Thoughts on this Elinchrom light kit?

bandgeekndbbandgeekndb Registered Users Posts: 284 Major grins
edited November 13, 2009 in Accessories
So, I'd like to take the plunge on some studio lights, and I'd like some opinions:

This is the kit I'm looking at: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/478443-REG/Elinchrom_EL_20812KIT_D_Lite4_Two_Monolight_Kit.html

The kit is used, and it comes with 2 umbrellas, on top of the kit.

Seller is asking $500, plus shipping from CA to NJ.

I've seen good and bad reviews, and both seem like legitimate reviews, so I'm hoping some here had some opinions.

Thanks for your opinion!

~Nick
Nikon D7000, D90

Sigma 18-50 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8
Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 50mm f/1.8

Comments

  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited November 13, 2009
    The "kit" softboxes may be too small for many portrait situations, but it appears to take all of the standard Eli' attachments. They are pretty good lights for the money, but they are digitally controlled which can potentially cause some issues in dirty electric sourced venues and with some portable power sources.

    What is your intended use?
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • bandgeekndbbandgeekndb Registered Users Posts: 284 Major grins
    edited November 13, 2009
    Thanks for the reply Ziggy!

    I'm looking to do portraits, at home, trying to gain experience with studio lighting. I'll be finding a simple background holder, kinda prepping myself for having a small in-home studio.

    I'm not planning on running these 24/7 or anything, in regards to the heat issues I read about. Just to get the flexibility of private, in-home portraiture, probably a good deal of personal things, not business clients, heavily working on my boudoir skills.

    Hope that gives you an idea, but I mean, if these were useful outside of the home, then sure, I'd try it, but I understand I'm not buying AlienBees, White Lightnings, etc. I'm not gonna have that kinda power with this kit is my guess, but who knows.

    So, will these be OK for a small home studio? No dirty electricity in my home, I wash it thoroughly with soap and water! rolleyes1.gif
    Nikon D7000, D90

    Sigma 18-50 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8
    Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 50mm f/1.8
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited November 13, 2009
    bandgeekndb wrote:
    ... So, will these be OK for a small home studio? No dirty electricity in my home, I wash it thoroughly with soap and water! rolleyes1.gif

    Yes, I think home studio, and some product photography, is what these are designed for. Similar lights (per power output):

    FlashPoint II, Model 1220A, 600 ws
    http://www.adorama.com/FP1220A.html

    AlienBees, model B800, 320 ws
    http://www.alienbees.com/b800.html

    I suggest large, shoot-thru convertible umbrellas as the most economical soft modifiers. 60" umbrellas are very inexpensive and yield very nice looking light.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • bandgeekndbbandgeekndb Registered Users Posts: 284 Major grins
    edited November 13, 2009
    ziggy53 wrote:
    Yes, I think home studio, and some product photography, is what these are designed for. Similar lights (per power output):

    FlashPoint II, Model 1220A, 600 ws
    http://www.adorama.com/FP1220A.html

    AlienBees, model B800, 320 ws
    http://www.alienbees.com/b800.html

    I suggest large, shoot-thru convertible umbrellas as the most economical soft modifiers. 60" umbrellas are very inexpensive and yield very nice looking light.

    First,

    Are you suggesting that my money would be better spent saving to afford 2 of these other lights? I know I'd probably have to build my own kit, but that's no big deal. I just only wanna do this purchase once for the next few years, and if I ever decide to pursue a photography business, I can invest in better lights then.

    Second, I'm not sure as to the size of the umbrellas that are being included extra, but are you saying the softboxes won't get the job done? Because, adding on 2 umbrellas is about $100 or more, depending on how fancy I want them...ugh, so expensive!

    Thanks ziggy, much appreciated.

    Also, still looking for anyone with hands-on experience, I'm a little worried about claims that the units don't cool very well!

    ~Nick
    Nikon D7000, D90

    Sigma 18-50 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8
    Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 50mm f/1.8
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited November 13, 2009
    I'm not trying to talk you into one over the other. If you want a warranty, the new flashes are probably worthwhile. The Elinchrom D-Lite 4 units are very popular and most folks are pretty happy, so I would not be too concerned for casual use.

    The 21x21" and 25.5x25.5" softboxes are on the small side. Should be fine for head shots and head-and-shoulders. For anything beyond that size, I would use and recommend a larger size. A larger size is also useful for the head shots as well. (There is better wrapping of the light.) You may be able to add a diffusion panel for better dispersion, instead of a larger softbox.

    In the end, the decision is still yours and the Eli' D-Lite 4 monolights would do you proud.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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