Studio flash outdoors

[vidar42]

I was just wondering if anyone has used studio strobes outdoors and what did you use to power them (i.e. a portable battery pack). I'm considering looking into those, but not sure if it would be better to just get a few speedlights and work with those...

[Tito87]

It all depends on how much power you need. Studio strobes have more juice than speedlights.

[Rentham]

I use both. My strobe kit consists of two Alien Bee 800s and one 1600. Up until this weekend I was powering them with a Vagabond II which tips the scales at 18lbs. I upgraded to the Vagabon Mini Lithium which is only 3.5lbs. Still, even with the lighter pack, it can be a commitment to bring all that to a location that is a little out of the way. And, depending on the lighting scenario, you may end up having to run extension cords all over the place in areas that don't look kindly upon that kind of thing.

You can still get f/8 out of a decent speedlight, which is often enough to get the job done. The lighter weight, ability to put them in places a strobe won't go, and potential for TTL in situations that call for it make them a nice tool to have in the kit.


Speedlight Example by Rentham, on Flickr

[scootermcq]

Same as Rentham...

I use a vagabond II, as I guess I need more of a workout than he does. I regularly used strobe at weddings to deal with harsh sunlight.

This was shot at ISO100, f10, 1/250 because of the time of day and direct sunlight. Not perfect, but under the circumstances, I am happy with the image.

[zona5101]

I use a vagabond mini. I also use in inside too...on the main light that I have on a rolling light stand so I can move it around without worrying about cords...

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by zona5101

I use a vagabond mini. I also use in inside too...on the main light that I have on a rolling light stand so I can move it around without worrying about cords...

I keep telling myself that the vagabond II removes the need for a sandbag to keep the stand down on breezy days...... in reality, I am too cheap to buy the mini & keep convincing myself not too. It sure is nice when I use my friends mini from a carrying point of view.

[Rentham]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

in reality, I am too cheap to buy the mini & keep convincing myself not too.

I felt the same way for the longest time. After using it for a few shoots this weekend, I'm certain I made the right decision. And look at it this way: after buying the mini you'd then have an 18lb sandbag that can power your strobes in a pinch!