Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: CBarrett on April 19, 2010, 06:08:01 pm
-
I'm thinking to augment my D1 kit with a 2400ws Pack/ 2 head kit. I've rented Acute kits often enough and have always been happy with them. I assumed that would be the direction I'd go, but now I'm also looking at the D4 pack. I'm guessing it might be a little more robust and travel better. I also really like that every bank has it's own digital variator. Of course the D4 is twice as heavy as the Acute. The price diff (though substantial) isn't a big deal. I'm willing to put the money into a pack that will last me several years. Who's used both of these and has opinions?
Gracias,
CB
-
i have a whole bunch of the Acutes, 12's and 24's. I love them; they travel well. Rugged. I do find though, that I can't power-trim each individual channel kind of a drag. You get into compromises. Especially for what you do, I might go with something with more control. I think the Acutes are great for people and editorial, when you're just blasting away into a silk or a wall. Not that precise needed. I think the Acutes are best with just one head into each pack; that way, you just go A+B, and dial them up and down with the power-trim.
-
Chris, do yourself a favor and get the D4 pack -- seriously it's the best studio packs I've ever used. You can also control it from your laptop. The individual channel adjustments are very accurate and make fine-tuning a breeze; a direct adjustment for each head instead of throwing permutations of switches and dials to get to the final balance you want -- and no more moving stands in and out a few inches here and there.
As an aside though, you mentioned traveling with it -- how much power for how many heads do you usually need on any given set? I only ask because it was travel that had me swap out my entire lighting set -- I now shoot with Elinchrom Ranger and Quadra packs. The Ranger is only 1100WS but for most of my applications that is plenty, and a few of those and one or two smaller Quadra packss make for a really versatile set and no AC required. If you're shooting fashion, or zillions of product shots, then these aren't the right choice. But if you're shooting is limited to a few hundred frames and three of four heads per shoot, these are probably worth looking into as an option...
Cheers,
-
I liked the D4 but it was a little big and a little heavy for travel, and the flash duration isn't better than the Acutes. I know the flash duration isn't a big deal for your work, but it used to be a big deal for me.
I have many many Pro 7's, a D4 2400, and three Acute 1200s, and an Acute 2400. I use the Acutes for travel. They are rugged and don't draw much power, which is a serious consideration when shooting in old buildings. I fit the Acutes in a 1600 Peli case, and the heads in a 1500 case.
I use one head per pack, sometimes two. When using two heads, I can use one for fill and one for key, and vary them somewhat independently with the controls. Additional adjustments come courtesy of the inverse square law, i.e. by moving the lights. I'me very satisfied with them. In a studio, the Pro7s or the D4 are fantastic.
-
horses for courses. hands down the D4 is the best pack I've ever used (after norman digital, speedo, lots of broncolor, etc). worth every penny. But I don't lug it around much (85% of my work is in my studio). I do use it on location, but not a lot. it's like crack, once you try you wont want to go back to acutes. I have acutes as well, great for travel and 2 light enviro portrait, etc, but nothing compared to D4. rent...you'll see!
-
CB - 1 D4, heads and some head extensions might be all you need?
-
CB - 1 D4, heads and some head extensions might be all you need?
I was thinking of using it mainly when I put up a silk and utilizing my D1's for isolated areas. The D1's have got me totally addicted to the digital variator... I love being able to knock down (even something as broad as a ceiling bounce) by 3/10 of a stop. I am actually renting a kit for thursday's shoot, so anxious to see how they work.
The one thing I have to wonder, though.... how long until they Integrate the Air wireless system into these? I love it with my D1's.
Thanks for all the feedback!
-
I currently have the D1 monlights. prior to that I had a D4 pack+heads. As everyone has said, the D4 is great. Rugged, precise, and I found the controls more intuitive and better designed than those on the Acutes. I got the D1s because I wanted more flexibility in terms of positioning the lights. Instead of having to pay well over $200 for each head extension cable, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1348...ion_Cable_.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/134844-REG/Profoto_330601_Head_Extension_Cable_.html), I can just use extension cords. More importantly, I didn't really need the amount of power my D4 2400 pack put out; most often, I was shooting with the heads at or near their minimums (I shoot portrait and fashion). Buy I really loved the D4 despite all that.
My only reservation might be the lack of integration between the D4 (pocketwizard triggering or laptop control thru USB cable) and the D1s (Air triggering or laptop control thru the Air software, wired or wireless). While you could control and trigger the D1s thru Air and fire the D4 in slave mode (or vice versa), you can't control them both through the same system. And I don't think it's possible for Profoto to update the D4 to incorporate Air. So either they'll replace the D4 with a "D5 Air" or they'll just leave it as-is and expect people who want to use multiple Air products to buy the Pro-8a Air, which only has two head sockets instead of four like the D4 and is also an order of magnitude more expensive than the D4: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5848...Power_Pack.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/584855-REG/Profoto_901001_Pro_8a_Air_Power_Pack.html)
I should also note that my D4's built-in pocketwizard would very sporadically get "out of sync" with the pocketwizard on the camera. Everything would be chugging along just fine, then suddenly triggering would no longer work. Turning the pack off and back on always reset to connection between the pocketwizard and the D4.
Also, since you're renting a D4 for the first time, I assume you know that the D4 comes in two versions, one with built-in pocketwizard and one without?
-
I was thinking of using it mainly when I put up a silk and utilizing my D1's for isolated areas. The D1's have got me totally addicted to the digital variator... I love being able to knock down (even something as broad as a ceiling bounce) by 3/10 of a stop. I am actually renting a kit for thursday's shoot, so anxious to see how they work.
The one thing I have to wonder, though.... how long until they Integrate the Air wireless system into these? I love it with my D1's.
I'm more interested in how long before the Acutes go digital, and get the wireless AIR system as well.
-
I have the D4 1200 and am really happy with it, however I often am at the limits. I got the 1200 because the flash duration is faster than the 2400 and 4800 versions and had a lower setting, but when I moved to MF it was not enough light and I rarely use the min settings anymore. I'm going to trade it for a higher power setting or buy another one. Otherwise no complaints - it's perfect and I can fit the PAC, 2 heads with reflectors and extension cables into a travel case. I think it's lightware? but anyhow the D4 is a perfect tool.
-
Acutes are the way to go for travel... I can fit 2 packs and 3 heads in each airline checkable lightware case. Because of their weight, when I used to shoot with pro 7's it was always 1 pack and 2 heads in each case. On the down side, the acutes are not nearly as precise as the pro series, and the output can vary from shot to shot if shooting fast(and if an AD is on set, you don't look as cool as the last photographer they worked with who uses Pro-8's or Scoro's). But on the plus side, since I've started using acutes, I haven't blown a fuse, and have no need for head extension cables(like you would need with D4) - I use one head per pack, and have a few extra heads in case I need to dump power even more. I'm sure the D4 is great for the studio, but I couldn't imagine threading all those extension cables around the set... there's already enough to worry about with all the stingers, power cords, and firewire cords! With the acutes, the pack is put on a j hook on the stand of the head it controls, so there is never any need to follow cords to try to figure out what channel is what. I don't understand the need to control packs from the computer - is it really that hard to tell an assistant to go adjust the pack?
-
Acutes are the way to go for travel... I can fit 2 packs and 3 heads in each airline checkable lightware case. Because of their weight, when I used to shoot with pro 7's it was always 1 pack and 2 heads in each case. On the down side, the acutes are not nearly as precise as the pro series, and the output can vary from shot to shot if shooting fast(and if an AD is on set, you don't look as cool as the last photographer they worked with who uses Pro-8's or Scoro's). But on the plus side, since I've started using acutes, I haven't blown a fuse, and have no need for head extension cables(like you would need with D4) - I use one head per pack, and have a few extra heads in case I need to dump power even more. I'm sure the D4 is great for the studio, but I couldn't imagine threading all those extension cables around the set... there's already enough to worry about with all the stingers, power cords, and firewire cords! With the acutes, the pack is put on a j hook on the stand of the head it controls, so there is never any need to follow cords to try to figure out what channel is what. I don't understand the need to control packs from the computer - is it really that hard to tell an assistant to go adjust the pack?
On location the Acute 1200 will work where a Pro7 will start a fire. Seriously. They are rugged and cheap.
I do think CB will best be served by a D4, as his Airs can be in the way off distance w/o aneed for head extensions.
The computer crontrol thing, for still life I can understand, but I never found it useful or saw a need, but thats maybe just me. I haven't used my D4 in a long, long time, except to charge the capaciters once a month or so.
Are you D4 guys using the computer control? If so, how?
-
I am using a d4 1200 on a daily basis for 4 years now and it works great, I am not flying with it, but moving it around quite a bit and it has never let me down yet. especially in combination with the d1 it is great, only the sync thing is annyoing, Air and PW don't mix.
what i am doing is PW on camera, one PW connected to the air transmitter, so the d4 is triggered by PW directly and the d1s by Air. I have a cold shoe attached to one of the D4's handles, so the Air transmitter is in close reach to the adjustments knobs. works well, but of course you loose the adjustment feature of Air, which I don't care for anyway, as I am rather sending my assistant around the set.
I am using Tenba Car cases for the D4 and 4 heads, quite good, but only if you keep your gear close to you, I would never have anyone handle them who I am not paying.
there s actually only one feature which I am missing with the D4, that's the independantly adjustable modeling light, which is great on the D1
-
I am using a d4 1200 on a daily basis for 4 years now and it works great, I am not flying with it, but moving it around quite a bit and it has never let me down yet. especially in combination with the d1 it is great, only the sync thing is annyoing, Air and PW don't mix.
what i am doing is PW on camera, one PW connected to the air transmitter, so the d4 is triggered by PW directly and the d1s by Air. I have a cold shoe attached to one of the D4's handles, so the Air transmitter is in close reach to the adjustments knobs. works well, but of course you loose the adjustment feature of Air, which I don't care for anyway, as I am rather sending my assistant around the set.
I am using Tenba Car cases for the D4 and 4 heads, quite good, but only if you keep your gear close to you, I would never have anyone handle them who I am not paying.
there s actually only one feature which I am missing with the D4, that's the independantly adjustable modeling light, which is great on the D1
So, you use air and pocketwizard together instead of the built in slave on one? It seems like it would be cool, but overly complicated to have strobes adjustable on a computer! Does it work well? I've never thought about the D4, mostly because I like one head per pack, but it seems interesting...
-
here is a picture of my setup. I could buy just another Air receiver for my D4, but as I already own 5 Pocketwizards and my compacts and 7bs need to be triggered as well, this was the easiest solution. of course optical trigger works as well, but then, why should I?
-
here is a picture of my setup. I could buy just another Air receiver for my D4, but as I already own 5 Pocketwizards and my compacts and 7bs need to be triggered as well, this was the easiest solution. of course optical trigger works as well, but then, why should I?
I figured, I would just get another Air Remote to wire up to the pack... not having invested in any PW's yet. Picking up the rental today. Fun!
-
here is a picture of my setup.
I see that picture, and it drives me insane. The whole PocketWizard mess is the worst, by far, factor in these packs. Here you've got these awesome ProFoto packs, so rugged and well designed and bulletproof, then, on set, you walk over to a CStand, and in real life, you've got some PocketWizard dangling off the side of the pack. Even when I pay extra for the "R" packs, much of the time, the built in PW does not work as well, so the assistants add these physical models as backups. I even made them take Velcro and try to make it where the sissy little PW cables tie up neatly, and not dangle on the ground.
There's just GOT to be a better way. Don't you know that Profoto just grimmaces when they see a picture like that -- their pack so simple and elegant, and this dumbass PocketWizard cheesey plastic box dangling out of the side of their pack, like some dialysis machine. So lame.
If anyone has invented a more elegant solution, I'd sure love to know. And while you're at it, design a 110v power cord design on the Acutes, where the power cable can't be yanked out. Make the power cable fit into the pack just like the head sockets do. Bad design. Make it lock.
Gotta go. Gotta go comb my hair. Again.
-
I have velcro on all my packs and PW receivers. I attach the PW to the pack with the velcro. It doesn't hang loose, its not tied to anything like an Indian Dream Catcher, as in the above pic.
For the power cable, I hang the packs on J hooks and gaf tape the cable to the stand's base. Yeah, after a while my cables have that crusty gaf tape residue that can only be removed with gasoline, but at least the cord stays put.
T
I see that picture, and it drives me insane. The whole PocketWizard mess is the worst, by far, factor in these packs. Here you've got these awesome ProFoto packs, so rugged and well designed and bulletproof, then, on set, you walk over to a CStand, and in real life, you've got some PocketWizard dangling off the side of the pack. Even when I pay extra for the "R" packs, much of the time, the built in PW does not work as well, so the assistants add these physical models as backups. I even made them take Velcro and try to make it where the sissy little PW cables tie up neatly, and not dangle on the ground.
There's just GOT to be a better way. Don't you know that Profoto just grimmaces when they see a picture like that -- their pack so simple and elegant, and this dumbass PocketWizard cheesey plastic box dangling out of the side of their pack, like some dialysis machine. So lame.
If anyone has invented a more elegant solution, I'd sure love to know. And while you're at it, design a 110v power cord design on the Acutes, where the power cable can't be yanked out. Make the power cable fit into the pack just like the head sockets do. Bad design. Make it lock.
Gotta go. Gotta go comb my hair. Again.
-
I have velcro on all my packs and PW receivers.
That's what I meant to say. We put Velcro on the backs of the Cheesey Awful Pocket Wizards, and then "stick" them to the side of the Acute or 7B packs. And then, that little tiny cable is rolled up into a nice tight circle, and then a ZipTie is put around that, to keep it from dangling.
I like those J Hooks, but how about something that slid out of the profoto pack, to grip a Cstand? My assistants tie ropes into little circles, and then wrap those ropes around the handles of the Acute packs, and then hang those off the bottom knob of the CStands. That is, until I find them, and throw them away. I gotta switch to decaf, seriously.
-
I've found that works best for me is to hang the Receiver on the tripod and then run a long cord from that to the pack.
-CB
-
snip
If anyone has invented a more elegant solution, I'd sure love to know.
snip
I´m sure I´m going to be flamed...
http://www.bron.ch/_data/bc_pd_ps_scoroa4s_big.jpg (http://www.bron.ch/_data/bc_pd_ps_scoroa4s_big.jpg)
but it´s all build inside and there is only one system (RFS) that is used for all packs, and the transmitter is really cute and it is simply doing the job.
Cheers, Ulf
-
I´m sure I´m going to be flamed...
http://www.bron.ch/_data/bc_pd_ps_scoroa4s_big.jpg (http://www.bron.ch/_data/bc_pd_ps_scoroa4s_big.jpg)
but it´s all build inside and there is only one system (RFS) that is used for all packs, and the transmitter is really cute and it is simply doing the job.
Cheers, Ulf
amazing, isnt it?
-
Man, I just noticed that PF has reduced D4's 20% for remaining inventory. D5 Air's imminent?
-
That's what I meant to say. We put Velcro on the backs of the Cheesey Awful Pocket Wizards, and then "stick" them to the side of the Acute or 7B packs. And then, that little tiny cable is rolled up into a nice tight circle, and then a ZipTie is put around that, to keep it from dangling.
I like those J Hooks, but how about something that slid out of the profoto pack, to grip a Cstand? My assistants tie ropes into little circles, and then wrap those ropes around the handles of the Acute packs, and then hang those off the bottom knob of the CStands. That is, until I find them, and throw them away. I gotta switch to decaf, seriously.
No need to switch to decaf. Your assistants should switch to espresso or Red Bull. Ropes? Tied to the bottom knob? I'd toss that too if I saw it. I micromanage grip work. I learned from movie grips, the total pros, who all seem to have mullets, a criminal record and live in Northridge. I find lots of assistants are grip challenged, unless they come from film/video.
A built in super clamp with an extender, giving the pack clearance would be great, no more teetering on the edge of the J Hook. Its never been a problem, but still.
-
Man, I just noticed that PF has reduced D4's 20% for remaining inventory. D5 Air's imminent?
I think its first/second quarter promo, that could mean a D4 air is to come later this year, which if it drives down the price of the D4 then more power to them. I honestly do not see
what they can upgrade on the D4 besides add Air and maybe match the 2400 to the 1200 for duration times.
The acute needs an update much more than the D4, Id like to see 1/10 stop digital readout on the acute.
Either way the D4 is the bast pack ive ever used, I currently own one and I am buying another next week and trying to hunt down a third. I really am in love with the control,
precision, and extra features the D4 has.
-
I´m sure I´m going to be flamed...
http://www.bron.ch/_data/bc_pd_ps_scoroa4s_big.jpg (http://www.bron.ch/_data/bc_pd_ps_scoroa4s_big.jpg)
but it´s all build inside and there is only one system (RFS) that is used for all packs, and the transmitter is really cute and it is simply doing the job.
Cheers, Ulf
the air is the same. its simpler and works really well, and is a lot cheaper. they will have that with the acutes and d4 soon, as its new and hasn't quite been rolled out yet on every product.
only some products have RFS.
paul
-
Man, I just noticed that PF has reduced D4's 20% for remaining inventory. D5 Air's imminent?
This is a promotion that began in February and runs through June 30, 2010. It also includes the Acute 2, 2R and Value Kits, along with the D4.
The best time to order would have been before April 1, when prices went up a bit. But it still is a great promo and is ongoing up to the end of June.
Steve Hendrix
-
the air is the same. its simpler and works really well, and is a lot cheaper. they will have that with the acutes and d4 soon, as its new and hasn't quite been rolled out yet on every product.
only some products have RFS.
paul
If you mean the Air Remote is simpler than the RFS, I don't see how the RFS could get any simpler. You press an up or down arrow to control the power on the pack. That's it.
The Air is cheaper, but not by a lot, that probably varies country to country. All of the Broncolor packs and monolights come with an RFS option except for the Nanos. We only sell ProFoto and Broncolor (well, a little Elinchrom), and I like both. I like both remote systems also. The Broncolor RFS is small and compact, very simple to operate, and the battery lasts about 5 years. The ProFoto Air isn't much bigger, but has more controls, although they are not complicated to use.
Steve Hendrix
-
If you mean the Air Remote is simpler than the RFS, I don't see how the RFS could get any simpler. You press an up or down arrow to control the power on the pack. That's it.
The Air is cheaper, but not by a lot, that probably varies country to country. All of the Broncolor packs and monolights come with an RFS option except for the Nanos. We only sell ProFoto and Broncolor (well, a little Elinchrom), and I like both. I like both remote systems also. The Broncolor RFS is small and compact, very simple to operate, and the battery lasts about 5 years. The ProFoto Air isn't much bigger, but has more controls, although they are not complicated to use.
Steve Hendrix
sorry, yes the rfs is very simple. is there a bron controller that can turn the lights up independently from the controller/trigger? paul
-
sorry, yes the rfs is very simple. is there a bron controller that can turn the lights up independently from the controller/trigger? paul
Paul
The Servor D Remote Control has more control than the RFS and works with the Grafits and the Minicoms. But it's about the size of the one that might be resting by the TV. It's been a while since I've sold one.
Steve Hendrix
-
the air is the same. its simpler and works really well, and is a lot cheaper. they will have that with the acutes and d4 soon, as its new and hasn't quite been rolled out yet on every product.
only some products have RFS.
paul
Hi Paul,
I was just surprised there were people complaining that the built in units in the ProPacks don´t work properly so they have to use additional external components. The PW is quite bulky, too.
I looked at bhphoto, the profoto air sync tranceiver is 195$ including shipping, the Broncolor RFS Radio Slave Transmitter is 184,95$ plus shipping, I suppose that´s not much difference. As Steve already said, what can be simpler than the RFS? We own some Grafits that are more than 10 years old, we bought the RFS conversion kit and are up to date. It just works, never needed any double receiver or second transmitter. I hate this kind of stuff, it´s always causing trouble. I would like to see Profoto offer a kind of "air conversion kit" for you.
Cheers, Ulf
-
Paul
The Servor D Remote Control has more control than the RFS and works with the Grafits and the Minicoms. But it's about the size of the one that might be resting by the TV. It's been a while since I've sold one.
Steve Hendrix
Hi,
The servor is IR and won´t work well outdoors, it´s not working at all with the scoros. But I really love the function all units model light off.
You can take complete control with the RFS using the RFS-transceiver with a computer if you want to.
Can be very nice if you can hardly reach your pack because its placed somewhere else (e.g. a different floor). But we use this rarely.
Cheers, Ulf
-
I think you misunderstood me, the PW/Air thing hanging off my D4 is not to trigger the D4, but rather translate the PW signal for the D1s. it could be anywhere on set, it might just be convenient to controll the D1s fro the same place where the D4 is. all my other flashes are PW equipped, either build in or dangeling, only the D1s are Air.
the PWs work flawlessly, both the d4 build-in one and the Plus and the Multimaxes.
-
Hey Christopher,
I use both packs regularly for different photographers i assist. The major difference for me is the flexibility with power control, which the D4 wins hands down every time. D4 offers 4 independent channels with 1/10th stops control wheras acute 2400s only offer intuitive full stop independent control when using more than one head per pack and a variety of esoteric (easily forgetable!) switch/head combinations to adjust power ratios/levels further. I find the Acutes fairly rudimentary, coming from a still life background. Mind you if its duration your concerned with Bron wins hands down.
good luck!
-
I think you misunderstood me, the PW/Air thing hanging off my D4 is not to trigger the D4, but rather translate the PW signal for the D1s. it could be anywhere on set, it might just be convenient to controll the D1s fro the same place where the D4 is. all my other flashes are PW equipped, either build in or dangeling, only the D1s are Air.
the PWs work flawlessly, both the d4 build-in one and the Plus and the Multimaxes.
@geesbert:
I understood that, I was referring to gwhitf: "Even when I pay extra for the "R" packs, much of the time, the built in PW does not work as well, so the assistants add these physical models as backups."
I´ve seen that PW stuff so many times and was really surprised to read that, good to hear that it´s working for you.
@chris:
from what I have seen of your work, I think you should go with the D4. If you can affort to wait it might be the best advice. I suppose the D4 will be available with the "air control" soon, probably at the photokina.
Cheers, Ulf
-
Thanks, everybody. I've got the D4 for the week and am really liking it so far. I'm considering it as my punch source... when I want a strong source from one area and my D1 500s lack the strength. I also really like the separate digital variators, so if I want to pull one head off, say with a grid spot, that unit can be really dialed in and there's Watt/Seconds to spare. I do suspect that there will be an Air version in the near future and in the words of Ken from Dodd... "Rent mine until then."
Why is there no Rum in my house?
-CB
-
thats a crazy promo - i think there is new stuff coming for sure. it's been in the rumor mill for a while...
-
I often say the same about tequila....
Use Acute and Compacts at moment, but that D4 looks yummy. Would love to hear your ongoing impressions of it during the week.
Given that they just put Air (triggering only) into the Acute 600B and B2 (now 3), I'd be surprised if the D4, given it's already digital guts (easier to integrate remote control), wouldn't be getting the full Air treatment shortly. That said, unless you need full remote power control, the cost savings of buying the D4 (NIB or clean used) vs. say the eventual D5 Air when the latter is released will be notable.
One thing I am curious about is what kind of stoppage loss you get when you start extending cables... ~1 stop per extension?
......
Why is there no Rum in my house?
-CB
-
Btw, I heard Profoto is hiring people with expertise in continuous lighting, so I fully expect them to make a big push into that market in a not too distant future. Not exactly unexpected with the whole video explosion and all.
-
I've been using very simple daylight floods for lighting interiors. Has anyone attempted mixing light from the D1 1000 with daylight hotlights? I'm looking for a bit more output when I need it and dont want to break the bank by switching over completely to strobe.
-
I cannot believe I'm quoting something from The Strobist, but here ya go:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2010/04/pocke...-get-major.html (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2010/04/pocketwizard-multimaxes-get-major.html)
-
I cannot believe I'm quoting something from The Strobist, but here ya go:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2010/04/pocke...-get-major.html (http://strobist.blogspot.com/2010/04/pocketwizard-multimaxes-get-major.html)
Oh my, I think that's the "Seventh Sign"...
;-)
jk
-
http://www.paramountcords.com/pwa.asp (http://www.paramountcords.com/pwa.asp)
Now that's an improvement. Strangely, I was driving down the road today, and I envisioned something like that, with a Cold Shoe and a short cable. Why I was driving and thinking about PocketWizards, I have no idea, and no justification for it.
-
http://www.paramountcords.com/pwa.asp (http://www.paramountcords.com/pwa.asp)
Does anyone know what power pack is next to the Speedotron head?
-
Man, I just noticed that PF has reduced D4's 20% for remaining inventory. D5 Air's imminent?
Undoubtedly. They can't have their most sophisticated and versatile studio pack lacking their latest technology.
-
I just bought 2 of the D1 Air 500s and the Air remote. I know I'll enjoy not having to drop a light stand back down 10' to change settings.
I'll be interested to see how CB likes the D4 because I think the D5 Air is just around the corner.
-
I just bought 2 of the D1 Air 500s and the Air remote. I know I'll enjoy not having to drop a light stand back down 10' to change settings.
I'll be interested to see how CB likes the D4 because I think the D5 Air is just around the corner.
I just saw a kit sell on ebay. I wonder if you were the winner. Someone got a great deal.
I heard through a dealer that the 250 and 500s cant be controlled by the usb computer software. Only the 1000's can. Is this correct? It doesn't really make sense to me why they would only include the technology on the 1000s.
Can anyone comment on this?
-
On their site it says the software can control "D1 Airs with a USB Air Remote" nothing exclusive to the 1000's mentioned. I however, cannot get that software to even launch (though I don't have the USB transmitter). Has anyone actually used it?
And yeah, I really liked the D4 but do plan to wait for an Air equipped pack. The weight is kind of a drag, compared to Acutes, but, Man, the control you have! Nice.
-CB
-
On their site it says the software can control "D1 Airs with a USB Air Remote" nothing exclusive to the 1000's mentioned. I however, cannot get that software to even launch (though I don't have the USB transmitter). Has anyone actually used it?
And yeah, I really liked the D4 but do plan to wait for an Air equipped pack. The weight is kind of a drag, compared to Acutes, but, Man, the control you have! Nice.
-CB
more control than six d1 air 1000s?
-
I just saw a kit sell on ebay. I wonder if you were the winner. Someone got a great deal.
I heard through a dealer that the 250 and 500s cant be controlled by the usb computer software. Only the 1000's can. Is this correct? It doesn't really make sense to me why they would only include the technology on the 1000s.
Can anyone comment on this?
The USB Air will work with the Pro8 and any D1 Heads with built-in Air capability.
It does not work with the D4, as a result (no built-in Air, currently) or Acutes (same).
The D4 can work with the USB Controller Software, but it has to be hard wired from the pack to the computer. And with multiple packs, this might not be desirable, or at least of limited application.
Steve Hendrix
-
Ahh... It looks like there is additional system software (or framework software) you have to install for the App to launch. Playing with it now in simulation mode... pretty cool stuff. Just ordered the USB Remote from B&H and will try wiring it to the D4 the next time I rent that.
Maybe I actually need the exercise of walking over to the Pack to dial that head down 20%, but hey I got into photography for the GADGETS!
-
I just saw a kit sell on ebay. I wonder if you were the winner. Someone got a great deal.
-
Oh Man..... ! I dig this. I really dig this! Will try it out further on Saturday's shoot.
-
Oh Man..... ! I dig this. I really dig this! Will try it out further on Saturday's shoot.
Chris,
Any reason why you didnt go with the 1000 Airs?
-
Chris,
Any reason why you didnt go with the 1000 Airs?
I didn't think I'd need the punch and at the time was also buying all my hotlights, camera, lenses and digi back. Spent WAY too much money last year and cost played a factor. I find that we're almost always dialing the 500's down a little since I shoot primarily around f/11 and on the rare occasion when I need more power I bump the ISO up to 100. I also found that the standard 7" grid reflector increases output by a full stop. So it seemed like I had plenty of W/S. PArt of my reason for investigating the D4 is to have that extra strength in one or two lights.
-CB
-
In the end I dumped the pack... idea. Added 3 D1 1000 Air's to my current collection of D1 500's. More firepower than the D4, instant Air Compatibility and more convenient than a pack and heads. Why didn't I just decide to do that in the first place?
Silly Photographer.
-
In the end I dumped the pack... idea. Added 3 D1 1000 Air's to my current collection of D1 500's. More firepower than the D4, instant Air Compatibility and more convenient than a pack and heads. Why didn't I just decide to do that in the first place?
Silly Photographer.
lol after all of this it came to that?
I think you made the right choice.
On a different note, do you ever use your d1s for anything aside from product/interior photography? Are they fast enough at low power to shoot 3 frames per second for fast action studio portrait photography? I know my Elinchrom rx600 are not. Very disappointing.
-
In the end I dumped the pack... idea. Added 3 D1 1000 Air's to my current collection of D1 500's. More firepower than the D4, instant Air Compatibility and more convenient than a pack and heads. Why didn't I just decide to do that in the first place?
Silly Photographer.
Yea. I was thinking that would make a more organized setup. I cant really think of a better solution for lighting interiors than 8 d1 airs
-
In the end I dumped the pack... idea. Added 3 D1 1000 Air's to my current collection of D1 500's. More firepower than the D4, instant Air Compatibility and more convenient than a pack and heads.
It'll be interesting to hear how often you actually use that extra stop of the 1000s.
I'm carrying 2 D1 500 Airs for the lights that go up high, or in other hard to access spots. The kind of light you want to place and then tweek.
A couple each of the old style 300/600 compacts still works just fine for the rest. A Pro6 2400 Freeze with a Pro 7 head still rides in the kit for those occasional times when the big pancake lantern gets hung up and a large silk or bounce is needed. Some times it's nice to reinforce the light through a large window on an overcast day.
-
On a different note, do you ever use your d1s for anything aside from product/interior photography? Are they fast enough at low power to shoot 3 frames per second for fast action studio portrait photography? I know my Elinchrom rx600 are not. Very disappointing.
Specs are right here: http://www.profoto.com/D1/technical-data.php (http://www.profoto.com/D1/technical-data.php)
-
I cant really think of a better solution for lighting interiors than 8 d1 airs
Add Dedolights and you're there.
I carry 3 of the 150s and 1 800. I wouldn't leave home without them.
-
Specs are right here: http://www.profoto.com/D1/technical-data.php (http://www.profoto.com/D1/technical-data.php)
Thanks for posting the specs. I am familiar with those specs but I am not sure what they translate to in real world shooting. My RX600 is rated at .25-.8 seconds, but it is nothing near that in real shooting. That is why I am asking about practical experience.
-
My experience with Profoto has been that the specs for color, consistency and recycle times are accurate. At least they have been with my Pro 6, Pro 7, Acute 2s, compact 300s/600s and D1 Air 500s.
You were looking for 'low' power settings and 3 frames a second. Define low power and I'll test the D1 500s.
-
My experience with Profoto has been that the specs for color, consistency and recycle times are accurate. At least they have been with my Pro 6, Pro 7, Acute 2s, compact 300s/600s and D1 Air 500s.
You were looking for 'low' power settings and 3 frames a second. Define low power and I'll test the D1 500s.
Since the rx600 has 6 stops I look at low as anything from lowest to 1.5 stops above lowest setting. Hence, using the 10 points scale, 1.5 is lowest on the RX600 and 3.0 is where I would expect the rx600 to start slowing down.
My experience shooting with the rx600 is that they do not keep up with the Canon's 5DII rapid fire set at 1/160 shutter. For every shot there is a complete miss fire, and that is at low settings and the same applies to other lights I use on the set like the rx300 and fx200ri.
-
It'll be a day or two until I can do a test. I'll post the results.
-
Thanks in advance!
-
Why I was driving and thinking about PocketWizards, I have no idea, and no justification for it.
Lack of testosterone. Remember when it used to be girls?
Give Floyd Landis a call. Those patrches did wonders for his career!
Although he appears to have a bad case of steriod psychosis now.... I thinbk he is humiliated that he isn't still racing on a class A level, and sat around stewing about it all winter ... Sorry, OT.
Cheers!
Michael
-
Lack of testosterone. Remember when it used to be girls?
Give Floyd Landis a call. Those patrches did wonders for his career!
Although he appears to have a bad case of steriod psychosis now.... I thinbk he is humiliated that he isn't still racing on a class A level, and sat around stewing about it all winter ... Sorry, OT.
Cheers!
Michael
At least Pocket Wizards never let you down
-
Further research indicates that, while testosterone may be a "short term" fix, LSD 25 is the **real** solution!
This is a direct quote from my local paper, printed yesterday, Thursday May 27. Remember the date!:
"(police) officers ... also found sayings with two girls' names that, when added together, equalled love"
All of that basic research over the years - peeking in windows, shining flashlights in parked cars, riffling through your dads drawers - finally pays off!
Of course, as in most police states, they won't tell us what the answer is! I have a call in to the Beattles for comment ...