what's more important strobe or modifier?

[superstar]

Hello,

I have been good this year and I think Santa is going to be bringing me a monolight for Christmas.

In doing research, I have realized there are infinite choices on what to get. I have started losing sleep over what to buy and read vastly on the subject.

So do you think it would be better to get a cheaper monolight and a more expensive light modifier like a Chimera softbox, or a more expensive strobe and a cheaper umbrella?

I like the look of Craig McDean and Patrick Hoelck http://www.patrickhoelck.com/ photos. I realize they probably have $30,000 in lighting gear, but I want to start out small with one light and work my way up.

For reference, I am looking at the Elinchrom 400bx, $525, 400w/s; and the White Lightning X800, $399, 330w/s for my 20D.

Thanks, Richard

[FlashZebra]

I own and use a variety of softboxes, from Chimera, to the inexpensive Chinese imports. Personally I cannot tell any meaningful difference in the light quality from any of these softboxes.

Yes, each different softbox has a bit of a distinct personality, but I cannot say that any of these personalities are all that more endearing.

But, there is a grad difference the the robustness and use features in these softboxes, and in general (remember I indicated "in general") the more expensive the softbox the more rugged it is, and the easier it is to use and set up.

If you are going to set up in one studio and leave things in place. Or, if you only set up on location on occasion (say a few times a year), then inexpensive softboxes will be plenty rugged and give you good service for several years

But, If you have an ad hoc studio that requires a lot of set up and tear down, get the more expensive gear.

As aside note, the Chimera softboxes are very nice and rugged, but in my experience they are no more rugged or nice than the much less expensive Photoflex line.

Since you are from Dallas, are you not even looking at your hometown studio flash product, Novatron?

Enjoy! Lon