After solely working with my monolight kit for a long time, I’ve finally decided to invest in a more lightweight and even more mobile solution: speed lights.
Speedlighting – My Weak Point. And Problems Faced Recently…
Until now, I do not really have any profound experience in shooting with speedlights. The non-use is somehow based on a latent, irrational fear. There’s not really a logical explanation for it but I have constantly avoided these pieces.
Find a few more hints about my weird “fear” in “What’s in my camera bag”.
I used the flash for some event stuff (mainly at family gatherings or other non-job related events) but when it comes to model photography I always relied on my monobloc lighting kit. I consider the model light as most useful and indispensable because it provides me with a good guidance when I am working on my light setup. With that being said, I used this fact as an excuse not to busy myself with the topic of speedlighting for a long time.
Well, recently I repeatedly kept running into some trouble with my traditional lighting gear: on location space limitation! Monolight head too big, stand’s footprint to large, no space for movement – simply horrible. Unfortunately, I do not always get to shoot in large rooms in big palaces. I also have to work in rather small junior suites and other cramped situations 😉
And, more surprisingly, on some shoots (with limited distance) the monolights were just too strong. I could not reduce the power to the point that would allow me to only create this slight touch of light that I was looking for!
Last but not least, I simply need a very mobile kit when doing snaps outside. When wandering around in the city looking for great spots to create some awesome quick pictures, it is just the model and me. Meaning, we can’t be carrying around heavy equipment and stay flexible at the same time. So a mobile solution was literally screaming for my attention! And I was finally ready to listen…which ended up with me investing in a more mobile lighting system.
Walimex Pro Light Shooter 180/360: Decision in Favor of Bare Bulb Flashes (+ the BEEP!)
I could have gone with original Nikon units (I Am Nikon)… Or Yongnuo or any other brand. But the thing is that I want to have a basic light that is as unadulterated in its character as possible. That’s why I decided to invest in a bare-bulb system (all other flash units have already a Fresnel panel built into the housing).
Pro: No systemic light alteration, just a naked flashtube that can be replaced in case it gets busted.
Con: These units have no TTL functions at all. But thinking about the circumstances that I need my gear for, I easily forego TTL measuring. But hey, the last few years I already used to set up my model-shoot-lighting and controlled output manually all the time. So not a big issue for me!
What actually is the most important feature on these units is something as simple as a beep tone!
I get an acoustic signal when they are reloaded and ready to fire again. This tiny little function makes for a very big advantage: I can fully concentrate on directing the model and shooting.
Once I hear the beep(s) I know: Next shot ready! Wonderful!
My New Units: Versatile & Worth the Price
I bought my Walimex branded gear in Europe, the sets are named Pro Light Shooter 180 & 360.
They are originally manufactured by Godox (I guess) and they call their units WITSTRO. Identical systems and built are available under several different brands: Godox WITSTRO AD180/ AD360, Walimex Pro Light Shooter 180/360, Cheetah CL-180/CL-360, NEEWER AD-180/360, Calumet Genesis, Bolt VB, Flashpoint Streaklight and some other copies.
Surprisingly, on a negative side, they are not cheap at all. Although lacking any TLL function – well, they actually do not come with any sophisticated electronic at all – they make a rather large dent in most people’s budget!
One set costs about EUR 500 (USD 560) (flash unit, battery, standard reflector). I paid around EUR 1,200 (USD 1,350) for my full equipment (2 sets & light modifier kit). That’s quite a bit but I am expecting them to be tireless work horses with a longevity that justifies this investment.
And when adding the thought of getting a comprehensive, fully equipped lighting kit that offers the freedom of lightweight traveling, it’s definitely worth its price (at least for me).
Strong, Durable Power
Power: I chose 2 different power units: 180 WS and 360 WS. Each of them is more than strong enough for my shooting purposes. I decided to go with two different power intensities because I want to be flexible and have the ability to reduce the power of the 180 unit further down if needed. On the other hand, I also want to have the option of pushing the 360 to its limit. Both units offer 1/1 – 1/128 power levels in 1/3rd stop adjustments and seem most fine-tunable. I guess that this combination is good yet future shoots yet have to proof me right.
Durable Batteries (with overheating protection): Though I’ve not shot excessively until today, I can absolutely confirm that the battery packs deliver very durable and constant power. I flashed-off over 800 snaps in a production day and the battery-packs were still half-full. It seems that they just won’t die. That makes my heart rejoice!
What about Modifiers?
Thanks to the strobist crowd, speedlight modifiers have been getting more sophisticated in general over the last few years and this system offers all basic modifiers (with a specific mount) one needs. I purchased a kit and got the following modifiers:
- 2x Standard reflector (included in the set)
- 1x Snoot
- 1x Octo w/Grid, Ø45cm/18”
- 1x Beauty Dish w/Grid, Ø30cm/11”
- 1x Shoot-Through Umbrella, Ø100cm/40”
It’s just that I’m not yet used to the quality of light! The original modifiers for this system are naturally much smaller (in diameter/front surface) than I am used to and therefore they create a much more limited and harsher light. Even the octobox (Ø45cm/18’’) appears to be quite scary when used as a key light indoors.
Small Units: Still Educating Myself & Practice like a Madman
With my year long experience shooting big strobes, I notice that the basics don’t really seem to be too different. Light direction, quality and shadow sculpting stay basically the same. Yet the units are smaller; smaller buttons, laborious manipulation, smaller modifiers… – I have to adapt my workflow a bit, especially when it comes to setting the first light of a production site.
I need to think more, imagine possible light placement in my mind first. I am still missing the modeling light but starting out with concentrating on my imaginative set plan already leads to quite acceptable results.
In order to boost my knowledge, feel more secure and act based on an educated guess, I delved into books my colleagues wrote and every one of them has some different approaches and useful tips.
That’s not meant to come across as a sales pitch here but I could imagine that these eGuides might be quite informative for one or the other of you guys:
- The Art of Boudoir Photography with Speedlights Zelbel
- Location Flash – Shoot Awesome Portraits Combining Natural and Artificial Light
In order to give you a first impression of the different light modifiers, we go with a few test shots supported by the attendance of the lovely, dressed, unretouched Jenni Czech. I decided to convert the images into black & white so we can fully concentrate on the light quality and character.
Conclusion: Full Speed Ahead
I will most definitely have to enhance the modifier palette (3rd party generic brands) as I am not really happy with the light quality yet. It’s too harsh, so I need to invest in bigger formers. I can’t just use the shoot-through umbrella as it’s impossible to control the light direction/spill.
But anyhow, from now on you can expect more shoots done with this mobile lighting kit: studio, indoor & outdoor locations in the genres glam, nudes and a b/w-artsy-approach.
I will continue with just the 2 units purchased and if outdoors (well, probably indoors also) put an additional disc reflector into play to create extra fill-ins & volume.
Also there’s no way of avoiding further self-education about high-speed sync. This additional knowledge will soon allow me to shoot some decent outdoor photos under nature’s blue sky. This is my goal and I will do what’s necessary to achieve it! Even overcome my “biggest fear”…. 😉
But for now this post here is the first step I am bravely taking.
More to come!
Tech Specs
- Li-ion battery-powered camera flashes
- Powerful 180ws / 360ws – GN 60m / 85m (ISO 100, standard 28mm reflector)
- 900 Full Power Pops – with the Lithium Pac
- Fast Recycle Times 0.05 – 2.6 seconds
- No Overheating – Fire many consecutive flashes without overheating
- Wireless Remote Manual Power Control – (with optional FT-16 Radio Triggers)
- 1/1 – 1/128 power levels in 1/3 rd stop adjustments (22 adjustments)
- Accurate colour temperature output 5600K +/- 200K
- Flash duration 1/300 to 1/10,000
- Focus Assist Light
- Built in Optic Slave
- Sound Prompt Beep (recycle ready etc.)
- Lightweight and Compact – just 550 grams – Lithium pack 540 grams
- Modifiers available to attach directly to the flash head bayonet mount
- Removable and replaceable bulb
My Complete Set
Get a Detailed Review Here
As mentioned in the very beginning, this article is not a review but rather an explanation of my very personal reasons “why I decided to go with this kind of equipment”.
For those of you curious to get more tech info read a detailed review about function & data (Godox version) here: http://flashhavoc.com/godox-witstro-ad180-ad360-review/
Hey Dan,
I’ve really enjoyed working with the Elinchrom Quadra system for a portable solution. The Quadra does have a modeling light, though it would drain the battery quite a bit to leave it on all the time.
I’ve used the Elinchrom 27″ deep octa as my main modifier along with the 49″ and 60″ umbrellas from Photek.
The Photek umbrellas have a diffusion panel on the face, so it controls spill quite well and the results are fantastic. Annie Liebowitz uses the Photeks as well as glamour photographers Jimmy D and Dean Capture. Best of all, the Photeks are inexpensive and can be used with speed lights.
The photo I attached was shot using the smaller Photek as the key with the Quadra.
Joe
Hello Joe,
thanks for your tech list. I’ve shot once with the Quadra and the system is just great. Yet again it’s much bigger, heavier and all the cables makes it less easy to maneuver in small spaces for me.
I would love to work with Photek modifiers (e.g. SoftLighter II) but I can’t get it here in Europe. I can order via B&H or Amazon but then the shipment & taxes costs more than the modifier itself…
SoftLighter II is still on my bucket list 🙂
Thanks for the great shot!
Best,
Dan
I have two Cheetah Light 360s and one Cheetah Light 180 I use in studio and on location.
I wanted bigger modifiers too so I went with the Cheetah Stand Speed Pro Bracket MK II for mounting the lights on a light stand. Since I never plan to use these lights on camera, I removed the hot shoe and used the optional mounting plate that came with the light to attach the light more securely to the bracket. The bracket has a Bowens S-style mount which allows easy access to a large number of large modifiers.
Tony
Hi Tony,
thanks for your insights. I was thinking about removing the hot shoe too. I will perform another few shoots but then probably change to the mounting plate too. I guess I never will use these units on my camera.
I’ve seen now as example modifiers like this (48-Inch Octagon Softbox w/Speedring Bracket – http://goo.gl/mskGUH) and I guess I will try one of these out.
Wishing you good shoots with your mobile set!
Best, Dan
Hi Dan,
Fascinating insight . As cameras become lighter faster ( I am using all Fuji CSC now ) the ability to rely less on big heavy lights and be able to shoot in almost any situation is an enjoyable experience .
I have utilised tungsten for small locations and have been thinking of dipping my toe in using portable flash.
Your thoughts are informative as ever in utilising something different .
Looking forward to seeing more images ( and more from your German trip)
Will
Hi Will,
thanks for your comment and insights. What tungsten solution do you use?
Germany’s “Hanna in Berlin – B/W Etudes No. 2” is now in post production 🙂
Cheers, Dan
Thank you Dan. You always have great info to share. I have been considering using speed lights for some tight on location shoots and now you have inspired me to get them out and practice with them. I have two 8×8 speed light soft boxes. My main issues are reliability of the speed lights and limited intensity. TTL has its place but manual is far better for portrait work. so out come the speed lights. Best to you, Mike
Hi Mike, thank you & great! Go ahead and practice. The really one and only thing is make sure to take enough battery power with you.
I don’t think that limited power will be of any issue.
Turn off TTL, shoot and post here a few images of your work 🙂
Best, Dan
Hi Dan
Love your work – well done on acquiring the Witstro system – I have 2 AD360 units for my Fuji X kit. You might be interested in these modifiers
http://www.lightingrumours.com/portable-location-kit-5746#.VPtmdoGsU7Q
Best wishes
Hi Mono Foto,
thank you very much! And thanks for the link/input to LINKSTAR QSOB-11 OCTABOX. This looks great and seems perfect to travel with. I guess I will get some of these soon.
I will keep you updated on how my shoots with these small units progress.
All the best!
Dan
Hi Dan,
I am a hobbyist glamour photographer who travels a lot, and on some of these travels I spend an extra day to book local models. As such I have only limited space and venue (my hotel room or rental apartment). I considered a monobloc light for a while but even the smallest of those have huge footprint in my luggage allowance, so I decided on using the Godox 360 (just 1 unit) with an umbrella reflector. You can see one of my result here.
Anyway I want to ask you about the 800 shots that you took with a single battery charge with battery, what output setting did you use? 1/4? 1/8?
Thanks and keep up the good work. I have picked up some very useful info from your website series.
Cheers,
Lawrence
Hi Lawrence, thanks a lot for your insights and the image. Lovely!
I will start traveling again more these year (after being 2 years in a row here in Prague) and I am already excited to take the little ones with me!
800 shots where taken with an average 50% of the power (= 1/2 max). I guess if I would have them fired 1/1 they would be empty after 600 shots. Yet the beauty is to utilize them in mixed lighting situations (ambient).
I am happy you get useful tips from my blog! Enjoy the journey and post every know and then an image here.
Best,
Dan
Hey Dan, I haven’t been around BLOG+ for a while and am catching up on these posts.
I recently bought the 360 barebulb flash (B&H branded: Bolt) and battery pack. Very impressed. Lightweight, compact and the battery life puts my old Hensel Porty to shame! I have the 2 to 1 combining cable for the battery pack, which cuts the recycle time in half! After putting the 360 and the AR400 Ring Flash to the test at IBMS (7 days, 27 models, 3200 frames) I think I will be selling the Porty now.
Regards,
Dana
Hey Dana, thanks for your comment.
Yeah, the Godox/Bolt/Walimex are really powerful and everlasting. I have now performed some more real life shoots with this equipment and I am really positively surprised in the constant output, power & quality. Though I still need to upgrade to larger modifiers to achieve softer light quality when needed – but the packs/kits are just phenomenal.
Best,
Dan
Hi Dan!
Somehow I missed this post when it came out. I think I was traveling. Very glad to see you have taken the plunge and started mastering speed lights. As you very well know, there is now “best” lighting system – natural or artificial. They are all just tools that a photographer can use to get one look or another. One look may require one thing, another look, something else.
I started seriously using speed lights (Canon system, new 600 series rf wireless) about 2 years ago. Lots of bad shots at first, but they got better. At first my kit was expanding as I added more speedlights modifiers, then I started cutting it back to make it more practical as a travel kit. Still learning, of course.
I’ve also started exploring mirrorless systems and have purchased a Sony A6000. It is an amazing camera! I am loving the images, but so far used it only for travel photography and other natural light situations. I will need to tackle using lights with it at some point, so still more to learn there.
Looking forward to see how your style evolves with smaller lights. Consider (if you haven’t already) that perhaps the goal should be, not to make images taken with small flashes look the same as those you have always taken with big lights, but to find what new looks the smaller light images can produce for you.
Happy shooting!
Dave