Studio Strobes - AB 800 or D-Lite 4

I'm in the market for some studio strobes, and can't decide between the AB B800's and the Elinchrom D-Lite 4 kit.

I'll be using them for portraits and product shoots, both in studio (16'x16') and on location. Modifiers will range from umbrellas to a 60" Octobox.

I was sold on the Elinchrom, but am worried about the slower flash duration just in case I need to stop some action in the future. Accessories are expensive.

The bees are obviously cheaper, faster, but are questionable in light quality when turned down low (from what I am reading). Accessories are economical.

What would you do?

I'm in the D-lite camp...

there's a D2 kit on ebay right now.

What is the fastest shutter speed you find yourself using with your kit (wired and wireless).

What made you go Elinchrom?

Thanks

I get 1/160 with my wireless radio remotes. I use interfit triggers.i'd have to look at my PC cord sync speed, but I never use that. I went with Elinchrom after reading a lot about the color shifts. Now, I don't usually shoot at 1/32, which is where I think the shift occurs.

Elinchrom Dlites might not be your best choice for location shooting or action-stopping. Plus the Dlite kits often contain older Dlite models without fans, and they can overheat if you're pushing them. The Elinchrom's produce very consistent, clean light. I have Dlite-4's myself. But I use them in a home studio and rarely take them on location. I don't know your budget...but I can guess based on what you're trying to choose between! I think, for Elinchrom and what you want to do, you might need to consider the Rx or one of the other models.

Are the bee's showing real world (meaning distinguishable) color inconsistencies at low power?

what does "on location" mean to the OP? Will you be by a power source, or do you need a battery pack? If a pack is required, then a Ranger seems appropriate but it's also a $3000 kit.

splitslim wrote in post #7268330
I'm in the market for some studio strobes, and can't decide between the AB B800's and the Elinchrom D-Lite 4 kit.

I'll be using them for portraits and product shoots, both in studio (16'x16') and on location. Modifiers will range from umbrellas to a 60" Octobox.

I was sold on the Elinchrom, but am worried about the slower flash duration just in case I need to stop some action in the future. Accessories are expensive.

The bees are obviously cheaper, faster, but are questionable in light quality when turned down low (from what I am reading). Accessories are economical.

What would you do?

Let it be known that if you choose to get the D-Lite kit, and I would , you will not be able to hang a 60" octabox directly from the strobe. The weight of the octabox is too much and you will crack the plastic casing of the strobe where the swivel attaches to the casing. Don't ask me how I know this. You will need to mount it this way:

https://photography-on-the.net …p?p=5561070&pos​tcount=118

I've shot thousands of martial arts students with my AB800's. In addition, I've shot portraits, fashion and aircraft. They are both durable and reliable.

By on location I meant at client premises and occasionally outdoor (either in reach of an outlet or battery pack). The battery pack scenario would be far and few between.

I'm leaning towards either 2xAB800's and a PCB 47" Octa or 1 AB xl1600 and the same 47"octa, these of course if I don't go the Elinchrom route.

I would like to see if the color inconsistencies that the AB have down low are distinguishable.

Thanks.

Flickr has a Alien Bees group; you should go there and see if you can make out any color inconsistencies.

splitslim wrote in post #7268742
What is the fastest shutter speed you find yourself using with your kit (wired and wireless).

What made you go Elinchrom?

Thanks

Shutter speed doesn't matter when shooting with strobes. THe flash duration is what is more important. The short burst of flash is what freezes the scene.

EOS_JD wrote in post #7269998
Shutter speed doesn't matter when shooting with strobes. THe flash duration is what is more important. The short burst of flash is what freezes the scene.

Your are correct but when shooting where you trying to control ambient and flash, being able to shoot say at 1/320 (my ABs with cybersyncs) vs 1/160 does make a difference, IMHO.

EOS_JD wrote in post #7269998
Shutter speed doesn't matter when shooting with strobes. THe flash duration is what is more important. The short burst of flash is what freezes the scene.

It does matter if you are shooting outside and competing with the sun. Especially if you like to underexpose ambient by a stop or more.

Both systems have their own pros and cons. Sometimes shooting at 1/160th is not feasible for what you are trying to achieve when Sunny/16 is trying to impose on your image.

It's not as much the shutter sync speed that matters as it is the flash duration.

Like anything you have to know what you'll be shooting and under what conditions. While the Elinchrom D-Lite's are outstanding performers, they're not always the best choice and in many instances the Alien Bees are the way to go.