quantum qflash, advise, help wanted

[Marc]

we shoot a lot of journallistic events, people, small groups, lots of sports.

I want a better portable light solution, do any of you use the qflash, your opinions, help, experience anything and every thing is welcome.

happy new year everyone, helpwanted on the qflash system

[michaelnotar]

what camera do you shoot?

i had one for a little while, really not many advantages over a hot shoe mounted light. slighter better yes, but bulkier and clunkier etc...not worth extra hassle.

i think a dedicated multiple speedlight setup would work best for you, using wireless sync and wireless TTL.

might use monolights off the cieling of a large venue for some ambient on top of a on camera flash.

for me its either hotshoe flash or studio strobe (could be battery powered...profoto 7b/speedotron explorer)

[JamesBeine]

I use it and love it for weddings. The qnexus is really cool and very sensitive to Nikons' CLS system.

[Dennis_Vied]

Sorry I don't use it, but I have been interested since I learned they work with the Nikon and Canon digital TTL systems. The advantages seem to be more power and versatility, the trade-offs seem to be more expense, and slightly more weight and bulk. I, too, am interested in the responses here.

[Marc]

well, i shoot nikon.

I here what you are saying, strobing is out of the question for many different types of shooting.

I have plenty of sb800's, but i want a more powerful solution.

I have always stopped short of buying the qflash, because there are two many moving parts.
qnexus, free x wire, batteries, brackets, cables holy cow.

well i have been doing my homework, i do alot of event, people shooting.
These scream for better light, make it easy and i will use it.
I bought a complete qflash system , this week.
I think it is great, I plan on using it this weekend for 2 events, plus a sb800 on camera.
I will use it new years eve at a very large event, I am shooting, i can only imagine how much easier and more consistent , this system will be for lighting these events.

The light is stronger, they have all kinds of modifiers, and it is totally portable and basically wireless.

I will report back with the results.

Thanks for all the help.

[ChristianLandry]

I came very close to make the big move last year, but since I couldn't find anyone around me that knew anything about Quantum, I put it on hold! As a Nikon user with 4 SB-600 I am looking for more power and control in the field. I think that the 400W kit with Freewire has been design for my needs !
I will be anxiously waiting for your report ....

[Tommy Humphrey]

Marc:

You can relax. You have done a good thing. I went into my QFlash experience with high hopes and high expectations. QFlash never met my expectations for TTL. I don't have the latest iterations like you, so I can't speak for their TTL performance today.

I do know what I have in my QFlash kit though. Great light! Once you are rigged up with a good quality flash meter and some PW's, you will have studio quality lighting at your disposal.

Experiment with the new TTL technology and see what you have. If that doesn't measure up, you still have Auto mode and Manual mode to work with. Which I think this system handles excellently.

Are you going to be shooting static groups? If so, set it up to shoot manual flash. A while back, I was watching a Will Crockett video and he recommended a Stanley FatMax Laser Measurer for measuring distance to your subject. For shooting manual on-camera this is outstanding. It has really sped me up. Just divide the distance into your GN and you are set.

One more thing, you really have to take the time and effort to get to know this system. The back of a QFlash can be intimidating. It can get really confusing real quick if you aren't familiar with the controls.

Good luck! You made an excellent purchase. Be proud to shoot in Auto and Manual if TTL doesn't work out. Your quality of light on your subject will be wonderful.

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