Dynalite, Travelite, Calumet ????

[CindyLynn]

Looking to purchase a two-lite strobe setup for low light indoor shootings (receptions/parties) as well as some outdoor. Will be purchasing Pocket Wizard Plus II to use with setup. Would like to be able to use the same setup in my home studio as well so it needs to be light weight and mobile. So much talk on the brands, anyone useing something similar with some input?
Thanks!

[J Rabin]

Brands less important than photographer.
What's your expectation for:
Recycle time?
Estimated max power (i.e., highest f/stop)?
Budget?
On-the-move use indoors at events?

Between the two you mentioned, both are good, reliable, etc. Dyna-Light is lighter, faster duration, more expensive, nicely integrated with PW, but faster to recycle (using Dyna-Lite battery, more modest to recycle with Paul Buff Vagabond II battery.

This is a bargain, and needs stands, modifiers, and battery:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/811637/0?keyword=dynalite#7502995
I bought my Dyna-Lite PW stuff used. Can't kill it.

There is no one setup does everything with ease kit. Make choice based on what you will be doing MAJORITY of the time, and for the other uses, work around the difficulties.

E.g., if you need to be "on-the-go" at events most of the time, not studio, and do not need a lot of power when outdoors, and do not need super-fast recycle time, consider used QFlash T-5d-r (on or off camera) or Norman 400b.

If you need outdoor water proof use, mostly with one head, then an Elinchrom Ranger may be for you, or Quadra if you do not need lots of power (e.g., like f/11).

Me? I have Dyna-Lite gear. I would not trade the 2050 heads and 1000wi PW pack in a kit even if you promised me a new mother-in-law. Light, strong, indestructible, powerful, PW friendly repairable. I actually can get f/16 ISO 100 with closeup and macro light modifier set ups. The PW integration, weight/luggability, flash duration, and a couple other features are why I went that path.
I like a pack and head, but they are not for everyone. They are for raw power, fast duration, fast recycle.

But most people prefer the convenience and input-output efficiency of monolights (shorter path from capacitor to bulb!). So, even a Paul Buff Alien Bee kit with a Vagabond battery will give you dual indoor, outdoor, and studio use.

No one can direct you what to do, they can only tell what they did, and why. Know your own needs. Jack

[CindyLynn]

Thanks Jack, good points to consider. However, I will useing this setup mostly at weddings/receptions. Would also like to use it indoor for my studio portraits. So with this being said, I do not need a lot of speed. I also do not want to deal with a lot of power cords either. Budget would be $1500. - $2200.

[jianghai_ho]

In that range I would get a two light kit from profoto, elinchrom or the likes. great light quality monolights that come with all you need (mostly), though the light stands and umbrealls/softboxes are kind of cheap.

[Wilt]

I would not trade the 2050 heads and 1000wi PW pack in a kit even if you promised me a new mother-in-law. Light, strong, indestructible, powerful, PW friendly repairable.

Pretty strong testimony! I would not even trade for your mother-in-law either! ;)

Seriously, I love the Dynalite product for the quality, flexibility, and very light weight (in comparison with other brands of the same power). I have three Dynalite power packs (500 w-s, 2000 w-s) and 5 heads sitting in their own Dynalite cases for going portable. I only need an AC outlet (since my power packs are not intended for battery use...I can use a Honda generator, so my modelling lights don't have to be shut off to preserve battery life! :D