using Quantum TD's for location work. Have domes for windy shoots - umbrellas for calmer shoots - using a Lumydyne Mega Cycler (HV battery - 100 pops full pwr/2 lights)) for most sessions or an Invertor (300 pops full pwr/2 lights) for longer/larger sessions. works for me... Ed K.
markd61 wrote:
As for zones, I have still not met any photographers (pro or amateur) who have ever been more ambitious than setting another channel for shooting so as to not interfere with the other setup. I can see how someone might use them but so far (for me) it is a feature in search of a user.
Really? Using a remote to adjust the power of individual lights (via zones) is the bees knees. It's why Nikon, Canon, PocketWizard, Buff and others developed multi-zone flash and/or trigger systems. Cheetah's trigger controls up to 16 separate zones, which is arguably overkill....unless you're Joe Mcnally
markd61 wrote:
...As for zones, I have still not met any photographers (pro or amateur) who have ever been more ambitious than setting another channel for shooting so as to not interfere with the other setup.
You must not know many photographers who use multiple Speedlites/Speedlights. There are many of us right here on this board who use A:B C ratios or the equivalent frequently, using either radio links or the camera brand's optical links (Canon Wireless, Nikon CLS, etc.).
My location shooting set up consist 2 Dynalite uni400jr monolights coupled with 2 Vagabond mini batts, I also have jackrabbit batts but it's more like a backup for the Vagabonds, 2 umbrellas, 2 stands, and 2 pocket wizzards. This set up so far never failed me and they pretty durable and affordable.
Consider Lumedyne: very flexible in terms of power choices; can do both A/C and D/C; proven reliability - built like tanks, yet heads are very lightweight; easy to travel with or even carry on your shoulder; can use industry standard light shapers like Chimera softboxes, etc. with speedrings; tons of used equipment available for not a lot of $$.
No, Lumedyne is not as technologically advanced as many other systems, but that's part of their beauty. I've used the same units for 10 years and have zero issues -- I haven't even had to replace a flash tube!
markd61 wrote:
As for zones, I have still not met any photographers (pro or amateur) who have ever been more ambitious than setting another channel for shooting so as to not interfere with the other setup. I can see how someone might use them but so far (for me) it is a feature in search of a user.
Visit the wedding forum. MANY of them use more than one zone. I use at least two for every wedding and can remotely control them.
