AB VS Elinchroms

Ok guys I have been looking into adding some more studio lighting equip. I have a ARB-800 and 1 B-800. I have had 3 Ab-800 in the past but sold them to pay some bills but now looking to add or replace. My question is, is there any major benefits to switching to Elinchroms 400's? I know there about 70 watt seconds difference and a digital interface along with a audio option. So please drop your 2 cents on the Elinchroms 400 vs the AB line along with there softboxs ect

The Elinchrom softboxes are amazing! That alone would (and did) sway me toward Elinchrom. I used to have a Bowens kit some years back, chose Elinchrom for their light modifiers this time around. Elin strobes will also be more consistent than AB in their light output.

Hi Michael.

Can you clarify which strobes you mean?

Elinchrom makes a Style 400BX which is 400ws and a D-Lite 4 which is also 400ws.

Overall performance is about the same but there are some key differences (aside from price). The 400BX has the secondary umbrella mount so you can use standard umbrellas without having to use only brands that make the 7mm shaft.

The build and swivel mount on the BX are significantly better in all respects and can accommodate larger, heavier modifiers than the D-Lite will hold securely.

One feature that may or may not be important to some is the ability to completely separate the power levels of the flash and modeling light. You're not locking in to proportional lighting or the standard full, half and off settings. You can set the modeling light to any power level regardless of the flash power.

I know it looks lke I've made a very good case for getting the BX but that doesn't mean that the D-Lite's are a bad choice or shouldn't be considered. For some people, the affordability and performance of the D-Lite makes up for what it does not have and they are excellent strobes.

I've only tried the ABs a couple of times as they're pretty rare here in the UK, but from what I've seen they stand up pretty well against Elinchroms, though their output isn't as consistent or precise. What would turn me off ever using them is the lack of high-quality heads or modifiers, and the limited range of accessories.

Elinchrom have a much better range of specialist accessories (reflectors, spots, indirect banks, e.t.c.), and their softboxes and umbrellas are generally superior. The Elinchrom BXs are the best value strobes I've ever used. There are more expensive options (brons, profoto, e.t.c.) but you are paying a big price for marginally better features if you don't need their higher output. There are cheaper options (ebay kits, D-lites, e.t.c.) but they just aren't solid or reliable enough to do everything, and sooner or later you'll find yourself limited by them.

How do Elinchrom accessories compare to Photoflex's? I know AB's quality is sub par, but photoflexes are built VERY well. Hell, sometimes put my softboxes in the ocean to wash off the sand

I wouldnt put my elinchrom sb's into the ocean! They'd probably not comeout in one piece. They are not the toughest SB's I've used but they do produce great quality light.

Some of the Elinchrom octa's are built really well. I'm not familiar enough with the entire product line but they do seem to use quality materials and construction looks to be excellent.

I own a few Photoflex boxes and I would say that the Elinchrom's are on a par with Photoflex. I don't think the build is any better but they tend to produce more even light than the Photoflex boxes, which are pretty darn good.

I have the midi octa and it is not made that well imo. The inner reflective material tore away at a seem the first time I took it out. Someone else said theirs did the same.
I also have the Deep Throat Rotalux which is holding up so far (and is my favorite SB) but doesnt feel very strong. The deep throat produces fantastic light though.

If I could put them together and leave them assembled in the studio they would most likely be fine but I have to tear them down and reassemble all the time. Photoflex seem much better made to me but do not have the Elinchrom light quality.

DavidPhoto wrote in post #5970803
I have the midi octa and it is not made that well imo. The inner reflective material tore away at a seem the first time I took it out. Someone else said theirs did the same.
I also have the Deep Throat Rotalux which is holding up so far (and is my favorite SB) but doesnt feel very strong. The deep throat produces fantastic light though.

If I could put them together and leave them assembled in the studio they would most likely be fine but I have to tear them down and reassemble all the time. Photoflex seem much better made to me but do not have the Elinchrom light quality.

My midi Octa had a hole melted into it when the silver deflector I was using inside it swivelled round on it's shaft and touched the inside surface. I know for a fact that wouldn't have happened with my konova or other third-party softboxes, despite the fact that the octa cost five times as much. Their reflectors, dishes, spots, e.t.c. are all well-made but Elinchrom's softboxes have dissapointing build-quality even if the light they produce is very good.

wow that sucks. You're lucky it didnt start a fire!
I almost had that happen yesterday too. I noticed it was a little loose as I was putting the diffuser on and luckily caught it in time before that happened. I could totally see that happening though.
I agree the build quality is disappointing. I was thinking of getting a large Octa someday but if the build quality is similar to the others I may save my money. That said, I totally love the deep throat (at least until it falls apart).

That really does suck. That's the first I've heard of this kind of problem or poor construction.

I managed to patch it up pretty well with electrical tape on the outside and aluminium foil on the inside - you really have to look hard to spot it but still, it's pretty shoddy construction for a £200 softbox.

From now on I'll be buying third party softboxes and having them modified to get the light output how I want it. I have a 180cm octabox with two internal diffusers and a deflector which cost me about 70 quid to buy & modify, is heatproof, and has a more even output than just about anything I've ever seen.

that's a shame. Robert would be screwed as he can't tape his equipment!!!

DavidPhoto wrote in post #5971203
that's a shame. Robert would be screwed as he can't tape his equipment!!!

You're right David. Totally screwed!

Hermes wrote in post #5971161
I have a 180cm octabox with two internal diffusers and a deflector which cost me about 70 quid to buy & modify, is heatproof, and has a more even output than just about anything I've ever seen.

Do tell! What is it? A 180cm Octa for that sort of money, I want one!