Speedlights vs Studio Strobes? Which flash is better and why? Strobist Photography Tutorial #2
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- Опубликовано: 24 авг 2016
- Speedlight vs studio strobes? When it comes to off camera flash photography people often find this to be a very confusing subject. This is part one of a series dedicated to simplifying that question.
Generally speaking, Monolights are more powerful than speedlites. Speedlights cost less than monolights. Monolights recycle faster and let you shoot longer bursts. Speedlites are smaller and more portable. Monolights are predominantly manual only, however companies like Profoto, Godox and Adorama are coming out with TTL Monolight’s if you are willing to shell out the cash. Speedlights are predominately automatic and TTL - through the lens, however most also offer a manual option and many manufacturers still offer manual only Speedlites which I personally prefer and these manual ones cost much less. Monolight’s usually have more modifiers available, but many companies are now making adapters or Speedlight specific modifiers like the Roque Flashbenders. Speedlights will allow you to stop very fast action and even shoot at very high shutter speeds. Monolights - not so much on the fast action, but some of the pricier units will allow you to work at higher shutter speeds.
In this video, I will use a Flashpoint320M Monolight and a LumoPro 180R Speedlight to show you the basic differences between the two types of flash units.
PRODUCTS MENTIONED
Flashpoint 320M 150ws Monolight - amzn.to/2bJASeQ
LumoPro 180R Speedlight - amzn.to/2bEsxu2
LumoPro Cold Shoe Adapter - amzn.to/2bZErhr
Photoflex Medium Lite Dome - amzn.to/2bEsDlo
LumoPro LP606 8' Black Air Cushioned Light Stand - amzn.to/2bjRLvI
Product links are Amazon Affiliate Links which help support the cost of producing these videos. Thank you for your support and understanding.
FTC - LumoPro brand equipment was supplied to me by LumoPro. All other equipment is my own. All opinions are my own.
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Thank you so much for this video series. It blows every other lightning tutorial I've ever seen clean out of the water.
Wow! Just what I was looking for. You really answered a lot of questions I had with speedlites and monolights. Learning and using both, this particular video helped clarify some key issues I had. Thanks Joe!
Great tutorial joe. I have a much better understanding from your videos. Especially when it comes to lighting. You and the slanted lens are my two favorites. I'm looking forward to strobist #3. Thanks!
After watching waaay too many hours of photo stuff on youtube, your videos stand out above the others. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. Great information and great presentation!!
Thanks Alexander Supertramp and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Great tutorial Joe, looking forward to the next one.
I see this again and again and wonder how simply he put it across, easy to understand and follow. Great.
Thank you! Gopinathan Kumar Glad you enjoyed it!
Joe, you're simply the best. Very informational, to the point and easy to watch and understand. I look up to you!
You're a Guru! Wow, first time I see a clear and totally useful comparative about these ones. Thanks!
Joe these videos are awesome!! Thanks for this series!!
Thanks for these videos Joe! I can't wait until I know flash photography in and out like you do! These videos are definitely a step in the right direction for me! Also, I love your positive attitude in these videos! Keep up the GREAT work!
Thanks for the kind words sphyg04 and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Good Job Joe!, congratulations!
Good job. Great description. Great video work and your audio is top notch . You are a good teacher and you have that "interesting factor" that keeps the viewer engaged. Keep it up! I look forward to watching more of your videos.
Thanks TheKc2pxp and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Thank you so much, you have cleared all my doubts about this two Lights. Great informative video.
Some of my favorite portraits were taken in the early 80's with a Vivitar 283 bounced into an umbrella.
Awesome The Woodys Surf Instrumental Band! Thanks for commenting!
Vivitar 283 - fine memories!
I was the envy of my photogeek friends when I got the Brown Line Speedotron package way back when. Now I perform many studio functions with speedlites, no matter what brand. Love those Lumopros.
Great video! Thanks!
Thanks Libby Stack and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Great stuff as always, Joe.
Your videos are fantastic Joe. Clear and simple. Really helpful!
Thank you! Luke Vesty Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Joe, I've been have these questions for a while and you're great to answer all. Wow I watched your video and I'm really like it that so clearing and understanding.Thanks again Joe, great job done.
Glad it helped Jason Nguyen! Thank you for the kind words!
Very good, informative Tutorial! Usually people give exactly those type of answers you addressed in the first few paragraphs and those of us who have been doing this for decades know... all equipment is little more than tools. Not all tools are ideal for all jobs and just like the Phillips Head and Standard Screw Drivers, there is a better tool to complete a specific job. Yes! You can unscrew a Phillips Head Screw with a Standard Driver, but it's harder and less efficient. I've always said, "Use the most effective tool for the job/task/result desired." When budget is a factor, then use what you have and improvise until you can acquire the desired tool for the job. Most importantly... Think ABSTRACTLY! Then you can make due with what you have and improvise. SUPER DUPER TUTORIAL JOE!!!
Thanks Jon Dize aka DIZEMAN ! Greatly appreciated! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Hi Joe,
I absolutely like your enthusiasm ! Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Glad you enjoyed it Renato Reyes! Be sure to follow me on Instagram - instagram.com/joeedelman - I post a lot of behind the scenes images and clips!
Got both and use each, depending on the circumstances. just as you said.Thanks for taking the time to post this.
Thanks Bill Giles and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
one of the best explained with detailed examples. great video by far
Glad you enjoyed it Herbrock One! Be sure to follow me on Instagram - instagram.com/joeedelman - I post a lot of behind the scenes images and clips!
Great video. I just used a speedlight with a 7" Bowens reflector to control the spill off my speedlight and to direct it without making the light too harsh and it worked great.
Thanks David K Miller Photography and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Absolutely loved it!It gave answers to many of my questions that other videos didn't.Thank u!
You're very welcome nikola llalla! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Joe, you are the best teacher here on RUclips!
Thank you Augustus Columbano! I really appreciate the kind words!
For my studio I use 3-400ws monos with various light modifiers (my favorite is my 4'X6' soft box, a snoot and a beauty dish) and when I am out shooting I take along my 5 speedlites and some fong dongs for modifiers. And your right. It doesn't matter what you use as long as you know your gear, it's limits and capabilites
Joe, you're the great teacher. Very in depth details. This is exactly what I need to know.... 🙌🙌🙌👍🤙
Awesome paris dream! Thanks for commenting!
i love the way you explain every single detail in a simplest way... i Wanna thank you sir for Teaching us modern photography Secrets
Excellent. Thanks Joe for posting, much appreciated.
You're very welcome Clive Atkins! I am glad you enjoyed it!
The best video I've ever watched on speedlights.
Glad you enjoyed it Sophea Choun! Thanks for the kind words!
Excellent video. As always thank you Joe.
Thank You Joe, I enjoy your videos and appreciate your teachings.
Thank you Michael Grace! And thanks for subscribing!
Masterpiece of informational video presentation. Sir. You are the boss.
Glad you enjoyed it gurudeclan! I appreciate the comment!
I love your energy!
Thank you Destiny Williams! I really appreciate the kind words!
Another very informative video! Thanks for sharing. (Yes, I know these are older posts, but still extremely helpful and a great review.)
You're very welcome Ron Villarreal! I am glad you enjoyed it!
OMG!!! totally awesome info!!! I never knew about adjusting the beam of light on my speedlight... sooooo cool!!! What an awesome awesome informative video...LOVE IT!!! Thanks brother...
It's 2019 and there are portable monolights that are cheaper (and still more powerful) than speedlights and now have TTL and HSS capabilities. The only remaining advantage speedlights have is the lighter size and weight, and even that is losing ground to hybrids that offer more power than traditional speedlights at pretty much the same weight and form factor. Other than this, the video still remains as relevant as ever. Thanks much, Joe.
Thanks for the feedback philaw123!
I always learn something (and often a lot) with your vids, thanks Joe' :)
Joe, Joe, Joe. I love you, MAN! Why? I'm a new photographer and starting much later in life than yourself. I just entered my 60s and purchased my first camera about 2 years ago after my fiancé passed away from cancer. I started shooting birds/wildlife (didn't use flash) and my work began to gain some recongnition (won an international photo contest). So a friend who owns an Art Gallery asked me to shoot her assistant who was leaving to study in France. I did an hour of research on how to use the speedlight I had carried around but never used. I saw a brief tutorial on HSS. When I got to the location, the walls were busy, the light was low, and she had "great hair" so they wanted me to photograph that. I had her do a hair flip a few times after instructing her how to do that from my dancing days, and made her laugh in the process. I tried a few different focal lengths and decided to narrow it to two. This was just two days ago and were my first "portraits" of humans and first ever shots using flash. The photo garnered a lot of attention from my friends (who didn't know her and friend photographers). I'm hooked. I went home and read about flash (and now watched your video on flattering portraits - great stuff). Output from Monolights and Speedlites. After reading till my eyes could not stay open any longer I took a spinning ceiling fan and shot it. I rolled a flash light and shot it. You get the idea. I then went down to the local camera store at a time it wasn't busy and explained what I had learned and asked them if my idea on practical uses were correct. I didn't buy (and was looking at some older units that might do what I envision)….but I told them when I was sure I knew what I wanted to shoot (likely supplement existing ambient light outdoors) I'd come back for practical advice and suggestions. I'm not confused YET, but I'm sure there will come a time I will be. (Still searching for the answer of why the pulse of light is shorter with lower power in speedlights but longer in monolights). So, "Which flash should I buy?" Response: "If they don't ask more questions of you after that, they just like to hear themselves talk" Bravo. I feel you, Brother. I think the toughest part of picking your first unit is not having any experience hands on with them. You have to rely on others for their experience. P.S. I did guess correctly on which photo was shot with the speedlight (secondary to the strength and shape of the light), but of course I had a 50/50 chance. Your videos are frank, clearly educational (instead of info-mercials) and very much appreciated. I just wish you were local and that I could spend a week with you! Amazing stuff Joe. Your channel deserves to grow. Top Notch, Mazel Tov!
Thank you dance2jam! I appreciate the kind words and support!
Amazing explanation. Thank you Joe!
Dammit Joe your tutorials are simply the best! I know I'm late to finding you so I apologize for commenting on old videos but you always give me the best real world, practical information that I'm looking for. I have my first on location corporate headshot photo shoot coming up (in a hotel) and am trying to figure out the best lighting setup for my situation. I'm a sports / event photographer mostly and shoot natural light 90% so I have a learning curve when it comes to lighting. I only have one speedlite currently and use off camera flash with either the Magmod system, shoot through or reflective umbrellas now. I am trying to decide between constant light source vs one or more speedlites. I'll keep watching your videos to educate myself. Thanks again for your content!
I'm an old guy. Photographed so many weddings with the Vivitar 283 - still have 4 of them, one modified
with a flash tube like a studio strobe. used to use a small lead acid battery velcrowed to top of flash which gave
extremely fast recycle abd 100's of flashes
You are incredible Joe, you know how to explain it so easy and complete!. I'm a spanish speaker and your english is pretty easy to understand. One of my favorite photography channels ever!
Thank you Andrés Parra! I really appreciate the kind words! I am working to have all of the tutorials translated to include spanish closed captions - so if you see a little 'CC" icon on the bottom of the video - if you click that - it will activate the spanish closed caption.
Thank you so much for your excellent and dedicated job! Greetings from Colombia.
I love this video keep them coming.
Great demo and explanation!!!!!
Oh wow 😯 I remember the Vivtar 283, I used them too.
Best flash ever Rich Barschdorf!
Really great content. Very clear and concise, thanks for the tips!
Glad you enjoyed it sergiochaotik! I appreciate the comment!
Who the hell would put thumbs down to this ? Priceless information and clear communication ! Thanks a lot :)
You're very welcome Lawrence Razzouq! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Hey Joe, thanks for a great vid. I shoot mainly on-location. I’m looking to get multiple fps of sports action and continuous LED just isn’t enough for high shutter speeds. I’d also want to supplement ambient light for outdoor stills. Thinking about Godox AD400. Good buy? Or would a speed light be better?
I really enjoyed watching this. Thank you!
This has helped me so much, thanks Joe!
You're very welcome Richard Williams! I am glad you enjoyed it!
Just the video i need. Exlplained the topic very well. Subbed
thanks for this vid I'm look to get into flash photography I know this series will help tremendously. I'm egerly awaiting the next vid
Thank you for the kind words Kornelius Winters ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Love your content Joe, thank you.
Thank you MARRRRC0P0L0! I appreciate the kind words and support!
fantastic videos and nice style easy to follow lesson
Just the video i need. Explained the topic very well. Subbed
Glad to have you as a subscriber IamCceeLL! Thanks for commenting!
Wow vivtar 283 I haven’t heard that in years Joe, I was hobby photographer back then, and just recently bought a Nikon D7500.
Enjoy 😉 your videos, we didn’t RUclips back then....
To me #1 looks much better, and I knew it would be the monolight, because #2 had obvious hotspots. I'm just tired of trying to remove the hotspots from my modifiers when using speedlites. I'm using diffuser caps now as a workaround, but it's not up to snuff. I'm glad you focused on the spread of light, because it's the sole reason I feel like switching! Great overview.
I appreciate your kind words and comments Ben Leeds! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos.
Always great videos, learn a lot on the fly.
Thanks John Barbazette and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
You explain well. Plus I like the video effects wherein you disappear and suddenly appear before talking
What a great video!! Loved it! Thank you!
Thanks Arm The Creative and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
High quality work here. You're going to get really popular.
Thank you for the kind words Robert Miller ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
Thanks Joe for this gr8 video.
Very interesting. Great clarification.
Thanks Carlos Pupo and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Great video! I learned a lot.
Awesome Duane Swaby! Thanks for commenting!
you make it so easy to understand, thank you. Learning lots
Thanks Joe!
hi Joe
I love your work and you give me a lot of motivation...
can you please talk about how to have our Background stand or what kind of background kit or set-up system you recommend to have to start photographer ... Do you recommend vinyl material ... paper type or other ?? what size is enough for a portraits .. thank you so much
I'm seeing you from Edinburgh ( Scotland)
It has been my experience that as modifiers get larger you see more of a difference between the two. The light spread and power of the moonlight fills the larger modifier better and gives softer light. I have an Einstein moonlight (640ws) and compared with a Nikon sb910 in a very large soft box. I believe it was 48x70". The modifier you used is about the limit that i would use with just one speedlight.
Agreed Russell ‘Cave Beast Demon' Stubbs! With a speedlight - the bigger the box - the deeper you need it to be otherwise you don't get even light.
I'm waching your master classes in Spanish, thank you for clarifying my doubts, teacher
great video! So, it's possible make the same photo with many speedlites, that a photo maked with two strobes?
Great video Joe. I wish I had this when I started years ago. :)
I do mostly on location stuff so I shoot with a large amount of Speelights (Godox v850 and v860c mostly with a few cheap Yungnuo YN460's thrown in the mix when needed).
I have 6 Godox speedlights (150$ each)and 2-3 old YN460's (60$ each)
Owning a bunch of mono lights or other large lights would be pointless for me since I don;t shoot in my home "studio" often.
In terms of power, I sometimes just double or triple up on speedlights behind a modifier.
Thank you for the kind words Eric Lefebvre ! Sounds like a nice kit! As I mentioned - the tough part about this lighting stuff is that there is no one size fits all solution.
I've owned an SB800 for years but never really did much with it until recently where I invested in some modifiers and triggers. Before I'd simply shoot natural light and not really be in control but now I can do so much more. Even if I don't use a flash, a reflector can make all the difference. Photography is all about light so it's better to understand it than to simply not learn it which is what I did for awhile.
best explanation which i've seen. All clear no bla-bla
Thank you TSIKOLIA! I really appreciate the kind words!
i liked your video, i am wedding photographer, and i will like take best portrait photos with flash. i bought a V850II flash for Pentax and a softbox 120cm. can you tell me if i made a good buy
Thanks, Joe! I've been waiting for this series.. What kind of triggers are you using?
Thank you Dennis Ruzeski! Glad to have you as a subscriber. For the monolights I use Pocket Wizards and the LumoPro Speedlights I use the Phottix Odin II - the LumoPro 180R's have a built in receiver.
Hola buenos dias, ando buscando un totorial donde aparesca strobe 300w en español y no encuntro por ningun lado, me puede decir en donde o tu has hecho alguno ?
Very informative-thank you
Excelent class!
My head is spinning!! But I love your educational style. Ever do in-person workshops?
Thank you Fifi & BB! I appreciate the comment. I do teach workshops: www.joeedelman.com/edu/
You are the man Joe. Very informative. What do you edit your video in? I wish I could train with you for a week. Lol. I love your work.
Thank you for the kind words JT Fuller ! I use Final Cut Pro X
now i understand what are the differences between the two. thanks for the vids
You're very welcome lordwelhim esaga! I am glad you enjoyed them!
I do free photo/lighting beginner classes at our local library every now and then. I like your approach to explaining the difference between moonlights and speedlites. If you do not mind, I would borrow a few of your presentation methods.
Thank you for all the free videos and time you and your team put into them.
typo... stupid auto correct... moonlights=monolights
Thank you for the kind words Magallon ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos! Feel free to share the information - respect copyrights - make it your own - but it is free to use. I am a big believe in the idea that knowledge can't be owned and should be shared.
Joe please include steady light comparison with speedlites and mono thanks. But this video is very good it helps a lot specially beginners like me thank you
Thanks for the feedback solomon yap!
YOU ARE GREAT.. Subscribed and greetings from Dubai :)
Liked apple pineapple comparison. Thanks for sharing
You're very welcome Vishweshwar Kandalgaonkar!
Great tutorials mate!
Thank you for the kind words Superformance72 ! Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any videos!
*****
Already done mate,been watching all day :P
Great explanation, but overall I just love your shirt and style! That is so rocker :) congrats and subscribed!
Thanks Rafael Alvarez Ramírez and THANKS for subscribing - great to have you along for the ride!
Joe, You talk a lot about Nikon and Canon speedlights. I just switched to a Sony a7r2 and am trying to figure out the best speedlight to get. Is brighter always better as long as it can be switched down? By the way, I am loving your videos.
Thank you for the kind words Marketing & Growth Strategist. Unless you are confident that you will only ever use your flash in a small space... it is nice to have more power available on those few occasions where you will need it. For me that doesn't mean I have to have the biggest and most powerful, but I like the strobe to have a bit of a punch. Hence, why I am a fan of the LumoPro strobes.
Phottix Juno is an option that works on all three systems
hi i got my new yongnuo speedlight 560 IV its working very good and try the YN-565EX ETTL Speedlite this 2 is with a slave mode.
again,my old T.L.R. has a PC port and have been having a blast with a speed light
Thanks! Great video
best explanation on the net, totally dymistyifed and informative-brilliannt exmples too :) excatly what i was looking for
Joe, great information as ever. I have a completely off topic question, how did you generate that interesting 3D background for the video?
BTW I have bought some Godox TT600 radio flashes and the Godox XIT-O wireless flash trigger and I've found they work flawlessly with my various Olympus bodies. I was impressed that the flashes worked first time when I was setting them up. The units are basic but they are very affordable and do the job. Y.
Hi Joe. I am an automotive photographer that has been shooting with natural light up to this point. I am looking to use invest in external lighting. The usage would be to light up cars in darker conditions like an underground parking garage or even outdoors during an evening. I'm leaning towards a mono light for its power advantage.. what do you think?
Very informative or a beginner! Thanks!!!!
Hello good morning, I am looking for a totorial where strobe appears 300w in Spanish and I do not meet anywhere, can you tell me where or have you done one?
Hey Joe! You answered one of my many questions but I have just one more for you. I have been shooting for a little over a year now. I'm looking into speedlites and would like your opinion on where a beginner who has never even held a speedlite should start.
Well Jared Hammonds, It really depends on what you want to be able to do and what kind of camera you have. I am a big fan of the LumoPro brand. They aren't sexy - but they are workhorses and thats important to me. ruclips.net/video/YwuVzmjG10Y/видео.html
At least some of the monolights have guide numbers. I spent ages agonising over those on eBay.
Eventually I bought a Jinbei HD600v. It supports HSS which is important to me, and has an internal Li battery, so no cords. Excellent indoors and outdoors.
There is also the HD610 which does TTL and HSS. I think it's comparable in price with the Canon 600EX-RT plus ST-E3.
Awesome John Summerfield ! Glad to have you as a subscriber! Thanks for the info!
This is the best tutorial for lighting on RUclips. Thank you very much.
Btw, I was wonderding if I can use speedlight with Strip softbox? If that is possible, how should I position the speedlight? Should i put it straight forward to send the light out directly or should I put it upward to bounce light back?
You're very welcome Thái Nguyễn Quang! I am glad you enjoyed it! You can, and point the speedlight straight forward.