flash choices

[DavidR]

hey everyone just seeking some advice concerning purchasing some bigger flash units. im currently using sunpak 383s for off camera work and they really arent cutting the mustard for full sun shots (im currently shooting with three) so am looking into units with abit more guts. im thinking of either getting older qflash units or sunpak 120js at the moment but after looking at durations (i use them for sport) they are slow at full juice (around 1/400). so they can only be used at 1/2 power max. does anynoe have some alternatives or just some advice in general? im aslo looking at these style of units more for the quality of light output. (in respect to diffused/natural as opposed to the harsh light from my wee lil 383's. any advice would be appreciated

[Mr Darcy]

I can't comment on your requirements, but before you use older flash units, read this from
http://www.chem.helsinki.fi/~toomas/pho ... h-faq.html

6.2. Trigger voltage

Some more primitive flash units apply a very high voltage (200-300 volts) between the hot shoe base and the central contact. These voltages may damage the sensitive electronics in modern electronic cameras. The trigger voltage, as it is called, of newer units is lower, typically less than 10 volts. If you are getting an older (used!) or otherwise primitive model, it would be a good precaution to measure the trigger voltage before using the unit. Since the voltage can be very high, proper precautions should be taken - please read the flash troubleshooting guide before you do it. You may kill yourself otherwise!

You will also almost certainly kill the camera, though Nikons are better in this regard than Canons.
There is a site that goes into details of particular flash units, but I've lost the link.

[PiroStitch]

How about multiple SB800s? Those units are just as powerful?

Sunpak 120js are bloody rare nowadays thanks to Mr Strobist! Also ones that you find will be expensive.

Try the Vivitar 285HVs as well since you're going to be firing them off camera. Hopefully via PC Sync or wireless as the voltage in them may or may not fry your hot shoe.

[DavidR]

i wont be frying my camera as they are triggered via pocket wizards so im safe there! as i said in the orginal post im looking at bigger units for light spread and light quality (ie from a bare bulb) type of setup as opposed to hotshoe style flashes

[digitor]

You will also almost certainly kill the camera, though Nikons are better in this regard than Canons.
There is a site that goes into details of particular flash units, but I've lost the link.

The Nikon spec is 250V, positive on the centre contact. The highest I've used is only about 27V from one of my Metz flashes.

The site is probably this one http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Cheers

[PiroStitch]

Have a look at the quantum T2 or even the new T5 if you're so inclined.

Other similar flash units are the Bowens Pioneer and Lumedyne (don't know the model for the Lumedyne).

[Mr Darcy]

The site is probably this one http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Yep that's it. Have now added it to favourites.
I have an old Haminex that measures 271V So not even Nikons are always safe. When I found that one, I bit the bullet & bought an SB600. I have since added two SB800s.

Back on topic.
It sounds like you need SERIOUS lighting. Have you considered using some of the studio lighting kits from Poon?
Even if they need to be battery operated, you could always run them off a car battery via an inverter.

[who]

For lighting, a pro photog on another forum I follow listed this about 10 days ago:-

PS - I also have a Pioneer battery powered flash kit I think I might sell.
It's 2 x heads, batterys, fast chargers & softboxes.
New they where around $2500 each.
(this is the high capacity kit - not the cheaper one)
I would take 2K for the lot.
They're very nice lights outdooors and easy to travel with.
Again from memory the heads are 300ws each.

In very hard daylight you can front fill at F8 or even more with both heads.

The little soft boxes are very good and can be used very close to the subject for great shadow effect

Unsure if sold, but PM me and I'll put you in touch.