Elinchrom BX 400 studio flash units

All,

Had been looking into some AB800's, but in CAnada I think the exchange conversion and shipping/taxes will make a basic setup to be higher than hoped...

..but locally, I see that someone has 2 x Elinchrom BX 400 studio flash units for sale, around $675 CDN.

Would these be a start at a home studio lighting kit (assuming they are still available)??

Thank you!

Elinchrom makes great studio lights. The only problem with the BX400's are that elinchrom is no longer making them, and they've been replaced by the 500BXRi lights.

That said, I'm sure you'll be able to find additional BX 400's on the buy/sell forums if you decide you need them, and using elinchrom modifiers and speedrings for the BX 400 will work just fine if/when you decide to move up into their higher priced lights or ranger kits.

imho, elinchrom beats out AB stuff any day of the week.

I would second Cathpa's comment: "imho, elinchrom beats out AB stuff any day of the week"

I own and have used both but my preference is the Elinchrom. I have two of the BX 400's and an older Elinchrom 250 that I have had for at least 8 years (it was my first studio strobe and is still going strong). I bring that up as, despite the change in what Elinchrom has in their current line-up, the 400 BX's should last a long time. Good luck with your purchase!

Couldn't agree more. I've owned and used Alien Bees, and now use Elinchrom 400 BX and an EL500. They are far better than the Bees and give you a killer upgrade path into any of the higher end Elinchrom strobes or the Ranger will complete compatibility of accessories and modifiers.

Thanks all! ...just waiting to hear back.

Elinchrom is the way to go no doubt!! I hope you get them

Not to take anything away from Elinchrom which are great strobes and very well represented by satisfied POTN members but there are also others like the Hensels which are also excellent in that big step above Alien Bees category before you hit the Bron/Profoto pricing levels.

I love my bx400s I use them as my "field kit" for weddings, bday partys, etc. or any place that has electrical outlets.

It's pretty much all been said, but let me add my recommendations for the BX400 strobes from Elinchrom - they are in a whole different league to Alien Bees (and this is meant as no disrespect to Alien Bees)! Elinchrom is a great system, too, so you will have a clear upgrade path if that is what you want in the future, and plenty of accessories to choose from (both Elinchrom and third-party).

Great info, thanks for helping out! everyone

Still waiting to hear back...could be a few days who knows! Also discovered that Vistek sells some Elinchrom kits, so if this doesn't pan out, I can look at an online order through them.

RichNY wrote in post #7527541
Not to take anything away from Elinchrom which are great strobes and very well represented by satisfied POTN members but there are also others like the Hensels which are also excellent in that big step above Alien Bees category before you hit the Bron/Profoto pricing levels.

Very true. I posted above about how elinchrom is much better than AB any day....but in reality, I own and love Hensel lights. I've used elinchroms, and they're great....but anything in the Elinchrom/Hensel range is great stuff.

Which AB model is most comparable to the BX400?

I think the closest would be the AB800. But, they have 320 true Ws compared to 400 true Ws of the 400BX.

Have you tried calling up Vistek?

http://www.vistek.ca …contained-flash-head.aspx

alyson wrote in post #7539518
Have you tried calling up Vistek?

http://www.vistek.ca …contained-flash-head.aspx

If I can't get these used ones, I'm going to likely order from there....but the price of two of those Plus softbox and umbrella will take me a bit higher than planned...I have two OK stands already, and since it's for indoor use at home they should suffice (assuming the two are compatible)??

Assuming I land two of those (used or Vistek)....

1) What would be a recommended umbrella from Vistek?
2) What would be a recommended softbox from Vistek?

3) And what would I need to get these wireless sync that is cost effective but reliable?

Thanks, and yes...been shooting for a while, but don't know a lot about studio lighting!!

Thanks in advance!