Csae wrote:
The Quadra A head can reach up to 1/6000 flash duration at 133ws. (No clue if its t1 or t5 but even half that would be pretty darn fast)
Not sure what the fastest speed at full is, but with that option, i dont think i'd ever call the quadra "slow."
I wouldn't call it weak either.
But i'd sure as hell call them pricey, try not to find faults where there aren't Mr. Buff, you wouldn't like someone doing that to your products. The big fault with the quadras is the Price point.
As far as i know, (And i'm sure there are some Profoto/Bronc/etc variants) the most used flash for sports on the high-end is the Ranger A system, which offers a whole LOT of power, and fast flashes, also uses a head/pack combo that can be mounted in the rafters, isn't very big. By high-end, i would mean SI high or just major publications high. I am now curious enough to see if i can find out what SI is using to shoot finals. I remember reading some thorough guides but i don't remember them mentioning what kind of equipment they'd use or be allowed to use (Mindful of the TV cameras i'd guess)
I am sure there are ways to use a flash like an Einstein on the court, mounting stuff to rafters doesn't need the size of a SB-900. You just need to do it properly, and i'm sure the Einstein could haul its weight and with its price point, become a viable option for shooting sports for mid-end photographers.
Don't make me out to be a eli fanboy, i wouldn't think twice about selling them and getting other lights if i could find a good deal. But for the years i've spend with elis so far, i had to learn about them and see if there are viable options in the future. ...Show more →
While this is off topic, I just wanted to touch on the topic of strobing sports. If you're going to set something up in the rafters, or anywhere you can't gain easy access, it's not going to be a battery operated system like the Ranger.
It will be AC powered. Many photographers use White Lightnings for sheer bang for the buck. The Einstein seems to be a logical progression. On the 'high end' you're traditionally looking at Speedotron systems. While Speedo is not quite at the level of Profoto or Broncolor among commercial/studio photographers, it seems to be beloved in sports circles.
adamdewilde wrote:
I've had a Quadra, it was to expensive for the fact that it felt damn cheap in the hand.. I had an awful time with the added modifier adapter, made to use regular softboxes. It damn well couldn't even hold up a 3ft octa when I've tightened it beyond its limits. And it made the Quadra not so compact once you added that into the mix.. The other thing that really bothered me, was taking the battery off and putting it on.. The locking mechanism was horrid, and on more then one occasion I thought it was just going to break right off..
Overall really just cheaply made.
The AB+VBM is lighter and does the trick all the same + you can use the VBM on stand as a counter balance (well not really it's so light!) and you run a 2ft cord to your AB bingo you have a good combo! Cheaper then Quadra, bettter built, good quality and works exactly the same when you factor actual mass its a great combo..
....Show more →
Adam, you must have been an early Quadra adopter. The issue with the mount adapter has apparently been fixed, but can also be done easily with a couple washers. I regularly use my Deep Octa with the Quadra and the mount adapter has no issues supporting the modifier. And the adapter can be stored in the DO's travel bag, so it's not that much extra bulk.
I still have my AB1600s, and use them along with the Quadras when needed, but the primary reasons I got the Quadra were for highly consistent shot to shot output and shorter flash duration (and overall portability). With the ABs I too often had exposure fluctuations (I tend to be a rapid shooter, so would notice this). The Einstein addresses this as well as the AB's lengthened flash duration at lower power settings, but was on the market nearly a year too late for me to wait.
I'll still buy Einsteins to replace the ABs, and a couple VMLs, just waiting for the Einstein bugs to be worked out.
adamdewilde wrote:
I've seen what you take photos of Kent, and the weather conditions you've shot in... I think you need to worry more about investing in good gloves. Can't take photos if you don't have fingers
I have clothing designed for polar expeditions! It allows me to stay out as long as I want, no matter the conditions. You can't fool around when you're out in the middle of nowhere and it's hitting 40 below. What if the car won't start and it's 2 AM?
CanadianEh wrote:
To charge an iPhone quickly in the field you would need to use the Apple USB Power Adapter (taking up one of the outlets) and not your built-in USB port.
Can you use a power strip to have more outlets like folks do when using VB-II?
I know you must cringe when you hear design change suggestions, but I only mention this in hopes of making an exceptional product even more so.
The USB port on the Vagabond Mini outputs (I'm assuming) 5V 0.5A ?
The charger for many phones output 5V 1A. Some devices can only charge from 0.5A when turned off (such as the iPad), and even then charge slowly.
Would it be difficult to modify the Vagabond Mini to output 5V 1A? To charge an iPhone quickly in the field you would need to use the Apple USB Power Adapter (taking up one of the outlets) and not your built-in USB port....Show more →
This was brought up by Rob Galbraith. The inverter vendor says raising the USB current would require a redesign. Want to wait another two months and pay more for this? The vast majority will say no. The easy solution to this is probably using a powered USB extender, powered from the Vagabond's AC output.
adamdewilde wrote:
Not offended... I agree as well, which is why I'm plenty pleased about the VMB, a two foot cord is much better then a 20ft cord
But hey, doesn't hurt to ask.
3' cords are being made in 120V and 230V as an accessory. 230V users should order an accessory cord - 3' or 15' so they don't have to go searching for one. They're not on the site yet.The cord we will offer will power virtually any 230V light with removable computer style (IEC) universal power inlet.
As for a magnetic induction power source . . . science fiction.
adamdewilde wrote:
I've seen what you take photos of Kent, and the weather conditions you've shot in... I think you need to worry more about investing in good gloves. Can't take photos if you don't have fingers
While Lithium batteries perform better in cold weather than other battery types, all rechargeable Lithium manufacturers quote discharge specs as -20°C to 60°C. -20C isn't all that cold (-4°F). For people like Kent I would probably wrap the Mini in insulation (leaving the air vents open). If you do this in your car first you can probably successfully use in in really cold places.
rscheffler wrote:
While this is off topic, I just wanted to touch on the topic of strobing sports. If you're going to set something up in the rafters, or anywhere you can't gain easy access, it's not going to be a battery operated system like the Ranger.
It will be AC powered. Many photographers use White Lightnings for sheer bang for the buck. The Einstein seems to be a logical progression. On the 'high end' you're traditionally looking at Speedotron systems. While Speedo is not quite at the level of Profoto or Broncolor among commercial/studio photographers, it seems to be beloved in sports circles.
Be sure to read all the links at the bottom of the page.
Ron ...Show more →
I believe Speedos are beloved for sports by very old photographers. They are notoriously slow in flash duration compared to many new power pack systems.
Paul Buff wrote:
3' cords are being made in 120V and 230V as an accessory. 230V users should order an accessory cord - 3' or 15' so they don't have to go searching for one.
It would be really great if they were Down Angled cords like your DAUPC15. Even one of those at 8 feet would be great.
Paul Buff wrote:
While Lithium batteries perform better in cold weather than other battery types, all rechargeable Lithium manufacturers quote discharge specs as -20°C to 60°C. -20C isn't all that cold (-4°F). For people like Kent I would probably wrap the Mini in insulation (leaving the air vents open). .
Paul, what I've been doing with the Vagabond 1 packs that I've been using is to drop one of those large sized chemical handwarmers down in next to the battery, and stuff a bit of old wool blanket around the top. This has worked great at temps in the -20F to -30F range. It would likely work down to about -50F, but at those temps the dieself fuel in the trains will gel and they won't be running anyway.
Paul Buff wrote:
This was brought up by Rob Galbraith. The inverter vendor says raising the USB current would require a redesign. Want to wait another two months and pay more for this? The vast majority will say no. The easy solution to this is probably using a powered USB extender, powered from the Vagabond's AC output.
Would this be possible to do as an update for future Vagabond Mini orders from your inverter vendor? I'd wait another 2 months for this if it made the product more usable for me. Cost? Well depending on what the cost is I might be willing to pay more too.
CanadianEh wrote:
Would this be possible to do as an update for future Vagabond Mini orders from your inverter vendor? I'd wait another 2 months for this if it made the product more usable for me. Cost? Well depending on what the cost is I might be willing to pay more too.
It is very difficult to make this kind of change at the vendor level since it require complete redesign and tens of thousands of dollars, increased product price, delays, multiple field versions of the same product, etc.
.5A USB is fine, and I say that as an iPad and iPhone owner. It will charge an iPad, just slowly, bit the battery lasts forever anyway. If it's really important to you, you can carry the quite small AC adapter, or get a dedicated iPad solution for $100.
Paul Buff wrote:
3' cords are being made in 120V and 230V as an accessory. 230V users should order an accessory cord - 3' or 15' so they don't have to go searching for one. They're not on the site yet.The cord we will offer will power virtually any 230V light with removable computer style (IEC) universal power inlet.
As for a magnetic induction power source . . . science fiction.
Yeah, after placing my order, I realized that I don't have the plug head that you've put on your VBM, and it's probably easier to get a dedicated plug rather then adapting it. So maybe I'll order a few 3ft plugs while I'm at it. That or I'll switch up my order to 120v version, since all my lights are multi-voltage.
Two23 wrote:
I have clothing designed for polar expeditions! It allows me to stay out as long as I want, no matter the conditions. You can't fool around when you're out in the middle of nowhere and it's hitting 40 below. What if the car won't start and it's 2 AM?
HAHAHH, awesome!
I'm down with everything but the pants (I use to brave Canadian winters in lightweight winter clothing). Tropical weather has made me soft, so maybe the pants would be a good idea. How do you use those gloves with your camera?
adamdewilde wrote:
Yeah, after placing my order, I realized that I don't have the plug head that you've put on your VBM, and it's probably easier to get a dedicated plug rather then adapting it. So maybe I'll order a few 3ft plugs while I'm at it. That or I'll switch up my order to 120v version, since all my lights are multi-voltage.
Adam,
I think the 3' dedicated cords would serve you better than adaptors. They will be under $10.
rscheffler wrote:
Adam, you must have been an early Quadra adopter. The issue with the mount adapter has apparently been fixed, but can also be done easily with a couple washers. I regularly use my Deep Octa with the Quadra and the mount adapter has no issues supporting the modifier. And the adapter can be stored in the DO's travel bag, so it's not that much extra bulk.
I still have my AB1600s, and use them along with the Quadras when needed, but the primary reasons I got the Quadra were for highly consistent shot to shot output and shorter flash duration (and overall portability). With the ABs I too often had exposure fluctuations (I tend to be a rapid shooter, so would notice this). The Einstein addresses this as well as the AB's lengthened flash duration at lower power settings, but was on the market nearly a year too late for me to wait.
I'll still buy Einsteins to replace the ABs, and a couple VMLs, just waiting for the Einstein bugs to be worked out.
Yes, I believe I was. A friend of mine also mentioned this to me, but he claims the improvement is JUST good enough. Still not what he expected. Oh and they've also just released those caps that protect the bulb and diffuse the light. I can't believe they didn't think of that when the lights were first produced. Anyway, overall bad experiance with the Quadras, the only think I actually liked about them, was there small size. AcuteB600 is a way more hardy system in my opinion.
