Elinchrom D2lites vs D4lites

[lindagorin]

If one is setting up in a small studio should they get the D2 kit which is2 x 200ws or the D4 kits 2 x 400ws. Also what additional light would one need to complete the set up. In other words would you need an additional light for the background? Lighting needs to be used for product and portraiture

[davidbell]

I've never had my D-Lite 2s up to full power yet!

You do need to use one of your strobes for certain backgrounds, but for portraits and products you can use a reflector with your other strobe.

The D-Lite kits are every bit as good as people say they are. I'm super pleased with mine.

[Gentleman Villain]

200ws is usually enough power for a small/average sized studio space at ISO100 or faster.

But really it doesn't matter too much...both sets will work just fine.

[TMR Design]

Small is a relative thing but the D-Lite 2 with 200ws should be fine for a small studio. I can tell you first hand because I own them and have also tested strobes of more power in my studio and found that more than 200ws was not the most flexible and I found it somewhat limiting. As another point of reference... I also had Alien Bees B800's at one time, and they are 320ws and found them to be too much power for the size studio I have.

Without using gels or ND filters I can easily shoot from f/4 to f/16 and have tons of control.

[Village_Idiot]

I was shooting with my 320w/s Alien Bee last night. I think I was doing 1/4 power at about f/9, with a soft box on the light. Just think. A standard speed light is about 60ws. The only place you may falter is if you're trying to maybe light an aircraft hangar or something.