INTERFIT S1 2-LIGHT Backpack KIT
Why have ‘either or’ when you can have both? There’s no beating this kit for versatility
Bridging the gap between location and studio flash, this Interfit kit runs on rechargeable Li-ion batteries, but comes complete with AC adaptors that can power the heads directly from the mains. You get a full complement of two flash heads, chargers, mains adaptors, cables and reflectors. It all comes in a high-quality backpack for lugging the kit around. And ‘lug’ is the word, because the full load is a weighty 13kg, although you can shed 3kg by leaving the two AC adaptors at home.
As with the other location kits on test, you need to buy stands separately. It’s also a no-brainer to buy the optional Canon-dedicated S1 Remote RF trigger (£80/$90), because this enables automatic TTL flash metering (see ‘Trick Modes’, below-left). Other advanced modes include HSS and rear-curtain flash.
A rotary knob enables flash power adjustments in 1/10stop increments over a huge range of nine f/stops. Unlike the Lastolite mains-powered heads, a digital display makes it easy to check precise power settings. Each head has a 10W LED modelling lamp that can be used at full power or
50 per cent illumination. For mounting accessories, the heads have a standard Bowens S-type bayonet mount.
Performance
Maximum power output in our tests was a healthy Gn 57, using a standard reflector, and shrank to a still respectable Gn 40 in HSS mode. Recycle speeds between flashes are pretty quick throughout most of the power range, but stretch to a lengthy 3.1 seconds at the maximum power setting.