Quantum Instruments Qflash T5D with Turbo 2x2 Battery

Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash T5D with Turbo 2x2 Battery:

I do primarily business-related location work. Started in the mid '70's with Nikon F, Vivitar 283 & Hasselblad with studio strobes. I use the Q Flash only on manual with the I.R. system from my D300 and D2X with SB800. QFlash has 1/2 stop advantage over the Nikon SB800 and looks very professional. The I.R works flawlessly on the QFlash up to at least 80' in hard sun with direct line of sight. If you do not need the extra 1/2 stop power, save the additional[$]. bucks you'd spend on the Q and 2x2 Turbo. The SB800 works flawlessly, is light, compact and drop dead reliable. The SB also has the preview mode and stroboscopic feature. The Q is great as a mobile replacement for plug-in studio strobes on location.

Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash T5D with Turbo 2x2 Battery:

I recently purchased the Quantum T5D with a Turbo 2X2 battery pack and a DW-13R adapter for use when I'm outside of the studio (weddings, on locations, etc.). I used the flash with my Canon digital SLR's. The exposures are not consistent when used with their adapter and in TTL or QTTL mode on their flash. I am very disappointed!!! The only consistency you can hope to get is to shoot in manual mode on the Q-flash and use a flash meter. I bought the flash so I would not have to do that. I already have strobes for that. I just wish I would have thoroughly tested the unit before the 15-day return period ended.I will more than likely sell this in the very near future.

Expertise: Professional

Problems Encountered: Inconsistent exposures! I have tried all of Quantum's published tips and techniques without any change in the consistency of the exposures. My clients won't tolerate the variations that this flash gives when used in Auto modes.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon 580Ex

Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash T5D with Turbo 2x2 Battery:

Pros:1. Construction that is going to last. Invest in a flash and battery that will last decades. The included reflector is made out of THICK materials to last a very long time. I have yet to dent it over the few years I have owned it.2. Power that is very consistent on my Canon setup. I can count on every shot to be exactly the same - PERFECT. But I also followed the directions on how to use this flash, and I prefer to shoot in manual mode. The settings in manual mode once understood are very true to their distances easily displayed on the back of the flash.3. Looks professional, which makes a big difference on locations to inspire my clients, and get attention for attracting new clients.4. Settings galore. Very user friendly, and easy to use.5. I have even used it in combination with my Canon 180mm L MACRO and it works incredibly well in shaded areas shooting butterflies, flowers, and various other bugs.6. The lighting temperature is an outstanding upgrade from the canon flash I had previously. You can really see the difference in every shot. Equivilent to my upgrading to L glass.7. Optional freeXwire system that will allow wireless flash up to 500-1000 feet.8. recycle times, and total number of flashes greatly increased over the Canon systems. 9. Request the free CD from QTM website and you will see for yourself all the benefits of owning their equipment.10. Customer service that is bar none. Never had a problem with them answering any questions. They even take the time to send you diagrams for setting up your flashes with all the required equipment to achieve the look you want.11. On the back of the flash, it will tell you expected flash working distances, which are very useful.Cons:1. The click lock system of the flash head seems a bit weak, but I have never had it fail.2. The optional Qttl DW unit when used in darker conditions doesn't use the proper light color to easily assist focusing, like a Canon flash does. (Huge problem for me.) My camera will start on the eternal seeks when the lighting gets low.3. Way too powerful for close and personal photography. Attachments are required to stop down the power enough for my applications. I find the Softbox to be a great solution, but I also saw some diffuser panels sold on here I am going to try also as attachments on my softbox.4. Weight. The weight of the Qflash when it is attached to the flash bracket really inhibits your freedom and ability to use your camera settings, such as manual focus, etc without a real workout.

Expertise: Amateur turning Pro

Problems Encountered: Zero flaws.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon 420EX

Items I Recommend: Quantum Softbox

Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash T5D with Turbo 2x2 Battery:

This is a very flimsy unit. Inconsistent exposures. I was very disappointed. I had to return it to Quantum for repair soon after purchasing when the head wouldn't rotate. I have since purchased a Sunpak 120 J which was much less expensive and provides far better results. I previously owned a Sunpak 120J TTL that worked well for the 7 years I owned it. I foolishly sold it when I went digital and purchased the Quantum for it's supposed TTL capability. Needless to say, I was sorry that I did. If Sunpak didn't recently discontinue it's 120 series, I'd sell my Quantum on eBay (which I just might do anyway) and buy another 120J! I'm a professional wedding photographer and with the exposures bouncing all over the place with the Quantum set in the TTL mode, it's just unacceptable. And, setting it is just plain ridiculous. Far too much to go through. Save your money! If you want a bare bulb/Parbolic reflector flash, try to find the Sunpak! If that isn't important, just get a good flash unit and add a Sto-fen diffuser.

Problems Encountered: Flimsy construction, Inconsistant exposures, Overpriced, Complicated settings.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Sunpak 120J TTL, Sunpak 120J, Nikon SB 600, Sigma 500 super, Sigma 500 ST, etc.

Items I Recommend: A GOOD flash unit!

Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash T5D with Turbo 2x2 Battery:

If you are considering the Quantum T5D and you shoot with the Nikon or Fuji DSLR, reconsider. I bought the Quantum T5D with the Turbo 2x2 and was greatly disappointed. I shoot with Nikon and own the SB800 but wanted a faster recycle time and a little more power. I decided on the Quantum T5D after a little research on those two points. The Quantum QTTL is very inaccurate and inconsistant. Even shooting sequencial frames of the same subject, distance, f-stop, shutter and conditions the QTTL will be under or over exposed about 30% of the time. Which as a professional might as well be inaccurate 100% of the time. In fact, based on Quantums own recommendations the Quantum T5D is not accurate when shooting in Matrix (Nikon probably has the best matrix metering on the market). They recommend shooting only in center or spot with TTL or using the flash in the auto mode. Forget about trying to bounce the flash, it is also gave very inconsistant exposures. The flash is also not capable (read it on Quantum's website) giving accurate exposures when you are closer then 10 ft with an ISO over 200. I found this also true. The Quantum T5D is not capable of regulating the flash output for close up photography. Again, comparing this to the SB800 in close up situation the SB800 can regulate the flash output down to almost nothing resulting in a very accurate exposure.Thinking there was something wrong with the Qflash I sent it back to Quantum to be checked out (twice, the first time by it self the second time with the Turbo 2x2 and cords). They took over 2 months to return it and stated that it was performing as designed. Over the past year, before putting it on ebay, I did countless identical tests comparing the Nikon SB800 with the Quantum T5D. In every situation the SB800 out preformed the Quantum T5D. With the exception of recycle time and flash output power. The Quantum is a little better in recycle time and has a little more power. However, both mean nothing if the Quantum cannot deliver accurate results. Comparing the SB800 with the Quantum T5D there is no comparison. Don't waist your money with the Qflash. Buy yourself the Nikon SB800 you will be much happier and save yourself a lot stress.

Problems Encountered: The problems are as stated above. Very inaccurate flash exposures.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon SB800, Metz 60-CT4

Items I Recommend: NONE

Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash T5D with Turbo 2x2 Battery:

If you're unsure, call Quantum for their DVD loaded withuser tips, and product updates. You'll get a goodexplanation of how QFlashes work with Mfg. specific TTL. using the Quantum flash units, There are myriad proven classic shooters who recommend the T5D.I believe Quantum exceeds any onboard flash, however, I'mnot a NIKON shooter, so I cannot vouch for NIKON flashes. I use my Qflash almost exclusively. I still use the 580EX -it all depends on what I'm shooting, where I'm shooting. Using the Turbo 2x2, I am able to shoot as quickly as I'mthinking - which is VERY necessary when shooting an eventsuch as a rodeo.Fast recycle time, tons of flashes per battery charge. Pricey? Yes.Worth it? OMG yes.It's easy to use. If functions flawlessly. It's an amazingpiece of engineering, and worth EVERY penny.

Problems Encountered: In a perfect world....High Speed Flash sync

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Canon 550, 580EX

Items I Recommend: the Dome diffuser, wide angle reflector