I'd spring for the qflash if it could run off AC but i've already got several vagabond batteries and don't want to get into a new battery system or bother with an AC to DC converter. Any alternatives to q-flash I should know about? I don't need TTL.
I'd like something that has bare-bulb capability though.
I've been running the Q flashes since they were released. Still have the same ones and they're bullet proof. I run one powered by the Lumnedyne Quick cycler paired with the Lumnedyne mini battery and one with the standard battery. Excellent recycle times and never run out of power.
Check B&H for the softboxes from Quantum.
The Lumnedyne company is wonderful but I haven't used there heads as I was already into the QFlashes. I never had luck with the Quantum batteries. The Lumnedynes I've gotten between 5 to 7 years before having to replace them. The Quickcyclers have never broken down in over 20 years.
I swear by Quantum's gear. I use 2 Trio's and the Q5D-r for all my studio and location work. There's plenty of modifiers available either Quantum's or after market brands. I use Quantum's 26" Octobox for a lot of my portrait work but there are other modifiers and soft boxes made by companies such as Westcott that work fine.
I use two Turbo SC's and the original Turbo. I bought the Turbo used off eBay and shortly after buying it I got it re-celled at Batteries Plus for $30 and it works all day for over a thousand shots.
It's a great system for head shots, on location, portraits, etc...The only thing to this system that's lacking is a true modeling light for studio work.
I fire everything with the pilot which I control each light from the camera.
The Quantum TURBO AC is available for all day shooting, but I've needed this.
For true bare bulb capabilities Qflash is the only one I know, there may be others that I don't know about, but the Quantum's shine in this category.
Here's some examples taken with the Quantums and their modifiers, either their 12", 26" and standard reflectors.
1. 12" Quantum softbox
http://www.grapevinephoto.com/fm/qf0001.jpg
2. and 3. 26" Quantum Softbox (main) 20° grid for rim, and standard reflector for background
Stunning images. In the end, I decided to go with an Alien Bees B1600 for a portable unit that I can travel overseas with since I already have the VML batteries and some AB softboxes.
those are great portraits. I have the Q5D-R and the DW23/Freewire. Been wanting to add a single Trio for now to use in combination with the Q5D as well as a stand alone in more mobile environments, the Q5D-R and the quantum bracket didn't work for me a lot of times, would rotate forward dropping the photoflex softbox into the shot. Drove me nuts, ended up putting the q5 on a small stand and bouncing out of room corners when I use it.
