what do you think about this strobe kit  Elinchrom  2 x 400BX Kit w/2x 400BX 2xRefl Std Umb 1xStd Bag Case

If you want to take your photography to the next level - whether for personal enjoyment or for commercial use on a web site or company brochure - take a look at these easy to use, affordable, pro lighting kits at Vistek. All kits include reflectors, stands, umbrellas, and soft-sided equipment cases.

Digitally stabilized entry level compacts for the most demanding imaging, with automatic voltage detection from 90V to 260V, and available at a great price. Power ranges from 400 watt seconds down to 25 watt seconds.

Key Features

    *  Multi-voltage 90V-260V with automatic voltage detection
    *  Plug-in flashtube
    *  Rapid re-cycling times with fast flash duration
    *  Internal cooling fan
    * Lightweight and compact for out of studio use
    *  Omega flashtube is precisely positioned 20 mm from the internal reflector, to avoid the inherent uneven illumination produced by non-concentric or U-shaped flashtubes!
    *  Three modelling lamp modes; proportional / free / off
    *  Auto Dump Function, ensuring efficient power correction
    *  5 f-stop power range variable in precise 1/10 steps (1/16 - 1/1)
    *  Large, digital power LED readout
    *  Low 5 V sync voltage to protect digital camera electronics
    *  Centered umbrella fitting

What's in the Box:
Two-Head Kits include:

    * 2 400BX heads
    * Reflectors
    * 2 Stands
    * 2 Umbrellas
    * Cases

Maximum Watt/Seconds      400 w/s

Guide Number    

F/64.5 @ 1M, @ 100 ISO, 1/250 sec, with 48° reflector
Recycle Time    

At 115V AC: 0.3 @ min. power, 1.2 sec. @ max. power
At 230V AC: 0.3 @ min. power, 1 sec. @ max. power
Flash Duration    

1/900 sec. @ t 0.5
Flash Variability    

5 F/Stops - full to 1/16 power in 1/10 stop increments
User Replaceable Flashtube    

Yes (24029)
Changeable Reflector    

Yes
Modeling Light Wattage    

150W E27 Base (115V: 23019) (230V: 23035)
3 Way level switch
Voltage Stabilization    

+/-0.5%
Flash Ready Indicator    

LED, switchable beep
Operating Voltage    

90-260V AC
Sync Voltage    

5V
Built-in Slave Cell    

Yes, optical, switchable
Circuit Protection    

Fuse for strobe, and modeling light
Fan Cooled    

Yes
Auto Dump    

Yes
Dimensions    

8.25 x 5.5" (21 x 14 cm)
Weight    

4.3 lbs (1.95 kg)

they are goin for 1899 canadian .. i so want to get them ..maybe this summer

Much as I love Vistek, that's a lot of coin for two lights.  Lame answer, but, have you looked at E-Bay?

ya ebay is kinda expensive because of idiots that bid over retail value just to win  plus the shippin so expensive

If that's what you need, these lights are absolutely awesome.  The pricing is great.  Much better built (Swiss made) than those Alien Bees with much more accurate control and consistency, both in output and color temperature.  For only a few bucks over the Alien Bees, these are steals.

I have used them and found them absolutely wonderful to use.  Elinchrom also has the largest amount of accessories, second only to Profoto.

Fantastic choice.

By the way, before you spend a bunch of money on these lights, make sure you ask yourself why you need them.  Without having that answer, buying the lights actually won't take you to the next level! 

you are correct ... thats what i did in december ... it was the lights or the g4 powerbook... i need the laptop for skool due to my g3 died so i held of on the lights but im currently changin my basement into a studio so i can shoot close to home rather than travellin 4hr to my skool to use theirs

I have a 3 Elinchrom set & they ****** Rock !!!

!!! Seriously Swiss !!! if ya feel me.

A couple of things though....

#1 Spend a lil more to get the "Digital" versions...the option to control em from a laptop or computer is like a unbelievable dream workflow come true. Especially when you want to push your shadows creativity & highlight concepts.  (& the $200ed-ish *Remote* only controls one light, only the software with the USB hub can control the set.)

#2 And I'm not sure how you light your works - but if you like softbox work or how big your studio is or how large your shooting sessions can get - but the 400's might be a little too low of a power set up.

#3 Which ever set up you get - make sure that you also get the optional blown glass bulb covers. (They don't come stock & the main replacement bulbs are around a $100 each.)

But for sure - outa all the lighting set ups I've ever purchased, rented or barrowed to date....I hug my Elinchroms every night before I go to bed to dream about the next days sessions.

J.

p.s. The speed rings are kinda ah pain in the arss though - they were designed by an engineer - NOT a photographer.  But !!! AAAhhhh !!! The Colour......