The Q Flash T5D-R TTL Flash by Quantum Instruments is an updated version of the T4D model. It has full wireless TTL dedication for new digital and film cameras, with the purchase of optional, camera-specific DW series QTTL modules and receivers. The Qflash T5D has Exposure compensation in Auto and Manual Modes, Under-Over F-stop exposure indicators in Auto, a Flash Counter, visible and audible flash indicators and signal, a modeling light, and an improved reflector locking ring.
It is a completely automated flash head with many advanced user-selectable operating modes; it is the perfect portable flash for any professional photographer.
Regular auto and manual flash are possible through its twin-blade sync socket. TTL flash exposures are possible when using the T5D with selected digital cameras. This unit is backward compatible with all Quantum TTL cords and adapters.
The Q Flash uses parabolic reflectors for clean, even light spread, and the reflectors are removable for bare-bulb lighting. Flash control is either Automatic, TTL (with optional adapters for TTL camera control), Manual, or Stroboscopic. Automatic exposure control covers a nine stop range, adjustable every 1/3 stop, for a total of 25 automatic settings. Manual power can be adjusted from full to 1/64 power in 1/3 stop increments; flash power can be dialed in precisely; Stroboscopic mode can be adjusted for flash power and number and frequency of bursts for special effects. Program allows storage of up to 8 favorite settings and switching between them at a push of a button.
The LCD control panel shows minimum & maximum flash distance range for each auto setting. It has both an audible and visual indication of correct exposure, displaying "OK" & 1 beep, or 3 beeps right away and an "UNDR" or "OVER" in the display, indicating which way to adjust the unit. The beep is switchable, or one may use the included earphone in situations where noise is distracting.
The Q Flash mounts on a camera bracket, tripod, or light stand and weighs no more than a conventional flash.
The Q Flash Model T5 can only be powered by the TURBO Series Batteries or Lumedyne Mega Cyclers with a Lumedyne battery, up to 150 Ws, full power, manual.
| Maximum Watt/Seconds | 150 Ws |
| User Replaceable Flashtube | Yes (QF30 or QF30UV) |
| Changeable Reflector | Yes |
| Circuit Protection | Yes |
| Cable Length | 6' |
| Modeling Light Wattage | None |
| Modeling Light On/Off Switch | Not applicable |
| Protective Glass Dome | Yes |
| Fan Cooled | No |
| Dimensions | 3.2 X 3.5 X 6.5" (8.1 x 8.9 x 16.5 cm) |
| Weight | 1 lb (.45 kg) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Powerful, lightweight, consistent.
I'm a full-time professional, I use the Quantum off-camera in manual. The output is very consistent this way, I use it as a main illumination source on location assignments.
This is ...Read complete review
I'm a full-time professional, I use the Quantum off-camera in manual. The output is very consistent this way, I use it as a main illumination source on location assignments.
This is a powerful unit for it's size, I really like the confirmation light feature on 3 sides of the unit, that can also be turned off via the menu, the display with the settings has large illuminated visible numbers, it is very easy to trim/increase power,also the output can be lowered down to 1/64 power, this is very handy for high ISO's in low-light situations, you can also do "bare bulb" effect with this flash by just removing the reflector with a simple twist, sweet... BTW, this is my second unit.
My only gripe is the lack of a on-board umbrella tube/bolt, as the unit is quite tall and when you use an umbrella adapter underneath , the flash beam is way off, this flash is somewhat fragile for a unit this expensive, however I think that this flash is unique in it's class as there is nothing else that comes close to the Quantum's portability/performance in the market today.
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Most Liked Negative Review
TTL Does Not Provide Correct Exposures
I had high hopes when buying the QFlash 5 system. I bought the Qflash 5D, the Turbo Compact battery, the freeXwire transmitter/reciever set and the D-13w QTTL adapter for Canon. Quantum ...Read complete review
I had high hopes when buying the QFlash 5 system. I bought the Qflash 5D, the Turbo Compact battery, the freeXwire transmitter/reciever set and the D-13w QTTL adapter for Canon. Quantum advertised that this system would work with my Canon 5D as well as my Canon 580EX strobe.
Unfortunately, the system never provided the correct amount of light when used in ttl mode. Usually, it puts out too much light (regardless of the ISO settting on the camera, the distance to the subject or the f-stop setting on the camera).
So instead of using ttl, I've had to use the Quantum system like an older "auto" strobe unit. It works well in this mode, but I could have bought a much less expensive system.
In hindsight, I wish I had bought a second Canon flash like the 600EX instead of the QFlash system.
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Reviewed by 54 customers
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
The QFlash offers more power than any speedlight currently available while also being very portable and easy to take on location. It produces consistent color temperature and power thanks to the design of the quantum batteries. The flash does not overheat, as sometimes happens with speedlights, and provides consistent power output even as the battery's charge diminishes to low levels. Easy to use and just a workhorse of a flash.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I had high hopes when buying the QFlash 5 system. I bought the Qflash 5D, the Turbo Compact battery, the freeXwire transmitter/reciever set and the D-13w QTTL adapter for Canon. Quantum advertised that this system would work with my Canon 5D as well as my Canon 580EX strobe.
Unfortunately, the system never provided the correct amount of light when used in ttl mode. Usually, it puts out too much light (regardless of the ISO settting on the camera, the distance to the subject or the f-stop setting on the camera).
So instead of using ttl, I've had to use the Quantum system like an older "auto" strobe unit. It works well in this mode, but I could have bought a much less expensive system.
In hindsight, I wish I had bought a second Canon flash like the 600EX instead of the QFlash system.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
Portraits, Wife figured out in minutes on Christmas Morning here it is a week later and she's still shooting
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I used the Q Flash T5D-R with my Canon 1DX on QTTL Mode. Only 50-60% of the wedding couple shots were properly exposed the rest were underexposed by a large amount and unusable. When I switched to Auto and set the sensor to 10ft. I got 100% reliable exposures.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I'm using for action sports, it's fantastic. You won't regret buying this flash!
B&H shipped to New Zealand in amazing time.
Just buy it.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I bought this flash unit as I am a wedding shooter and wanted something in between your typical sb-910 or 580 exii & $$$$ battery strobes for off camera lighting. I am very impressed with both the power (3x that of you standard flash unit) as well as the quality of light that this produces. I have used SB-800s as well in the past, and as a matter of fact, Nikon just charged me $ to have a $ flash bulb replaced. So, yes, this is an expensive flash with the battery, triggers and accessories but it is better in the long run. you can easily change the bulb yourself. It work consistently and reliably. It does not overheat. It is lighter than it looks (as there is no batteries inside the unit) and produces very cool punchy light without the diffusion dome or cloudy insert, a beautiful soft beauty dish quality of light with the dome and diffuser on, and even more beautiful when shot through an umbrella.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I use this light as an on-location studio light where speedlights wont provide the coverage. Portraits, Bar Mitzvahs, weddings and corporate events. Consistent light and no misfires. All the filling light of a parabolic studio strobe. Excellent color. I use it primarily off camera. Fast set-up, powerful and great light. I'll never go back to speedlights again for battery powered off camera lights.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
Steep learning curve to figure everything out, but the quality is amazing. I have Profoto D1 Air mono lights, which are top of the line, but it's nice to not always have to haul the heavy equipment for smaller jobs.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
For years I struggled with finding the right lighting solution and I think that I finally found it. In years past I shot with Nikon camera mounted flashes and made due with what was available. I even shot with one of the best flashes that I have ever worked (Sunpak 544) with and retired them when I made the move to the digital world. I purchased the QT5d-R to work with my Nikon D90 and suddenly the door was kicked off the hinges. Initially, I purchased the Qflash, the Digital QTTL module for the hot shoe, a FW9T, and a FR7Q. Once the system was set up, I began to experiment and found that I could incorporate my old Sunpak 544s outfitted with a flash slave to get all of the lighting that you would expect from a complete studio setup. More power than the SB-600 and SB-800, no over heating problems of the SB-900 and more flexible in every situation.
The initial investment is a little more than just running out to buy a SB-900 or SB-910 but worth every penny. Using the hot shoe module connected to the FW9T I can set the lighting ratios from the camera and manually set the Sunpak units for the fill and accent effects that I wanted in the shot.
No longer do I worry about will my batteries last for the entire shoot or will I have to rush over, change the batteries and lose one of the most important shots of the event. I connect the Turbo SC batteries to the QT5D-R and my older Turbos to the Sunpaks and I shoot the entire day. I can walk around , shoot where I want and with the flashes strategically located around the area, my lighting is always on target. I am an "Old School" photographer that was trained to create the image you want in the camera or on film and limit the amount of time in post-production.
The Qflash is what I have always wanted but was too CHEAP to spend the money to buy. Now that I have made the leap to Quantum, I highly doubt that I will ever go back to shoe mounted flashes again. When considering the purchase of these units, weigh the cost of replacing batteries, the small tube of the shoe mount flash, the problems you encounter if an assistant leaves the batteries in the flash and the damage that it could cause. The limited number of full power shots you can take and now days, the need to go back to the manufacturer's website to update the firmware. Take a look around and see how many people are still shooting with the QT, QT2, QT2D, and the ability to have these units upgraded to work with the new digital camera lines.
Quantum, not Cheap by any means but, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I purchased this light for wedding and other location photography. The setup is easy, and if you want to get started right out of the box, QTTL and Auto modes provide fantastic light without the need for a PhD in strobes.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I use the T5D-R as an OCF TTL with my Nikon D700 and SB900 speedlight, along with the QNexus. It's an awesome addition: portable, wireless, TTL capability, good power. No complaints.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
This is a great flash. Gives a very even amount of light. Has plenty of power to reach out and light things up even in a dark hall. I had an SB-800 would always produce hotspots and wasn't cosistent.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
This is an excellent light. I bought it primarily for event work after reading about the significant challenges many shooters were experiencing with the Nikon SB-900 (overheating and shutting down for long periods, long recycles). I expected a brighter light, but about the same picture quality. My expectations have been exceeded in every way. The light quality is exceptional and every shot is consistent. The adjustments are very responsive and the user interface is good. The very first shots I took with it have received excelent reviews and hundreds of views. I have used it in manual, auto and QTTL and each has offered different value and excellent controllability. This is not a cheap solution. By the time you buy the flash, a battery pack, a good bracket, a TTL cable, backup bulbs and other accessories it gets quite expensive. The rare thing is that once you spend the money, it pays off in significantly improved pictures.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I am a wedding / portrait photographer, and the QFlash has been in my gear bag on all models previous to the T5D-R. But, this particular model goes well beyond older generations adding E-TTL capabilities. I use it primarily as an off camera flash throughout the day for portraits, and candids and it's been extremely reliable.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
This is the finest on-camera strobe I have ever used. Yes, it requires a flash bracket, and yes it is heavy, but it performs marvelously. I upgraded from a Canon 580 II which is no slouch. If you can afford this flash system, buy it! It is also powerful enough to use on a light stand as a fill flash/room flash for weddings.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I am a wedding photographer of over 35 years. By far the best event and wedding flash system I have ever used. The power is perfect and the color is dead on. Very simple to use and change on the fly. I will never go back to a Canon flash again. I highly recommend anyone photographing weddings etc. to go ahead and spend the extra money and invest in the Quantum Qflash system. You will never be sorry you did.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I wish they had some grid spot covers for these things, but overall a fantastic unit. This is my second one. Use it all the time.
The plastic parts are a bit chintzy. I wish they would upgrade the outer casing to something more durable and the darn screw thread for the modifiers.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
Well made and easy to use, this flash has it all. The first time I used it provide all of the power of a wired flash with the portability of a on camera flash. I was impressed with how even the light is with every flash. As a wedding photographer, I need a little extra light while doing formals for filling in shadows. This did the trick! If you are looking for a portable lighting system, this is your light!
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
EXCEPT MY CAMERA AND L GLASS LENSES THIS IS THE BEST INVESTMENT I HAVE MADE. THIS FLASH HAS TAKEN MY SHOOTS TO ANOTHER LEVEL AND MADE IT SIMPLE. IF YOU SHOOT FAST MOVING EVENTS AND YOU NEED TO GET IT PERFECT THIS IS IT.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I hesitated for a long time to get the T5D-R because of the bulkiness (compared to a speedlight), but I finally decided to step my game up and I'm glad I did. It is great for lighting receptions. For portraits, it's impossible to scientifically explain, but the quality of light from the Qflash is nicer than a speedlight....it just seems "cleaner" and makes images more crisp. I'm using a Turbo SC and Qnexus reciever.