large soft sources with minimum hotspot in the center. That means I use deflection plates. Either those that come with the modifier, or DIY options. Its not perfect but its better.

While I understand the evolv is quite versatile, if you were going to select one (or in my case, first) modifier for this light what would it be? Taking price out of the equation, is there much difference between, say, a glow 31 in Softbox and the 28 in parapop?

wisv1k wrote in post #18504617
While I understand the evolv is quite versatile, if you were going to select one (or in my case, first) modifier for this light what would it be? Taking price out of the equation, is there much difference between, say, a glow 31 in Softbox and the 28 in parapop?

Definitely the AD200 since the versatility lends itself to more experimentation and practice.

When you need something like the AD600 you'll know, but its so cumbersome to transport, set-up, and move around on location that it can discourage learning how to use off camera lights.

In terms of modifiers....the big differences between the more budget friendly stuff and the expensive stuff is durability and ease of set-up. Usually the more affordable stuff is either not very durable (plastic vs metal frame), or is really hard to set-up (assembling rods vs something that pops open). When it comes to the expensive stuff, its also something where you'll know when you need it. I basically spring for things like the rapidbox because I need to set my stuff up for gigs on location really quickly, and because I don't work with assistants and my stuff falls over from time to time and I've broken a lot of cheaper modifiers.

What about size? Is the 28-30ish range a good place to start? I'm tired of wrestling with umbrellas in the wind so looking for something that will be less prone to blowing over in terms of size but will still provide a reasonable softness.

wisv1k wrote in post #18504617
While I understand the evolv is quite versatile, if you were going to select one (or in my case, first) modifier for this light what would it be? Taking price out of the equation, is there much difference between, say, a glow 31 in Softbox and the 28 in parapop?

This is something I have always gone back and forth with. Do I get a less expensive modifier or do I spend more on something that will last longer? It really boils down to what your needs are and how often you are going to use it.

If price is no issue go with the best modifier that has the features of what you need. The cheapest modifier might work for the first few times but the more you use it you will see its limitations. This has been the case for me because I am still learning to shape light more and I understand exactly what you need.( ease of setup, quality of diffused light, build quality)

wisv1k wrote in post #18504647
What about size? Is the 28-30ish range a good place to start? I'm tired of wrestling with umbrellas in the wind so looking for something that will be less prone to blowing over in terms of size but will still provide a reasonable softness.

I think 30 inches +/- a couple inches is a good place to start.

My most used modifier is a 48 inch octa, and I often take it outdoors. Nothing will really work if its windy out, but even 48 inches is doable most of the time.

wisv1k wrote in post #18504617
While I understand the evolv is quite versatile, if you were going to select one (or in my case, first) modifier for this light what would it be? Taking price out of the equation, is there much difference between, say, a glow 31 in Softbox and the 28 in parapop?

I assume you already have the flash, though I just put a post up on Facebook for people asking the same question. If not you can get the flash with 31" softbox effectively for $269 while the offer lasts -

https://www.facebook.c​om …/15437732490494​64/?type=3

The ParaPops are a bit more efficient, though the 31" square softbox has a good size advantage over the smaller round 28" ParaPop. They are both easy to pop open and transport etc, the 31" arguably easier.

The price of the 31" is a no brainer though, and you get the S-type bracket with it, which I would use with the ParaPop anyway. So effectively $15 for a softbox which is handy to have in any case even if you add others later.

I actually don't have the light yet and was looking at those exact bundle options. I am still debating which way to go. I wish I had a cyber Monday crystal ball. I'll probably just bundle the transmitter and use the gift card on a modifier.

No worries. I would personally go with the larger 38" ParaPop then for the extra size. I think its pretty manageable, though you know better what you're up against. If its constant wind you might want to look at a beauty dish.

If you're using Canon or Nikon though I would personally go with the Pro transmitter, just for the interface alone, though the TCM function is very good as well.

I've tried all those, best bang for the buck is the cheetah stuff, very durable and affordable, even more now during their sale

wisv1k wrote in post #18504617
While I understand the evolv is quite versatile, if you were going to select one (or in my case, first) modifier for this light what would it be? Taking price out of the equation, is there much difference between, say, a glow 31 in Softbox and the 28 in parapop?

One modifier? Easy. A decent size umbrella, preferably one with a removable black cover so that it can be used shoot-through or bounce. The simple umbrella is often overlooked; it's an excellent and versatile modifier.

Umbrellas as pain outside. Spend some more and get a nice softbox, ideally foldable one.

This is what I use:

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …EZ_Softbox_Octa​gonal.html

It is a copy of Elinchrom Deep Octa. I have been shooting with it for 5-6 if not more years. No issues so far. In comparison I used my Softliter once in some wind outside and it didn't last more than 15 mins.

Softbox:
https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …e_Q39_Medium_So​ftbox.html

Non-foldable one, using outside for now like 7-8 yrs.

Sure, if it's windy at all an umbrella can be really difficult outside if you don't have help. I am normally stationed at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, so believe me, I understand the frustration. But when it isn't a concern, it's still a very good modifier that gets overlooked once you start looking a lot at softboxes.