Elinchrom D-Lite4 vs Hensel Integra Pro 1000

Is it worth paying approximately $400 more for a slightly better build or better to toss that into a skyport set?

Also does anyone know if the Hensel stands in this set are better build then then D-Lite?

I would rather not throw away money on plastic and it appears the difference in weight between plastic and aluminum housing cannot be all that sets these products apart.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …e4_Two_Monoligh​t_Kit.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …egra_Pro_2_Mono​light.html

that's all relative, right? There's a lot of people using the Dlite sets, including me. I love them for many reasons: consistent color and flash output, modifier selection, and price. I can't afford the Hensels, so the choice was easy. I doubt you'd be unhappy with a D4 kit and skyports.

I agree with what Geoff is saying but I will add this....

IF (and it's a big if) you're very drawn to the build of the Hensel and you are placing greater importance on the metal housing then you will be disappointed in the build of almost any strobe with a high impact plastic housing.

Having said that, it's important to realize that all Elinchrom strobes from entry level to high end have a plastic housing, Photogenic's and Norman have a plastic housing, and even the newer Profoto D1 has a plastic housing.

I don't see anyone complaining about plastics when it comes to any of those strobes or the various others that are not mentioned.

So it's up to you as to where you place importance and what you perceive as 'better'. You have to look at the big picture and think about buying strobes as buying a system that includes modifiers and accessories. You have to think about whether you want to use branded accessories or third party, and you have to look at the track record and overall performance of the strobes.

Hensel's are good, don't get me wrong. But they're no better than other strobes that have plastic housings and weigh a few pounds less.

I'd stay away from D-lites not because they're plastic, but because they're targeted to the consumer and are designed to be underbuilt.

As to the issue of plastic, I do prefer metal... but in my experience glocks, rebels, car bodies and autoclave trays are made of plastic and they work just fine.

But elinchrome IMO is becoming a more consumer line, there might be more name there then good technology.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #8545618
But elinchrome IMO is becoming a more consumer line, there might be more name there then good technology.

Based on what? Popularity?

TMR Design wrote in post #8545625
Based on what? Popularity?

Sure. And popularity is based on them changing their product to suit a different audience.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #8545806
Sure. And popularity is based on them changing their product to suit a different audience.

Which product are you referrring to? The Ranger hasn't changed. The RX's haven't changed. The D-Lite's haven't changed. The ScanLite's haven't changed. The BXRi's were added.

Which lights have changed Doc?

We see popularity growing here in the forums as we do with many other products. People buy the product and then review it or recommend it and the chain reaction begins. In the time I've been a member here I've seen many products take off in popularity without seeing the products take a dive or quality take a hit.

I'm just not sure what you mean.

TMR Design wrote in post #8545858
Which product are you referrring to? The Ranger hasn't changed. The RX's haven't changed. The D-Lite's haven't changed. The ScanLite's haven't changed. The BXRi's were added.

Which lights have changed Doc?

We see popularity growing here in the forums as we do with many other products. People buy the product and then review it or recommend it and the chain reaction begins. In the time I've been a member here I've seen many products take off in popularity without seeing the products take a dive or quality take a hit.

I'm just not sure what you mean.

D lite didn't change? It appeared only recently - it can't change.

Have you ever shot with an EL 500?

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #8545938
D lite didn't change? It appeared only recently - it can't change.

Have you ever shot with an EL 500?

D-Lite's have been around for years.

Yes, I've shot with EL's. The EL's are analog and had a limited power range. They're still popular with some people, but you're basing your statement on the fact they years and years ago they changed the electronics from analog to digital? By most people's standards, including the pros that shoot with them, that's a good thing. We now have 1/10 stop accuracy and they are rock solid stable. The products have advanced. That's a good thing.

I don't see that as a bad thing or having anything to do with them going 'consumer' on us.

TMR Design wrote in post #8545966
I don't see that as a bad thing or having anything to do with them going 'consumer' on us.

I knew that since your first reply, so I didn't have it in me to elaborate to any extent.

Well, your first reply implied that it was more name than good technology and you still haven't shown me how it's not good technology. They've upgraded and improved.

But since you don't want to elaborate and just want to make those types of statements then I suppose we have nothing further to discuss.....seeing as how you don't want to have the discussion.

I was hoping you would support your statement with some hard evidence, but you can't.

it has nothing to do with analog vs digital. Take the back panel for example. they are using buttons which simply won't last. It's a plastic connection - the same kind used in keyboards. Just two layers of plastic with the circut printed over them, as you press on them the plastic will break down and you won't be able to adjust the power settings.

if they wanted it to last, they'd put in real spring loaded button switches. In 10 years of use, the button switches will last and what they're putting in right now would not.

And the analog EL 500 are just as accurate as today's elinchromes, and at the same time they offer higher flash speed.

Don't get me wrong, the chromes are awesome lights. But as compared to yesteryear they're cutting corners.

I toss my FX/RX compacts in a sportsbag and done so for a few years, never had a single problem with a button.

They have lasted five years thus far.

How many years have you tested the new Elinchrom compacts and how many have failed you ?

MR do little wrote in post #8548374
How many years have you tested the new Elinchrom compacts and how many have failed you ?

None elinchromes tested, but I do have a dishwasher and a microwave with failed membrane keyboards on them after just 2 years of use. Or does the membrane switch has to be specifically attached to a photo light for you to accept the fact that membrane switches have a much shorter duty cycle that mechanical switches do?

I also didn't test any cars without bearings on them to find out how much extra wear and tear the bearings save the device from.

Here's a comarison of switch durability in keyboards. Note that the keyboards are not "naked" membrane switches, the switch is cusioned by a soft silicone cover. So the life of a naked membrane switch is even lower.
http://ergocanada.com …membrane_keyswi​tches.html

Elinchromes are great lights, but in order to save 3 bucks on the manufacturing cost of a 500 dollar product they're willing to compromise the product longevity. I don't find that cool.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #8549602
None elinchromes tested, but I do have a dishwasher and a microwave with failed membrane keyboards on them after just 2 years of use.

I definitely hear what you're saying, and I'm always all for companies to spend a few extra bucks to make the product last that much longer, but I have to wonder just how hard you're pressing these buttons?! I've never had a microwave button die on me, and every dishwasher I've used with buttons like that, seem to work just fine.

Either you're pressing way too hard/with a crowbar.....or you've got some bad luck!