The Q Flash T5D-R TTL Flash by Quantum Instruments is an updated version of the T4D model. It has full wsireless 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 lightstand 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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Reviewed by 45 customers
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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.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
There was a bit of conflicting information about the Quantum products on the Internet which made it tough to be assured I was buying the right product for my needs.
But it performed flawlessly and, just as Quantum describes. Setting the sensor limit was easy - once that was done each shot came out clean and crisp.
QTTL exposes about 1/2 stop darker than my Nikon SB-900 flashes do via CLS. But that's okay because I think the CLS system meters a bit hot for my tastes and I'm always backing off the SB-900's.
The Quantum QTTL was spot on in most shots. The only thing I needed to watch was shooting wide open at close distances (under 5') - this flash is definitely more powerful that my shoe mount flashes.
Finally - the Quantum manual mode is really slick. You set the flash to manual and it shows you the distance to subject in feet - NO COMPLEX CALCULATIONS!
Buy it - the quality of light is far superior to my SB-900's.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
[...]This flash was powerful and pretty spot on with exposure.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
Great for portrait in and out
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I have had it only a short while, but it has worked for me as I expected. It is very versatile. You do need a flash bracket but the light that it puts out is well worth it
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I am a wedding photographer and have always found the Qflash to be an asset on any location shoot, being weddings or other.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I've been supporting Quantum since I purchased my first Q-Flash too many years ago to remember. But the one constant with Quantum that has ruined my experience since I went digital 10 years ago is the Turbo battery. After purchasing more than 6 Turbo batteries and re-celling 4 of them, I gave up on trying to use the flash unit with them. But my brother purchased the new Quantum Turbo3 battery recently and he is thrilled with the results. His older T5D-R units & even the Q-Flash units work with this battery with no "check turbo" warning beep. I ordered the battery and expect to get it tomorrow. If it does for me what it's done for my brother, I will be the happiest event photographer in Washington, D.C. My Canon 5D Mark II will be overjoyed.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I am primarily a portrait photographer, I also occasionally photograph local fashion shows and events (weddings, birthdays, reunions, ect, ect, ect). Infact while photographing a local fashion show my 3 year old Vivitar 285 actually popped and started to smoke, I pulled out my handy dandy back up(same flash) but within the next week, THAT ONE BROKE TOO!
So after doing days of research on which flash I wanted to upgrade to, I found this one. I fell in love with it's abilities, it's quick recycling time, it's power, and also the fact that I will most likely only have to replace a bulb opposed to a flash.
I was not so thrilled with the price of the flash and will be paying it off for a few months, but in the long run I would rather have a reliable flash.
The only other complaint I have so far, is well really my mistake and I learned after doing two photo-shoots to READ THE MANUAL! I thought I knew everything and "how to" with this flash, but boys and girls, save your behind and just sit down and read the manual.
I love my flash.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
If I knew how to remove my previous review I would. While everything I said in my other review was true, it wasn't the whole story. I shot a wedding recently with my Nikon SB800 bounced off the ceiling for the reception shots. I had more under exposed shots than I had correctly exposed ones. Most likely from me firing the flash too quickly. So I tested the Quantum again, this time at 1/4 power from about 15' away, boucing off a 12' ceiling. On continuous low shooting with a Nikon D200 every exposure was perfect with the Quantum. The first one from the Nikon was close, and then the next 2-3 were darker, and then the photos faded to black. The other problem with the Nikon flash is knowing when to change the batteries. The Quantum is expensive, and I wish it was more powerful, but I'm keeping it anyway. I need the faster recycle time, and I don't want to have to change batteries every 30 minutes. If you photograph weddings and you use a lot of flash I think this unit is worth it.
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Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash Model T5D-R:
I use it with the Turbo AC power supply. Almost instant recovery time between flashes even when using diffuser and bounce flash. Nice to have a flash that works with both my Nikon and Olympus cameras. Typically I shoot 150-200 images within 10 minutes. I have burned out my share of Nikon SB-80 and SB-800 flash units. I also get "Overheat" on my Nissin 866 at that shooting rate when using bounce and defuses. This unit just keep firing and firing.
Given what I have spent on Nikon replacement flashes this system is a bargain over time…
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Merchant response: Thanks very much we already removed your review.