Which speedlight for Strobist?

Just wondering out of the following list what people prefer to use for Strobist style kits. Please choose only one and if there isnt one listed please post it, But NOT one that needs modifications for vari power.

None of those. My favourite is the Sunpak 383 Super. I prefer it over other flashes that I have (and I have the 580EX as well).

Vivitar 285HV

Why did you omit the Nikon SB-800 and SB-600?

TMR Design wrote in post #5720062
Why did you omit the Nikon SB-800 and SB-600?

Im looking at it from a Canon users point of view, I doubt a Canon user would pay $400 on a SB800 which cant be used on Canon when they can buy a 580EX II for example.

OK well, an SB-800 goes for about $315 but regardless, the strobist mentality is about using strobes in manual mode. Since you have Nikon flashes listed as well as powerful E-TTL strobes like a 580EX II and didn't state that this was from a Canon shooter's perspective, I just thought it would make sense to have those other strobes.

Why did you also omit the Sunpak and Vivitar flashes which seem to be 2 of the most popular manual and strobist flashes?

TMR Design wrote in post #5720073
OK well, an SB-800 goes for about $315 but regardless, the strobist mentality is about using strobes in manual mode. Since you have Nikon flashes listed as well as powerful E-TTL strobes like a 580EX II and didn't state that this was from a Canon shooter's perspective, I just thought it would make sense to have those other strobes.

Why did you also omit the Sunpak and Vivitar flashes which seem to be 2 of the most popular manual and strobist flashes?

I might try change the poll, can i?

NSWESP wrote in post #5720087
I might try change the poll, can i?

I don't think you can edit or add options to a poll after the fact. A moderator might be able to do that. If you know what you want to add you can try PM'ing Leo (PacAce) to make the change.

TMR Design wrote in post #5720095
I don't think you can edit or add options to a poll after the fact. A moderator might be able to do that. If you know what you want to add you can try PM'ing Leo (PacAce) to make the change.

Ive reported my thread with the report button to draw a mod in.

I'm not sure if I'd even word it as a poll - there are just too many good flashes out there - Canon, Nikon, Metz, Sunpak, Vivitar, Sigma, etc, etc. Just my opinion...

I agree Rudi,

Sometimes polls like this have so many choices for so many different reasons that it's hard to draw any conclusions from the results.

Going back to the strobist mentality. I don't think that a lot of people are really looking at features and performance. Price is one of the biggest factors. No doubt that there are some very good inexpensive flashes but I don't think that people are selecting a Sunpak 383 for $80 because they've done the legwork and have determined that the Sunpak is the best solution. It's more a case of $80 being the perfect solution for their needs and their pocket.

TMR Design wrote in post #5720136
I agree Rudi,

Sometimes polls like this have so many choices for so many different reasons that it's hard to draw any conclusions from the results.

Going back to the strobist mentality. I don't think that a lot of people are really looking at features and performance. Price is one of the biggest factors. No doubt that there are some very good inexpensive flashes but I don't think that people are selecting a Sunpak 383 for $80 because they've done the legwork and have determined that the Sunpak is the best solution. It's more a case of $80 being the perfect solution for their needs and their pocket.

I set it as a poll as those above seem to be the most available other then the Vivitars and Sunpaks

I understand that. My point is only that I see this more as a question of "which flash, and why?" rather than just a poll question.

The person that is using his 580EX II for a strobist setup more than likely did not purchase the flash for that specific reason. If they did then it was foolish overspending. They either got it for on (or off) camera E-TTL or as part of a larger wireless E-TTL system.

The person buying a Sunpak 383 is more than likely getting it for either a strobist setup, as a supplemental manual flash in a larger setup, or because it's within their budget and plan on using it on camera as a manual flash.

I use Vivitar 283's. There were always 2 in my bag & they've been there for about 40 years. They never die or let you down, so they can be great for "peace-of-mind" backups when you're using higher powered equipment & they're great for location work. You can still find them on eBay for about $40US.

You can get very precise control with them if you use the Varipower instead of the sensor, but the recycle time at full output in a portrait situation is good only in a very relaxed environment. A remote battery mod would fix that problem, but I've almost never felt the need for it since recycle times are pretty good at ISO 100 f/4-f/5.6 at close range.

Here are a a couple threads that show them.
One on the slide duplicator with the filter hood.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=58609

This one shows the Varipower control & the remote cord for the sensor.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=66358

You'll need the Wein HSHS (Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe) Safe Sync to bring down the trigger voltage so they're safe for use on the 300D & 350.

Vivitar 283; History & comments

A Day in the Life of the Vivitar 283

A review and appreciation of a great design

High speed freeze

Will Crockett DVD - digital ON CAMERA FLASH

Vivitar 283 & 285HV

Favorite non-Canon flash units

Post #29: Shooting a large group

Strobist: On Assignment: Conference Room Quickie
Includes some videos.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5720231
I use Vivitar 283's. There were always 2 in my bag & they've been there for about 40 years. They never die or let you down, so they can be great for "peace-of-mind" backups when you're using higher powered equipment & they're great for location work. You can still find them on eBay for about $40US.

You can get very precise control with them if you use the Varipower instead of the sensor, but the recycle time at full output in a portrait situation is good only in a very relaxed environment. A remote battery mod would fix that problem, but I've almost never felt the need for it since recycle times are pretty good at ISO 100 f/4-f/5.6 at close range.

Here are a a couple threads that show them.
One on the slide duplicator with the filter hood.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=58609

This one shows the Varipower control & the remote cord for the sensor.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=66358

You'll need the Wein HSHS (Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe) Safe Sync to bring down the trigger voltage so they're safe for use on the 300D & 350.

Vivitar 283; History & comments

A Day in the Life of the Vivitar 283

A review and appreciation of a great design

High speed freeze

Will Crockett DVD - digital ON CAMERA FLASH

Vivitar 283 & 285HV

Favorite non-Canon flash units

Thanks, Do they come with the Vari Power unit already installed? Also is a Hot Shoe protector needed for use with Pocket Wizards off camera?