Quantum QFlash

I am sorry if this has been posted before, I tried a search and started getting bits and pieces of info Im looking for, but here is the story.

A photographer I work with is having trouble with his 580ex2's and I suggested looking into the Qflash. I know only a little about it, and wanted to know what you guys thought/recommended.

It will be used for portrait and wedding work, on a 5dmk2, and off camera as well.

You need a battery pack for this right? Will the one that he has for his 580's work, or does it have to be a specific model?

How comparable is this to an Alien Bee in terms of power?

Is it worth the upgrade? They are pretty pricey, but Ive heard great things about them.

Anything else I should know? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Ill send this link to him so hopefully it can help both of us out.

Thank you.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #10647989
A photographer I work with is having trouble with his 580ex2's and I suggested looking into the Qflash.

Define "trouble"?

Here's a page on shootsmarter: http://www.shootsmarte​r.com …_content&task=v​iew&id=114
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They seem to like it better then a 580EX.

Then again, you should be able to get a decent shot with a pair of 580's...

Few threads on Quantum:
https://photography-on-the.net …=906165&highlig​ht=Quantum
https://photography-on-the.net …=894725&highlig​ht=Quantum
https://photography-on-the.net …=881450&highlig​ht=Quantum

Their output is higher than the 580EX by a considerable amount...Quantum states GN160 with 'normal' lens coverage (50mm on FF) whereas 580EX has a GN130 rating at that same coverage angle, or about 1.25EV more light. The flash head with removable reflector has a variety of modifiers wider in assortment than what has to be kluged onto a speedlight head. It is powered with the Quantum Turbo battery pack which has capacity larger than two sets of AA batteries in the Canon battery pack, and which does not have to be replaced every few years (as all NiMH need). There is a version that can work off other battery packs like Lumedyne or Norman. The downside of this professional power and flexibility is the cost, at $675 street price for just the flash, plus extra for the battery pack!

Wilt wrote in post #10649980
Their output is higher than the 580EX by a considerable amount...Quantum states GN160 with 'normal' lens coverage (50mm on FF) whereas 580EX has a GN130 rating at that same coverage angle, or about 1.25EV more light. The flash head with removable reflector has a variety of modifiers wider in assortment than what has to be kluged onto a speedlight head. It is powered with the Quantum Turbo battery pack which has capacity larger than two sets of AA batteries in the Canon battery pack, and which does not have to be replaced every few years (as all NiMH need). There is a version that can work off other battery packs like Lumedyne or Norman. The downside of this professional power and flexibility is the cost, at $675 street price for just the flash, plus extra for the battery pack!

i may add only that you can buy used head and turbo at ebay and upgrade them in-factory. you may save 200-300$. i checked briefly my metz58 and qt5dr and ettl histogram with metz looked a bit underexposed everytime. both heads were direct fired.
yep, another ab400 with vagabond would be cheaper

Quantum build quality is outstanding and company support is excellent. The light quality is superior, the flash head more adaptable and more powerful. So by comparison they are not pricey, they're actually a better value.

Have you found a way to mount an AB on your hot shoe ?

If not then you're comparing apples to oranges.

K.C. wrote in post #10658861
Quantum build quality is outstanding and company support is excellent. The light quality is superior, the flash head more adaptable and more powerful. So by comparison they are not pricey, they're actually a better value.

Have you found a way to mount an AB on your hot shoe ?

If not then you're comparing apples to oranges.

i will agree with qtm great service and light studio strobe quality. i like controls and display layout but built might be a bit better. only cons i see.
i put on generic bracket my qt5dr and 5d with 24-70L bloody scary and heavy!

roman_t wrote in post #10659429
i will agree with qtm great service and light studio strobe quality. i like controls and display layout but built might be a bit better. only cons i see.
i put on generic bracket my qt5dr and 5d with 24-70L bloody scary and heavy!

YEP it will make muscles pop!!
Ihave an older Q flash with the Lumedyne power pack that i used with a Pentax 645 before going digital. I plan to go back to that unit once i get it converted by Quantum. My unit is heavy as it uses the power pack which requires a strap to carry but the light output rivals many small studio flashes!! Outstanding coverage either through the regular head with the two difussers or bare bulb. Because of the power pack it also has a modeling light built into the bulb that you can activate and keep on without the flash in needed. turbo pack is lighter and less power then mine but more then the 580 plus the coverage and evenness of light is vastly superior to the 580. If yo are going to use the 580ex2 with a bracket and off camera cord i would reconsider. I am having communication problems with the ex2 using any cord i try due to the poorly designed locking mechanism. The 580 has a screw and presents no communication problems. Check out the threads mentioning problems with the 580ex2 and hotshoe problems.

The 580EX power pack will NOT work with the QFlash.
I happen to have a T5D-r for sale, see my sig.
They are very nice flash for wedding and portraits once you learn how to use them.
The T5D-r will do TTL with Canon camera with proper adapter that fits the hotshoe and plugs into the flash.
Mount the flash, via the 1/4 20 in its base to a bracket. Should be a rotating bracket of some kind.
It is also a nice off camera flash with a useable auto mode. Or, using a Qnexis module will participate in Canon controlled TTL via a master on camera.