|
Forums >
Photography Talk >
Who has used Elinchrom strobes? Pros/Cons?
I have been using continuous lighting exclusively and am about to invest in a complete strobe system. While I would love to go with Broncolor or Profoto, the budget simply won't allow it unless I wanted to make do with less lighting now and build over time. So, at this point, I am leaning towards Elinchrom - using a combination of two Digital Rx pack/head systems and a couple of monolights. They seem to offer a good variety of modifiers at mostly decent pricing, especially compared to Profoto and Broncolor. The Skyport system looks pretty cool, too. I am looking for feedback from those who either own or have actually used this equipment. How does the build and reliability stack up over other systems? Any other pros/cons? Thanks in advance! May 03 09 10:07 pm Link in general, they have fast flash duration, consistent light output shot to shot, great accessories, though somewhat limited, and in general expensive over some competitors, durable, and reliable. I switched out for endorsement reasons, not quality reasons, and I know a few who still use and love them, especially Akos Simon. I am mainly broncolor and speedotron with hensel sets as well now, but could have just as easily stayed with them over the hensel, at the time I preferred the hensel ring and octahaze, which is now the same unit that elinchrom is offering. The octabank is the best designed of all octabox type accessories (as it is a bounce/diffuse/secondary diffuse source unlike most that are more like octagon shaped softboxes. Stephen Eastwood http://www.PhotographersPortfolio.com May 03 09 10:15 pm Link You get a very solid performing light with some of the best modifiers out there. Even many of the Profoto users use Elinchrom Rotalux boxes. The Skyport RX system is awesome. May 03 09 10:30 pm Link I use the Elinchrom BX400 series strobes with the Skyport remotes. I like the new specs for the BX500Ri series. I'd love to get the 600RX series but they were a little out of my price range. So far, no complaints, lots of accessories for them and never had any issues with them. I'd like to add a couple more units to my collection and was also thinking of getting the Ranger Quadra setup. If you use umbrellas, you might want to check and see if they fit in the Elinchrom units. I don't think the Elinchrom umbrella mounts are standard size and are actually smaller in diameter. May 03 09 10:34 pm Link nwprophoto wrote: Yup, I'm one of those Profoto users that have their octas May 03 09 10:36 pm Link Carlton Chong wrote: The 7mm brollies are getting a lot easier to find. May 03 09 10:39 pm Link I have waded into strobes using Elinchrom's D4Lite setup with SkyPort triggers. Love the system and am thinking of upgrading to a higher end Elimchrom setup as I expand my studio. I would recommend their stuff. May 04 09 02:50 am Link I love the Elinchrom gear and have been using it for years. Recently I upgraded my old strobes for 2 RX Ranger packs and bought another second hand from the US. They are awesome to work with, fast recycle, weather proof cases and I also use the skyports to remotely trigger and adjust the units. I would have considered the Profoto units but cost was a factor. Hensel also make some nice units that I also considered. May 04 09 03:24 am Link nwprophoto wrote: But does anyone still use umbrellas? May 04 09 03:26 am Link Disclaimer: i'm not very partial on the subject as i visit Elinchrom HQ's almost weekly.  Anyway, I've used Elinchrom's lights extensively for the last couple of years and i love them. I travel with my Rangers RX a lot, i've used them at -10°C in steep freeride spots, i've covered them with snow.. I never had any problem, they are very reliable (in and out of the studio). As long as you stay away from the BX/FX/Dlight line (long flash duration, entry-level quality), you'll be fine. The ringflash design is identical as the Hensel, so you can use the new Hensel modifiers (this is something that's missing in the Elinca offering). In the past i've used Profoto, Hensel, Visatec and Broncolor (hey, i'm Swiss). But Elinchrom service is top notch and this is very important when you shoot for a living. May 04 09 08:51 am Link WMcK wrote: only the really, really amateurs and the really, really professionals. The in betweens use all sorts of contraptions to make up for things May 04 09 08:54 am Link WMcK wrote: Huh? Umbrellas are you friend! May 04 09 08:56 am Link Happy Elinchrom user here. I have the older units, the non digital 250 w/s mono, and 3 500 w/s monos. Solid performers, consistent output and fast recycle ( and can work on inverters as well ). The main reason I bought them was = Found a great deal on them used and I love the modifiers. The 27" silver lined beauty dish is the best one I have ever used ( I used to own the profotos as well and love this one better). The modifiers aren't insanely prices as well. Eventually my system will evolved to all profoto one day, maybe, but for now, Elinchrom is perfect. May 04 09 08:57 am Link if you go elinchrom and want good build, skip the BXRI and dlite series, they are good build but both really cant handle the bigger size modifiers I have a dlite 4 with my ranger A heads and it can only handle the 53" octa, i have the 74 on the ranger heads as well as the el strip softlite softbox. The light output is phenomenal, from stop to stop it is accurate. skyports also can change the output from the computer to so that is a huge plus. just some thoughts, i need to get a photog account on here soon May 04 09 09:31 am Link WMcK wrote: I still do, can't beat the simple setup May 04 09 09:38 am Link I am very happy with my pair of 600RX mono heads. Got them just as they came out, about 4 years ago. I use them with soft boxes and the usual collection of modifiers (snoot, barn doors, gells). The 1/10 stop adjustment is more than I need, but I do like the solenoid controls. They are reasonably portable and durable. Recommended. May 04 09 09:48 am Link I love our Ranger packs + heads - the build & quality are unbeatable. Skyports are nice, but my copy at least interferes with my 5D  and the transmitters are not durable. Convenient, yes; tough, no.May 04 09 09:54 am Link Sean Baker wrote: I have the same problem with the 1st generation Skyport and my 5D mark II (especially outdoor). May 04 09 09:57 am Link JeF Briguet wrote:
May 04 09 10:01 am Link WMcK wrote: Sometimes you want splashy. May 04 09 10:07 am Link nwprophoto wrote: Speaking of umbrella's versatility.. May 04 09 10:18 am Link Thanks to all who replied. I'm feeling pretty confident in my choice here and am looking forward to placing an order shortly! May 04 09 04:54 pm Link JeF Briguet wrote: Next time you go to HQ, could you please ask them to create an adapter cord to power the Quantum X strobes with the new Quadra 400 w/s pack. May 04 09 05:37 pm Link JeF Briguet wrote: u dont need a permit to shoot with a tripod in Paris as long as it's not a pro shoot with more than 8-10 people and dont block the traffic and pedestrians Oct 28 10 02:49 am Link KC ImageWorks wrote: I have been using Elinchrom for about 25 years. Never had a flash fail. Oct 28 10 09:41 am Link StephenEastwood wrote: +1 Oct 28 10 06:52 pm Link I have been using four Elinchrom packs for 14 years, they are work horses. I have used Broncolor, Norman and Speedotron. Elinchrom is by far the most dependable. I've only had one minor issue and that is the connector trays on the pack. I've had a couple break from careless assistants trying to shove them in without seating the toe in right. There are great reflectors and the Octalights are incredible. I wouldn't buy anything else personally. Oct 28 10 07:03 pm Link nwprophoto wrote: Agreed. Great performance, including Skyport. Minor annoyance is separation of silver surface edges in some octaboxes. Oct 28 10 07:12 pm Link |
