Photogenics or Alien Bees

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Lexie

Trying to make up my mind if I want to switch from the 580ex II to the DLite 4, the Elinchrom Quadra Ranger, both or stay with the 580 II's. Sure get tired of buying batteries!! Will these work with the PW II's? I read a review and Skyport was mentioned. Would rather keep the PW's.

Pocket Wizards do work with the Quadra, but you will not be able to adjust the power remotely with the PWs.

I have both PWs and Skyports and prefer the skyports because I can change the power and they are much smaller and rechargeable (receivers are rechargeable, the transmitter is not.)

Originally Posted by StevenGWebb

Purely out of curiosity, just how much is this shift in temperature? Is it noticeable or just measurable?

David Hobby discusses it here:
Strobist: Choosing Big Lights: AlienBees

[StevenGWebb]

Originally Posted by Tom

Pocket Wizards do work with the Quadra, but you will not be able to adjust the power remotely with the PWs.

I have both PWs and Skyports and prefer the skyports because I can change the power and they are much smaller and rechargeable (receivers are rechargeable, the transmitter is not.)




David Hobby discusses it here:
Strobist: Choosing Big Lights: AlienBees

Interesting read. Thank you.

[Lexie]

Originally Posted by Tom

Pocket Wizards do work with the Quadra, but you will not be able to adjust the power remotely with the PWs.

I have both PWs and Skyports and prefer the skyports because I can change the power and they are much smaller and rechargeable (receivers are rechargeable, the transmitter is not.)




David Hobby discusses it here:
Strobist: Choosing Big Lights: AlienBees

Tom, by "adjusting the power remotely" do you mean in camera? Thanks for the link. Lots to think about!

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Lexie

Tom, by "adjusting the power remotely" do you mean in camera? Thanks for the link. Lots to think about!

You can adjust the power from the Elinchrom transmitter. You can set each light to be one of 4 groups, and you can adjust the group power remotely.

What I do:

Group 1: Key Light
Group 2: Fill Light
Group 3: Separation Light
Group 4: Background light

This saves SO much time, and really helps when you have a light boomed up above your head. No more step stool or taking the light down completely to adjust it.

[Kalrog]

Originally Posted by Tom

You can adjust the power from the Elinchrom transmitter. You can set each light to be one of 4 groups, and you can adjust the group power remotely.

What I do:

Group 1: Key Light
Group 2: Fill Light
Group 3: Separation Light
Group 4: Background light

This saves SO much time, and really helps when you have a light boomed up above your head. No more step stool or taking the light down completely to adjust it.

The Einsteins/CyberCommander setup is very similar - but I think it gives you up to 16 groups. And yes, it saves a bunch of time. Especially if you are working solo and trying to light up an entire room.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by Kalrog

The Einsteins/CyberCommander setup is very similar - but I think it gives you up to 16 groups. And yes, it saves a bunch of time. Especially if you are working solo and trying to light up an entire room.

Yeah, same idea.

I always wondered if the CyberCync system allowed you to adjust the analogue lights? I knew it could with the digital lights like the Einsteins.

[Lexie]

Originally Posted by Tom

You can adjust the power from the Elinchrom transmitter. You can set each light to be one of 4 groups, and you can adjust the group power remotely.

What I do:

Group 1: Key Light
Group 2: Fill Light
Group 3: Separation Light
Group 4: Background light

This saves SO much time, and really helps when you have a light boomed up above your head. No more step stool or taking the light down completely to adjust it.

Looked at lighting sets last night, read the links you posted, thought about the expense, and decided to wait. Then when I think I've decided to stick with what I have because i just don't want to spend the $$........your information makes me think the switch would be worth it! More thinking to do. Not about which light set to get but spending more money..........guess it never ends!

[Photogdude]

if i found a screaming deal on the photogenics i would take it.

[Kalrog]

Originally Posted by Tom

Yeah, same idea.

I always wondered if the CyberCync system allowed you to adjust the analogue lights? I knew it could with the digital lights like the Einsteins.

It can. I have an analogue ABR800 (the ring flash) and it can be adjusted the same way. It takes a bit more to do it though (the Einsteins are just ridiculously easy).

[brewercm]

Originally Posted by Photogdude

if i found a screaming deal on the photogenics i would take it.

I did.

I'll be putting my AB stuff shortly now but may keep the 400 as a hair light.

[danchez]

Originally Posted by StevenGWebb

Purely out of curiosity, just how much is this shift in temperature? Is it noticeable or just measurable?

the whole time I shot with AB's, probably 10,000 shots before upgrading to Einsteins, I only saw 1 detectable shift in temperature, and it was still very minor, but switching back and forth between photos you could tell. If you saw the image by itself, I don't think you would have even noticed. Since upgrading to Einsteins I have not seen any shifts.

[brewercm]

I've read that if you shoot the 1600's on the low end there is a shift to pinkish. I figure if these save me even 10 seconds per photo I'd have to deal with they will be with it.

All three lights look like they are brand new out of the boxes. Guy took very good care of these.

Now I've got to track down a used power pack for my 4 Norman LH2000's

[DigMe]

Originally Posted by Tom

DLite 4 is a traditional monoblock unit like the Alien Bee B800 (closest PCB competitor.) So it plugs into a wall and will work with the Vagabonds.

Their advantages over PCB or Photogenic lights are:
1. Color
2. Consistency
3. Digital, not a analog slider - can adjust accurately in 1/10th stop
4. Can adjust power from standard transmitter
5. Price
6. MUCH more superior modifiers
7. Have true pro-level equipment you can step up to without buying all new gear/modifiers.

How big are the Dlite heads? Are they packable? Would they be reasonable solutions for location work if paired with a Vagabond?

brad

[Tom]

Originally Posted by DigMe

How big are the Dlite heads? Are they packable? Would they be reasonable solutions for location work if paired with a Vagabond?

brad

Elinchrom DLITE-IT 4 Kit

Some good pics of them. The heads pack up in that little bag that says Elinchrom. It is soft sided, but has some protection. They travel as well as any monoblock, I guess.

They would be reasonable for location work, but if you are wanting to overpower the sun, you really want over 1000 watt/seconds of power. If you can have them in complete shade and just want to balance the sun or if you are working inside, 400w/s works beautifully.

[brad]

Originally Posted by brewercm

I've read that if you shoot the 1600's on the low end there is a shift to pinkish. I figure if these save me even 10 seconds per photo I'd have to deal with they will be with it.

There is, but easily overcome if you white balance in camera.

I just posted a couple shots from my ABR-800 in this sub-forum...