Inactive Account Registered: April, 2015 Location: Niagara Falls Posts: 14 | | Review Date: July 2, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $5,500.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Solid build | | Cons: | Cost | |
I purchased a kit containing 2 of the heads, along with 2 extra batteries and 2 - 120cm soft boxes about than a month ago and finally got to use them in an outdoor setting photographing a high school prom. I had used them in a number of indoor settings but didn't need the High Speed Sync capability until I was faced with a setting sun! My review follows...
The Good:
Amazing build. These are the Sherman Tank's of the lighting world. Very similar in robustness as the old Speedotron Force 10 mono lights from about a decade ago.
Powerful: Having 1000w/s at your disposal is never a bad thing. Very useful when competing with the sun!
High Speed Sync: I was able to completely control the ambient light by cranking the shutter speed upwards of 1/1000s, this gave me the ability to remove unsightly shadows from faces caused by trees and other undesirables. The flash is capable of syncing to 1/8000s.
Pentax Compatibility: I use them with my 645z and my K-1, both with amazing results. (also tried with my Nikon D4 and a Nikon transmitter, with similar results.
Battery Life: Even though the manufacturer claims that you'll get 160 full power pops, the reality is you'll get more. I'm averaging about 200, not sure if the batteries are newer or if they're simply understating the capacity to blow your mind when you get more, but either way, I love them! They recharge fairly quickly and having extras on hand ensures you're never out.
Simple to Use Transmitter: Being a staunch user of PocketWizards, I was a little terrified of what I was going to get with the system. The transmitter is a little large, but very easy to use. The ability to control power, create lighting groups is so simple that it leaves you wondering if you're doing something wrong... The build of the transmitter is solid and doesn't appear would fall apart after serious use. As I bought both the Pentax and Nikon transmitters, I was pleased that they mark the "flavour" right on the side of the transmitter so you know which one you've pulled out of your bag.
Accessories: Priolite has a number of accessories available from Soft Boxes to Beauty Dishes. I purchased two of the 120cm Octoform soft box, they are very well made and much like most soft boxes, are a pain to put together, but they are worth the effort. I will soon order the Beauty Dish and the regular Reflectors to round out my options.
Customer Service: The most important thing when buying gear is the ability to get answers when you need them. The customer service at Priolite is unprecedented. I ask a lot of questions and do a lot of research prior to investing in anything, so being able to communicate with a human being is of highest importance to me. Priolite has been quick to respond and has offered many suggestions to my myriad of questions. I should point out that although the heads are German, the customer service is in the USA, so you're not dealing with time zones and people who don't necessarily understand the environment that we work in.
Cons:
Weight: The only real cons to these heads is the weight. They are heavy and I would strongly recommend a very sturdy light stand as they will definitely be top heavy. It should be noted that they are very well built using a lot of metals, so naturally they will be heavy, so although it may be a negative when shlepping them around, you'll appreciate the fact that they'll be around for the long haul.
AC Power: These heads are meant to work with the batteries, but it would be a definite asset if an AC power option was available. Priolite has informed me that you can operate the heads using the battery charger connected, but only as a last resort as it wasn't designed for that. I haven't tried it yet as having extra batteries has meant not needing the AC ability, but it is a pain when working in studio.
"Pelican Style" Travel Case: I purchased a hard shell travel case for the heads as I'm throwing them in the backs of trucks, putting them on skids to ship to locations and generally like a solid storage place for the heads, as they aren't cheap. The case is solid, well made, the hardcell foam is laser cut and the fit and finish is great. My biggest gripe is that there is no place to store extra batteries and other small accessories. I had a good natured sparring session with the manufacturer about that and their position is that you cannot ship batteries on planes unless they're installed, so there is no need for space for extra batteries. Fair enough if you're only ever flying with them. Personally, I have never flown with these sized heads, so that wouldn't apply to me, but I'm sure that many of you do, so it will work for you. Other than that, I like the case, especially when I don't have to lift it! It gets heavy with 2 heads and the actual case. But, if you drop the case or it slips off the back of the truck, or gets hit by a car, the heads will survive.
Conclusion:
These heads offer a lot of power and flexibility, but they come with a hefty price tag. I would highly recommend them for anyone who needs workhorse lights that can sync to 1/8000s. They will make a great addition to your lighting assets and will quickly become your favourite lights!
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