Enlinchrom D200 or FX

[[godfather]]

Hi Have just contacted another dealer here, he is selling Enlinchrom strobes for around USD 122 per set (D200) and FX for around 150 USD/unit. I am getting two.

I want to know, with which one I should go? The power is same as told by the Dealer, 200w.

I was intrested in Umbrellas but the dealer said you should buy Softboxes. Please help me!

I want to know sdhould

[Rudi]

By D200, do you mean the D-Lite2? And FX strobes only come in 100Ws and 400Ws. The new FXRi (available only in India) come in 250Ws and 500Ws, AFAIK...

And if you want umbrellas, get umbrellas! It's all about what you ant to shoot with, not what the dealer wants to sell you. The only thing is that is you're buying a kit, it might come with one or the other, but then you get stands and other things thrown in, too.

[[godfather]]

Ya thats D-lite. Sorry for writing it as D200. Then it might be FXRi, should I go with these?

Ya they are giving me light stand and either a softbox or umbrellas.

[Rudi]

FXRi are only available in India, so I can't tell you much about them. They should be somewhat better than the D-Lites if they are similar in build to the BXRi models, but like I said - I never saw them in the flesh. As far as softboxes or umbrellas, I use both. Most people think that softboxes are easier to use, but I regularly use a Varistar umbrella (as well as Westcott shoot-throughs when I'm using my hot shoe flashes). You can only find out what you like working with as you try it out, so get whatever comes in the kit, then only buy things if what you have doesn't do what need.

[[godfather]]

Hmm OK. I think I should buy both, Umbrellas are not that costly. I can buy two or 4 umbrellas of different colors with the setup.

[Rudi]

Just keep in mind that the Elinchrom central umbrella holder only accepts umbrellas with the thinner 7mm shaft, not the (these days) standard 8mm. If you by cheap umbrellas, you might not be able to use them with the central umbrella holder. I don't know if the FXRi's have the auxiliary umbrella holder that the RX strobes have, or whether you will have to use an umbrella bracket as workaround. Ask your dealer.

[TMR Design]

The FXRi looks to have the same or similar build as the BXRi. That being the case I would opt for the Ri over the D-Lite's. The D-Lite's never let me down in terms of performance but the build quality is lacking and in my opinion they should have upgraded or dropped them from the product line.

[[godfather]]

The FXRi are costly then the Dlites, around 25 USD (D-Lite=INR 6200 & FXRi=INR 7400), dont know what makes it only 25USD expensive than the other

[TMR Design]

I understand, and if price has to be a consideration then the D-Lite's make sense. They're excellent and far better than anything you can find on ebay. If you're budget allowed for the most costly strobes then it would be my recommendation but there are tons of D-Lite users out there that are thrilled with the performance and quality of the units.

[[godfather]]

No that much difference is not a big deal. Should I consider the FXRi?

[TMR Design]

We haven't seen any reports or reviews of them but they appear to be the same as the BX Ri and I've heard from a new owner of a 250BXRi and was told they are solid, stable.

Personally, I would choose the FX over the D-Lite.

[[godfather]]

Alrite! I will be going to the dealer in other city, then I will see personally, if there is any marginal difference in quality. and would buy one of the model

[TMR Design]

Great! Keep us posted.

[[godfather]]

Of Course Rob! One thing I want to know, what size of umbrella is good for single person full bod and head shot?

Also, can you please redirect me to any link where I can find complete information about specific uses of Softbox and umbrellas? Because I dont want to l ook dumb when the dealer will ask me why I want umbrellas? (As he already told me that "EVERYONE USES SOFTBOXES THESE DAYS, WHY OPTING FOR UMBRELLAS??")

[TMR Design]

An umbrella anywhere from about 45" up to 60" is perfectly fine for head shots, head and shoulder, small group, couples and even full length when you understand how to control and feather light.

Don't worry about what a salesman thinks. The simple answer to why you want umbrellas is that they are versatile and inexpensive and will let you learn and gain experience before you start spending more money on other modifiers. Since you haven't worked with lighting I think it's a great idea to use and learn with umbrellas and then assess your needs and where you need to improve or expand your gear.

Offhand, I don't have links with complete information and quite honestly, many sites are packed with bad information and marketing hype. By using umbrellas you can learn about soft light, hard light, contrast and falloff, wraparound and a host of other things. Many people get caught up in wanting to do everything all at once and they focus on what they don't have and can't do. I say approach it the other way. Take a simple kit and use it for all it can do, understanding the nuances of the gear and producing quality images.

Many people can shoot portraits with umbrellas and they are exceptional so don't let anyone tell you that it can't be done or that you need a $200 octabox in order to take a good photograph.

If you're getting a 2 light kit then you need stands and basic modifiers. I'd rather have a large umbrella than a tiny softbox, so if given the choice I would opt for a mid sized umbrella. If you only get one umbrella with the kit then depending on its size either buy another of the same size or a larger one, and/or consider adding a mid-sized (32" or so) white/silver reflector.

If you have a kit with just that you can and should be able to create beautiful images. If you need help with specifics in selecting the gear or learning how to use it you can always get some great help here or PM me.

Don't let sales people or forum members push you into buying more than you need or gear that you don't understand just because they say "you need one of these".