Strobe Flash Duration how important

[JCPhoto1]

My main thoughts are the flash sync speed, is faster better to have or is slower OK generally, is basically what I am after answer wise.

My D2h sync's at 250 and I use 200. I have read that a good rule of thumb is to set it at one speed below max. I don't know why. It was mentioned in an article I read. My logic tells me that setting it somewhere above 125 would assure sharp shots with any kind of subject movement. The only other consideration is people who drag the shutter to lighten up the background in situations like shooting a wedding in a church. I hope this helps. I think this is what you were asking about.

[Peter_AUS]

No Jim, not the answer I am seeking. I am talking about the flash duration of the strobes, which is better to have, one that is 1/700s or one that is 1/2850s.

[JCPhoto1]

Sorry Peter. I wasn't sure if I had the question right. I will venture a guess. I don't think any difference in a flash at thousands of a second would have any effect that would make a difference. I've never heard of anyone having an issue with that but it might depending on the type of photography or if it's specialized. It's out of my realm of knowledge.

[Asylum Steve]

Why are you concerned with the flash duration?

In all my years of shooting with studio flashes, not only have I not known the flash durartion of my equipment, but I can't think of any situation where it would have been important to me.

I would think flash duration would be a factor only when you are trying to shoot something moving much faster than your camera shutter speed, and of course also assuming you want it to be frozen (you know, hummingbird wings, that sort of thing).

For "normal" shooting, as long as the flash duration is shorter than the sync shutter speed, I can't imagine any problems...

No Jim, not the answer I am seeking. I am talking about the flash duration of the strobes, which is better to have, one that is 1/700s or one that is 1/2850s.

[Peter_AUS]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for replying. I'm just trying to ensure I get the right equipment and don't make the mistake of not getting the correct flash heads for the future as well.

Differnece in price is around $1,200 and that is a lot of money as we all know.

So what you are saying is that unless I am wanting to take images that are super fast like water drops, etc then the duration of the flash is irrelevant.

Difference also with the Elinchroms are they are fan cooled, the others aren't, Elinchroms are 300W and 600W Bowens are 500W but both are 1/1 - 1/32 f-stops adjustable, with 250W modelling lights in them.

Hence why I asked opinions.