European Readers: Comments on Elinchrom D-Lites?

Anyone here using Elinchrom D-Lites? I'm thinking of buying the D-Lite 2 kit and would welcome any comments from owners. Have they met your expectations, would you recommend them, etc.

Many thanks,

John

Hi John I bought the 2's. Good value for money. Remember they are made low cost in India to Elin specs.

Pro's: Excellent Elin. controls and light quality. Cons: Thought the knobs which one tightens to alter elevation could strip very easily. You have to treat these very gently. The bag for the lights I thought was poor quality - the zip was defective from the start.
Modelling light is only 100W - this is too low IMHO.

I bought them due to good service levels here and range of modifiers. D-Lites are not intended for heavy duty pro use hence no cooling fan. This is not a problem though. You can shoot a couple of hundred shots without overheating. If the safety cut out switch does activate (mine has not yet) take a coffee break. I tend to switch the modelling lights off when not needed. These are the source of heat.

The largest soft box they will take is medium 3x4 foot. I find they are great for location work (light in weight) they recycle very rapidly which clients who are in a hurry appreciate.

Would I buy again - yes there was nothing else in that price bracket outside of the US Alien Bees. If I bought again I would pay the relatively small difference for the more powerful 400's. With 400's you can white out the background. Remember eventually you will want 4 lights. I am thinking about buying two 400's or a set of the BX's as well.

One step up from these are the Elin FX/BX's (Swiss made) and Hensel (350W modelling light)- industrial quality - with fan but of course more money.

Hope that helps!

i agree with all digitaljoe says remember they are budget lights great for a starter set

Thanks digitaljoe for a very comprehensive reply. I think I'll go for the 400's as per your recommendation.

Pleasure! Just treat them gently and you will be fine. Turn off the modelling lights when you are not using them.

I think they're pretty bad lights and Elinchrome just caters to an uneducated hobbyist. No fan, plastic buttons which will crack, underpowered...