Which should I get? Elinchrom, Photogenic, or Westcott?

Alright, I have about $800 give or take $100 to spend on a decent lighting setup. I've been looking at different sets from Elinchrom, Westcott, and Photogenic.

Here's the Elinchrom set I'm kind of leaning towards,
http://robertsimaging.​com …Kit%20(EL%20208​12KIT).jsp

The Photogenic Kit
http://www.robertsimag​ing.com …ight%20Kit%20(9​07263).jsp

And finally, the Westcott Kit
http://www.robertsimag​ing.com …20Light%20Kit%2​0(230).jsp

Westcott is having a promotion that will include an addition strobe, softbox, and accessories for a total of 3 strobes total.

I like the Westcott because it comes with 3 strobes and all the accessories...but the strobes are only 200ws.

I've had a lot of people recommend the photogenic kit as a good kit to start with and stuff.

I'm leaning towards the Elinchrom kit because they come with what look like nice, big softboxes and 2 x 400ws strobes.

Which would you recommend? If you don't recommend either of these brands, then which would you recommend for about $800?

I was looking at buy Alien Bees but have heard a lot of complaints about things falling apart/off the strobes.

Thanks!

I've found the bees to be reliable and durable. You may read more complaints about them here based soley on the comparatively large number of users compared to the westcott and photogenics.

I have the same Elinchom kit purchased from B&H for more than $100 USD LESS than your link above. works great. Love the softboxes.

dave

snyderman wrote in post #8784738
I have the same Elinchom kit purchased from B&H for more than $100 USD LESS than your link above. works great. Love the softboxes.

dave

I just saw that. I know my place will match their price though. Thanks for letting me know! Just out of curiousity, have you tried setting the strobes off by using a hotshoe flash? I'll probaby end up using my 580EX II to set the 2 strobes off, but didn't know how well that worked. Anything bad about the Elinchrom set?

Elinchrom all the way. The other two kits don't even compare. If you want something a little cheaper but still wanna stay on the Elinchrom upgrade path, look at this kit.

Calumet Genesis 400 w/s kit
http://www.calumetphot​o.com/item/CF0514K1/

But at the price you're looking at, I'd go straight for the Elinchrom. Check the reseller ratings on that online store and make sure they're reputable. I've personally never heard of em.

exodusfman800 wrote in post #8784766
I just saw that. I know my place will match their price though. Thanks for letting me know! Just out of curiousity, have you tried setting the strobes off by using a hotshoe flash? I'll probaby end up using my 580EX II to set the 2 strobes off, but didn't know how well that worked. Anything bad about the Elinchrom set?

works as advertised. I bought the Cybersynch transmitter and one receiver which is attached to one of the D-Lite 400 strobes. It, in turn, fires the other when using both.

The set came with 2 25' (at least) synch cables. They work fine as well. Good kit. I'm pleased.

dave

snyderman wrote in post #8785642
works as advertised. I bought the Cybersynch transmitter and one receiver which is attached to one of the D-Lite 400 strobes. It, in turn, fires the other when using both.

The set came with 2 25' (at least) synch cables. They work fine as well. Good kit. I'm pleased.

dave

That's music to my ears. Isn't the Cybersync the system that Alien Bees sells?

I agree of the three kits I would go Elinchrom all the way it is a great system that can grow with you in any direction your photography takes you. It might be a good idea to look at the http://www.calumetphot​o.com/item/CF0514K1/ they use the Elinchrom mount so you have all the same upgrade options also I have one of the Elinchrom kits with the Portalite softboxes and while they are well made they are alittle on the small side, you might want to go with the calumet kit and add a lager Elinchrom softbox I am a big fan of the 53" Octa. Also if looking into wireless check out the Skyports I have been using them for awhile with not a single issue.

exodusfman800 wrote in post #8785742
That's music to my ears. Isn't the Cybersync the system that Alien Bees sells?

Sure is, great system at a reasonable price.

gonzogolf wrote in post #8785906
Sure is, great system at a reasonable price.

So they're compatible with just about any flash system, not just AB?

What kind of modifiers would you recommend getting after the softboxes? I've heard a lot of people say beauty dish, but didn't know what others had to say.

I'll be shooting portraits of family, most likely younger family, product shots, and other things as well.

Also, would a 580EX II work with one of those Cybersync's?

exodusfman800 wrote in post #8786033
So they're compatible with just about any flash system, not just AB?

likely younger family, product shots, and other things as well.

Also, would a 580EX II work with one of those Cybersync's?

Yes, the cybersyncs come with 3 cables so you can hook them up to bees, a 580exII via pc sync, or a bigger plug like found in older studio lights.

Elinchrom Only

Elinchroms! From what i've researched even the basic Dlites put out a great consistent level and color of light.

And Elinchrom it shall be

Now, I'm just looking at remote triggering. I've heard pretty good things about the cybersync system, but I still want to be open to other suggestions. I'll probably end up getting just one transmitter and receiver.

Anybody have any recommendations for triggering? I'd love pocket wizards but don't have the money

I use the Elinchrom Skyports with the D-Lite2 kit - the basic universal kit comes with a transmitter and a receiver.

They work well, and are very very small.

As a side note, they can also be used to trigger the bass pedal on the Rock Band drum kit

With one receiver, you can have the other strobe just use the optical slave. This might become a problem if you ever shoot with other cameras in the area, though, as their flashes will trigger the strobe. Likely not a problem, though, and you can get another receiver at the time.