Five Excellent Radio Controlled Strobes For the Strobist

Flashes and strobes are some of the most important pieces of kit to many photographers. In fact, lots of photographers can make the output of any traditional camera and lens look great as long as they just have the lighting kit that they use. Lighting is so important to many photographers because it lets them accurately get across their specific creative vision any time of the day or night no matter what the lighting situation is. It literally allows them to create the photos that they want–and it’s even better when these lights are off-camera and can be positioned anywhere one wants.

Here are some of our favorite strobes, flashes and monolights.

Profoto B1 Air TTL 500

In our review, we state:

“If you’re the type of person that likes to create lots of light and sometimes wants to make it look natural, then this is great option considering the power output of 500 watt seconds–which is the equivalent of around six speedlights. The type of photographer that would love this is the location portrait photographer and first and foremost–the wedding shooter.”

Phottix Mitros+

In our review, we state:

“We’ve been using the Phottix Mitros+ flashes for a while, and we’re quite amazed at not only how well they meter with the Canon camera system, but also how well they integrate into Phottix’s current technology. When we first got them in for review, we thought of lots of ways to test them. Many of the site’s product photos have been lit with this flash with the most recent example being the Pentax K3. However, we don’t see most of you using these flashes to shoot product photos. With that in mind though, we want you to be aware that those photos are still very useful in demonstrating what the flashes are capable of doing in the hands of a skilled strobist.”

Adorama Flashpoint Zoom Li-on

In our review, we state:

“The Adorama Flashpoint Zoom Li-on is an overall great flash and for the price point, you really can’t go wrong. You’ve got radio control, lots of power, and versatility in a small package. We recommend it for both pros and beginners. In fact, it could be the flash system that you stay with for a very long time in your photography career.”

Phottix Indra 500

In our review, we state:

“The Phottix Indra 500 TTL is a monolight that delivers 500 watt seconds of power–that’s more than five typical speedlights. That and it puts all the light in one spot.

So why would you need something that power?

– Large light modifiers for softer lighting

– Large halls and rooms to illuminate at a lower ISO

– Keeping your ISO levels down

– Usually a much faster flash duration which freezes fast motion and gives you super sharp images.

When all of our issues were ironed out, we couldn’t get over the incredible the image quality that the Indra 500 TTL can deliver.”

Paul C Buff Einstein E640

In our review, we state:

“The Einstein E640 has flown with me in planes, tumbled down conveyor belts, fallen on my head during Hurricane Sandy (causing me to go to the hospital), traveled with me for engagement shoots, shot with me in studios, and has kept on working. This light works as hard as you do.”