Testing the new Ranger...

[Rudi]

Hi everyone,

With the wedding season getting underway here in Oz, I finally decided to bite the bullet and get myself the Elinchrom Ranger - in my case, the Ranger RX Speed AS kit with the Ranger A head, two batteries, Varistar kit (incl. Varistar reflector), 7" grid reflector and hard case.

First impressions:

As good as the RX strobes are in the studio, the Ranger is going to be on location. I am already thinking about getting a second head for it (S head this time), because for simple portraiture that is all I would need. No worrying about mains power, just drag the thing in, pop off a few frames, pass GO and collect $200, then get the hell out of there! :D The only thing to remember is that it will be 66/33% power distribution, so fine-tuning, if needed, will be done by moving the lights or different light modifiers, gels, etc. (but I can do a LOT with 2:1!).

At full power, this thing is impressive. It sounds like firing an air rifle, only much louder! Don't know if that is just the speedy A head, or if the S head sounds similar... but I can already see that I will not need more power for the things I plan to shoot with this. Similarly impressive in port B at minimum power of only 5.7Ws... and it's all built to take years of punishment!

I quite like the small Varistar umbrella kit supplied with it, broad even light for simple portraiture. The opposite of the Deep Octa in many ways, but produces nice light. It's a pain to put on though! Even with the central umbrella fitting, the umbrella is distorted when the Varistar reflector is inside with the backing zipped up. I'm not much of an umbrella fan lately, I'll just have to play with the Varistar and see if it will grow on me more. In the meantime, back to softboxes and simple reflectors for now.

I don't have a clue why Elinchrom supply the 7" grid reflector with these kits, but they do. I already have the 8.25" "standard" reflector and a set of grids, barndoors, etc, so I will have to see if I have any use for this. I'm not complaining about an extra reflector, I just wonder why this one instead of the usual 6" umbrella reflector.

One thing that I noticed is that the Ranger is capable of higher sync speeds than both the D-Lites (not surprising), but also the RX600 strobes that I have. This is a good thing since the Ranger is built to be used on location! Inside the studio the sync speed is less of an issue.

My 5D syncs at up to 1/160, with only the tiniest hint of shutter creep at 1/200, where the RX strobes show a lot more shutter creep.

Excuse the ugly unpainted door jamb I photographed for testing sync speeds...

Here is the 5D with the RX600 at its max sync speed of 1/200:
http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p528181029.jpg

And here it is at the same speed with the Ranger A head:
http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p92944673.jpg

I wonder if the slower S head would look similar to the RX600... The sync speed seems to be a combination of camera and strobe - my 1D Mark II N syncs at up to its max sync speed of 1/250 with both the RX600 and the Ranger. Go figure!

I'd prefer that the battery pack had a handle for carrying, rather than just the shoulder strap that is supplied with it. Not a big deal, but it would make handling the pack easier. Otherwise, it's a pleasure to work with! The heavy-duty cable gets in the way sometimes, but you have to expect that sort of thing. Fit and finish are very nice, everything screams quality. All fittings are heavy duty, and as I wrote above, I expect this to stand up to years of punishment as I drag it all around the world with me.

Finally, some photos of my new Ranger:

Here is the Ranger A head with the 7" grid reflector, showing the "Speed" flashtube:
http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p203842010.jpg

Here it is, firing at 5.7Ws :D
http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p349194101.jpg

And I had to have a little fun with it for the last two "product shots".
http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p247590152.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p323626563.jpg

[TMR Design]

What can I say Rudi? She's beautiful !!!! :cool:

[Rudi]

Oh! One thing I forgot to mention is that the locking mechanism on the Ranger (to lock the speed ring when mounted on the strobe) is much tighter and more "positive" than on the RX strobes. There's better feedback as you mount modifiers on to the Ranger head, there is a positive click and you know exactly when the thing's locked. The whole affair feels a lot more solid. Again, I think it's because this thing is built to be taken on location, and handle large modifiers flapping in the wind... :)

[tetrode]

So what's next on the shopping list, Rudi? Big Octa? Avenger A700? 5D Mark II? Rhinestone encrusted collar for Harry?

Love the product shots. Love the Ranger.

Dave F.

[TMR Design]

I am a little surprised that there's no handle. Is there an option for a hardware handle?

[eduardofrances]

Awesome! I really hope you enjoy it a whole lot :)

[TheToad]

Very nice Rudi. Hopefully Santa brings me one.

[Rudi]

So what's next on the shopping list, Rudi? Big Octa? Avenger A700? 5D Mark II? Rhinestone encrusted collar for Harry?

All interesting ideas, Dave. ;) And The Avenger A700 keeps calling out to me, but I think the next big purchase will be a second head for the Ranger. Or some two-minute noodles. Might be the only hot meal I'll be able to afford for a while! :p :D

[Rudi]

I am a little surprised that there's no handle. Is there an option for a hardware handle?

It wouldn't be too hard to fit a handle to the provided metal loops on the side of the pack. I might look into that.

[Hermes]

Oh! One thing I forgot to mention is that the locking mechanism on the Ranger (to lock the speed ring when mounted on the strobe) is much tighter and more "positive" than on the RX strobes. There's better feedback as you mount modifiers on to the Ranger head, there is a positive click and you know exactly when the thing's locked. The whole affair feels a lot more solid. Again, I think it's because this thing is built to be taken on location, and handle large modifiers flapping in the wind... :)

Actually, most Elinchrom strobes including monoblocs used to have that same locking mechanism. Unfortunately, over the years of 'updates' and new products, the monoblocs have become plastic with more flimsy locking collars while the older designs are still metal with the old style mechanism.

Congrats on the Ranger btw. Seriously, try out the ringflash if you get the chance - outdoors where you're constantly moving and pointing the camera in different directions, having your flash on the camera instead of on a stand can be very helpful.

[DavidPhoto]

Very nice...jealous!

BTW, when you tested the synch speeds stated above were you using a synch cord or the skyports? Just curious. I don't see shutter creep with the 600RX until 1/250 with the skyports (30D).

I soooo want a Ranger and ringflash!

[tim]

How much did these things cost ya?! I'm considering something like this so i'd be interested to hear your opinion after you use it for a couple of jobs.

[Rudi]

Very nice...jealous!

BTW, when you tested the synch speeds stated above were you using a synch cord or the skyports? Just curious. I don't see shutter creep with the 600RX until 1/250 with the skyports (30D).

I soooo want a Ranger and ringflash!

I used Skyports. The 5D has a max sync speed of 1/200, not sure what the 30D's sync speed is. Like I wrote above, the sync speed seems to be a combination of strobe and camera (and fresh battery in the Skyport transmitter :D), since my 1DIIn synced all the way up to its max sync speed of 1/250...

[Rudi]

How much did these things cost ya?! I'm considering something like this so i'd be interested to hear your opinion after you use it for a couple of jobs.

Too much! The kit, including the Skyport adapter (which you need for the Skyport RX), was $4050 AUD. That was my price. Normally, the kit itself is $4295 if you order online, and $4495 otherwise (although it wouldn't be that hard to look up the online price first, right? :) ). That includes GST of course.

I will report back once I've used it in anger. Here is a wedding that finally made me get off the fence and get the Ranger: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=606244

[PacAce]

Rudi,

Do you know what the possible power distribution combinations are with the asymmetrical (AS) power pack if you have both the A-head and the S-head?

For example, with the symmetrical power head, you have a 50-50 power distribution if both heads are of the same type (either both A-heads or both S-heads) and a 2:1 distribution, according to the Elinchrom documentation (not sure of the math involved here to arrive at that but I'm going to take their word for it for now), with a combination of an A-head and an S-head.

BTW, for those interested in a Ranger RX Speed power pack kit with both the A-head and the S-head from B&H Photo, you can save yourself about $200 if you order the Range RX Speed kit which includes the S-head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=392228&is=REG) and then get a separate A-head instead than getting the RX Speed kit with the A-head (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=532562&is=REG) and then getting a separate S-head (unless I'm missing something).

[Rudi]

Leo, AFAIK it's 2:1, and that's it! Here is a link to a test conducted by Carmen Miranda, a well-respected contributor to the Lighting Forum on FM: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/684548/0

Do you have a link to the Elinchrom documentation regarding the symmetrical pack and different Ranger heads?

[PacAce]

Leo, AFAIK it's 2:1, and that's it! Here is a link to a test conducted by Carmen Miranda, a well-respected contributor to the Lighting Forum on FM: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/684548/0

Do you have a link to the Elinchrom documentation regarding the symmetrical pack and different Ranger heads?
Well, I thought I saw it in the Elinchrom.com site or one of the documents I downloaded from there but try as I might, I couldn't find any references to the 2:1 ratio using the A-head and the S-head. However, I did find such a reference at B&H Photo in the Feature tab in this page (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/246884-REG/Elinchrom_EL_20101_Ranger_Free_Lite_A.html#feature s)


• Asymmetric Distribution
Even though the Ranger Power Supply has symmetrical distribution only, the photographer is able to achieve a 2:1 ratio between the "A" and "S" series of heads. This works because the "A" heads have a duration up to 1/3250 second while the "S" heads have a duraton up to 1/1600 second. The "A" head is twice as fast, and draws twice the energy of the "S" head creating a 2:1 ratio.

Since this is the only reference I've found, I'm now guessing it must be a typo (EDIT: it looks like the FM thread you linked to seems to support this--I wonder if those at FM who also thought that the A/S combo provided a 2:1 ratio based that assumption on what B&H posted in their web site like I did :| ). That might explain why I couldn't resolve the claim mathematically.

[Rudi]

AFAIK, the only way to change the power output of these strobes is to put in an extension cable, which are usually sold in lengths that will drop the output by one stop. So you could (and I haven't tried this, but this is the way I understand it) use an extension cable to make your symmetrical pack into an assymetrical pack with 2:1 ratio. :)

The Elinchrom literature specifies that the two heads are identical in performance except for the flash duration. Looking at B&H today, I was surprised at the difference in cost between the two flashtubes. The A head has the "Speed" flashtube, as listed here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16792-REG/Elinchrom_EL_24053_3000w_s_Flashtube.html for $334, the S head has the "Omega" flashtube as listed here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16798-REG/Elinchrom_EL_24034_2400W_S_Flashtube.html for $169 (half the price of the "Speed" flashtube!). Interesting to see that the standard flashtube is very similar to what all my monolights have in them, including the RX strobes (which are the fastest of the monoblocs in the Elinchrom lineup), whereas the Speed flashtube is a twin electrode flashtube, looking completely different as a result (and offering much shorter durations than even the RX strobes).

Considering that the monetary investment in a Ranger system is already pretty high, the measly cost difference between the A kit and the S kit was of no consequence. I'm glad I went with the A (action) head! :D

[Hermes]

AFAIK, the only way to change the power output of these strobes is to put in an extension cable, which are usually sold in lengths that will drop the output by one stop. So you could (and I haven't tried this, but this is the way I understand it) use an extension cable to make your symmetrical pack into an assymetrical pack with 2:1 ratio. :)

The Elinchrom literature specifies that the two heads are identical in performance except for the flash duration. Looking at B&H today, I was surprised at the difference in cost between the two flashtubes. The A head has the "Speed" flashtube, as listed here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16792-REG/Elinchrom_EL_24053_3000w_s_Flashtube.html for $334, the S head has the "Omega" flashtube as listed here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16798-REG/Elinchrom_EL_24034_2400W_S_Flashtube.html for $169 (half the price of the "Speed" flashtube!). Interesting to see that the standard flashtube is very similar to what all my monolights have in them, including the RX strobes (which are the fastest of the monoblocs in the Elinchrom lineup), whereas the Speed flashtube is a twin electrode flashtube, looking completely different as a result (and offering much shorter durations than even the RX strobes).

Considering that the monetary investment in a Ranger system is already pretty high, the measly cost difference between the A kit and the S kit was of no consequence. I'm glad I went with the A (action) head! :D

Out of interest, why did you go for the A head?

I can't think of many things that the standard duration won't freeze outside of fast sports and the 'speed' flashtubes don't last as long (as well as costing more to replace).

[Rudi]

Out of interest, why did you go for the A head?

I can't think of many things that the standard duration won't freeze outside of fast sports and the 'speed' flashtubes don't last as long (as well as costing more to replace).

I did want the fast flash duration for freezing action. I wanted a flash as fast or faster than my RX strobes. Only the A head is that fast. It's interesting that many say that the Speed flashtubes don't last as long, but no one seems to have any actual data. I've even heard that they're not as consistent in light output as the S head with the Omega flashtube, but again - I have yet to see any data to support this! The Elinchrom ringflash also has a Speed flashtube, BTW.

[PacAce]

I did want the fast flash duration for freezing action. I wanted a flash as fast or faster than my RX strobes. Only the A head is that fast. It's interesting that many say that the Speed flashtubes don't last as long, but no one seems to have any actual data. I've even heard that they're not as consistent in light output as the S head with the Omega flashtube, but again - I have yet to see any data to support this! The Elinchrom ringflash also has a Speed flashtube, BTW.
Yes, I agree. If anything, the A-head tube should last longer than the S-head tube since half as much current would be flowing through each half of the A-tube (and hence the shorter flash duration) compared to the S-head tube.

[Hermes]

I did want the fast flash duration for freezing action. I wanted a flash as fast or faster than my RX strobes. Only the A head is that fast. It's interesting that many say that the Speed flashtubes don't last as long, but no one seems to have any actual data. I've even heard that they're not as consistent in light output as the S head with the Omega flashtube, but again - I have yet to see any data to support this! The Elinchrom ringflash also has a Speed flashtube, BTW.

Never heard that they're less any consistent. However I was told that they need replacing more often by an Elinchrom service engineer. Something to do with twin electrodes being used to get the short duration so it will fail in half the time, e.t.c. If you need the duration though it doesn't matter - I suppose the higher running costs are just something you have to live with.

[Rudi]

Even though Elinchrom certified service staff should be a more reliable source of information, I'm still not convinced! It is possible that the shorter flash duration does make the tube wear out faster, but twice as fast? I doubt it! They used twin electrodes so that the discharge has half the distance to travel, hence speeding up the flash duration. Is it more likely that one of the electrodes fails earlier as a result? Don't think so, but because there are two, one of them might fail. Well, the single electrode in an Omega tube can also fail, so it's just one of those things...

I can accept that the shorter flash duration will wear out the tube faster. I am skeptical about the claim that it is likely to wear out twice as fast. Again, I'd like to see some documentation supporting that, other than hearsay from a repair shop. :)

[Hermes]

Even though Elinchrom certified service staff should be a more reliable source of information, I'm still not convinced! It is possible that the shorter flash duration does make the tube wear out faster, but twice as fast? I doubt it! They used twin electrodes so that the discharge has half the distance to travel, hence speeding up the flash duration. Is it more likely that one of the electrodes fails earlier as a result? Don't think so, but because there are two, one of them might fail. Well, the single electrode in an Omega tube can also fail, so it's just one of those things...

I can accept that the shorter flash duration will wear out the tube faster. I am skeptical about the claim that it is likely to wear out twice as fast. Again, I'd like to see some documentation supporting that, other than hearsay from a repair shop. :)

I wouldn't call it 'hearsay' seeing as they're the ones who sell and replace the flashtubes on a day to day basis. However, lasting half the time in theory and in practice aren't the same thing. The flashtubes would still last a very long time overall and I'd imagine that for location shooters like yourself, they'll often get broken in use or in transit before they wear out naturally (I'm mainly a studio shooter and I've certainly had as many flashtubes broken as I've had fail naturally).

[Rudi]

I hear you! The flashtubes can certainly get in the way of clumsy photographers, such as myself. :D

FWIW, I'm thinking that the second head for this pack, which I'm considering right now, doesn't have to be an A head. Most people seem to have one of each, and since the second head would be only used in certain circumstances (portraits come to mind) and as backup, I figured I might as well save some money and go with the S head.

[Bumgardnern]

So how do you like these flashes so far? I am looking at the RX with either an A or an S head. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each head? I am wanting to get these strobes and use them with the El Octa.

[Rudi]

So how do you like these flashes so far? I am looking at the RX with either an A or an S head. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each head? I am wanting to get these strobes and use them with the El Octa.

I love my Ranger! As much as I like my RX600 strobes in the studio, they are tied to mains power. For me, that is a major disadvantage for what I want to shoot during the warm months (and we have lots of those here in Oz :D). The Ranger enables me to take location photos with the right modifiers for the image that I want to create. Don't get me wrong, it's still a hassle to get everything there, it's a lot of gear, but the results are worth it.

If you're only going to be using one head with the Ranger, I would recommend the AS pack. The asymmetrical pack will give you access to lower power with the B port. Just a little more versatility, IMO. :)

[Bumgardnern]

Are you sure about this? Just reading the specs on the Elinchrom website it says that all of the Ranger packs have power from 8.5ws to 1100ws. Am I misreading or misunderstanding something?

[Hermes]

I hear you! The flashtubes can certainly get in the way of clumsy photographers, such as myself. :D

FWIW, I'm thinking that the second head for this pack, which I'm considering right now, doesn't have to be an A head. Most people seem to have one of each, and since the second head would be only used in certain circumstances (portraits come to mind) and as backup, I figured I might as well save some money and go with the S head.

Makes sense if you're sure that you won't need the shorter duration on both heads.

Also, Elinchrom sell a cable to allow you to adapt other heads to the Ranger if you want more choice (they also sell a shoulder strap and a backpack harness that attaches to the Ranger which I think I remember you mentioning).

[Rudi]

Are you sure about this? Just reading the specs on the Elinchrom website it says that all of the Ranger packs have power from 8.5ws to 1100ws. Am I misreading or misunderstanding something?

With the regular RX Ranger and the RX Speed packs, you have access to 17Ws-1100Ws. With the RX Speed AS pack, you have 5.7Ws-1100Ws of power. And yes, I'm sure. :)

[Bumgardnern]

Thanks that is good to know. I might be going with the RX Speed AS pack with an S head for now and pick up an A head later. I am not real sure though. I have also thought about going with a battery pack for my Alien Bees but I really want the extra consistency that I have been told that these heads have. And these S heads seem to be really awsome...

[Rudi]

The Ranger is as consistent as my RX strobes are. I don't think you will be disappointed. For location shooting this is a much better solution than a battery pack for your monolights. The only drawback will be having to get a different speed ring for your favourite modifiers. :)

[PacAce]

With the regular RX Ranger and the RX Speed packs, you have access to 17Ws-1100Ws. With the RX Speed AS pack, you have 5.7Ws-1100Ws of power. And yes, I'm sure. :)
But you only get the 5.7Ws when you have both heads connected and only with the head connected to Port B, right?

[Rudi]

I don't know if you have to have a head connected to port A, to be honest. Being an asymmetrical pack, the way I understand it you can never get 100% out of port B. Ever! Only out of port A, and only when there's only one head connected.So... considering that the max you can get out of port B is 33% of 1100Ws, that being 363Ws (the pack specifies 366Ws). If you turn 366Ws down 7 stops - you get 5.7Ws! So I don't think that you have to have another head connected to port A to get the lower power.

EDIT: I was right. This is a link to a discussion about the Ranger on FM. I knew I saw this somewhere (duh! I was part of that thread... :D): http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/709086

[PacAce]

I don't know if you have to have a head connected to port A, to be honest. Being an asymmetrical pack, the way I understand it you can never get 100% out of port B. Ever! Only out of port A, and only when there's only one head connected.So... considering that the max you can get out of port B is 33% of 1100Ws, that being 363Ws (the pack specifies 366Ws). If you turn 366Ws down 7 stops - you get 5.7Ws! So I don't think that you have to have another head connected to port A to get the lower power.

EDIT: I was right. This is a link to a discussion about the Ranger on FM. I knew I saw this somewhere (duh! I was part of that thread... :D): http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/709086

Thanks for the clarification, Rudi. In that case, the AS pack does seem a little more versatile than the symmetrical pack, doesn't it? Other than group pictures, I'm wondering what other applications a symmetrical pack would be useful for with two heads.

[Rudi]

Thanks for the clarification, Rudi. In that case, the AS pack does seem a little more versatile than the symmetrical pack, doesn't it? Other than group pictures, I'm wondering what other applications a symmetrical pack would be useful for with two heads.

Simple portraits, for the asymmetrical pack. 2:1 is workable, even with groups. It's actually quite conservative, flat lighting, IMO. :) With the symmetrical pack, you could still do interesting portraiture using rim lighting (equal power from both sides - seen it done, it can be very effective for some types of portraiture).

Seeing that portraiture of one sort or another pays most of my bills, the asymmetrical pack makes more sense, especially if I only have one. If I decide to buy another pack, it might be the symmetrical version to compliment what I already have. I'd better get more wealthy clients first though! ;) :D

[goldcanon]

I love my Ranger! As much as I like my RX600 strobes in the studio.

[Rudi]

OK, a bit of an update for anyone still interested. :)

I picked up a Ranger S head today. In a bizarre case of cosmic coincidence, the box which the dealer pulled off the shelf contained my S head - the "A" was crossed out and the "S" penciled in, and he remembers doing that when he pulled an A head off the shelf to make up the A kit for me (he didn't have any A kits left at the time, only S kits, so he made one up for me :)).

There are some differences between the two heads. The flashtube inside the Ranger S head is the regular Omega flashtube, similar in looks to what is inside the RX strobes:

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p162334881.jpg

At full power the S head does not sound like a rifle shot, like the A head does, it has a more gentle pop, but one that still gets your attention. You know it's 1100Ws going off! :) The sad news is that the max sync is 1/3 of a stop slower than with the A head, and this is with both my cameras, the 5D and the 1D mark II N. To keep the comparison fair, I used the same equipment as last time (Skyport RX trigger). So it appears that it is the fast flash duration of the A head that makes the difference!

So, that's about all I know right now. I will likely use the S head for most of my work, unless I need the fast flash duration of the A head. Only time will tell if I end up with two or more heads of the same type.

Here it is. First time I've used my Deep Octa as a background! ;) All photos of the Ranger S head were lit using the A head in the other port. :D

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p293998447.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p302707138.jpg

[TMR Design]

Thanks for the pictures and the update Rudi. Very nice stuff. I hope it's doing what you want and that the expense was well worth it. Beautiful gear, my friend :D

[Rudi]

Thanks for the pictures and the update Rudi. Very nice stuff. I hope it's doing what you want and that the expense was well worth it. Beautiful gear, my friend :D

Thanks Robert. And let me tell you - for location shooting, this thing is a dream! I do wish they were cheaper though, so I could buy another pack. :D

[Bumgardnern]

I know this is off topic but how do you like that octa?

[Rudi]

I know this is off topic but how do you like that octa?

The Deep Octa? I love it! That is my favourite light modifier, followed closely by the 135cm Octa Midi.

[tim]

The sad news is that the max sync is 1/3 of a stop slower than with the A head, and this is with both my cameras, the 5D and the 1D mark II N.

I didn't realise time could be measured in stops! I'm sure my girlfriend would love it if I said i'd meet her at 45 stops past two ;)

Good to hear about your ongoing experiments, I suspect i'll need a portable lighting rig some time, so do keep posting your experiences :)

[Daan37]

Picked up a Ranger RX Speed AS + S head past week...

I was told by the official Dutch dealer (that also sells Elinchrom) that the A head asks more juice of the battery than the S head. I think both heads should at least give you 50.000 pops before the tubes wear down.

It is an inconvience that the Ranger has no handle. I bought the Ranger Snappy to go with it. It makes carrying the Ranger around a whole lot more comfortable.

I get 1/200s top with the Skyports + 1Ds3. Not too happy about that, because outside I can use all the shutterspeed I can get to control the ambient. When using the sync cord I get 1/250s sync speed.

The reason why a 1D2 or 30D can get 1/250s sync speed with the Skyports could be related to the crop factor eliminating the shutter creep in the (full) frame.

[Bumgardnern]

I just got my Ranger RX Speed AS + S head today. So far it seems really good. I have just tested around the house. I will be using it pretty heavy the next three weeks or so. Hopefully it will work extreamley well it will be the only flash that I am taking with me on my trip.

[Rudi]

I just got my Ranger RX Speed AS + S head today. So far it seems really good. I have just tested around the house. I will be using it pretty heavy the next three weeks or so. Hopefully it will work extreamley well it will be the only flash that I am taking with me on my trip.

I'd love to hear what you think about it when you get back. I don't think you will be disappointed... :)

[Daan37]

One word of advice... when you connect the strobes to the Ranger, be sure that you hear the locking click. Always attach and detach the strobes with the Ranger off.

I was told (again by the official Dutch dealer) that when the strobes aren't connected properly the socket and underlying electronics can be badly damaged... This is a very costly repair.

[Rudi]

Yep, there's a LOT of voltage there! :)

[Daan37]

Yep, there's a LOT of voltage there! :)

Enough to make your hair look bad :lol: ;)

[Rudi]

Hey Daan, I thought you got the Profoto AcuteB 600r. Did you end up deciding on the Ranger after all?

[Daan37]

Hey Daan, I thought you got the Profoto AcuteB 600r. Did you end up deciding on the Ranger after all?

Yep, I got the Ranger instead of the AcuteB...

Why? More power, more pops, 2 sockets, etc...

In the end the Ranger provides more value for the money. Especially if you buy it with all the extras (which I did).

Besides that I wanted some monolights. The RX units are more versatile than the Profoto Compacts IMO.

[Bumgardnern]

Daan yeah connecting and disconnecting lights with the power pack on is always a bad idea. I have never seen it hurt a power pack. I have seen people get shocked form it though. Also if it arcs it can be really loud and really scary.

[Chris&jess]

I'm wondering how much of a drag it is to have two heads sharing a single power pack. What I mean is, the Ranger system is all about portability after all, but with only one power pack, there will be a cord to trip over all the time. Is this tolerable?
Chris

[eduardofrances]

I'm wondering how much of a drag it is to have two heads sharing a single power pack. What I mean is, the Ranger system is all about portability after all, but with only one power pack, there will be a cord to trip over all the time. Is this tolerable?
Chris
Gaffer tape is your friend in this cases.

[thumphrey]

Having 2 Rangers is the answer to all my issues. After I bought my first Ranger, I still had 3 Profoto Compact 600's and a ton of PF mods. I bundled it all up, sold it and had plenty left over to get my second Ranger kit. One has the A head, the other an S head. I am now in optimum location mode. I kept my Dynalite XP-1100 for whenever I need my RX 600's on location. So far I haven't.

Elinchrom is excellent equipment!

[Chris&jess]

Thank you for confirming that the optimum set-up is two separate ranger systems each with it's own power pack.
But do you have both an A head and an S head to simply save a couple hundred bucks, or is there some reason I haven't considered. Do you wish you had two A heads?
Also, if you have one power pack per head, is it silly to spend the extra $ on the RS Speed (asymmetrical)power pack?
Thank you for responding to these questions. I must soon make the decision to either purchase an RX 600 set up and a couple of 18 lb Explorer XT, which will be great when there is a receptacle to plug into and not so great otherwise. Or, a very costly Ranger set up which will be great when there's no power around, but not so great for studio work. I can't afford two systems.
Chris

[thumphrey]

When I bought my first Ranger, I didn't think I needed the A head. When I got my second, I went ahead and got the A head in case I ever needed it. I shoot mostly location portraiture, pretty static stuff.

I am glad I got the Ranger Speed packs, they recycle really fast

[Rudi]

I only have the one Ranger Speed AS pack (so far :) ), but bought the A head to start off with, thinking I'd rather keep my options open. Two weeks later I bought the S head. :D I use the S head for pretty much everything, but am glad to have the option of the faster flash duration, and a second head for when I need it. Most people that I've heard from who have the Ranger, they usually have one of each. The S head is capable of most things except stopping fast action, and the flash tube is cheaper to replace, so the S head is a good all-rounder. The A head is great, but the flash tube is twice the price, so I tend to only use it when I need it. That said, if I only had one, it would be the A head (for obvious reasons - it can do anything!).

Regarding two packs, the AS pack does not cost a whole lot more than a symmetrical Speed pack, so I would (will?) spring for that when the time comes. It gives you access to lower powers than a symmetrical pack. I understand that if you had one AS and one symmetrical you could always switch them around the way you need them, but why not have both be capable of the same thing and save yourself the hassle? The difference in cost really is minimal...

[PacAce]

I only have the one Ranger Speed AS pack (so far :) ), but bought the A head to start off with, thinking I'd rather keep my options open. Two weeks later I bought the S head. :D I use the S head for pretty much everything, but am glad to have the option of the faster flash duration, and a second head for when I need it. Most people that I've heard from who have the Ranger, they usually have one of each. The S head is capable of most things except stopping fast action, and the flash tube is cheaper to replace, so the S head is a good all-rounder. The A head is great, but the flash tube is twice the price, so I tend to only use it when I need it. That said, if I only had one, it would be the A head (for obvious reasons - it can do anything!).

Regarding two packs, the AS pack does not cost a whole lot more than a symmetrical Speed pack, so I would (will?) spring for that when the time comes. It gives you access to lower powers than a symmetrical pack. I understand that if you had one AS and one symmetrical you could always switch them around the way you need them, but why not have both be capable of the same thing and save yourself the hassle? The difference in cost really is minimal...

I've been trying to determine if port B on the Ranger RX Speed (symmetrical) gives you 550 ws if you only have one head connected just like the AS version gives you 366 ws on port B. But that doesn't seem to be the case from what I can gather. If port B were to give 8.5 to 550 ws, then I can see buying the symmetrical pack as a second pack. But if not, I'd have to agree with Rudi that the AS pack would be more versatile as it gives you two power range choices rather than just one.

BTW, I just noticed that nobody online seems to be selling the symmetrical Speed packs anymore. All I see are Speed AS packs. Just a coincidence?

[Rudi]

BTW, I just noticed that nobody online seems to be selling the symmetrical Speed packs anymore. All I see are Speed AS packs. Just a coincidence?

I wouldn't be surprised if it was because just about everybody was buying the AS packs, and there was no demand for the symmetrical Speed packs.

[PacAce]

I wouldn't be surprised if it was because just about everybody was buying the AS packs, and there was no demand for the symmetrical Speed packs.

I would buy a symmetrical Speed pack if port B put out 50% power with just one head plugged in. :)

[Rudi]

I would buy a symmetrical Speed pack if port B put out 50% power with just one head plugged in. :)

Ummm... why? You can achieve the same power with port A on the AS pack. If you're only going to plug in one light, what is the difference? (I'm not having a go at you, I really want to know your reasoning - maybe I'm missing something!).

[PacAce]

Ummm... why? You can achieve the same power with port A on the AS pack. If you're only going to plug in one light, what is the difference? (I'm not having a go at you, I really want to know your reasoning - maybe I'm missing something!).

Port A of the AS pack gives you full 1100 ws with a single head plugged in. To get 733 ws from Port A, you would need to have another head plugged into Port B. Or am I mistaken about this?

Of course, you can power down port A to give you 550 ws but then your flash duration would be longer than at full power. If the max power was 550 ws to begin with, the flash duration would be half that of full power.

[Rudi]

To get 733 ws from Port A, you would need to have another head plugged into Port B. Or am I mistaken about this?

Well, you could just turn the power down and get that. :) Of course, your flash duration would increase a little, but you can always connect an A head to get the fastest flash duration possible (at that power).

What I'm trying to say is this - you will never get that fastest flash duration at all possible power settings - what if you'd really like to have that at 464 Ws? Or 975 Ws?

[PacAce]

Well, you could just turn the power down and get that. :) Of course, your flash duration would increase a little, but you can always connect an A head to get the fastest flash duration possible (at that power).

What I'm trying to say is this - you will never get that fastest flash duration at all possible power settings - what if you'd really like to have that at 464 Ws? Or 975 Ws?

OK, maybe I'm not making my point very clear so let me just turn the table around and ask you why you think the AS pack is better than the non-AS pack. Now, apply those same reasons to a pack that give you 50% at port B (instead of the 30% which the AS pack gives you). :)

[Rudi]

NOW I get it! Although I'd rather have access to a wider power range and the ability to have the shortest flash duration at 66/33 distribution, then adjust with ISO than to have the shortest flash duration at 50% power and lose out on the power range. In other words, I'd rather have the shortest flash duration at 33% output and up the ISO a little, if that makes any sense. :)

[PacAce]

NOW I get it! Although I'd rather have access to a wider power range and the ability to have the shortest flash duration at 66/33 distribution, then adjust with ISO than to have the shortest flash duration at 50% power and lose out on the power range. In other words, I'd rather have the shortest flash duration at 33% output and up the ISO a little, if that makes any sense. :)
On second thought, I do I agree with you about the widest power range possible with the shorted flash duration.

[cortes]

I've been reading through the Elinchrom documentation, but can't seem to find an answer to my question: does the Ranger Speed AS adjust in 1/10 f-stop increments like the mono block models?

Also, do you find the 50w modeling lamps to be enough light?

Thanks,

[Bumgardnern]

Yep the Ranger adjust in 1/10 f-stop increments. For most of what I do with the Ranger the 50w modeling lamp is fine.

[PacAce]

I've been reading through the Elinchrom documentation, but can't seem to find an answer to my question: does the Ranger Speed AS adjust in 1/10 f-stop increments like the mono block models?

Also, do you find the 50w modeling lamps to be enough light?

Thanks,

The modeling light on the Freelites, when on, is always at full power so it's more than sufficient enough, assuming ambient lighting is low or non-existent.

[Rudi]

I've been reading through the Elinchrom documentation, but can't seem to find an answer to my question: does the Ranger Speed AS adjust in 1/10 f-stop increments like the mono block models?

Yes.


Also, do you find the 50w modeling lamps to be enough light?

Yes. But... if you feel that the modeling light is too dim, and you are only using one head per Ranger pack, you can replace the 50W globe with a 100W globe.

[cortes]

Yes. But... if you feel that the modeling light is too dim, and you are only using one head per Ranger pack, you can replace the 50W globe with a 100W globe.

I guess you could play with first and put a 100w in the main and a 50w in the fill and only turn one on at a time. Knowing me, I'd screw up and turn both on at the same time eventually.

[abdul10000]

Excuse my ignorance, but can each Ranger RX terminal be set to a different f stop to get a ratio like 1:4 for example? The impression I am getting from reading this thread and others is that the symmetrical system is limited to 1:1 ratio and the asymmetrical is limited to 1:2. Hence, if one drops the f stop setting 2 stops both light terminals will drop the same amount and maintain the same ratio. Is that correct, or am I getting it wrong? I hope I am wrong because otherwise that would be quite limiting.

[MR do little]

Excuse my ignorance, but can each Ranger RX terminal be set to a different f stop to get a ratio like 1:4 for example? The impression I am getting from reading this thread and others is that the symmetrical system is limited to 1:1 ratio and the asymmetrical is limited to 1:2. Hence, if one drops the f stop setting 2 stops both light terminals will drop the same amount and maintain the same ratio. Is that correct, or am I getting it wrong? I hope I am wrong because otherwise that would be quite limiting.

Yes the ratio is fixed.

[abdul10000]

Yes the ratio is fixed.

OMG! That is very limiting, is isn't? So its better to have a single battery for each light than to work at the mercy of a single battery. The Digital RX pack system is not limited in this way, correct?

[MR do little]

OMG! That is very limiting, is isn't? So its better to have a single battery for each light than to work at the mercy of a single battery. The Digital RX pack system is not limited in this way, correct?


You do realize to be able to have a non fixed ratio you would need to have two batteries in one unit, along with two sets of powercontrols. (just as the RX powerpack has)

To change the ratio you can change the distance to the subject of lights of course. (thats where the extension cables comes handy)

A 2:1 ratio setup is actually quite common in portraiture so its more a feature then a limitation. ;)

But yes if you want to control alot of lights on location with diffrent ratios you need alot of Rangers. ;)

[abdul10000]

You do realize to be able to have a non fixed ratio you would need to have two batteries in one unit, along with two sets of powercontrols. (just as the RX powerpack has)

To change the ratio you can change the distance to the subject of lights of course. (thats where the extension cables comes handy)

A 2:1 ratio setup is actually quite common in portraiture so its more a feature then a limitation. ;)

But yes if you want to control alot of lights on location with diffrent ratios you need alot of Rangers. ;)


got it, thanks for the reply.

self correction: only digital AS pack is capable of different ratios, digital RX pack doesn't have that feature listed in elinchrom pdf

[MR do little]

Yes its only the Elinchrom Micro Digital 3000 pack that is AS. The RX digital pack is not AS. (my bad)

[boug]

Hello all,
I'm new to POTN, and new to the Ranger (I just bought the AS) with standard head. This may have been touched on another thread, but I wanted to let you guys know that I am getting 1/8000 sync speed with my Pocket Wizard mini tt1 and flex tt5 combo and I don't see any shutter creep... I have to go to work now, but will try to post an image later. Seem's like it is gonna make for some awesome outdoor portraits!

Sorry if you guys already knew this!
~tim

[MR do little]

Cool Tim! Thanx for sharing.