I've had enough. Suggestions please.

SealBeard

SealBeard

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Rob
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Well nearly 3 months down the line, my studio is still not available to me due to house renovations, its probably going to be another few months before I have access. My kits stuck in boxes and I cant do anything... it driving me mad not being able to get anything done.

So - I'm going to invest in some portable battery powered lighting of the studio/type/style.

I'm not sure what would be best to go for really - I'm very unfamiliar with Bowens & Elinchrom gear, I have experience with the Lencarta stuff, but not the Safari.

I'll start out with one head I think, and work up from there, I have plenty of S-fit mods available to me which would be useful to make use of (since I know elinhrom tend to be pricey on mods)

What I'm looking for:

Ability to overpower the midday sun.
Ability to change power output in steps, much like a studio flash.
Fairly constant output/colour temp.
Fairly portable for location work.

I think that's about it... nice quick flash duration would be nice but not a priority.

Anyone able to make any suggestions? - budget's anything up to around 1k,, maybe more for the perfect thing :p
 
If you have Bowens S-fit modifyers available go for the Lencarta, I have used one, solidly made as I am sure you are aware. Elinchrom Ranger Quadra has a tiny head and small and light like the Lencarta Safari, but modfyers cost a small fortune..

In my mind you are best off with the Safari, you could add a ring flash too if you fancied one..
Not sure if it would over power the midday sun, in the afternoon yes I think it would. I would think from what I have seen you would need atleast 1200Ws for that.
Lencarta also do a nice bag for it that will also hold two heads....
 
Rough Edges said:
If you have Bowens S-fit modifyers available go for the Lencarta, I have used one, solidly made as I am sure you are aware. Elinchrom Ranger Quadra has a tiny head and small and light like the Lencarta Safari, but modfyers cost a small fortune..

In my mind you are best off with the Safari, you could add a ring flash too if you fancied one..
Not sure if it would over power the midday sun, in the afternoon yes I think it would. I would think from what I have seen you would need atleast 1200Ws for that.
Lencarta also do a nice bag for it that will also hold two heads....
Click to expand...

Sound advice, and I can't help but agree with your logic. One question, is the power adjustable on the safari? or will I need to juggle with distances etc? I've almost been sold on the Safari a few times now, I just wondered what else is available before I take the plunge :)
 
Ah ignore the question above - a little reading up answered my question :bonk:
 
Yes it can be adjusted across four stops. A knob style rather than electronic buttons of the Quadra.

A PDF is at the bottom of this page and it will give you all you need to know..

http://www.lencarta.com/safari-portable-flash/fla003-safari-600ws-battery-generator/index.php

just charge the battery properly though, it needs to be left on after it has signalled full charge to get a maximum trickle.. Probably 10 -15 hours for the first full charges.. ie fill>Empty(completley) Fill>Empty>Fill
takes 3 cycles to really get the best from the battery so I have been told so far, this rings true with all batteries of this type...

The power is split50/50 if two heads or one, head and one ringflash are conected.
 
Rough Edges said:
LOL... You posted while I was typing it... :lol:
Click to expand...

lol, sorry about that - for some reason I had it stuck in my head you could not, dont ask me why, did a little googleing to check. A case of fingers moving on keyboard without engaging my brain. Thanks for taking the time to reply though :)
 
Rob_Ashton said:
One question, is the power adjustable on the safari?
Click to expand...
I realise you've already answered your own question, but be clear that when you adjust the power it will adjust the power of both lights (if you're using 2), which is a bit of a pain.
 
Triggaaar said:
I realise you've already answered your own question, but be clear that when you adjust the power it will adjust the power of both lights (if you're using 2), which is a bit of a pain.
Click to expand...

Yea I thought as much, maybe that's what I picked up on last time that put me off - I forget now...

Not sure I would be using two heads, so it may not be to much of an issue - but good to have in the back of my mind :)
 
If you can shoot at 1/250th
And use an efficient reflector (say the standard reflector, 65 deg, high intensity or a silver beauty dish) but not a softbox
And have it reasonably close to the subject, you won't have any problems overpowering the sun. See this article by Marc Gouguenheim and this one by Matt Small. You can get much more extreme results at closer lighting distances, but they should give you an idea.
 
Garry, sorry I didn't quite have my brain in gear when I posted and was thinking of images in Zack Arias' and turning day into night type pics...DOH!

Always happy to reply and help if I can.. It is a superb product that is well made but light and small too.
 
Garry Edwards said:
If you can shoot at 1/250th
And use an efficient reflector (say the standard reflector, 65 deg, high intensity or a silver beauty dish) but not a softbox
And have it reasonably close to the subject, you won't have any problems overpowering the sun. See this article by Marc Gouguenheim and this one by Matt Small. You can get much more extreme results at closer lighting distances, but they should give you an idea.
Click to expand...

Thanks Garry, I can push 1/200th but not 1/250th - can't be to much in it right?
 
Rough Edges said:
Garry, would there be any gain in using the high intensity reflector in the situation Rob has described?
Click to expand...
Yes, if you're looking for a hard light and only need to light a relatively small area.
It produces 2.5 stops more light than the standard reflector, so 600 Ws effectively becomes 3,600Ws
 
Well just ordered myself a safari head and a ring flash kit - looking forward to seeing how it works out :)
 
Garry Edwards said:
Yes, if you're looking for a hard light and only need to light a relatively small area.
It produces 2.5 stops more light than the standard reflector, so 600 Ws effectively becomes 3,600Ws
Click to expand...

That is an impressive step up, Food for thought there Rob...


Glad you ordered one, I look forward to seeing what you do with it..
 
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