If you are looking to create truly unique outdoor shots, sooner or later there will be a need for a large light source, with no where to plug a studio light. At just under $300, this is a very economical solution, we used this the other night on the top of a mountain overlooking Provo. It was the first time I had a chance to play with one and for the most part it provided all the power and more for the hour of the shoot. (And we had the model light on the whole time between flashes).
Here is my take on this: If you do a lot of outdoor shooting and have a very specific need for large light sources (lightboxes, or shooting with the sun as a back light), get it. There is no other way to get amazing studio light exposures shooting into the sun, in pitch darkness. This is really for powering the studio lights in the middle of you know where. (Other power packs run around $1500-$2500).
If you are creative enough, and are good with a few off camera flashes, you can probably make due without.
Great find. I always wondered what people used. Hey, Michael, here’s a potential blog post subject. What areas of photography do you think YOU need to learn more about? What areas present you with the greatest challenges?
This is very cool……..I am wondering if it would be useful at the hockey rinks I shoot at? I struggle with getting good clean sharp images of the players. I think it may be because the lighting is never very good for fast moving objects. I end up using a high ISO setting and a faster shutter speed but I am not happy with my results. Maybe using this and some extra lights????? Never the less a good tool to have!
I have been using a Vagabond for close to a year. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The sucker is heavy, but it lasts way past what Mr. Buff lists it for, at least for me. Ray, I am not sure it would be ideal for shooting sporting events. There are several liability issues with the cables. I would rely on smaller battery operated strobes that could be fired with pocket wizards. That what I have used for shooting arena football. Those games have horrible lighting.