Question about types of lighting

[SilverBullet07]

I've been watching some online training with kelbytraining.com and saw that David A. Ziser is using a Quantum Qflash as an external light source. I don't know much about these flashes but was wondering about it and how much better they were to a external strobe like a canon 430EX.

I understand that it can recycle faster, more shoots per battery charge and I'm sure the power is greater but can I get the same results from a strobe?

The 430EX only list max guide numbers and the Quantum list max watts how does it compare? Will the flash spread be the same for both when using a duffuser such as a 36" shoot through umbrella?


These training videos sure make you think.....

[OsmosisStudios]

If it's being used off-camera, many people dont bother with the proprietary flashes and just get "dumb" flashes that are set manually and triggered using radio triggers. It means they can often get 2-3 for the price of 1.

[RustySterling]

I have my share of Canon. Vivitar, and other flashes. My own opinion, you cannot do wrong with a Q flash especially if you are like me and lean on manual flash controls. The Q flash you mentioned is certainly much more powerful than the 430EX II. And is is slightly more powerful than the 580EX II. You really have the same kind of manual controls over the Canons as you have over the Q Flash.

IMHO, I would much rather have a Q Flash in my bag than a 430EX II any day. As compared to the 580EX II, I'll take a Q Flash but just barely. However, if you are doing some serious photography, I think if I had not invested in my Canon flashes a much as I have I would have gone with Q flashes.

I'm glad I have what I have in my bag. No regrets. And I have Quantum power packs to power my 2 580EX II. The power packs are great because of the reduced recycle time.

Still, I'd love to have a Q flash or two sometimes for the slightly increased power output. But I live with what I live with.