Bowens or Elinchrom?

[hokkaido88]

Bowens is analog control and quite old fashion design for it's Espiriti Gemini 200Ws while the Elinchrom D lite4 has digital control.

Which one is more durable, cheaper to maintain and good for heavy duty use i.e wedding shoots and won't have color shift (even if you switch shutter speed)

Thus which one you prefer?

[skyfokker]

Between the two, Bowens. Had both brands and Bowens is definitely a lot more hardy. Broke down only after 5 years of hard use. But if money allows, go Broncolor.

[sbc]

Bowens has steel sheet casing, Elinchrom D-Lite has plastic. But the advantage of the D-Lite is its light weight and built-in fan.

Bowens can use 3rd party accessories, but the agent don't bring in too many original Bowen stuff like softbox and tripods.

CP has almost all the Elinchrom accessories including tripod and Skyport.

[sbc]

Oh and Jinbei stuff fits Bowens. Wish they had these in Singapore before I spent like $500 on Bowens reflectors.

http://www.thestudiooutfitters.com/s...ort=20a&page=2

[hokkaido88]

That's mean Elinchrom DLite 4 has no history of being durable?

But does it has problem like the LCD panel has a shorter lifespan becuase it's always expose to the heat generated by the light?

How accurate is the analog control for Bowens compare to the digital control? Wouldn't be the digital has more precise control?

Between the two, Bowens 200W has all the features as the Dlit4?

For a small studio setup and shoot at most couples, would Bowens 200W light is enough?
If it is can I go like f8 ISO100 using modifier like large softbox 80x120cm or with the reflective umbrella?

I saw the Dlit4 being a lot lighter the whole bowens 200w kit set weight around 5kg+ and it's not portable to just carry for traveling.

Lastly, does the lack of digital control bother anyone?

Anyone has mount the 3rd party travel pak(batter pack)?

[skyfokker]

Digital control is not essential. Analogue works fine. Trust me, I use them as part of my daily gear. I still insist on Bowens being a better choice. 200ws? The 500ws is a much better choice.

[reachme2003]

for your subject, 500w/s is preferable. bowens is durable.

[reachme2003]

with a flash meter, you will be able to find out with whatever modifier, whatever ISO, whatever F stops, your chosen brand of light can deliver.

Originally Posted by hokkaido88 For a small studio setup and shoot at most couples, would Bowens 200W light is enough? If it is can I go like f8 ISO100 using modifier like large softbox 80x120cm or with the reflective umbrella?

[sbc]

Originally Posted by hokkaido88 Anyone has mount the 3rd party travel pak(batter pack)?

Bowens has its own battery travel pak. D-Lite don't accept battery.
You do know that you are comparing Bowens 200Ws againsts D-Lite4 400Ws?

There is a new Bowens 400Ws. It is better to get the more powerful one.

[trexsg]

I have used two Bowens prolites for quite some time. They have not fails me. It built like a tank The manual controller is better to withstand heat, just use the light meter to go along. Go for bigger like 750w if can, better to have some reserves than not enough.

[hokkaido88]

I knew both of them has different power but both was priced similiarily. That's why I compare such a way.

So even with a small studio like 4x5meter is still not able to shoot using 200Ws light at f8 iso100 with large softbox and reflective umbrella?

Is the 400W is already available locally?

[reachme2003]

in my view, 4x5 meters studio space is just too tight for people shoot. small product shoot, maybe yes.

do you own a flash meter? also, it helps to be more flexible in your approach than your stated f8, iso100, etc.

Originally Posted by hokkaido88 I knew both of them has different power but both was priced similiarily. That's why I compare such a way. So even with a small studio like 4x5meter is still not able to shoot using 200Ws light at f8 iso100 with large softbox and reflective umbrella? Is the 400W is already available locally?

[trexsg]

Depending on the softbox and difuser used, it may reduced few f-stops, color balance may also need adjustment. Whether enough depends on few factors like distance, background color, etc. Like reachme said you need a light meter to measure, and color meter if you are really serious into details and color balance

[drumma]

Hello..

just my opinions.. I think bowens generally are sturdy and heavier compared to elins. On a personal choice, i'll prefer the elins due to more choices for accessories. I like the softboxes and the skyports works amazingly without having to run about to adjust power on each light!

are u thinking of using them outdoors? U need a battery. Either third part(i think alien bees might work) or look at the ranger series(which i think might be out of ur budget)..

[phoakm]

Originally Posted by drumma Hello.. just my opinions.. I think bowens generally are sturdy and heavier compared to elins. On a personal choice, i'll prefer the elins due to more choices for accessories. I like the softboxes and the skyports works amazingly without having to run about to adjust power on each light! are u thinking of using them outdoors? U need a battery. Either third part(i think alien bees might work) or look at the ranger series(which i think might be out of ur budget)..

Yesterday was at Cathay query about the new elinchrom quatra ranger. Most probably will be reaching next month.

[drumma]

Originally Posted by phoakm Yesterday was at Cathay query about the new elinchrom quatra ranger. Most probably will be reaching next month.

that's an option as well! i think the specs are really awesome!

[phoakm]

Originally Posted by drumma that's an option as well! i think the specs are really awesome!

I still comparing this with Profoto.
Let's see which attracts me.

[drumma]

Originally Posted by phoakm I still comparing this with Profoto. Let's see which attracts me.

both as swee. but i think ranger lighter. which profoto model u comparing dude? the 7Bs are darn heavy.

[phoakm]

Originally Posted by drumma both as swee. but i think ranger lighter. which profoto model u comparing dude? the 7Bs are darn heavy.

Er....small & portable Acute B.
Will be going down to Shiro in the next week Profoto outing. Got model to shoot somemore.

[drumma]

Originally Posted by phoakm Er....small & portable Acute B. Will be going down to Shiro in the next week Profoto outing. Got model to shoot somemore.

is the acuteb offer still on?