Elinchrom Flash Kits

[Inspired Photography]

Hi Everyone,

While i have had a fair bit of experience with studio equipment, i am a bit of a noob when it comes to buying stuff. So i thought i might put this out there and get a few opinions.

I have two options for what i want to get as my new gear.

Option 1.
Elinchrom Style FX 400 / 400 Studio to go kit.

Option 2.
Elinchrom Classic 500 / 500 studio to go kit.

Basically both kits contain the same gear (translucent and reflective umbrellas, softbox, stands, cases, leads reflectors and other junk), so the only difference is in the flash heads.
The Style FX 400 is newer, with digital control over 5 f/stops in 1/10 increments. The Classic 500 is older (from their 2003 range), with stepless control over 3 f/stops.
Both kits are new, both offer the same light output (around f64 @ ISO100, 1/250/ 1m etc), and the only other real difference i can see in operation is a shorter flash duration for the Classic 500. I would assume the stability of the FX 400 is a little better, because it is digital, but not 100% sure.

Now, if anyone can digest all of that... I can buy Option 1 for $3000 Australian, and option 2 for $2000 Australian.

Does anyone have any thoughts on which one would be better?

Thanks

Rob

[Inspired Photography]

I think i might re-phrase my question to make it a little easier...

All things being equal, would you purchase a kit with a range of 5 f/stops, or a kit of 3 f/stops if it saved you $1000 to put to other softboxes and reflectors etc?
3 stops is still enough range i think, i just would like some opinions on this if anyone has one.

It is sort of in the same realm as "Do i buy a 20D and a range or L, or a 1DsMkII and only afford a kit type lens"...

Thanks

Rob

[Pekka]

I would go with FX 400, more control is good.

[Longwatcher]

I would go with the greater f-stop range, more flexability and more control. It is one of the reasons I like my Alien Bees. However, Elinchrom are about the only ones I would want more and having that range makes a huge difference sometimes.

And although stepless control might seem better, having actual 1/10 increments sounds pretty good to me.

So 5 stop range and 1/10th increments would be well worth the extra money in my opinion.

[Inspired Photography]

Thanks very much for your opinions.
I think the digital ones might be a better option even for the extra money...
I will just save a bit more to buy a larger softbox etc.

Thanks

Rob

[chris.bailey]

I would go digital for the ability to make lighting notes and reproduce that setup again. The 5 stop range is also handy. I think you can also remote control the digital heads and though it sounds a bit gimmicky, it can be useful.