Poll: Building a More Powerful Portable Flash: What Flash Head?

Antonio

Hey everyone,

In case you are not following us on Facebook, we are running a poll about our next project, a more powerful version of the RF60X.

In particular we would like to hear your thoughts of the type of flash head preferred.

https://apps.facebook.com/my-polls/form/a-more-powerful-portable-flash-what-flash-head

Below is a copy and paste from the poll, for those who don't use Facebook:

Building a More Powerful Portable Flash: What Flash Head?
Over the years we often hear photographers asking for more power from their Cactus RF60 and RF60X. While some want more than 400Ws, many others want something that is equivalent to stacking 2 to 3 RF60 units together, giving that extra punch when you needed it.

Considering the RF60 / RF60X has a power of around 70Ws, if Cactus were to release a portable flash with a power output of around 160Ws – 250Ws, what type of flash head would you prefer?

At Cactus, we love to hear what you think so feel free to make other suggestions too!

Which type of flash head (tube) do you prefer?

1. Enclosed C-shaped flash tube (similar to Profoto B1).
2. Exposed bare-bulb flash tube (similar to Quantum Qflash).
3. Either one is fine.
   

Which of the following best describe you as a photographer?

1. Hobbyist / Enthusiast (for fun)
2. Amateur / Semi-Professional (part-fun, part-income)
3. Professional (full-time)
   

Feel free to share any ideas you may have for the new portable flash (160-250Ws)!

- - -

Your participation is much appreciated. 

Thank you!

lansa301

Thank you for those of us that do not use Social Networks.

Which type of flash head (tube) do you prefer?

Could be a fourth option to have both, the enclosed and the bare-bulb?

Maybe an interchangeable head could be technically difficult or fragile. I am thinking of some sort of attachment (Diffuser) to enclose the bare-bulb when I do not need to fill the modifier (Umbrella or Softbox).

If is not possible, my vote is for the bare-bulb. I can use the RF-60X with other type of modifiers or purposes.

Which of the following best describe you as a photographer?

Something between 2 and 3. Photography is not my main income, but with 30 plus years of experience,  I am teaching others and I choose few paid projects that really interest me.

Antonio

Thanks @lansa301 for your comments and suggestions.

If we create a detachable diffuser / reflector to enclose the bare-bulb when not needed or during a transport, the size of the unit will be considerably bigger compared to a enclosed C-shaped tube (B1 style). Maybe 5cm longer?  It will probably also have a wider overall diameter due to the detachable mechanism.

Our rationale is to have one that is compact and worry-free (transport / storage). 

We shall discuss in detail later after poll completes. Please do not hesitate to make other suggestions!

Thank you for taking the time to reply!

lansa301

"compact and worry-free" are, indeed such a great goals.

Every day I am feeling more comfortable using a small camera (SONY RX1) and one (sometimes two) off-camera flashes.

So, a new "portable flash" with two or three times more power than a standard flash is more than welcome. Would be easiest to fill the modifiers, overpower the sun or other harsh light or cut down the power to get better recycling time.

Thanks,

drichard

At Cactus, we love to hear what you think so feel free to make other suggestions too!

Which type of flash head (tube) do you prefer?

1. Enclosed C-shaped flash tube (similar to Profoto B1).
2. Exposed bare-bulb flash tube (similar to Quantum Qflash).
3. Either one is fine. (this is my vote I just need to still be able to use my magmod gear with it)
   

Which of the following best describe you as a photographer?

I'm an Amateur / Semi-Professional 

A built-in battery would set this over top. a type c port as well  

Moving forward if the V3 trigger could rechargeable that would be great...keep the 2 AA slots for emergencies maybe

same thing for the RF60x V2 these need to be rechargeable with battery slots as backup 

Antonio

Thank you very much for your comments and suggestions, @drichard!

It would be nice to have the convenience of being able to recharge the trigger on the go with an external battery, which has becoming a common accessory for smartphones.

However if the trigger (future V7) has both a rechargeable Li-ion battery and 2 AA slots, that would take up considerable space, and this would likely make this on-camera device too bulky to lug around... Or are you thinking to recharge 2 AA eneloops rechargeable batteries while the trigger is in use?

Thank you!

patarok

***
you will need one 400Ws and one 600Ws studio strobe
***

Antonio

***
you will need one 400Ws and one 600Ws studio strobe
***

That's not even one EV step difference in actual power output.

If the price is right for the 600Ws, most people would go for the bigger power unless the 400Ws is significantly cheaper. And for that matter, I don't think it is possible for the 400Ws version to achieve that with only a slight difference in capacitors sizes / quantities. 

Some examples:

1. Profoto B2 @ 250Ws vs 500Ws @ Profoto B1
   
2. Broncolor Siros L 400 vs 800 Broncolor Siros L
   

So we shall offer something half of the 600Ws.

And maybe further down the road a 1200Ws...

skalinkin

If you release copy (even re-branding) Godax AD600 I will pre-order it immediately 

Antonio

If you release copy (even re-branding) Godax AD600 I will pre-order it immediately 

Thanks for your comments! 

We will have one of our own due to our product design and performance requirements. It is just taking us a lot of brain juices and effort in doing so. I hope it is well worth the long wait. 

Cheers!

MJarry

Antonio,

I would order a couple of flashes similar to Godox AD360 in a heartbeat, if these were compatible to my Cactus system (3 X RF60S + 2 VSII, one for driving a EF-X500 Fuji Flash) !

Please keep us posted on your progress towards introducing a more powerful portable flash in your system.

Michel Jarry

Antonio

Hi Michel,

Thank you for your interest in such a product. We will certainly keep you posted. In case you haven't already follow us on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram for the latest news.

Cheers!

Gamundi08

Hello Antonio,


I have noticed that some photographers desire Cactus's Designs of Inventions are similar as Godox's Products.

In truth, I prefer that Cactus doesn't need to design like Godox's Gears as Copycat Ideas. Therefore, I rather to see and hear Cactus's Original Ideas more. Cactus Image is Cactus Image. No Matter What. ~ Be Yourself ~

I forward to see your newest invention of Portable Strobe with 250 Watts soon.

Have a Wonderful Day!


Juan Gamundi | Fujifilm • Photographer

Antonio

Hello Juan,

Thank you for sharing your suggestions with us. Surely we do not want to be copycats, but if a particular design fits our requirement we may adopt it. 

Please do not hesitate to share other product ideas with us.

Cheers!

Class A

Cactus just announced the RQ250!

There is also a PDF press release.

Can't wait to learn more about it!

FrAEmed

Fingers crossed, the concept of the RQ250 sees the light of day once again. I think the support for the unit would increase, having seen the concept already.