Elinchrom Softlite or Elinchrom Rotalux Deep Throat???

I'm having a dilemma on which to get for now, they're both pretty expensive here in Australia. So maybe one at a time

It's either the softlite 70 cm or the 100 cm rotalux deep throat. Anyone with experience on both of them, that wants to share the advantage and disadvantages about these two amazing tool???

Both are useful to me, just tying to decide which one to go for now

Thanks...

theusername wrote in post #5134378
The dish is available in white whereas the octa is only available in silver. So the octa can be a bit colder quality. But, the lighting is more even on the surface of the octa. The dish has a difference of about 1-2/3rds stop from the center to the edge even when using the internal deflector and diffuser.

I own both and use the Octa when putting the light extremely close to the subject since it has the most even lighting on the surface. I tend to prefer the dish when putting the light a bit farther away because its a bit warmer with the white surface. But that's just my personal style and will be different for everybody.

hi

thanks for your response.
you can use the gold deflector on the octa to make the light warmer yeah.
think i know which one i'll get for now...


thanks again mate

jeff

anything entitled deep throat is worth getting.
me

MDJAK wrote in post #5135152
anything entitled deep throat is worth getting.
me

ahehehe!!!
you got that right dude

Buy it from B&H. At today's exchange rate, you can get the Softlite 70cm for $365 AUD delivered...

Think of the Deep Throat as a spotlight softbox. It's a very focussed pool of light and produces some stunning results when you want this effect. It's great for headshots and 3/4s however I'm still learning what this box can do.

It's a bit tricky to set up compared to the other light banks from Elinchrom.

If you want a more general purpose light source get a softbox.

Im considering the Deepthroat.

By removing the diffusers and putting a deflector on it you can get results similar to a beauty dish without the heft of a dish.

It just seems like one of the most versatile modifiers available from any maker.

I would have purchased the Deep Throat Rotalux already but alas every place seems to be out of them.
After reading all the comments on the large octa I really want one of them too but haven't been able to justify the high price tag. So Deep Throat is next.

David if you can't afford the large Octabank you can get the midi Octa which produces some nice lighting in itself. The midi-octabank is better for location work as it's smaller and more easily manageable.

I have had great success with this modifier both as a backdrop for headshots and also as a main light source.

I'll probably buy more lights before pulling the trigger on the large octa but I got the midi. It arrived today as a matter of fact. The light quality is great but Its kind of a PIA to put together. When I was done I noticed one rod was not locked into place, uggh!

The overall quality of the box could be a little better too. The silver foil inside seemed to already be coming apart in one area near the speedring but I can take care of that and like I said the light quality is there. I got it because I figure even if I get the large Octa at some point, the midi will still have a purpose in my kit.
I found it a handful to put on the strobe too. I ended up putting the strobe onto the midi instead of the other way around.

My box was ok, you may want to see about getting an exchange if the foil coming away as both mine and the rental box I've used I have had never exhibited this fault.

As to locking the rods work in opposites, ie north/south then east west then your quarters after that. It's slightly harder to take apart than put together but the real trick is to push down on the rods just enough that they are loose in the collar and then pull the lock out. This push down technique can help when you forget a rod as well. The Deep Throat is harder as there is a lot more tension on the rods.

As to light to octa I agree, it's easier when you have two people but light to box is definitely the way forward when working on your own.

my other Elinchrom softbox isnt like that with the foil either. I think it was just a bad build. It seems to have pulled away at the seem area. I'm pretty sure I can take care of it adequately though and I will be careful with it. This one won't be used by a lot of other people so it should be ok. Can hardly wait to wrestle with a deep throat!

Just thought I'd pipe up and say that I love my 53" Octa Midi, too! Great value for what it does, and if I ever do decide to get the 74" Octa, this one will still have a place in my outfit. It's that good!

I've been exclusively Elinchrom for a year. Had previously used Profoto since '97. I bought a Silver Softlite first and have been delighted with it. It really makes the image pop with beautiful contrast. I got my Deep Throat in January this year. If I could only have one or the other, I would take the Deepthroat. The Softlite is a beast to transport. The Deep Throat comes with a nice bag, and is a manageable size when broken down.

I got a geat tip for making up the Deep Throat. Put it over your head like a big lamp shade, hold the speed ring with one hand and manipulate the rods with other. Works for the 53" Octa also. The foil on mine is separating too.

Ha! That must be quite a vision. I'll try it next time ...but I'll make sure the door is locked first.