AB VS Elinchroms

[AmpedPhoto]

Ok guys I have been looking into adding some more studio lighting equip. I have a ARB-800 and 1 B-800. I have had 3 Ab-800 in the past but sold them to pay some bills but now looking to add or replace. My question is, is there any major benefits to switching to Elinchroms 400's? I know there about 70 watt seconds difference and a digital interface along with a audio option. So please drop your 2 cents on the Elinchroms 400 vs the AB line along with there softboxs ect

[Rudi]

The Elinchrom softboxes are amazing! That alone would (and did) sway me toward Elinchrom. I used to have a Bowens kit some years back, chose Elinchrom for their light modifiers this time around. Elin strobes will also be more consistent than AB in their light output.

[TMR Design]

Hi Michael.

Can you clarify which strobes you mean?

Elinchrom makes a Style 400BX which is 400ws and a D-Lite 4 which is also 400ws.

Overall performance is about the same but there are some key differences (aside from price). The 400BX has the secondary umbrella mount so you can use standard umbrellas without having to use only brands that make the 7mm shaft.

The build and swivel mount on the BX are significantly better in all respects and can accommodate larger, heavier modifiers than the D-Lite will hold securely.

One feature that may or may not be important to some is the ability to completely separate the power levels of the flash and modeling light. You're not locking in to proportional lighting or the standard full, half and off settings. You can set the modeling light to any power level regardless of the flash power.

I know it looks lke I've made a very good case for getting the BX but that doesn't mean that the D-Lite's are a bad choice or shouldn't be considered. For some people, the affordability and performance of the D-Lite makes up for what it does not have and they are excellent strobes.

[Hermes]

I've only tried the ABs a couple of times as they're pretty rare here in the UK, but from what I've seen they stand up pretty well against Elinchroms, though their output isn't as consistent or precise. What would turn me off ever using them is the lack of high-quality heads or modifiers, and the limited range of accessories.

Elinchrom have a much better range of specialist accessories (reflectors, spots, indirect banks, e.t.c.), and their softboxes and umbrellas are generally superior. The Elinchrom BXs are the best value strobes I've ever used. There are more expensive options (brons, profoto, e.t.c.) but you are paying a big price for marginally better features if you don't need their higher output. There are cheaper options (ebay kits, D-lites, e.t.c.) but they just aren't solid or reliable enough to do everything, and sooner or later you'll find yourself limited by them.

[M Powered]

How do Elinchrom accessories compare to Photoflex's? I know AB's quality is sub par, but photoflexes are built VERY well. Hell, sometimes put my softboxes in the ocean to wash off the sand :)

[DavidPhoto]

I wouldnt put my elinchrom sb's into the ocean! They'd probably not comeout in one piece. They are not the toughest SB's I've used but they do produce great quality light.

[TMR Design]

Some of the Elinchrom octa's are built really well. I'm not familiar enough with the entire product line but they do seem to use quality materials and construction looks to be excellent.

I own a few Photoflex boxes and I would say that the Elinchrom's are on a par with Photoflex. I don't think the build is any better but they tend to produce more even light than the Photoflex boxes, which are pretty darn good.

[DavidPhoto]

I have the midi octa and it is not made that well imo. The inner reflective material tore away at a seem the first time I took it out. Someone else said theirs did the same.
I also have the Deep Throat Rotalux which is holding up so far (and is my favorite SB) but doesnt feel very strong. The deep throat produces fantastic light though.

If I could put them together and leave them assembled in the studio they would most likely be fine but I have to tear them down and reassemble all the time. Photoflex seem much better made to me but do not have the Elinchrom light quality.

[Hermes]

I have the midi octa and it is not made that well imo. The inner reflective material tore away at a seem the first time I took it out. Someone else said theirs did the same.
I also have the Deep Throat Rotalux which is holding up so far (and is my favorite SB) but doesnt feel very strong. The deep throat produces fantastic light though.

If I could put them together and leave them assembled in the studio they would most likely be fine but I have to tear them down and reassemble all the time. Photoflex seem much better made to me but do not have the Elinchrom light quality.

My midi Octa had a hole melted into it when the silver deflector I was using inside it swivelled round on it's shaft and touched the inside surface. I know for a fact that wouldn't have happened with my konova or other third-party softboxes, despite the fact that the octa cost five times as much. Their reflectors, dishes, spots, e.t.c. are all well-made but Elinchrom's softboxes have dissapointing build-quality even if the light they produce is very good.

[DavidPhoto]

wow that sucks. You're lucky it didnt start a fire!
I almost had that happen yesterday too. I noticed it was a little loose as I was putting the diffuser on and luckily caught it in time before that happened. I could totally see that happening though.
I agree the build quality is disappointing. I was thinking of getting a large Octa someday but if the build quality is similar to the others I may save my money. That said, I totally love the deep throat (at least until it falls apart).

[TMR Design]

That really does suck. That's the first I've heard of this kind of problem or poor construction.

[Hermes]

I managed to patch it up pretty well with electrical tape on the outside and aluminium foil on the inside - you really have to look hard to spot it but still, it's pretty shoddy construction for a £200 softbox.

From now on I'll be buying third party softboxes and having them modified to get the light output how I want it. I have a 180cm octabox with two internal diffusers and a deflector which cost me about 70 quid to buy & modify, is heatproof, and has a more even output than just about anything I've ever seen.

[DavidPhoto]

that's a shame. Robert would be screwed as he can't tape his equipment!!!

[TMR Design]

that's a shame. Robert would be screwed as he can't tape his equipment!!!

You're right David. Totally screwed! ;)

[Rudi]

I have a 180cm octabox with two internal diffusers and a deflector which cost me about 70 quid to buy & modify, is heatproof, and has a more even output than just about anything I've ever seen.

Do tell! What is it? A 180cm Octa for that sort of money, I want one!

[Hermes]

It started life as a Konova 72" softbox which I got for a great price, then I just beefed up the internal diffuser, added another diffuser closer to the light and mounted a silver deflector to the speedring. If you're reasonably good at sewing and drilling through metal then you should be able to knock one up without too much trouble.

[johnms88]

I chose elinchrom for the simple reason that If i ever want to upgrade to higher up elinchrom models, all of my modifiers and accessories will work with them. And I could still use my d-lites as background/hair lights ect.

[TMR Design]

Hi John,

I think that is the mindset of many D-Lite owners. It makes a lot of sense, especially if you're liking the Elinchrom strobe and have some cash invested in the modifiers.

[johnms88]

Hi John,

I think that is the mindset of many D-Lite owners. It makes a lot of sense, especially if you're liking the Elinchrom strobe and have some cash invested in the modifiers.

And I cant wait to upgrade to the RX heads so I can use the functionality of the skysports!

[TMR Design]

The Style RX are simply amazing. Build is exceptional. You really can't ask for more in the way of features, performance and a comprehensive line of branded and third party modifiers. Beyond that I don't need to keep looking. Price, of course, can be a dissuading factor but I am very comfortable with my D-Lites and I plan to beat them to the ground (not really, lol) as I use them and budget for RX or Ranger. In the mean time I don't have to drive myself crazy over lights and can work very comfortably with what I have to produce great images. This way I can add and upgrade to other important areas of the kit and studio.

[Rudi]

The Style RX are simply amazing. Build is exceptional. You really can't ask for more in the way of features, performance and a comprehensive line of branded and third party modifiers. Beyond that I don't need to keep looking. Price, of course, can be a dissuading factor but I am very comfortable with my D-Lites and I plan to beat them to the ground (not really, lol) as I use them and budget for RX or Ranger. In the mean time I don't have to drive myself crazy over lights and can work very comfortably with what I have to produce great images. This way I can add and upgrade to other important areas of the kit and studio.

Exactly what I'm doing at the moment! Although I've been so happy with my D-Lites, the BX series is looking mighty good too, at this stage. Ultimately, the RX series is the best, so I think I will swing that way, but it won't be because I'm unhappy with my D-lites! :)

[snedigity]

This thread is really good. You can tell most people here have Elinchroms. I am over in Korea and looked for a package that I could use out doors. I ended up going with 2 AB800 and the Vagabon II. People that actually own AB stuff have nothing bad to say about them. I did a mini test today metering output. 20 flashes were within 1/10 of each other. I looked seriously at the Elinchroms but for what I am shooting I think the AB were a better purchase. When I leave Korea and end up in Germany I plan on putting a full studio together. I will most likely go with Elinchroms for the studio but I am pretty happy with these strobes and I am impressed with the build quality of the foldible softboxes. I wish some more AB owners would chime in on here.

[StretchSTI]

yeah, I'm looking to pick up a lighting kit and this thread has a lot of info on elinchroms modifiers but not a lot on AB vs Elinchroms. I've been considering a small AB kit but I might want to switch to Elinchroms now.

Gotta go visit google...

[lwest99]

I have also been looking at AB's. I was under the impression that AB's were very popular here (I still think they are) but I am starting to be swayed to Elinchroms. I would also love to hear about the AB's.

[AmpedPhoto]

Well I am still one the fence, best thing about AB is there customer service. I have been in the customer service industry for many years and I love it when companies have amazing customer service. I have to deal with sigma on a weekly basis and there customer service is about that of McDonalds in the getto. I have written them many nasty grams and now I deal with there Manger. Point being Pual Buff and the amazing people at AB and WL are always on top of there game. I might keep my ABs and look into the Zuse system