And from 1000 J and higher. I have 400 and 600 J. I want something more powerful. So that I could install a large softbox and argue with the sun about whose light is brighter. And also jumps are interesting at 1/1250 of a second with a normal depth of field of the depicted space (DOF). And so that the entire area of illumination is flexible and uniform. For this, you need an attachment with a large reflective and diffusing surface. In short, no matter how you look at it, you need a powerful pulse light, and a battery generator for it.
Once, while in Italy, I ordered a 1000 J flash and a "Beauty Dish" from the Hensel factory. I was wondering if I would beat the sun to a star or not. The flash from Germany to Sicily took a week. It arrived, I assembled it, and installed it. For the sake of such an occasion I even got into the pool with a camera. It turned out - no, it does not interrupt. It compresses the frame well, but the sun does not interrupt. At least at a distance of 2 meters from the subject.
However, I really liked the results.
Here is the first frame.
So, I understand very well that at a power of 1000 J, and also with a softbox or a large umbrella, it will be necessary to very correctly and wisely align the ratios: shutter speed, aperture, distance from the flash to the person, brightness and angle of the sun.
So. The decision is made. I'm buying!
Having studied the offers for Profoto and Broncolor in detail, I realized that I would get at least $6,000-7,000. This amount was twice as much as what I was ready to part with. The only options that remained for me were Bowens and Elinchrom. Bowens had a model: a generator + a lightweight flash for $3,800. Everything else from Bowens is either close to the Profoto in price, or has a power of 600 J. So, the power of 1,500 J made me very happy.
I was already rubbing my hands, aiming for the second round of arguments with the sun. Everything would be fine, but it turned out that with its 11 kg, the generator at full power could only produce 135 flashes. The price/weight/number of flashes ratio clearly did not suit me. Especially, comparing this outdated Bowmans version with the Elinchrom Ranger RX Speed AS. In which the mass of the battery generator is 8 kg. Power: 1100 J. At the same time, it produces 250 pulses. Detachable battery. You can immediately replace it with another one and continue the photo session. Pulse duration: 1/5120 sec. Price: $ 3100. This changed the matter and this turned out to be the only acceptable option for me. I'm buying!
Having carefully studied and called all the offers in Ukraine, I realized that it simply does not exist. Not a single one. At all. A sea of companies offer it, but in reality, no one has this kit. They say that it will be available in the fall at best.
Raised Russia on its ears. Not in Marco Pro, so it turns out it's not in Russia either.
Cute...
I had to order from America through my own channels. You have to wait 2-3 weeks for delivery. Great, it's not summer after all. I'm buying!
I ordered it. While I was scouring the Internet looking for a battery generator, I came across one, a very attractive option. TravelPack WF-4 battery. Provides uninterrupted operation of any studio flashes of all manufacturers. That is, any of my flashes can be connected to it and work on location shoots. Two standard sockets rated for 500 J each. The manufacturer promises 300 actuations at full power of two flashes. That is, for 1000 J - 300 puffs. I was especially interested in connecting a 900 W smoke machine. What if it pulls it.
Can you imagine using a smoke machine with a battery to connect both flashes and a laptop for monitoring the shoot, AA batteries with a shoe flash, mobile phones, even wind blowers during a wedding shoot? Great! The only drawback is the weight of 16 kg. But the price of $ 500 killed this reason with one impulse. I'm buying!
No sooner said than done. The five hundred dollar price turned out to be in the IT-Trade online store. I called, talked. It turned out that they have Menik SQ-1200 studio flashes. Judging by the name, I think it's clear that the monoblock produces 1200 J. I've wanted something like this somewhere before... ) You can buy a remote control for flash control up to 100 meters. Internal reset when the impulse decreases. Bowens bayonet mount. The price shocked me: $ 540. I'm buying!
I went to IT-Trade. I took a camera with me, new Pixels for synchronization with the flash. I arrived. I was greeted warmly. They put the flash on a stand, connected it to the battery, and then I realized that I had come for a reason. The flash recharged stably and without delays from the battery. And I went at full power (1200 J) to a pulse length of 1/8000. I don’t remember the aperture, but I remember that I was very pleased with its closedness. I’m definitely buying it!
They wrote out two annual warranties for both items. While my Elinhrom kit was coming from America, I decided to take the Menik kit. And then, if necessary, it will be a backlight or a second powerful source for interesting wedding productions. I bought it!
I brought it home, unpacked it, put it on overnight, and charged it.
Battery Travel Pack Menik WF-4. Top view.
Modeling lamp for Menik SQ-1200 studio flash. In separate packaging.
Put it
Studio flash Menik SQ-1200.
The next day I went out of town and did a small test shoot:
Camera: Canon 1DS Mark III.
Lens: Canon 16-35. 24mm.
ISO 200
f/5.6
1/1250
This is a 100% crop of the top photo. The quality is slightly reduced for the Internet. As you can see, everything froze in the jump.
Excellent result.
The sun went behind the clouds.
This shot was taken with a TravelPack WF-4 battery and a Menik SQ-1200 studio flash.
ISO 200
f/6.3
1/640 s
Same conditions. The next frame was taken without flash. The difference is obvious.
I hung the bag with the generator on the stand. With a plumb line of 16 kg, any stand will stand rooted to the spot. This is its big advantage.
So, the conclusion.
I am glad that I bought this kit. The battery honestly worked 215 flashes at full power (1200 J). This was its first charge and first full discharge. I will see how much it will give out after the next charge/discharge cycles. This is enough to conduct a staged photo shoot in nature. And the total cost of such a kit of $ 1040 made me very happy.
If you have questions about using this light, ask in the comments.
Next time, I hope to describe my first impressions with pictures of the Elinchrom Ranger RX Speed AS that arrived. I'm looking forward to it. ).
To book a similar photoshoot, please email me:
+49 159 04837874 - phone, WhatsApp
morefoto@gmail.com
