Posted by Paul Inglis on January 10, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Hello,
This is my first post on the forum and I would like to introduce myself. My name is Paul Inglis and I reside in the Isle of Man where I shoot Natural History and Landscapes subjects. I am at present trying to build up a comprehensive portfolio of birds and mammals but this has brought about various problems that I am slowing overcoming. I do however have one problem with a telephoto lens/flash set-up and wondered if anyone could help me.
You see when I shoot with a telephoto lens I frequently use fill-in flash, especially at times when the light is flat or when the sun is high in the sky and the light is harsh. I find that this helps to soften the shadows. In low light it can provide that extra illumination to help lift the image. I use a typical telephoto lens and flash set-up but I am constantly frustrated by the recycle times of the flash and would like to add a powerpack such as a Quantum.
I don’t really relish the thought of having a powerpack hanging from me in anyway and would prefer for it to be integrated to my flash system without having loads of cables dangling.
My telephoto/flash set-up consists of a Gitzo G1548 tripod along with a BH-1 Ball Head and a Sidekick. All my long lenses have arca-swiss style replacement feet attached where I can screw in an extension arm which connects to a Telephoto Flashbracket. I use a Shortened SC-17 Cord to connect the camera to the flash bracket. The flash (SB-800) is then placed on the bracket with an X-Tender attached to it.
I would like any suggestions on how I can attach a powerpack to this system where it won’t hinder the movement with action shots. Also any recommendations of which powerpack would suit this set-up best? Does anyone use a powerpack with their set-up? Weight maybe an issue depending on where the powerpack is placed but I’d rather opt for quicker recycle times than lower weight.
Many thanks,
Paul
Posted by Phil Shaw on January 10, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I now use Canon's CP-E4 battery packs with my flashes - not sure if there is a Nikon equivalent. I usually just strap these to the upright of my Wimberley Head, or to the leg of my tripod with a velcro strap. In the past, when I used to use a Quantum battery pack, I stuck a bit of hook-velcro on the back of the Quantum and a bit of loop-velcro on the insulating cover on the tripod leg and used a velcro strap to keep the whole thing together. Velcro straps come in really handy. I often use them to attach my 70-200, or 300 with a camera body attached, to the leg of the tripod in case I need to switch from the 500/600.
I use a quantum1+ with no problem it velcros easily to the gitzo leg,just remember to attach to the tripod,never have it on your person because you will forget and walk away from your tripod and bring the lot crashing down,i've seen it happen.
Craig
www.craigchurchill.co.uk
Posted by Barrie Harwood on January 10, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Rene - I've sent you a PM about the CP-E4
Posted by Phil Shaw on January 11, 2008 at 6:35 AM
Rene - the CP-E4 (also CP-E3 only difference is waterproof plug on CP-E4) is great. I have 4 of these battery packs and I can't remember when I last used my Quantum Turbo. They take 8-AA batteries (I use rechargables), they are lightweight, less bulky and I see no real-world difference between the recycle time compared with my QT battery pack.
Posted by Paul Inglis on January 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Thanks for all your replies - got some velcro today just need to decide which battery pack. Does anyone know the recycle time for a SB-800 connected to a SD-8A? or would a Quantum be faster but heavier.
For those that are interested I ended up settling on a Nikon SD-8A and my verdict is simply awesome! I have coupled it with Ansmann 2400mAh NiMH AA Batteries for very fast re-cycle times. Never hanging around now! I also use the 5th Battery Chamber on the flash as well!
Discussion
9 repliesThis is my first post on the forum and I would like to introduce myself. My name is Paul Inglis and I reside in the Isle of Man where I shoot Natural History and Landscapes subjects. I am at present trying to build up a comprehensive portfolio of birds and mammals but this has brought about various problems that I am slowing overcoming. I do however have one problem with a telephoto lens/flash set-up and wondered if anyone could help me.
You see when I shoot with a telephoto lens I frequently use fill-in flash, especially at times when the light is flat or when the sun is high in the sky and the light is harsh. I find that this helps to soften the shadows. In low light it can provide that extra illumination to help lift the image. I use a typical telephoto lens and flash set-up but I am constantly frustrated by the recycle times of the flash and would like to add a powerpack such as a Quantum.
I don’t really relish the thought of having a powerpack hanging from me in anyway and would prefer for it to be integrated to my flash system without having loads of cables dangling.
My telephoto/flash set-up consists of a Gitzo G1548 tripod along with a BH-1 Ball Head and a Sidekick. All my long lenses have arca-swiss style replacement feet attached where I can screw in an extension arm which connects to a Telephoto Flashbracket. I use a Shortened SC-17 Cord to connect the camera to the flash bracket. The flash (SB-800) is then placed on the bracket with an X-Tender attached to it.
I would like any suggestions on how I can attach a powerpack to this system where it won’t hinder the movement with action shots. Also any recommendations of which powerpack would suit this set-up best? Does anyone use a powerpack with their set-up? Weight maybe an issue depending on where the powerpack is placed but I’d rather opt for quicker recycle times than lower weight.
Many thanks,
Paul
T
Rene de Heer
with a bit of velcro.
Phillip.
I use a quantum1+ with no problem it velcros easily to the gitzo leg,just remember to attach to the tripod,never have it on your person because you will forget and walk away from your tripod and bring the lot crashing down,i've seen it happen.
Craig
www.craigchurchill.co.uk