Speedlite vs strobe - where do you choose one over the other?

c.cloudwalker · Dec 17, 2010

Overread said:
Portability however isn't something to be snubbed at...

(consideration for video macro)

You are correct about portability. But I will not compromise the quality of an image because I don't want to deal with 60 or 600 lbs. I have a DIY diffuser rig that has to weigh over 200 lbs between the frame and the fabric and takes at least 2 people to put together.

The job dictates what I use, Period. And I have talked here of shooting large "rooms" in an underground quarry with just one flash, popped multiple times. I will not lug around gear if I don't need to just for the sake of saying I lug around more gear than you do.

David Dvir said:
...studio strobes are always better than speedlights...

I disagree. Light is light. But the right tool for the job makes life a lot easier some/most times. One could cut down a tree with one's Swiss Army knife's saw if one had 50 years to waste on the project but it just doesn't make any sense.

ghache said:
30 strobes? can we see one of these shots were you used 30 strobes?

Just look at any studio catalog-style shots of cars. Moody shots can be achieved with fewer strobes but probably not a whole lot fewer. See my post in Overread's thread about shooting black water.

ghache · Dec 17, 2010

c.cloudwalker said:
Overread said:

Portability however isn't something to be snubbed at...

(consideration for video macro)

Click to expand...

You are correct about portability. But I will not compromise the quality of an image because I don't want to deal with 60 or 600 lbs. I have a DIY diffuser rig that has to weigh over 200 lbs between the frame and the fabric and takes at least 2 people to put together.

The job dictates what I use, Period. And I have talked here of shooting large "rooms" in an underground quarry with just one flash, popped multiple times. I will not lug around gear if I don't need to just for the sake of saying I lug around more gear than you do.

David Dvir said:

...studio strobes are always better than speedlights...

Click to expand...

I disagree. Light is light. But the right tool for the job makes life a lot easier some/most times. One could cut down a tree with one's Swiss Army knife's saw if one had 50 years to waste on the project but it just doesn't make any sense.

ghache said:

30 strobes? can we see one of these shots were you used 30 strobes?

Click to expand...

Just look at any studio catalog-style shots of cars. Moody shots can be achieved with fewer strobes but probably not a whole lot fewer. See my post in Overread's thread about shooting black water.