Elinchrom D-lite

[specialman]

We currently run a 9'x15' studio (horrible size and shape) with some Bowens Geminis but we're setting up a second area in our warehouse building that we can set up bivvies and large tackle collections for advertising shoots. I'll be moving the 500w Geminis into this space so was thinking about some less powerful heads for the small studio space.

The D-lite it 2 go set looks good for the money and spare heads look good value at £180.

Anyone got any experience with these and can give realworld feedback on them? The built-in Skyport system will be good and I trust Elinchrom stuff from using them at university.

I'm thinking 200w will be a better, more controllable option in a smaller studio space where we do predominately macro and smaller product photography. The current 500w head are generally on low, low power all the time to get, say f/11, so I'm guessing they're too beefy for a small studio environment.

Wattage and power isn't something I have vast knowledge of so any help will be greatly appreciated

 

[Kris]

I have one mark 1 400 watt sec that has never put a foot wrong.

But they dont come with Bowens S Mount though, so your current modifiers wont fit them. Everything in my lighting equipment is Elinchrom mount, so you are kind of locked (very happily) into a system once you start.

As long as you aware of that they are an excellent buy.

 

[specialman]

Kris, that's not a problem TBH. The it comes with two 66cm boxes, which look fine and in reality, the Bowens and Elinchroms would never share the same space so they'd be working totally independant, as would their respective modifiers.

 

[Kris]

Then they are an excellent buy. They are well known for being very, very consistent in colour and power output, just as good as the more expensive units that I have.

I would be tempted to spend the extra 50 notes or so and get the twin 400s in case I ever need it. I know you want low power, but the DLites do go very low (check out the spec) and if not enough you can always place a 1, 2, 3 or 4 stop gel very easily inside each softbox to bring it even lower.

 

[HoppyUK]

I bought one of the first D-Lite sets when they first came out, and 200ws was the only option. I have never wanted for power and they do actually turn down a stop lower than the 400 version, and that has been handy once or twice when the lights are close, f/number low etc.

I just don't want or need much power when my default ISO is 800 these days, and I don't think twice about 1600 if needs be. Power depends heavily on what you shoot and how you like to work - close range stuff, home portraits etc, f/5.6-ish - you just don't want it. On the other hand, large interiors at f/16 is totally different and you need every joule you can muster. I guess most pros need to be covered for both.

Excellent lights, fine power control, total reliability. V small and light which is a bonus.
A few peeps on here use them. I know of one pro that humps them around all over the place, and recommends them.

 

[specialman]

Have put the 400s down in the budget, with an additional head earmarked for later in the year. Look like a solid piece of kit that'll suit what i need