Comments on: Studio Strobes vs. Small Off-Camera Flashes

By: Kathi Taylor

Kathi Taylor — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:05:24 +0000

Hi, last year thank god I asked a photographer (who is really awesome) help in computer set up, to really getting the picture and he told me about Scott Kelby and since then I have learned so much so thanks to Robert Court and your books on those so thats how ya do that! Its refreshing that there are people out there that are willing to help understand photography and mentor people who are willing students! So thanks for your help. By the way what would you recommend for a wireless system for my Elinchrome 400bx strobes and speedlite flash 580ex 420ex? (web is not running yet) Kathi

By: Guido Gonnet Lestard

Guido Gonnet Lestard — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:23:14 +0000

Great post Scott! But what about High speed sync/auto FP? Don’t have much experiencie with studio strobes (I own just a 250w Hensel Contra), but I think most of them sync around 1/250th, while with the new small strobes you can sync at (almost) any speed, which may come in real handy, that’s a huge plus por small strobes!
Cheers from Argentina

By: Edwina

Edwina — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:58:59 +0000

Sometimes I really am a total dork! I took some time and figured things out. By attaching the transmitting trigger to the camera and the receiving trigger to the 580, the strobes fire when they are set to “cell”. This enables the photocell on each strobe to see the flash going off and to do the same. I experimented with different distance placements. The stobes will fire as long as they see the light from the flash. Even if the flash is in another room, it still fires, but the strobes did not. Now, I figure with the flash set up like this I can have a multitude of Nikon flashes and they will fire too. I will have to experiment with this when I have the budget for a few more flashes!

By: Edwina

Edwina — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:07:01 +0000

Scott and readers, I have a question. I have 2 Bowens strobes and one Canon 580 EX II. I have a pair of Pulsar Radio Triggers. How do I fire all three (if I need to for interiors for example) simultaneously? Ideally, I will eventually get more flashes probably Nikon, but for now, this is what I have to use. Any ideas and advise would be welcome.

By: Vavinov Alex

Vavinov Alex — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:05:00 +0000

One more Off Camera Flash Advantage
- i-TTL. You don’t really need flash meter to get the right exposure. You can adjust amount the light for groups of flashes straight from the camera.

Also, I’m not sure that output of 2x SB-900/800 will be equal to output of 2×500w monolights. 250w ~ 60GN? So we really need min. 4 speedlights (4x Sigma 530 DG super ~ 880$, to have equal cost)
If we are comparing Nikon/Canon not with the Bowens (but with Elinchrom), Sigmas should be ok.

To get cheaper and bigger softbox (~1m) for the speedlights, Umbrella/Softbox (2×53$) can be used instead of Lastolite EZ-Boxes
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/639264-REG/Creative_Light_100870_41_Umbrella_Softbox.html

By: DiyPhoto

DiyPhoto — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:56:37 +0000

Great comparison,I got mistaken with your test scott.
Well since the strobist area begun there is much need for portable flashes.
I do some weddings and there is no way I’ll go out with strobes for the on location shootout…
Never the less peaple can start with the 40$ Chinese flashes instead of the Canon/Nikon Pro flashguns…

PEACE

By: Huy

Huy — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:59:37 +0000

Very useful article… I wish you could write it a long time ago. ^^
As an amateur , i spend a large amount of time studying how different studio Strobe and Off-camera flash are before decide. And i ended up with 3 Off-camera flash with suite my need very well. Personally , i think Off-camera flash is ideally for an amateur cos:

+ Off-camera flash could be used to shot in whatever way i could think off
+ An Amateur doesnt have ‘a lot of ‘ staff and money.
+ Battery and power is not a problem cos i could buy AAA or raise ISO ( of course in the expense picture quality ^^)…

By: Jeff Penczak

Jeff Penczak — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:58:12 +0000

Like Scott said, it all depends on what you need them for. The speedlites are much more portable. If you want to shoot out in the field with AB’s or any kit you will need heavy battery packs and will be limited to how many shots you can take. With speedlites all you need are extra AA batteries or a small power pack. I think each system has there advantages and is a personal choice. I choose to have both.

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By: James D

James D — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:54:01 +0000

Sorry…but also think flash duration should be a huge part of this discussion. Again…this favors the studio strobes.