Opinions? Profoto vs. Elinchrom

Cathpah wrote in post #10123626
Regarding your question of getting 2 packs with profoto....I feel pretty strongly (however some would disagree) that each light deserves it's own ranger pack. While you can certainly plug two into one pack, the short cable length will deter creative placement and adding an extension cable is both expensive (more than $200) and will eat up some of the output from the head on the extension cable. If you can swing it, 2 ranger packs, 2 lights.

In a similar vein, I've bought a Quadra set, and I'll match a Ranger to it in a few months. Best of both worlds?

mickeyjuice wrote in post #10123743
In a similar vein, I've bought a Quadra set, and I'll match a Ranger to it in a few months. Best of both worlds?

could very well be.

The main reason I'm not all that tempted by the quadra is because I do a lot of environmental portraiture, often with a wide(r) lens and therefore lights further away from the subject...therefore necessitating as much power as possible. That said, I know that I'm very much in the minority in that shooting style/need.

There are already plenty threads like this so I just wanna chime in here rather than start a new thread

With the 20% off of Profoto the Acute2 1200 value kit can be had for $2400, while 2 Elinchrom 600RX's would be $1900.

This has me seriously thinking of going Profoto (I have like $1700 saved so far).

The Profoto has more power (when used with a single head).
250W modeling lamp
Zoom reflectors
Ability to control power at pack rather than on light (helpful when lights are in the up high)
Better service
More rental options
All for only $500 more

Am i missing something or is this a great deal?

Any input is welcome as I am almost ready to buy (few more jobs)

Franko515 wrote in post #10398993
There are already plenty threads like this so I just wanna chime in here rather than start a new thread

With the 20% off of Profoto the Acute2 1200 value kit can be had for $2400, while 2 Elinchrom 600RX's would be $1900.

This has me seriously thinking of going Profoto (I have like $1700 saved so far).

The Profoto has more power (when used with a single head).
250W modeling lamp
Zoom reflectors
Ability to control power at pack rather than on light (helpful when lights are in the up high)
Better service
More rental options
All for only $500 more

Am i missing something or is this a great deal?

Any input is welcome as I am almost ready to buy (few more jobs)

Sounds good. I'm not in the US but how many modifiers could you get for $500 if you went Elinchrom?

ed. wrote in post #10399092
Sounds good. I'm not in the US but how many modifiers could you get for $500 if you went Elinchrom?

Depending on which modifiers I buy, I'd venture to say 1 or 2.

About that. Profoto gear is spendy, but the focusability of the reflectors doesn't make a Profto A for $ vs Eli B for $___ directly comparable in many cases as 1 Profoto reflector can be 'tuned' in seconds to function as a number of Eli or other fixed-spread reflectors.

The Profoto boxes (rumored to be made by Aurora) are nice, but even as a Profoto owner, over-priced given quality equivalent options from Creative Light or Chimera. Of the latter, I prefer creative light as they are lighter (sort of a more heavy duty Eli fabric).

If you do go Profoto, which I would/have, be selective where you spend any savings on modifiers and focus initial on the 'hard' modifiers unique to Profoto (e.g. Magnum, etc) and/or multipurpose (Zoom II, etc). Boxes can be from anyone and BD's can be acquired from Mola or Profoto later. Modifiers can also be readily found used on various forums or from folks like Calumet, etc or substantial savings.

As a side note, a standard inexpensive grid for the Eli 8.25" grid fits perfectly over the opening of a Profoto Zoom II. Couple of velcro tabs and you're good to go.

I'm certainly planning to pick up some CL boxes later this year. Everyone speaks quite highly of their quality.

Franko515 wrote in post #10398993
There are already plenty threads like this so I just wanna chime in here rather than start a new thread

With the 20% off of Profoto the Acute2 1200 value kit can be had for $2400, while 2 Elinchrom 600RX's would be $1900.

This has me seriously thinking of going Profoto (I have like $1700 saved so far).

The Profoto has more power (when used with a single head).
250W modeling lamp
Zoom reflectors
Ability to control power at pack rather than on light (helpful when lights are in the up high)
Better service
More rental options
All for only $500 more

Am i missing something or is this a great deal?

Any input is welcome as I am almost ready to buy (few more jobs)

Conner999 wrote in post #10402198
About that. Profoto gear is spendy, but the focusability of the reflectors doesn't make a Profto A for $ vs Eli B for $___ directly comparable in many cases as 1 Profoto reflector can be 'tuned' in seconds to function as a number of Eli or other fixed-spread reflectors.

The Profoto boxes (rumored to be made by Aurora) are nice, but even as a Profoto owner, over-priced given quality equivalent options from Creative Light or Chimera. Of the latter, I prefer creative light as they are lighter (sort of a more heavy duty Eli fabric).

If you do go Profoto, which I would/have, be selective where you spend any savings on modifiers and focus initial on the 'hard' modifiers unique to Profoto (e.g. Magnum, etc) and/or multipurpose (Zoom II, etc). Boxes can be from anyone and BD's can be acquired from Mola or Profoto later. Modifiers can also be readily found used on various forums or from folks like Calumet, etc or substantial savings.

As a side note, a standard inexpensive grid for the Eli 8.25" grid fits perfectly over the opening of a Profoto Zoom II. Couple of velcro tabs and you're good to go.

I thought the Zoom II reflector was shipped with the Acute2 1200 value kit.

I would get the adapter to use Eli modifiers ($140) to take advantage of nice boxes they have. I will also look into Creative Light as you have suggested.

Thanks for the reply

mumbles wrote in post #10402226
I'm certainly planning to pick up some CL boxes later this year. Everyone speaks quite highly of their quality.

I've taken a look at them and they still don't compare to Elinchrom for softboxes IMO.
It's only marginally better than the ebay Visico softboxes but the CL's in Australia cost more than a Rotalux!

Franko515 wrote in post #10398993
With the 20% off of Profoto the Acute2 1200 value kit can be had for $2400, while 2 Elinchrom 600RX's would be $1900.

If you add the 600RX to your cart at B&H, you'll see that two can be had for slightly under $1600.

-Scott

Having been an Eli shooter and softbox user, ed. and I will have to agree to disagree ;>

If a new Acute kit, the zoom's will be Zoom II's. An older used kit will likely have the 1st gen units which can display a 'donut hole' effect at certain settings.

Conner999 wrote in post #10403547
Having been an Eli shooter and softbox user, ed. and I will have to agree to disagree ;>

If a new Acute kit, the zoom's will be Zoom II's. An older used kit will likely have the 1st gen units which can display a 'donut hole' effect at certain settings.

You liked the CL softboxes? How are the priced up there? Probably a lot better than in Australia. :\

Love'm. Nothing wrong with Eli's mind you - other than access to grids (now have Lightools Grids apparently, but very large $$$). My Chimera's were well built but heavy as hell (VERY heavyweight fabric). Easy assembly, so far very durable, well made, etc.,etc. My only complaint is that once the rods are inserted in the 5' Octa, it's just and I mean JUST a hair too long to fit back in it's carry case and fully close the case opening (I use an old Chimera bag for it instead) and carry some longer grip gear in the CL Octa bag.

Have CL 2x3s, 1x4s and 5' Octa and will be getting 1-2 smaller units shortly. IIRC the 2x3s were app. $175, the 1x4 were app $150 and the 5' Octa US$200. Use them with CL & Chimera speedrings as well and Bowens QuickRing (1/4-20 socket drilled-out for the Octa). Their Eli ring is not so great - need to reverse the bolts around to avoid catching on bayonet lock ring during rotation. Works fine, but unnecessary. Can also use Profoto or Photoflex ring. Being Canadian I ordered from B&H as no CL retailers in Canada as yet.

Conner999 wrote in post #10403659
Love'm. Nothing wrong with Eli's mind you - other than access to grids (now have Lightools Grids apparently, but very large $$$). My Chimera's were well built but heavy as hell (VERY heavyweight fabric).

Have CL 2x3s, 1x4s and 5' Octa and will be getting 1-2 smaller units shortly. IIRC the 2x3s were app. $175, the 1x4 were app $150 and the 5' Octa US$200. Use them with CL & Chimera speedrings as well and Bowens QuickRing (1/4-20 socket drilled-out for the Octa). Their Eli ring is not so great - need to reverse the bolts around to avoid catching on bayonet lock ring during rotation. Can also use Profoto or Photoflex ring. Being Canadian I ordered from B&H as no CL retailers in Canada as yet.

damn that's a nice price for CL!
More than double if we were to buy local here.

Nasty. While the shipping from BH would be painful (I find it nasty enough to Canada even as I wait until my order is large enough to amortize the cost), maybe a group buy (yeah, it's a long shot at best) could be put together to down under to take shipping from nauseating to just painful. They are nice boxes with units like the 5' Octa being no-brainers at $200. Nice grid prices as well.