Hello :
I am looking to purchase Battery Operated Flash Units ( not necessary Nikon branded ) that can be manually controlled ( say, from Full Power to 1/32nd or even 1/64th power ) for which I have the following questions :
1. How can they all ( say, 8 to 10 units ) be Wireless-ly sync-ed ?
2. Although manual control is what I wish, having TTL option in addition to manual may not be a bad idea.
3. Any flash brands & models other than Nikon that would take on professional use, seek your recommendations based on the above requirements ?
4. For Flash Output to be converted to Tungsten ( 3400˚ k ) which is the recommended Filter 1. Full C.T. Orange, 2. Three-Quarters C.T. Orange, 3. Half C.T. Orange OR 4. Another Filter ?
5. Same question as no. 4., but converting Flash Output to 3200˚ K ?
Shall await your replies -
Thanks in advance !
Jai
ps : Question maybe cross-posted.
I'll ruffle a few feathers with this, but OEM flashes are far from professional use strobes. They're more in the hobbyist or advanced hobbyist range for some of the latest/best versions.
A professional use strobe should have a duty cycle that won't slow you down, the ability to pop full power after full power cycles with thermal protection kicking in (or melting a flash) if that's what your current job requires. This includes the ability to quickly recharge and be back in action even after a full power flash is mandatory. They should have a ton of power.. flash from 200 feet away is possible.
A professional flash is field serviceable. Batteries, modules, and especially bulbs should be able to be changed in a minute or two tops.
A professional flash makes minimal use of the hard to read LCD's in any environment including bright sunlight. Ideally dedicated dials are available.
Professional flashes should have above all else a superior light quality. Consistent temps as well. Some of the better ones approach studio strobe quality light quality.
And professional flashes will be built on a system approach.. so you can add what you need, as you need it, much like the reason you'd choose Nikon or Canon for a DSLR system and not some of the newer brands who have yet to fill out a "system" of cameras and accessories.
Professional flashes should also take advantage of the cameras technology, TTL, ETTL, manual, whatever.. and a good professional system will let you mix and match these technologies for use at the same time.
AND.. professional gear is both rebuildable and upgradeable. Pros use their equipment a lot. You shouldn't have to buy a new $600 strobe because it melted, or because the latest camera came out with a new feature or system, or if the batteries lose their edge.. Everything should be both rebuildable, and upgradeable at a reasonable price. It really sucks that your FITSU KK600 lights won't work or will only have limited function with a new camera model OR won't support the new camera model so you need to buy a new flash as you upgrade your camera.. All you should have to do is send them in, pay a fee (the company I'll recommend charges from $39 to $79 for camera upgrades so all new features of the newest model are now supported, to I think $100-$150 to rebuild a battery pack.
Oh.. and pro units don't run off a bag of AA batteries.. they just don't.
And pro units make use of professional grade modifiers including a quality bare bulb.
And finally.. a pro system will allow use of OEM speedlights because everyone makes a mistake and tries to get by with them for pro use.. or they come from a hobbyist bag but now need to work in a pro bag.
Sure, buying in is expensive. 2-3 strobes, your choice of radio transmitters/receivers/transceivers, field spare parts, mounts, modifiers, etc.. But once in they're far less expensive to maintain, upgrade, rebuild, and field service. And of course you won't lose jobs because your flash melts down, can't handle the required duty cycle, can't recharge fast enough (how annoying is it for models, wedding party members, etc.. to have to wait for a flash to recharge? They laugh the first time, by the end of a shoot its damn uncomfortable), or can't be configured for a complex job..
Check out the tutorials, they'll tell you more than any list of specs, but the specs are useful. The newest tutorials will show how the newest features are used, the older ones the basic features.. at least that's the way I remember it.
www.qtm.comGood luck.
