Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

My two are YN EX600-RT's

They have the flash zoom just like the Canon's but bot no longer work, they are stuck on 14mm so they are only good for use with a modifier of some sort. Both are not as powerful as the Canon's when set to the same power and bot shut down when I work them hard. They both still work in their limited fashion but I'm going to by another two Canon EX600-RT's and the controller for the camera. I just like the idea that they will all be matched and work exactly the same.

A few from the wedding using only the two Canon speed lights .... one on-camera and one off-camera.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Love the shots.
I do hear you about having them all be the same. I think it's been two years since I started saying that I'm going to just bite the bullet, sell all my various other flashes on Ebay, and move everything to the same flashes (right now, I'm in love with the 685's) Of my 9 flashes, only the 2 685's are the same! It does cause some confusion from time to time. Thankfully, when hooked up to the 622 system, I can control them as long as they are all set to TTL, or in the case of the 685's, radio slave. Anyway, to go into the settings and adjust any of them, takes me way too long. I have to set everything to TTL, but can still set them to manual from the controller. I wish I could get a handle on TTL. I think my hang up is messing with exposure compensation. For me, it's still just easier to adjust everything from the controller manually. I've messed with it, and probably will try again during some outdoor family photos this Sunday. (I know, Exp. Compensation + because of the backlight) I'll still have my meter with me, and will more than likely just go back to "my way." I tend to get frustrated when I don't get what I want. Just ask my wife.

Sooner or later, I'm either going to go big with battery powered studio type strobes, and supplement with a couple of speedlights, or I'm going to spend my money on more 685's and take my losses with selling the other stuff. 9 flashes is getting ridiculous, and I never carry them all at once anyway.

bk

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

I only want 4 speed lights and a controller. All the same would be nice. The one extra is for off-camera use such as a sunset so I don't need to pull one off a stand.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Interesting discussion about the speedlites you are using. I have toyed with the idea of the Chinese knock-offs, but have been really happy so far with the Canon units I have now.

When the 600 RT came out, I got a great deal on a Pocket Wizard Flex multi unit set with 2 580 EXII's that were modified against the radio interference problem. I already had a couple of older Canon units and have since added more 550 EX's for backgrounds and perimeter lighting. Even tho different models, they work together seamlessly.

What I like about the PW Flex system is the ability to switch from TTL to manual with the flick of a switch on the AC3, or a combo of TTL and manual of 3 groups with a group dial for flash compensation. Plus it automatically shifts into HSS if my shutter speed exceeds sync... no resetting anything to HSS. I can also add my Alien Bees to the system, but without HSS. If I add manual flashes to the PW system, I just use the PC connection to my Pixell manual triggers. I don't know the 622 system at all (or if it is similar to the Pixell), but you sound happy with it.

Really love your last photos, the lighting was well executed.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I actually had PW's. before the flex. I had problems with it (Nikon, can't speak to Canon) as far as misfires, etc. Before the flex system, it was really not fun to use with speedlights. The Yongnuo yn622 was just about as bad on Nikon. Canon was sweet, because you could still change all the flash settings from your menu. I didn't have one, but messed with it, only to be disappointed when I purchased the Nikon version. That aside, once the 622tx system came out, it is just friggin sweet! I can set up lights all over the place, and adjust them by group, mixing TTL, Manual, repeating, etc. I never had to change a setting, as long as my camera body is set for FP or auto FP (Nikon's HSS)

I haven't gone back to look at the flex, not when transmitters and or receivers can be had for less than $40 each, and I've never had a failure. Now with the 685s, which did take a little adjusting to, they don't even need a transceiver, they have receivers built in...

Would I suggest you change? No, I don't believe it spending money just to switch systems. If your PW system ever bit the dust, I would do my best to convince you that it's the way to go...whether you use Canon or Yongnuo flashes. They just plain work.

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Thanks ....

I do like the idea of having it switch automatically to HSS, that's a nice feature. I've thought about more speed lights but came to the decision that dramatic lighting was what I was after and if I start using a bunch of speed lights I can flood the floor with so much light that I loose the ambiance of the reception area and loose the dramatic shadows. Three speed lights seem to be just what I was after but again that's my preference, others may like it differently :)

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Yes, in the beginning I had problems synching until I got used to the system and now, one sync up shot and good to go. If my system ever goes down for good, would research what systems fill my needs at that point. Right now, for the price, the flashpoint/Godox R2 system looks intriguing. The manual PW's were not Nikon or Canon specific like the Flex system. I probably would have had the same issues if I had started with them. At that point, I was using no name 2.4 ghz manual systems.

Beercat, yes I agree about the drama produced with 2 or 3 lights for events. You do it well, and that's what I lean to also when doing events (I've shot a few weddings and enjoyed the challenge doing them, but not my forte). I have a lot of lighting gear (a lot of it DIY or repurposed) only because my main source of clientele is in the interior designer business. I can go without lights to using a load of lighting from gooseneck led lamps to the Alien Bees in combo. Wireless triggers are a godsend because I may have lighting set up in adjacent rooms or hidden within the shot itself.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Ah, yes, but I have a system for what flashes go where, and I can turn them on and off from the YN 622, or adjust the power to the lowest setting to get a nice starburst.

I can even set a flash or 2 on a complete different channel, so at the press of a button, I can use gelled lights for even more dramatic photos of the first dance, etc.

I'm lucky, I have second (and sometimes third) shooters that are outstanding, and I can take my time composing the perfect dramatic shot, while they take the photos of things that unexpectedly pop up while I'm setting up my shots. It costs more to have quality second shooters, but worth every single red cent.

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Nice to have a second or a third ........... it's just me :)

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I guess it's how I started that makes me never want to shoot without one (or two). Being that I spent a few years being a second, I just think that's how it should be.

Other than one about 2 years ago (turned out OK, but I always felt that I should have gotten more of the "magical" shots), I can't remember shooting by myself, except when I first started. At least you sometimes have your BH to help out, but it still isn't the same as having someone dedicated to Second shooting, and not having to work 2 jobs (video and stills)

All I know is that you sure do show some nice work for someone primarily shooting by yourself. Shows that you don't rush, which is the key.

I would rather give them 1.... Million dollar shot.... than a million 1 dollar shots.

bk

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Bob ...

Could agree more or should I say less is more. I can't believe some photogs who will shoot 2000+ pictures at a wedding. I shoot about 500, I'll hone it down to 400 as I get ride of some duplicates I purposely shoot for large groups or the occasional mistake. Currently I go through all 400 and enhance/crop. But once I have a dual slot camera I'm going to shoot both jpeg and RAW. Once I have my approximate 400 pictures I'll deliver the jpegs as they came out of the camera, all of them are theirs to keep. I'll ask them to pick 100 out of the 400 that they want me to enhance/crop from the RAW files. Bottom line is they will get around 400 pictures total with 100 that they pick out that I'll run through LightRoom/PhotoShop. No couple needs more than 100 pictures for their coffee table wedding book.

BermBuster Loc: Hi Desert S.Cal

I'm a little late to the discussion, but talking about flashes, I'm really thinking hard on either a couple Godox AD200's, or a Quantum QFlash.
I really want a bare bulb, flash for fill.. and I always struggle outdoors in bright light.
With a bracket, the Godox can double up to =400ws, or with the right battery the Quantum can do 400ws. I'd like the option of on camera, but the Godox may not be the best for that, but Having 2 flashes that could be combined as one..esp for outdoor -sunny-shots, or separated would be great.
Just wondering if you guys have any experience-suggestions or concerns with either of these?
Quality wise, the Godox is probably the weak link.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

I am following for comment from others. The AD200 is really gaining popularity, but I am just not ready to convert to a new system.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

I agree, by the time I get ready to change, there will probably be a new rendition.

BermBuster Loc: Hi Desert S.Cal

Ed uses a Qflash type setup, and I almost have enough saved to pull the trigger, then I saw this AD200... I Really like the idea, the weight, the battery. But it will mess with my trigger set-up..have to change it up... And no telling what's around the corner :)
Ed's set up has lasted 50yrs or so... Might just stick to that.