Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 vs Evolv 200 for hand held lower power needs

I have two Explor 600 lights and sometimes I just don't have time to set them up for candid type portraits of family. Looking for something quick that I can hand hold off camera to get a bit of light on the subject without setting up the 5' Octa on the Explor 600. Do you still use your speedlights or does the evolv work well hand held? What is the ability to dial power down for times you don't need so much power with either unit? How do you work in this situation?

silvermesa1 wrote in post #18495626
I have two Explor 600 lights and sometimes I just don't have time to set them up for candid type portraits of family. Looking for something quick that I can hand hold off camera to get a bit of light on the subject without setting up the 5' Octa on the Explor 600. Do you still use your speedlights or does the evolv work well hand held? What is the ability to dial power down for times you don't need so much power with either unit? How do you work in this situation?

I guess it depends on what you want to do with it other than this purpose to decide, as they both fill this roll very handidly. The AD200 will have more power for other applications at twice to three times the cost depending on the kit you get. The Speedlite will do great (the lithium version is awesome) with access to ETTL & HSS in a light form without any special stuff to work well too. So it's cheaper and does the same job, with a little less output. But, if you're hand holding the light, you're up close to the subject. So unless you are trying to do fill in full sun (which both can do depending how close you are), either will be more than enough for darker conditions at events. The AD200 has more versatility, but again, at a price. Both can be mounted the same way, with speedlite connections. Both can be mounted on a light stick or monpod for handholding with a grip. both can be angled similar, depending on the device used (like an s-bracket). The speedlite will have more flexibility with less gear to get angles/direction, etc. Just know the AD200 won't be on your camera's hot shoe. If you're ok with that, and it's always hand holding, you're good. If you have zero speedlites for hotshoe flash, then it may be worth having the speedlite strictly to gain that option. Sometimes you want to go one handed.

Very best,

silvermesa1 wrote in post #18495626
I have two Explor 600 lights and sometimes I just don't have time to set them up for candid type portraits of family. Looking for something quick that I can hand hold off camera to get a bit of light on the subject without setting up the 5' Octa on the Explor 600. Do you still use your speedlights or does the evolv work well hand held? What is the ability to dial power down for times you don't need so much power with either unit? How do you work in this situation?

I'd lean toward the 200. Its easy to setup for off camera flash in smaller locations. I use a justin clamp with a ball head and adapter that mounts on the spigot of the clamp. The clamp can be a stand on a table, clipped to a floor lamp or curtain rod, etc. bouncing the light into the ceiling or direct as needed.

I usually do this with the fresnel head.

AD200, Westcott Pocketbox Round - 8.5, Statue of Liberty pose.