Qflash Trio from Quantum

[lorellana]

Is there somebody using this flash? Is it good flash to be used for wedding?

Thanks,
Luis

[ngoduyviet]

I don't have that flash, but I shot with the older Quantum flashes for a long time. You can't really go wrong with Quantum product for event works.

[lorellana]

Thank you Viet, I have been trying to get some info in google, but it look like no too many photographers are using it yet, I want to buy one of those flashes.

Luis

[syuan]

Luis,
Trio has a maximum output that is 1 stop less than the older T5Dr, only 1/2 or 1/3 stop above the Nikon SB800 speedlight. And I may be wrong, the trio doesn't zoom like nikon or canon speedlites. I think the older T5Dr model works better, but in manual mode. For iTTL or eTTL, Quantum has an adaptor that reads nikon/canon speedlite IR signal. Not very useful outdoor b/c the sun interferes with it. So manual mode is the way to go using quantum flash. The only advantage I see that trio has is radio remote control other off camera quantum trio or T5Dr fitted with proper receiver. For on camera flash, I still like my speedlite better. Just my 2 cents...

Originally Posted by lorellana

Thank you Viet, I have been trying to get some info in google, but it look like no too many photographers are using it yet, I want to buy one of those flashes.

Luis

[lorellana]

Thank you Sam for your information.

Luis

[StevenGWebb]

You asked if it was a good flash for weddings. Not in my opinion. I'm a quantum user. One of the things that makes for a good wedding flash is getting the flash off the hotshoe. Other things are power, rapid recycle, prolonged duty cycle, and a larger reflector. The T5dr or one of it's predecessors would be a better choice.

I think the TRIO is an outreach by Quantum Instruments to photogs who want a camera-dedicated hotshoe flash more like their flagship offering. Now Quantum can go head-to-head with Nikon's CLS and offer Quantum users the opportunity to have a single source option. The shoe mounted flash hopefully will live up to Quantum's reputation for quality and reliabiltiy it is not a T5dR on a shoe mount and its not meant to be.

Steven

[Vladimir]

At an event photography workshop, the Quantum flash was suggested. However, no particular model was recommended. Thank you for this insight; until now I was considering the TRIO.

The event that I have in June will be outside; some of the shots will be in full sun and others in white tents. I will have a lighting assistant who is familiar with Q-flash. The ladies will wear large wide-brimmed hats and elaborate dresses, often with large amounts of white. The men will wear suits from light to dark. (Does any of that matter?)

I have no experience with Q-flash; I have used the D300 with SB-800s and the harbor digital light box.

Will a quantum flash system make any difference in the image over the SB-800 and the lightbox? If so, is the TRIO the best option? What about the TRIO off camera and the pilot to control the output?

Or is a more powerful Quantum the better option? If so, which one?

I am leaning toward staying with what is familiar to me instead of going to a new system.

I look forward to the thoughts and ideas from those more experienced than I.

Thank you.

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by Vladimir

At an event photography workshop, the Quantum flash was suggested. However, no particular model was recommended. Thank you for this insight; until now I was considering the TRIO.

The event that I have in June will be outside; some of the shots will be in full sun and others in white tents. I will have a lighting assistant who is familiar with Q-flash. The ladies will wear large wide-brimmed hats and elaborate dresses, often with large amounts of white. The men will wear suits from light to dark. (Does any of that matter?)

I have no experience with Q-flash; I have used the D300 with SB-800s and the harbor digital light box.

Will a quantum flash system make any difference in the image over the SB-800 and the lightbox? If so, is the TRIO the best option? What about the TRIO off camera and the pilot to control the output?

Or is a more powerful Quantum the better option? If so, which one?

I am leaning toward staying with what is familiar to me instead of going to a new system.

I look forward to the thoughts and ideas from those more experienced than I.

Thank you.

Stay with what you know. You don't want to fumble with something new on an event shoot.

Granted, Quantum light quality is nice, but barely if at all noticeable if you use what you got correctly.

[Vladimir]

Thank you; I needed to hear this.

[StevenGWebb]

The advice to go with what you know is sound. Especially if you are getting acceptable results with what you currently use. Quantum is a system, more than a single product. The Pilot was built (why I don't know) to be primarily a hot shoe flash. The Q-Flash already had a provision for off-camera and remote control through a couple of options, not the least of the the free X wire.

I own Quantum equipment and am a huge fan for many reasons; however, I've got not just the money investment in the equipment but also the time investment in familiarizing myself with the controls. Oh, and like many complex systems, that can be a sizable investment.

I would be in the same boat if someone suggested that the SB900 or SB800 would be good flash units for field use. I'd be fumbling with the menus and trying to decide if the CLS would work, and if so what trigger method.

It's generally best to go with what you have, unless what you have in inadequate.

Oh, BTW the Quantums with the X designation (400 WS max output) are very powerful, very. Since they reduce power in proportional steps, it's easier to find your way over powered for close-in work.

Steven

[pmirphy]

nice tips.. had this problem too..

[Vladimir]

I used the TRIO at several outdoor events throughout the summer with good results and no problems. I liked the TRIO for two reasons: the controls are easy and clear and the battery pack gave me lots of flashes. I stuck to QTTL though and didn't need to explore any further.

My next event is inside and I have been exploring the other modes and also experimenting with the TRIO for fill and the T5d-R for main light. I have the T5d-R set to manual at 1/4 power and the TRIO set to Auto Fill. Seems to work fine. Any other modes that might be more appropriate for an indoor ballroom dance?