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 p.9 #9 · Elinchrom Quadra - got it yet? | |
Daan B wrote:
Speedlights are even smaller and lighter... 
Not saying that you should compare speedlights with the Quadra... but the same goes for comparing the Quadra with the Ranger as well.
I have tried many different solutions over the years. Unfortunately, you really do need to get hands on testing to determine the best fit for you, and for your specific application.
For example, I have a set of 3 Canon 550EX and a ST-E2. That cost more than $1,000, and I have used it very rarely, though I use the individual speedlights sometimes for sports, etc.
I also had a set of Dynalite Uni JR 400's. Those use smaller Quyantum Turbo-compatible batteries. That really is a nice set-up. It gets about 100 full power shots on a set of Jackrabbit (Dynalite) batteries. It can also use Dynalite modifiers, which is the biggest plus. Pretty compact and light weight. Two monolights with batteries cost about $1,000 used.
I also used a Dynalite XP1100, which is a portable battery and inverter to provide AC power for monolights, power packs, etc. on location. That was a great unit. It has a true 1100 watts of power (about 3-4x as much as a Vagabond 2, 7x as much power as a Tronix, etc.) It weighs about 22 pounds, which is just a few pounds more than a Vagabond at 18 pounds. Those cost about $1,100 used.
It also uses interchangeable batteries. It takes just a few seconds to swap out batteries, which is a really nice feature! Shoot all day and no need to worry about running out of power!
I could use the XP1100 with my good quality packs when I was working in a controlled situation. I also used it with a Speedotron Brownline pack and heads when I had to work outside in the rain one time. Or as an alternate source for my Dynalite Uni JR 400's - as backup if my Jackrabbit/Turbo batteries ran out of power.
Eventually I migrated to self-contained power packs with a built in battery. In my case I use a Broncolor Mobil, which is a 12 pound unit with 2 pound heads. So a pack with 2 heads and an extra battery weighs about the same as a Vagabond battery by itself. Those sell for about $1,800 used. The Visatec Litepac version sells for about $1,000 used with 1 or 2 heads.
There are also the higher-end battery packs, like the Profoto B2 and Broncolor Verso, that approach the functionality of an AC studio pack on location.
I think most people here who have migrated to a pack with battery solution - Ranger, Porty, etc. - use that more than other solutions, like speedlights.
The first question really needs to be, what quality of output do you need? I, personally, am **rarely** happy with a speedlight with modifers. (But I also don't shoot weddings, etc.) We are seeing better solutions than were available in the past, like the pop-up softboxes or even the Photoflex extra small softbox.
If something like speedlights aren't adequate for your purpose, the question is, which other portable solution is easiest to use while giving you the access to the modifiers you need and the power you need for the specific setup? I personally wopuld rather do a little extra work to haul the equipment I want toi give me the quality I want. The only ones who are really impressed by poor quality shots that are done with little equipment are other photogs. The client only really sees the poor quality. They don't really care that it was done with a flashlight from 1,000 feet away at ISO 128,000!
The Quadra seems like a great solution. But I already have **way** too much equipment - no excuse to add more.
Best,
Michael
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