Vagabond Mini Lithium Review

At Rob Galbraith:

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-11314-11226

I don't suppose flying with one is an option.

Wow, I didn't realize just how much smaller this one is.
Ideally, I'd like one per light stand for on-location events. Maybe the tax man will help out with that . . .

Jim, the units meet the TSA requirements, in fact they are shipped to Buff via air cargo from Asia. But getting them on an airline will be up to you and the airline. I believe the current TSA requirements limit lithium devices to 2 and a spare set of batteries. No guarantees though.

These are a very elegant and light and safe (trip free) solution when attached one per lightstand with the short power cord.

i am surprised by the results. Admittedly running the modeling light, I found my total number of pops to be about 250-260. Having said that, It is still amazing.....a great tool.

James

What wattage is your modeling light?

Sorry for the delay on this. The modeling lamp is the standard 150 watt light that comes with the head.

James

James,

The manual recommends a 40W max bulb, that is why I asked. If you use a 40W bulb, it will consume 1/3 of the battery in one hour. I turn the modeling lights off entirely and can get about 850 shots on an AB800.

From the manual: The Vagabond Mini™ Lithium cannot power a 250W modeling lamp at full power. For Einstein™ and Zeus™ system users, we are in the process of acquiring a special 50W modeling lamp for reduced-intensity modeling lamp usage (only for
brief periods of usage for composition). For AlienBees™ or White Lightning™ users, the supplied modeling lamps can be replaced with lower 40W household bulbs to allow brief usage of modeling lamps for composition. If you choose to use a low wattage modeling lamp briefly, the units should be set to extinguish
the modeling lamps during recycle to minimize recycle time.

Mine is charged up and now I need to find the time to play with it!

Hey Julie,

Have you had a chance to crack it out?

James

No, its been raining

James, you might try this for modeling light with the bee and vml

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2011/02/found-30-led-modeling-light-for-your.html

Thanks, Preston. I wish they had a larger wattage version than 37.2. It seems brilliant though.

James