White Lightning - Vagabond 1 vs. Vagabond 2

MDalbyMDalby Registered Users Posts: 697 Major grins
edited November 12, 2011 in Accessories
I am needing to get a battery pack for my White Lightning flashes. I only have 2 1800s.

I may be able to get a good deal on a Vagabond 1 that is in good condition. Is there any reason to avoid the Vagabond 1 unit and wait for a Vagabond 2? Price is a consideration and the Vagabond 1 will be cheaper.

Thanks,

MD
Nikon D4, 400 2.8 AF-I, 70-200mm 2.8 VR II, 24-70 2.8
CBS Sports MaxPreps Shooter
http://DalbyPhoto.com

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited August 16, 2011
    As I recall the Vagabond version I had a pretty high failure rate, mostly due to the power inverter that was chosen (Samlex 300W). That doesn't mean that you would have problems but I can't really recommend the version I for that reason. (That Samlex 300W inverter was discontinued because it was unreliable.)

    Note too that the Version 2 is also being phased out. While it is a more proven unit, it might mean difficulty getting service a few years down the road. I recommend it but only with that understanding.

    The current model from Paul Buff is the Vagabond "Mini".
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • MDalbyMDalby Registered Users Posts: 697 Major grins
    edited August 16, 2011
    Thanks, I just ordered the Mini. Hopefully that will give me the pops I need.

    MD
    Nikon D4, 400 2.8 AF-I, 70-200mm 2.8 VR II, 24-70 2.8
    CBS Sports MaxPreps Shooter
    http://DalbyPhoto.com
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited August 16, 2011
    robert84 wrote: »
    it might mean difficulty getting service a few years down the road.

    I seriously doubt that.....I have some White Lightnings that I bought around 1980 that Paul C Buff still services and they have been retired for over 15 yrs.....that is what makes Paul C Buff / White Lightning / Alien Bees / Vagabond such a great company....Paul takes care of his clients....If I ever have the least bit of doubt if one of his products will perform I email them or call them.....I have gotten emails directly from Paul at 3 am on a Sunday Morning....he could have left it for Monday and an employee to answer but he did it at 3 am..........so I bet the only way he would not service a product is if it was totally impossible to get a needed item or a substitute that was just a good as or better than the needed part........at least this has been my experience with them for way over 25 yrs.
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • ImageX PhotographyImageX Photography Registered Users Posts: 528 Major grins
    edited August 16, 2011
    Robert is a bot
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited August 16, 2011
    ImageX Photography wrote: »
    Robert is a bot

    Whooo, Waaaaat.....hmmmmmmm.......ahhh post gone........hmmmmm.
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • ImageX PhotographyImageX Photography Registered Users Posts: 528 Major grins
    edited August 17, 2011
    Yeah, check out all his forum posts. He just copies one sentence from a prior thread post. rolleyes1.gif

    Edit: Looks like he's been removed already. His posts anyway.
  • leitmotifleitmotif Registered Users Posts: 19 Big grins
    edited November 12, 2011
    ziggy53 wrote: »
    As I recall the Vagabond version I had a pretty high failure rate, mostly due to the power inverter that was chosen (Samlex 300W). That doesn't mean that you would have problems but I can't really recommend the version I for that reason. (That Samlex 300W inverter was discontinued because it was unreliable.)

    Note too that the Version 2 is also being phased out. While it is a more proven unit, it might mean difficulty getting service a few years down the road. I recommend it but only with that understanding.

    The current model from Paul Buff is the Vagabond "Mini".

    I think it was the Vag 2 that has a high failure rate, and it was because of this why it has discontinued (and with new Vag Mini).
    Vag I is good except that it has a limited continuous power rating.
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