Quadra, Safari 2, Jinbei....

marts_uk

marts_uk

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Martin
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I'm looking for a single head portable light kit that I can use at weddings (may consider a twin head, but single would suit fine for now).
I've spent hours researching the different options available and tbh my head is mashed! I currently have a couple of Bowens kits that I use in the studio/at homes, but have discounted the Bowens travelpak due to the weight of the battery kit.

I'm swaying towards the Safari 2, and away from the Quadra (due to the cost), and would like to be able to use a deep octa ~ 70-80cm ish. From the pictures of the Safari I have seen, it doesn't show much of a handle, so is there a handle available to be able to lift the light/softbox up?

Anyone have any info that might sway me further towards the Safari or other? eg Jinbei, Godox, Genesis GF400 etc...

thanks
 
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Another vote for the safari2, I tend to use it on a proper stand, but I have a 'thingy' that fits a tripod/monopod bush that I've tried too. I can't remember where it came from, it's just one of those things that you collect over time with bits of kit.

I use a 120 octa by default.
 
The Safari 2 doesn't have or need a handle.
What it does have is a tilting mechanism, tightened by a 3 1/4" locking handle. There's no problem with even the heaviest modifier, and as the head and the attachment fitting is metal, it would be safe to adjust the tilt by moving the end of the softbox or whatever, if that's how you want to do it.

Obviously I feel that the Safari 2 is streets ahead of anything else on the market. My advice, if you decide not to buy the Safari, is to avoid any product where the seller doesn't have servicing facilities in the UK, like the proverbial plague... sending a product back to China would be an interesting experience for you:)
 
I had mine triggered at about 1/2000 on Saturday evening with a YN622c. Oddly it's brighter on the 40d than the 7d which is why I'm itching for the 622tx to be able to fine tune the sync.
 
marts_uk said:
Thanks Garry. I'd ideally like to see the Safari 2 in operation but I'm in Cheshire and can't make it to any of your resellers during the week.
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You're welcome to come to our warehouse (Bradford) by arrangement.
If necessary, I'll be happy to pop in here on a Sat or Sun
 
marts_uk said:
Does the kit come with a soft carry case for the battery pack, or is that a separate buy "BAG003"? I can see it comes with the hard carry case.

Sorry for the questions, I can't find the info anywhere :-/
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No it doesn't, the BAG003 is an optional extra. We gave one away free with the previous model but can't afford to do that with the Safari 2.

The included hard carry case looks pretty, but is of limited use because it can only accommodate what's actually in the kit, with no room for any accessories
 
marts_uk said:
Does the kit come with a soft carry case for the battery pack, or is that a separate buy "BAG003"? I can see it comes with the hard carry case.

Sorry for the questions, I can't find the info anywhere :-/
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Both
The hard carry case contains the whole kit, the soft bag fits the battery pack / controller, receiver and the cable that connects the head to the power pack. So you can sling it over your shoulder on location.
Confused?
The bag003 is the big bag that fits it all in, I'm not sure it's big enough to mean it's all you'd need to carry, you're better off with the head on a light stand and the controller over your shoulder (in it's soft case)
 
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Phil V said:
Both
The hard carry case contains the whole kit, the soft bag fits the battery pack / controller, receiver and the cable that connects the head to the power pack. So you can sling it over your shoulder on location.
Confused?
The bag003 is the big bag that fits it all in, I'm not sure it's big enough to mean it's all you'd need to carry, you're better off with the head on a light stand and the controller over your shoulder (in it's soft case)
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Phil is right, there's a small soft bag included too, it's just for carrying the generator over the shoulder really, and pretty useful.
 
marts_uk said:
Ahh decisions :)


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It's actually an easy decision.
1. Buy it unseen, safe enough as there is a 30 day moneyback guarantee - this is the cheapest option because you'll only buy one - for now...
2. Drive over to our warehouse with your camera and have a play with it before deciding - this is the best option, but you'll end up buying a pair!
3. Decide that you don't need it:)
 
Hi Garry,

Do the new Safari 2 flashheads work with the old Safari Li-on battery pack? Or only with these? Do you have to use wavesync trigger system with the new pack and if so, can they hypersync?
 
The new Safari 2 will in fact work with tail end sync triggers, according to several customers who have used theirs with the new Yongnuo triggers.
BUT the only advantage of using them is to dramatically reduce the contribution made by bright sunlight - and as there is plenty of power it's usually possible to do that by fitting a neutral density filter to the camera lens, setting the ISO as low as possible and turning the flash power up.

The Safari 2 has pretty short flash duration, but TBH that's almost irrelevant in bright sunlight.
 
You'll be very happy with it
 
All received today Garry :)

I've had a quick play, but can't get the wavesync commander system to remote control the light - the link to the instructions on the lencarta site doesn't work (the links there, but theres nobody at home). Any chance you could let me have a link to download the manual?

I can trigger the light via the wave sync, but can't remote control the power etc. If I press a button on the part that goes on the camera, the battery pack wireless icon flashes - but it does change anything.
 
marts_uk said:
All received today Garry :)

I've had a quick play, but can't get the wavesync commander system to remote control the light - the link to the instructions on the lencarta site doesn't work (the links there, but theres nobody at home). Any chance you could let me have a link to download the manual?

I can trigger the light via the wave sync, but can't remote control the power etc. If I press a button on the part that goes on the camera, the battery pack wireless icon flashes - but it does change anything.
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If Garry doesn't respond you can give me a ring...
 
I always respond:)
The instructions thing is weird, it was working perfectly, now it's just showing a blank page. I'll get that sorted next time I'm in the office, but that won't be until Monday afternoon.

The dip switches are obviously set correctly on both transmitter and receiver, otherwise it wouldn't fire. That leaves just two possibilities.
1. You haven't set the same channel on both transmitter and receiver, which means that the transmitter can't communicate with the receiver. Set them both the same, e.g. to channel 1.
2. It has two modes, one for mains powered flash heads and one for battery powered. The display on the transmitter needs to be showing a fraction from 1/1 - 1/128 (the Safari uses the settings from 1/1 - 1/32 as it has 5 stops of adjustment. If it is showing a number instead, somewhere between 1 and 10, it's in the wrong mode. Press and hold the "SET" button to change the mode.
 
Perfect, sorted thanks Garry :)
As you said, the battery was showing 1/32 but the transmitter was showing 5.0. Pressing and holding set sorted it!

Strangely the battery pack goes down to 1/32 but the transmitter goes to 1/128

Just tried the octa too, blimey putting the thing down is vicious ;)


Sent from my iPad using Talk Photography Forums
 
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