Testing the new Ranger...

Leo, AFAIK it's 2:1, and that's it! Here is a link to a test conducted by Carmen Miranda, a well-respected contributor to the Lighting Forum on FM: http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/68454​8/0

Do you have a link to the Elinchrom documentation regarding the symmetrical pack and different Ranger heads?

Rudi wrote in post #6781842
Leo, AFAIK it's 2:1, and that's it! Here is a link to a test conducted by Carmen Miranda, a well-respected contributor to the Lighting Forum on FM: http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/68454​8/0

Do you have a link to the Elinchrom documentation regarding the symmetrical pack and different Ranger heads?

Well, I thought I saw it in the Elinchrom.com site or one of the documents I downloaded from there but try as I might, I couldn't find any references to the 2:1 ratio using the A-head and the S-head. However, I did find such a reference at B&H Photo in the Feature tab in this page (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Free_Lite_A.htm​l#features)

Since this is the only reference I've found, I'm now guessing it must be a typo (EDIT: it looks like the FM thread you linked to seems to support this--I wonder if those at FM who also thought that the A/S combo provided a 2:1 ratio based that assumption on what B&H posted in their web site like I did ). That might explain why I couldn't resolve the claim mathematically.

AFAIK, the only way to change the power output of these strobes is to put in an extension cable, which are usually sold in lengths that will drop the output by one stop. So you could (and I haven't tried this, but this is the way I understand it) use an extension cable to make your symmetrical pack into an assymetrical pack with 2:1 ratio.

The Elinchrom literature specifies that the two heads are identical in performance except for the flash duration. Looking at B&H today, I was surprised at the difference in cost between the two flashtubes. The A head has the "Speed" flashtube, as listed here: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …53_3000w_s_Flas​htube.html for $334, the S head has the "Omega" flashtube as listed here: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …34_2400W_S_Flas​htube.html for $169 (half the price of the "Speed" flashtube!). Interesting to see that the standard flashtube is very similar to what all my monolights have in them, including the RX strobes (which are the fastest of the monoblocs in the Elinchrom lineup), whereas the Speed flashtube is a twin electrode flashtube, looking completely different as a result (and offering much shorter durations than even the RX strobes).

Considering that the monetary investment in a Ranger system is already pretty high, the measly cost difference between the A kit and the S kit was of no consequence. I'm glad I went with the A (action) head!

Rudi wrote in post #6783148
AFAIK, the only way to change the power output of these strobes is to put in an extension cable, which are usually sold in lengths that will drop the output by one stop. So you could (and I haven't tried this, but this is the way I understand it) use an extension cable to make your symmetrical pack into an assymetrical pack with 2:1 ratio.

The Elinchrom literature specifies that the two heads are identical in performance except for the flash duration. Looking at B&H today, I was surprised at the difference in cost between the two flashtubes. The A head has the "Speed" flashtube, as listed here: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …53_3000w_s_Flas​htube.html for $334, the S head has the "Omega" flashtube as listed here: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …34_2400W_S_Flas​htube.html for $169 (half the price of the "Speed" flashtube!). Interesting to see that the standard flashtube is very similar to what all my monolights have in them, including the RX strobes (which are the fastest of the monoblocs in the Elinchrom lineup), whereas the Speed flashtube is a twin electrode flashtube, looking completely different as a result (and offering much shorter durations than even the RX strobes).

Considering that the monetary investment in a Ranger system is already pretty high, the measly cost difference between the A kit and the S kit was of no consequence. I'm glad I went with the A (action) head!

Out of interest, why did you go for the A head?

I can't think of many things that the standard duration won't freeze outside of fast sports and the 'speed' flashtubes don't last as long (as well as costing more to replace).

Hermes wrote in post #6783180
Out of interest, why did you go for the A head?

I can't think of many things that the standard duration won't freeze outside of fast sports and the 'speed' flashtubes don't last as long (as well as costing more to replace).

I did want the fast flash duration for freezing action. I wanted a flash as fast or faster than my RX strobes. Only the A head is that fast. It's interesting that many say that the Speed flashtubes don't last as long, but no one seems to have any actual data. I've even heard that they're not as consistent in light output as the S head with the Omega flashtube, but again - I have yet to see any data to support this! The Elinchrom ringflash also has a Speed flashtube, BTW.

Rudi wrote in post #6783593
I did want the fast flash duration for freezing action. I wanted a flash as fast or faster than my RX strobes. Only the A head is that fast. It's interesting that many say that the Speed flashtubes don't last as long, but no one seems to have any actual data. I've even heard that they're not as consistent in light output as the S head with the Omega flashtube, but again - I have yet to see any data to support this! The Elinchrom ringflash also has a Speed flashtube, BTW.

Yes, I agree. If anything, the A-head tube should last longer than the S-head tube since half as much current would be flowing through each half of the A-tube (and hence the shorter flash duration) compared to the S-head tube.

Rudi wrote in post #6783593
I did want the fast flash duration for freezing action. I wanted a flash as fast or faster than my RX strobes. Only the A head is that fast. It's interesting that many say that the Speed flashtubes don't last as long, but no one seems to have any actual data. I've even heard that they're not as consistent in light output as the S head with the Omega flashtube, but again - I have yet to see any data to support this! The Elinchrom ringflash also has a Speed flashtube, BTW.

Never heard that they're less any consistent. However I was told that they need replacing more often by an Elinchrom service engineer. Something to do with twin electrodes being used to get the short duration so it will fail in half the time, e.t.c. If you need the duration though it doesn't matter - I suppose the higher running costs are just something you have to live with.

Even though Elinchrom certified service staff should be a more reliable source of information, I'm still not convinced! It is possible that the shorter flash duration does make the tube wear out faster, but twice as fast? I doubt it! They used twin electrodes so that the discharge has half the distance to travel, hence speeding up the flash duration. Is it more likely that one of the electrodes fails earlier as a result? Don't think so, but because there are two, one of them might fail. Well, the single electrode in an Omega tube can also fail, so it's just one of those things...

I can accept that the shorter flash duration will wear out the tube faster. I am skeptical about the claim that it is likely to wear out twice as fast. Again, I'd like to see some documentation supporting that, other than hearsay from a repair shop.

Rudi wrote in post #6786706
Even though Elinchrom certified service staff should be a more reliable source of information, I'm still not convinced! It is possible that the shorter flash duration does make the tube wear out faster, but twice as fast? I doubt it! They used twin electrodes so that the discharge has half the distance to travel, hence speeding up the flash duration. Is it more likely that one of the electrodes fails earlier as a result? Don't think so, but because there are two, one of them might fail. Well, the single electrode in an Omega tube can also fail, so it's just one of those things...

I can accept that the shorter flash duration will wear out the tube faster. I am skeptical about the claim that it is likely to wear out twice as fast. Again, I'd like to see some documentation supporting that, other than hearsay from a repair shop.

I wouldn't call it 'hearsay' seeing as they're the ones who sell and replace the flashtubes on a day to day basis. However, lasting half the time in theory and in practice aren't the same thing. The flashtubes would still last a very long time overall and I'd imagine that for location shooters like yourself, they'll often get broken in use or in transit before they wear out naturally (I'm mainly a studio shooter and I've certainly had as many flashtubes broken as I've had fail naturally).

I hear you! The flashtubes can certainly get in the way of clumsy photographers, such as myself.

FWIW, I'm thinking that the second head for this pack, which I'm considering right now, doesn't have to be an A head. Most people seem to have one of each, and since the second head would be only used in certain circumstances (portraits come to mind) and as backup, I figured I might as well save some money and go with the S head.

So how do you like these flashes so far? I am looking at the RX with either an A or an S head. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each head? I am wanting to get these strobes and use them with the El Octa.

Bumgardnern wrote in post #6788410
So how do you like these flashes so far? I am looking at the RX with either an A or an S head. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each head? I am wanting to get these strobes and use them with the El Octa.

I love my Ranger! As much as I like my RX600 strobes in the studio, they are tied to mains power. For me, that is a major disadvantage for what I want to shoot during the warm months (and we have lots of those here in Oz ). The Ranger enables me to take location photos with the right modifiers for the image that I want to create. Don't get me wrong, it's still a hassle to get everything there, it's a lot of gear, but the results are worth it.

If you're only going to be using one head with the Ranger, I would recommend the AS pack. The asymmetrical pack will give you access to lower power with the B port. Just a little more versatility, IMO.

Are you sure about this? Just reading the specs on the Elinchrom website it says that all of the Ranger packs have power from 8.5ws to 1100ws. Am I misreading or misunderstanding something?

Rudi wrote in post #6786892
I hear you! The flashtubes can certainly get in the way of clumsy photographers, such as myself.

FWIW, I'm thinking that the second head for this pack, which I'm considering right now, doesn't have to be an A head. Most people seem to have one of each, and since the second head would be only used in certain circumstances (portraits come to mind) and as backup, I figured I might as well save some money and go with the S head.

Makes sense if you're sure that you won't need the shorter duration on both heads.

Also, Elinchrom sell a cable to allow you to adapt other heads to the Ranger if you want more choice (they also sell a shoulder strap and a backpack harness that attaches to the Ranger which I think I remember you mentioning).

Bumgardnern wrote in post #6788771
Are you sure about this? Just reading the specs on the Elinchrom website it says that all of the Ranger packs have power from 8.5ws to 1100ws. Am I misreading or misunderstanding something?

With the regular RX Ranger and the RX Speed packs, you have access to 17Ws-1100Ws. With the RX Speed AS pack, you have 5.7Ws-1100Ws of power. And yes, I'm sure.