somewhat cheap outdoor flash ring

Starastin

Starastin

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http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pro-Studio-Ring-400w-Mobile-Flash-Strobe-Light-Kit-D3E-/190478825418?pt=UK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL&hash=item2c596c37ca#ht_4739wt_1139


so here it is ! anyone has used such thing ? I mean - it seems to be at least 2 or so times cheaper than the Lencarta, which is already thought to be cheap.

I bet it's like comparing wauxhall corsa with lambo gallardo but - is it reliable/ gives good light ?

I'm not looking to buy at the moment. just want to crystallize thoughts on this matter once and for all .

cheers,
D.
 
Nope, never used one. Couple of observations.....

The power of the flash can be adjusted from 210ws to 410ws approximately
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I.e. on, half power, off. Since the distance you use a ringflash at is kind of fixed to camera distance this could be a bit limiting. Elsewhere it says it has a 9 step power control - no reason they can't both be true but I bet they aren't.

The nickel hydroxide battery is rechargeable
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I had to look up with Nickel Hydroxide was. Wikipedia reckons this could be either NiMH or the older less sexy Nicad. Better than lead, not as good as Li-ON. NiMH would be quite a good option especially if it was the new low discharge stuff. But since it's unclear I bet it's Nicad so you'll want to drain it every time (like an old mobile phone before they were easy to live with)

a) Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
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So that would be £10 handling + maybe some duty + 20% VAT. Anything else is smuggling ;)

It says "lightweight" a bunch of times but doesn't mention weight at all. That pack's pretty big for putting on a shoulder. If it was light I bet they would give the weight.

I'd want to know if the pack can also power their other heads (I bet it can) - otherwise you have a big heavy pack that can pull off one trick.

Basically......you go first and tell us all if it's worth it ;)
 
there is always a reason why something is cheap. and if it's NiCad - I guess I wouldn't want to live with that ! :(

I'll try to email them later. the linkdelight.com obviously.

I mean ! are they trying to sell something to me or me to them ! :thinking:
 
The flash duration is also pretty long, I tested one a long time ago and I think it was around 1/200th t.5 - probably due to a combination of low operating voltage and a very long flash tube. I also did some colour temperature tests, I may still have them on my computer.
 
I've always been a natural light shooter but - the flash duration 1/200th - does it mean that I can use the flash in any camera speeds, because of the curtain travel ?

a new world to me though .
 
Starastin said:
I've always been a natural light shooter but - the flash duration 1/200th - does it mean that I can use the flash in any camera speeds, because of the curtain travel ?

a new world to me though .
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No. I was just pointing out that the flash duration is 5 - 10 times longer than with most studio flashes.
 
Starastin said:
which I suppose is bad right ?! :|
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it's an issue if you are looking to freeze motion with your flash.

So for most things that you'd use a ring flash, likely not a huge issue, but it could be if you're incorporating motion of ANY kind... (1/200th t0.5 IS very slow really...)
 
I had one of these for a while, got about 60 shots on full power then the battery went into meltdown, batteries are nicad and about £50 for a spare.... Ok if you are use it every now and then, otherwise buy either a Safari or a bowens ringlite adaptor for prolonged use.
 
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