Now I've gone and done it

[engstrom]

So I had to go to the B&H website this morning...

Then I had to look at a light kit...

Then I had to notice that it's in stock.

Well, after shooting some pics of my dog this weekend with my MacGyver-eque lights I decided that it was time. 3 years of compulsively analyzing every picture I look at to determine what/how many/placement of lights and modifiers was enough and it was time to actually buy some studio lights and add some experience to the theory. So I picked up the phone, made sure they were in stock (just released update) and ordered - Elinchrom | D-Lite IT 400Ws 2-Light To Go Set | EL 20815KIT

I'm haven't been this excited in quite a while and I'm looking forward to this coming weekend when I get to start using them (or probably "it" - I figure starting with a single light with umbrella and reflector then adding the second light and the softboxes later is the best way to learn).

[linque]

Wow! That is a smokin' deal! Built-in receivers, and a trigger included? Am I reading that correctly?

[revjvegas]

I've been trying hard to stay out of stores, off B&H and out of the Buy/Sell section here.

FAIL

[dmcantrell]

wow, that is a deal

[Tom]

Originally Posted by linque

Wow! That is a smokin' deal! Built-in receivers, and a trigger included? Am I reading that correctly?

They are great lights. I have three.

They have built in optical triggers, but not radio triggers.

[dmcantrell]

So the Elinchrom D-Lite IT line is basically their answer to the Alien Bees "entry level" lights? Do I have this right?

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by linque

Wow! That is a smokin' deal! Built-in receivers, and a trigger included? Am I reading that correctly?

Yep, receivers built-in and a hot-shoe trigger included. Plus two heads, two stands, two smallish (26" x 26") softboxes, a wide-angle umbrella reflector, and cases for everything. I saw the price and after a little searching couldn't resist.

Yeah, they're plastic cases and they only have 100w modeling lights so they're certainly not the RX series but for entry-level strobes they reportedly have good power/color consistency and I certainly prefer the digital 1/10th stop adjustments to the Bees analog slider. And like you said, a smoking deal for the price.

Oh, the optical slaves on the strobes can also be set to ignore pre-flashes so I suppose I could even use my 580EX and ST-E2 to fire them. But certainly for now I'll stick with the included transmitter.

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

They are great lights. I have three.

They have built in optical triggers, but not radio triggers.

The original (and 1st revision) D-Lites did not have built in radio triggers. The new set that was just released (and that I just ordered) do indeed have built in receivers.

*edit* Here it is, from: http://www.elinchrom.com/products.php?cat=112

D-Lite it 4

This is "it"... The Best "D-Lite it" Ever
Elinchrom upgraded the D-Lite it 200 / 400 ws with many new exciting features. The "it" stands for Intelligent Triggering! The design incorporates a robust stand bracket, a new handle with spare fuse storage and a high impact resistant, quality look, body shell.


Cable free flash triggering!
The EL-Skyport Receiver is built-in and triggers flashes wireless from the camera with the brand new EL-Skyport ECO Transmitter. The ECO Transmitter is an optional item for single units, but it is part of the three new "D-Lite it" TO GO Sets.

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by dmcantrell

So the Elinchrom D-Lite IT line is basically their answer to the Alien Bees "entry level" lights? Do I have this right?

Yep, that's pretty much the way I see it. And while Bees are certainly good the D-Lite ITs have a couple of important advantages to me.

[dmcantrell]

Originally Posted by engstrom

Yep, that's pretty much the way I see it. And while Bees are certainly good the D-Lite ITs have a couple of important advantages to me.

Well, I read a post by Thomas Campbell and something he said really struck a chord with me. He made a point about the quality of the modifiers being a consideration when you choose to dive into a brand of lights. This foray into the entry-level market by Elinchrom is very appealing to me. It seems that, sometime down the road if you choose to upgrade, you could just upgrade the heads and keep all the modifiers. I like it.

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by dmcantrell

Well, I read a post by Thomas Campbell and something he said really struck a chord with me. He made a point about the quality of the modifiers being a consideration when you choose to dive into a brand of lights. This foray into the entry-level market by Elinchrom is very appealing to me. It seems that, sometime down the road if you choose to upgrade, you could just upgrade the heads and keep all the modifiers. I like it.

Yeah, I think buying lights is a lot like buying a camera body. Sure, there are people that stick with what they have and never expand, but a large number of us buy into a system with lenses, flashes, remote triggers, etc. and overall the cost of the body, while being a major outlay at first, ends up being a smallish part of the overall system.

[sldi]

What impressed me most, the first time I set up a set of D'lites was the portability of the set. All the pieces fit neatly into two tubular shaped bags.