The PocketWizard® PowerMC2 is now available
The PocketWizard® PowerMC2 is now available
Thanks, Mark. Just ordered one. Along with an Einstein 640, 45" octabox and grid, a beauty dish, a small reflector and a set of grids. A pair of Lastolite Ezybox hotshoe 24x24" softboxes showed up at my door last week for my 430EX II's. Just waiting on B&H to start accepting orders tomorrow - need the background stand and some muslin backgrounds.
Then, except maybe for a Vagabond Mini-lithium, I think I'll be all set. Because I know that off-camera flash isn't any sort of addiction. Right, Sean? RIGHT?!?
Originally Posted by neuroanatomist
Not at all. My 4th mono came in last week (another Ultrazap 1600), another lightstand arrives this week, and I've been scoping out another power source (Vagabond II, Lithium Mini, or Innovatronix Explorer XT are at the tops of the list). But I can stop at any time, really....
Not at all. My 4th mono came in last week (another Ultrazap 1600), another lightstand arrives this week, and I've been scoping out another power source (Vagabond II, Lithium Mini, or Innovatronix Explorer XT are at the tops of the list). But I can stop at any time, really....
Denial: Its not just a river in Egypt
The Vagabond Mini get my full endorsement. I shot for about 6 hours on one battery. I was using a WL X1600 about 1/4-1/2 power for half the time, then I was shooting on white seamless with X1600 at 3/4 power and an AB B800 at full power for a couple hundred shots and the battery was reading 1/2 full when I wrapped up.
The only thing that you need to be careful of with the VB-Mini is the batteries do not keep a charge very long in storage. It sat for about two weeks and went to use it and the batteries were completely drained.
I bought the X1600 due to necessity. The Einsteins weren't in stock and I needed a light immediately. My next mono will definitely be the Einstein.
I bought the AB B800 for its weight. I figured it would be perfect for a background light that would easily balance out on a boom. Also it should be easier for an assistant to handle hand holding a boom arm.
I am also planing on buying the ABR800 and another VB-mini to replace my 580EXII/Rayflash set up, as I am a big fan of ring fill. The VB-mini is so light and small it can be effortlessly worn and you could easily move about with restriction with a "full fledge" ring light.
I'm also a big fan of the PLM modifiers. I have the 64" White with black back and front diffuser and the light is a little more even and creamier than my Photek Softlighter. I haven't done any scientific test but I'd say I get at least 1 stop more power. Probably more though. The construction with the fiberglass veins is brilliant. So much more sturdy than the cheesy aluminum that most umbrellas use. I hope I don't find out but I think this could handle a tumble way better than the Photek. The 16 panels make darn near a perfectly round catch light. I prefer these types of modifiers to Octoboxes because they reverse fire which makes the light more even and it also allows for more tilt adjustability. You can make it completely perpendicular to the ground without the need for a boom.
I thought lithium batteries were supposed to keep their charge better than others when not in use. I do know there are differences between companies as to what is considered a lithium ion battery though.
Words get in the way of what I meant to say.
Let me back up; I went to check it the night I made my post and it still showed half power and I hadn't used it in about a week. I checked the spare and it was full. So maybe they get "conditioned" after a couple uses or maybe it was simply user error previously.
I shot about 300 shots today and it was still at half power when I finished. It was with a single X1600 at apx 1/4 power. So I'm really loving it.
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