Getting Mobile

nxk2000

I'm having trouble making up my mind on how I want to mobilize myself. My main concern is photographing larger families and team photos outdoors. My current lighting equipment is 3 WL X1600 units, 1 SB-600 and 1 SB-900.
Here are my thoughts. I can get portable power like the vagabond II to power the strobes and should have enough light power for most situations. Downside is heavier equipment to lug around. I could get another SB-600 or SB-900 and keep it simple. Downside not having enough power for those bright sunny days.
Ideally I would like to stick with the hot shoe flashes especially for individual portrait sessions but to cover the larger groups I think the strobes are my only choice. If anyone would like to share their experience on lighting larger groups it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

JimKarczewski

You really need portable power with groups. I made my own solution from a wheeled cart (well, tool case kinda) that contains a deep cycle marine battery and a Pure Sine inverter. From everything I've read, pure sine is the ONLY way to go.

I can run my Calumet 750ws light for a good 2 hours at 1/2 power before I really start noticing it slowing down on recycle times.

Yeah, my setup cost a little more, but I think it runs longer than the off the shelf solutions. Unless you are looking into something like the ProFoto or even Calumet/Bowens lights that have their own battery packs for location work now... But still , new lights, more $$$$

ziggy53

JimKarczewski wrote: »

... From everything I've read, pure sine is the ONLY way to go.

I can run my Calumet 750ws light for a good 2 hours at 1/2 power before I really start noticing it slowing down on recycle times. ...

Absolutely true, you must use a True Sine Wave/Pure Sine Wave power inverter or you are at tremendous risk of destroying the charging circuits of a large flash unit. (This applies to either pack or monolights.)

Additionally, most electronically controlled studio flash units do not tolerate most simple inverters, even the above mentioned True/Pure units.

Also your warranty may be affected and if the manufacturer detects that the power supply was not household current and voltage the warranty may not cover repairs. Proceed with caution and at your own risk in either building your own power unit or using power not certified with your equipment.

(Yes I built my own portable power supply but so far I have only tested it with certain laptop computers.)

Art Scott

There was a thread or reply to a thread where one of our Dgrinners actually made his own Vagabond, basically,
and the cost of doing it his way was not a real great savings over the real vagabond.........

JimKarczewski

All depends Art.... I have a bigger battery than you'd ever be able to use in a vagabond. So, I guess it depends on how adventurous you are. :P

GadgetRick

Rented a Vagabond a few weeks ago to power 2 B800s. I must say, the thing is impressive. Provides plenty of power for anything I would ever need.

So the question is, why would you build something which may have problems when you can buy something off the shelf which is proven to work (well) and isn't terribly expensive (for what it can do)?

Just curious.

nxk2000

The thought of making my own portable power had crossed my mind. Of course the concern for the lights and warranty is definitely something to keep in mind. With that the Vagabond would probably be my choice plus it would cover all of my current needs and be easier to carry.

Thanks for the input.