I'm looking to kick my lighting up a notch this year. I don't necessarily need a gigantic amount of power. I really just like to give little touches of light especially outdoors. The flashy looking pix with dramatic darkish backgrounds in the middle of the day aren't my thing. I also prefer to have a stealthy footprint. One of my peeves is going to a wedding and all you see is 2 or 3 photographers and a lighting guy carrying a truckload of gear. That said, for some reasons some clients are wanting to hear that I come with an entourage.
I'm considering the two following systems:
SB-900s (I have two already, would get one more)
Radiopoppers
Lastolite EZYBOX
or
Elinchrom Quadra
Comes with it's own manual triggering system with on camera adjustment
Use it my existing light modifiers or EZYBOX
I'm attracted to both systems for different reasons. The speedlight setup seems like it would be super easy to implement. I already have two of them so I could just add another. High speed sync would be nice from time to time.
On the other hand, the Quadra could fill the void of both portable wedding kit as well as small studio kit. I have 3 Travelite monolights that I hardly use so perhaps I could get rid of those. Problem is, when I use them, I generally need that power.
I've got a quadra and absolutely love it. A great way to get a sensible amount of light and I really love the look it gives. Love the skyports as well as a simple and effective way to trigger.
Saying all that though, based on your description of usage I'd be very tempted by the RadioPopper system. It will be much quicker to set up and use and if you're not needing much light it's a good option.
I have Quadras and absolutely love them - also have sb900s and sometimes use them together - The rangers have a learning mode where they can be set to monitor the pre flashes and fire with the main flash - Cheapest way to get an outfit is to buy te 2 head kit then buy a second pack.
I just saw the Quadras set up at Fotocare. They look great! I'd be curious to see examples of their usage in the field, preferably weddings, if possible.
Tony-- Do you ever feel like you need more than your speedlight setup can give? And, are you ever shooting more than one speedlight on a stand? Like, two or three through an umbrella or softbox or... bare or whatever.
You'll always want more power no matter which you go for. It's always the way, you'll think just one more stop of light then get that then just want one more stop. It's like cat nip, you can never get enough.
Saying that though I still stand by my original statement, if you want quick and portable go for the poppers.
Alright I think I'm leaning towards the popper route. I really want to like the Pocketwizard TT1 TT5. I wonder how the Nikon implementation will work out.
