Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II
The Quantum Qflash Trio QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash combines several of Quantum's venerable Qflash system technologies into one complete dedicated shoe mount flash. Based on the popular Qflash, the Trio QF8 also includes a built-in FreeXwire TTL radio, for wireless TTL control, and is fully dedicated to the Canon E-TTL II flash system.
The Qflash uses parabolic reflectors for clean, even light spread, and the reflectors are removable for bare-bulb lighting. The flash can be used either on-camera on its own, on-camera as a master to other off-camera units, or off-camera with the use of a Pilot or FreeXWire module. The Ratio Control is highly adjustable between all the models in the set-up.
A multitude of advanced features and modes are available, and many are user selectable. It features virtually all modes available from the camera manufacturer's own flagship units. However, the QF8 can be powered by any of the Quantum's line of heavy-duty Turbo-series batteries, which allows for almost unlimited rapid-fire, full power flashes.
- Wireless TTL, Sync and Shutter Control
- The QF8 will send or receive commands to or from one or more remote QF8 or FreeXWire receivers connected to Qflashes
- Manual Mode
- Power may be adjusted from full to 1/2 to 1/32 power in 1/3 stop increments
- Program Mode
- Store up to 8 favorite settings, and switch between them at the push of a button
- Changeable Reflector
- Can be used with included parabolic or optional QF63 telephoto reflector, and can be used bare bulb, or with silver or gold bare bulb enhancers
- Angle Adjustment
- Head swivels and tilts for bounce flash capability
- Easy to Mount
- Mounts directly into the cameras hot shoe, to a bracket shoe, or to a 1/4"-20 screw with the included shoe-mount adapter
- Runs off Turbo-Series Batteries
-
Approx. # of full power flashes:
Turbo, SC, C: 400
Turbo 2x2: 700
- Ultra-Fast Recycling Speed
-
Recycling speed on full-power flash:
Turbo, SC, C: 1.5 sec
Turbo 2x2: 1 sec
| Type | Shoe mount |
| Guide No. | 110'/33.5 m at 50mm |
| Angle of Coverage |
84° (24mm in 35mm format) to 23.3° (105mm) 114° (14mm) with included wideangle adapter |
| Auto Distance Range | Full TTL at all apertures |
| Auto f/Stops | Full TTL at all apertures |
| Vari-Power | 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8th, 1/16th & 1/32nd, (in 1/3 stop increments) |
| TTL Dedication |
E-TTL II with all EOS digital SLRs E-TTL & 21-zone evaluative metering with EOS-3, 1V, Elan 7/7E & Rebel TI, 2000 A-TTL 3-zone metering with other EOS film cameras |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Zoom Head | N/A |
| Off Camera Terminal | No (wireless capable) |
| Recycle Time | With Turbo 2x2 battery pack: 1 sec |
| Power Source | Turbo-series battery pack |
| Dimensions | 5.75 x 6.5 x 3.25" (146 x 165 x 82mm) WxHxD [w/o reflector] |
| Weight | 1.2 lb (567g) [w/reflector and flashtube] |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 26 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
88%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good power output (21)
- Durable (11)
- Good color value (8)
- Long-lasting (7)
- Attach securely (4)
Cons
- Flimsy (8)
Best Uses
- Indoors (20)
- Outdoor events / games (17)
- Night time (15)
- Low light (14)
- Outdoors (14)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (13), Semi-pro photographer (8), Photo enthusiast (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (11)
Most Liked Positive Review
Keeps going all day as advertised
I bought this after literally melting down 2 Canon 580EX (not Mk2) flashes when using CP-E4 packs. I shot 800 frames inside 20 minutes during a fashion show with this one with no overheating...Read complete review
I bought this after literally melting down 2 Canon 580EX (not Mk2) flashes when using CP-E4 packs. I shot 800 frames inside 20 minutes during a fashion show with this one with no overheating at all. The Turbo SC battery just kept going. I am now convinced that this will not melt like the 2 Canons did - if you need to shoot rapid fire, this is the one to get.
The only downside is the terrible design of the hotshoe mount. I leave it mounted permanently to an extension cord on a flashframe, so its manageable. I would worry about it if I had to re-attach it frequently.
The quality of the light is superb compared to the 580EX - to do better you'd need a studio strobe and softbox. The best hotshoe flash I have ever used - by some distance. Expensive up front - but a lot cheaper than frequent meltdowns (or slowdowns/shutdowns with the Mk2 580's)
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Might be on an auction site soon !
Look, as a portrait photog, I researched and noticed the praises Qflashes receive from numerous sources. I was looking for a flash that would fall in between my Profoto studio lights and my 580EX...Read complete review
Look, as a portrait photog, I researched and noticed the praises Qflashes receive from numerous sources. I was looking for a flash that would fall in between my Profoto studio lights and my 580EX Canon shoe mount that would give me versatility, more power and customization. This flash does provide all that but at the cost of convenience (which might not be a big deal to some). Im not going to write its praises as far as light quality goes. Its pretty good as you can figure out on your own. Im only going to write my severe dislikes...which may not bother you but here goes:
1) It "feels" like a toy. Very hollow sound, cheap plastic finish, not the "thick" plastic used in most applications today.
2) The shoe mount is an absolute joke. Has a simple little useless knob which tightens the base of flash to hot shoe. Very top heavy and feels like at any moment it will fall off. I find myself checking the connection over and over and over all day. Its bordering on OCD at this point. For all this money, you mean to tell me Quantum cant redesign a modern hot shoe connection ? Do we as consumers need to mail them a Canon 580EX II to they can emulate its security and weathersealing capabilities?? This is just not acceptable to me. Maybe you will be using it off camera and are not affected by it.
3) Guide numbers and my own test using light meters show me this flash is not much more powerful that the 580EX in the real world. Of course power isnt its selling point...I feel its ability to manage several off camera flash units and its versatility are...but regardless, I would have liked more "punch" to it. I mean whats the point of carrying around a 3 lb Quantum Turbo battery attatched to my side if it cant solidly outpower the rechargeable AA batteries in my Canon 580EX ?
Anyway, If your buying this your probably already a Quantum user and dont care about my critism. Me, a first time Quantum buyer, dont see value in this $1k plus set up (factoring in flash and battery pack).
Just my humble opinion
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 26 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
Great for people shots, diffuser softens skin tones. Technologically everything you could want in an on-camera flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
Useful for portraits .. plenty of light
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
Replaced my Speed-light 440.
This flash is a dream, great flexibility for almost any situation you could come up against. This flash dose require skill and knowledge but if you know how to use it its worth every penny.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
i spent a lot of time deliberating about buying the trio because of the expense, but i'm glad that i finally spent the money. i like the light quality a lot and i also like the additional power of the trio. i use the auto fill mode on the trio for outdoor fill and it works very well. i can take the trio off-camera for some nice shadowing. i also like the fact that i can take a series of flashes without having the flash unit heat up as is the case with my canon 580.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
Love the power, functionality could be better, design has some flaws, the hot shoe connection that is frequently mentioned to mention the larges, the diffuser is somewhat Mickey Mouse, it fell of a couple of times.. Bought the Turbo 3 at the same time, fantastic. If you do event shooting get this flash and battery, you will not regret it, more power that the 580EX and cycling is not an issue. Bought with the rebate from BH, have yet to receive one and the other they didn't give because I forgot to buy the cord. Wasn't clear and the company Quantum are not what I'd call friendly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
Use this flash on a Canon 5D and Canon 1D Mark III. Wonderful flash, beautiful light. QTTL works great, great exposures.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Outdoors
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
The quality of this flash surpasses others I have used, so as far as quality and performance I'm very happy. But it is irritating that the flash does not fit very snugly onto the shoe. I've found that it will tighten better if I tighten it in several positions. I tighted it a little then tilt the flash head to the side sligthly and tighten again and then do this in one last position. This works better than simply tightening by holding the flash still.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycle
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I was skeptical about the hot shoe connection based on previous reviews. Contacted quantum to see if they had addressed the issue and they said they had fixed it. My second shooter has shot two weddings with it and has worked flawlessly. It is still hard to tighten down, but it is secure once tightened. I do wish they would go to a tightening system like canon but it does not loose connection now and is secure after the fix. I still prefer the t5dr on a flash bracket for myself, but my second shooter does not like working with a bracket and prefers this set up. I have found this unit produces around a stop less light than the t5dr, but about a stop more light than a 580 ex2. I have found that for wedding photography the quantum systems work way better than the canon flashes. Buying both the t5dr and the trio has totally changed my workflow. Using these flash setups has drastically cut down my editing time. I now get consistent exposures and color temperature. My exposures was all over the place with my 580ex2's.They would not recycle fast enough for the fast pace of wedding photography. No more missed shots of the bouquet toss or bridesmaids walking down the aisle. I also found that quantums autofill mode works better than Ettl mode most of the time. Finally a flash that just does what its supposed to without slowing down.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Bare bulb option
- Durable
- Variable diffusion
Cons
Best Uses
- Fast moving events
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I am an industrial photographer. I frequently use the Canon 5D MarkII Camera, with a two flash, on camera and remote, lighting setup. I have had repeated fried circuitry and external battery socket problems with the Canon 580exII dedicated flashes. Enter the Quantum Qflash TRIO QF8C. After a week shooting at various industrial sites, this Quantum flash system has perfomed beautifully.
I have full dedication with the Canon 5D markII, no overheating, solid external battery connection, solid hot-shoe connection and finally, built-in radio wireless communication. This is what I need my flashes to do, and they just do it! The only con is that the hot shoe tightening wheel hurts my fingers. This could be more user friendly. To avoid overheating, no internal AA batteries are used. You are always plugged into an external quantum battery.
As my daughter says, Sweet!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I acquired this to replace my speedlight when taking photos of horses. I'm extremely pleased with its light weight, power, response time, and ability to be customized. It came with a CD tutorial, which I've found helpful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
The body of this flash could be a little less flimsy, however the elctronics and capabilities of this unit surpass any flash that I have used to date.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Good power output
- Long-Lasting
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Night Time
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I am an amateur photographer. The flash puts out plenty of light, and the controls are easy to understand and change on the fly.
The one concern I have, it does not sit as securely as I would like on the camera. There is a bit of wiggle when fully attached.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Fast recycle time
- Rapid flash
- Studio like lighting
Cons
- Bad locking mechanism
- Flimsy
- Weak amoung Qflash group
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I use trio flash for event and wedding shooting. This flash unit is not as powerful as X5DR.
If you are in the market for a Quantum flash to give you a powerful flash this is not the unit, try X5D-R or T5D-R. It is still a very good flash unit even though it's build flimsy with cheap plastic and a locking wheel that hurt your fingers when tightening the hot shoe on top of camera. It has rapid flash and will not over heat or stop working. I am using this unit with turbo 2x2 battery at full power will cover about 250 to 300 flashes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I bought this flash in lieu of the 580 ex ii passing out on me twice at the beginning of a wedding. The TRIO is consistent and reliable. A bit pricey but by far worth every penny.
Pros
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I am a professional photographer heavily invested in Quantum having 2 T5D-R and 1 X5D-R units with several batteries. This is the first substandard piece of gear that I have purchased from Quantum. I wish I had taken the advice of several user reviews regarding the Hot Shoe mechanism which is pure junk. Using this flash, the unit will not tighten sufficiently to enable the QTTL and Auto Fill features--the screen says that there is no camera attached. I used it twice successfully in my Canon 5D, but it literally fell out of the 5D II which has a little more clearance in the shoe. It rocks back and forth on both cameras and will only make enough contact to use it in the manual mode while not communicating with the other Q-flash units.
Luckily, I had my trusty Q-flash adapter and separate transmitter to get me through the gig with an assistant and pole mounted T5D-R. I am sending this unit back for a so-called fix that Quantum has come up with. Until Quantum engineers a proper attachment, stay away from this expensive piece of junk. If this was engineered in Japan like the 580 EX II, it would be a good product. I am holding off on buying the Command Pilot until I am assured that Quantum has a better contact shoe mount mechanism. Your equipment is only as good as it's weakest link, and this one is lame.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
- Loses Charge Quickly
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I bought this flash for my Canon 5D MKII. This is definitely a powerful flash. It's like a portable studio strobe. A bit of a learning curve at first. Watch online videos and read manual to avoid disappointment. This flash drains the battery source much quicker than the standard Speedlite 580ExII.
Pros
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I bought this after literally melting down 2 Canon 580EX (not Mk2) flashes when using CP-E4 packs. I shot 800 frames inside 20 minutes during a fashion show with this one with no overheating at all. The Turbo SC battery just kept going. I am now convinced that this will not melt like the 2 Canons did - if you need to shoot rapid fire, this is the one to get.
The only downside is the terrible design of the hotshoe mount. I leave it mounted permanently to an extension cord on a flashframe, so its manageable. I would worry about it if I had to re-attach it frequently.
The quality of the light is superb compared to the 580EX - to do better you'd need a studio strobe and softbox. The best hotshoe flash I have ever used - by some distance. Expensive up front - but a lot cheaper than frequent meltdowns (or slowdowns/shutdowns with the Mk2 580's)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
- Cheap hotshoe
- Flimsy
- Not Reliable
- Overexposes
Best Uses
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
Tried using this for outdoor portrait work off camera. It is light, easily transportable and puts out enough light to get the job done when it works. I found that it is completely unreliable. Too many adjustments. Takes too much time to try and figure out the correct settings. I found that it often simply won't fire. Set it on manual. Works for a few frames. Stopped working. Couldn't get it to work. Tried switching modes. That helped.
I found the settings not to be accurate. Often overexposed even when dialed down. Simply too glitchy and too inaccurate.
Hate the hotshoe. I agree with the other reviewers, it is not rocket science anymore to create a decent hot shoe. On camera it comes off too easily and is difficult to tighten adequately.
Pros
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
Based on the photos, Its worth the $$ paid. I use this for my wedding shoots. Didn't know what I did before the Qflash.
Pros
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Time
- Special Events
Comments about Quantum Instruments Qflash TRIO QF8C TTL Shoe Mount Flash for Canon E-TTL II:
I'm a wedding photographer and I burn through Speedlites constantly at receptions where the strobe is overheating due to the sheer volume of use. The Qflash is twice the money but it doesn't miss. For me it's worth the bigger size and having a battery strapped on to not miss the bride and groom coming down the isle because of recycling time. Great product just wish that it came in a smaller size. You can't have it all and it's worth the tradeoff.
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Batteries & Power
- Price: $549.95
- Instant Savings: -$150.00 Offer ends FEB 28 '12
- You Pay: $399.95
Flash Diffusers
- Price: $67.00
Brackets
- Price: $149.00
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $48.00
Flash Accessories
- Price: $19.95
What's in the Box
- QF30 Flashtube
- Reflector for Q Flash
- Diffuser Cover for QF60
- CQ8 Long Coiled Power Cable
- USB Cable (mini to standard)
- Shoe Mount to 1/4"-20 Flash Adapter
- 1-Year Warranty
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