Lencarta Safari & Elinchrom Quadra Q's

P

prince

Suspended / Banned
Messages
105
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi,

Ive seen the Lencarta Safari and the Elinchrom Quadra portable lighting solutions and was wondering...

If i had this setup permanently in a studio with the added benefit of doing shoots on location would it burn the battery out by keeping it connected all the time?

Also would the heads just be as good as a mains powered?

Matt
 
Not sure about the Elinchrom Quadras but the main downside with the Lencarta Safaris is that they are not individually variable as the power is set from the battery generator pack, this is not a problem if you have lots of room and an extension lead for a head, but if you are in a confined space it could make life difficult.

If you are planning on doing mainly studio stuff with just the odd location shoot you may be better with a set of Dual Power Heads such as the Bowens Geminis or the Quantuum R+ Dual Power heads.

I have a Quantuum R+ Dual Power 300w/s and also a 600w/s and have been very impressed with the quality of both the items and light output, and do not mention the price which was fantastic! They are both variable to 1/32 and are supposed to be colour consistent through the range (but I haven't tested this yet), but at around £500 for the pair delivered (with two batteries, all leads and standard reflectors) I am well impressed they are also S-fit so modifiers are abundant and cheapish!
 
Last edited:
IMO the main drawback of any battery powered studio lighting is the lack of effective modelling lamps, because none of the systems can have powerful modelling lamps.

The equal power distribution of the Lencarta Safari doesn't matter unless both heads are fitted with identical light modifiers at identical distances - and even then, neutral density gels take care of that problem nicely.

As with everything else, the solution depends on the problem - if most of your shooting has to be done where there is no mains power then the ideal solution is the Safari or similar, but if mains power is available for most of your shooting then mains powered lighting is the better choice
 
There are some AC/DC flashes that can run off either:

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/CF0507/

Only 300watt/sec, but I can vouch for it, it's a cracking little unit.

Those quantum also look like an excellent ac/dc option. Far better than constantly charging a battery all day long.
 
I have just bought that setup and I am a studio novice. I thought that that would be a problem too being used to adjusting each light separately. I have not found it too big a problem though. The Lencarta having Bowens S fit means that you could get one of their other lights to make up a 3 set with 2 available power settings then (and increased battery life).

A second battery is not that expensive but at the moment they do not offer the charger and adapter box as a separate option! You could charge one whilst using the other or make sure that you switch from ON to CHARGE whenever you are not shooting.
 
Kris said:
There are some AC/DC flashes that can run off either:

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/item/CF0507/

Only 300watt/sec, but I can vouch for it, it's a cracking little unit.

Those quantum also look like an excellent ac/dc option. Far better than constantly charging a battery all day long.
Click to expand...

I would like to see Lencarta introduce a mains adapter for their lights :)
 
I suspect they are truly 12v only.

Elinchrom don't with their Quadra.

Location shooting is the most important to me (wedding clients dont come to me), hence my quadra. But if I was starting out now, Id be very tempted by the newer Bowens, all being ac/dc, but they dont offer anything like the Quadra with regards to the tiny size of the thing. A bowens system would be a whole extra bag unfortunately, whereas the quadra fits in my camera bag. Sorry for the ramble...
 
Last edited:
Kris said:
I suspect they are truly 12v only.

Elinchrom don't with their Quadra.
Click to expand...

A mains adapter for the Lencarta Safari lights would not be impossible at all. I doubt it would even be that difficult. I think the biggest problem is space in that box and not wanting to increase the size to kill it's main purpose of being portable. A mains power box would require a large chunk of the components that are already in the battery box so it would probably cost the same! Something the shape of the battery that pushes into the hole and contains 240v to 24v might be a possible solution with an IEC mains socket or figure of eight on top would be ideal.

Garry, maybe an idea to ponder over :)

... and if you make one can I have a discount for the idea :lol:
 
Last edited:
Garry Edwards said:
IMO the main drawback of any battery powered studio lighting is the lack of effective modelling lamps, because none of the systems can have powerful modelling lamps.
Click to expand...

You are right, but the Quadra LEDs modelling lights are surprisingly powerful, easily enough to focus by if you are in dark surroundings, and are daylight balanced for video (and I think my photography is slowly walking down this path).
 
cowasaki said:
I have just bought that setup and I am a studio novice. I thought that that would be a problem too being used to adjusting each light separately. I have not found it too big a problem though. The Lencarta having Bowens S fit means that you could get one of their other lights to make up a 3 set with 2 available power settings then (and increased battery life).

A second battery is not that expensive but at the moment they do not offer the charger and adapter box as a separate option! You could charge one whilst using the other or make sure that you switch from ON to CHARGE whenever you are not shooting.
Click to expand...

So you have abought a 2 head safari package for use in a studio aswell as on location?

How do they differ to normal indoor lighting kits?

Matt
 
I am guessing that a 240V to 12V would not be that difficult though if you were to run the Lencarta Safari or Quadra from the mains for an extended time, you would need to remove the battery as it can end up knackered like a laptop battery, due to lack of conditioning processes.

My laptop battery is shot, due to this!.. lesson learned...
 
Rough Edges said:
I am guessing that a 240V to 12V would not be that difficult though if you were to run the Lencarta Safari or Quadra from the mains for an extended time, you would need to remove the battery as it can end up knackered like a laptop battery, due to lack of conditioning processes.

My laptop battery is shot, due to this!.. lesson learned...
Click to expand...

That is down to poor electronics in the charge circuit on the laptop. The biggest killer of laptop batteries is being allowed to run flat and then being left in that state.
 
With every laptop I have had it talks about the battery conditioning every so often and with this one it got forgotten...

never left if flat, and not running them flat from time to time is just as bad.... But yes better circuits would help prevent this happening....
 
prince said:
Just seen this... http://www.theflashcentre.com/innovatronix-explorer-xt-se-i5955.html

Am i right in thinking that i could take normal lighting kits such as lencarta smartflash and use them with this outdoors and id have the flexibility of adjusting the power just like i could in a studio?

If so then this is a bargain surely?

Matt
Click to expand...

yes, but it's nowhere near as portable a solution, plus it means you've got mains trailing about outside, etcetc... also, it's not a bargain from TFC, buy it direct from the phillipines from tronix :thumbs:
 
itsdavedotnet said:
yes, but it's nowhere near as portable a solution, plus it means you've got mains trailing about outside, etcetc... also, it's not a bargain from TFC, buy it direct from the phillipines from tronix :thumbs:
Click to expand...

I have an XT and whilst it's not as portable as a Quadra, it's certainly a considerably portable option.

XT's also can power much more powerful heads or two (and possibly more) mid range heads (400 to 600ws) for many more pops. So if a compromise on a few extra kilos in weight for much more power and duration is more of a priority, it's a valuable option to consider.

I've had two colleagues buy direct from the Philippines and I wouldn't advise it, if there are any warranty repairs needed you'll be paying a sizeable amount to ship 8 kilo's worth back to them with the insurance on top.

£395 for the new SE XT isn't a bad price at all considering your paperwork is all with the Flash Centre. Germany was a good alternative but expect to pay 470€ for the SE. The Flash Centres price is good.

As for cable safety, there are cables with any head and pack option, be it Profoto, Hensel, Lencarta or Elinchrom, it still needs to be considered.

The plus side to having your standard mains cable as opposed to the type typical to head and pack options, is that extensions won't cost you anywhere near as much.

You do indeed have to buy good quality mains cables but it's nothing in comparison to the price of an Elinchrom Quadra 1 mtr extension for example.
Obscene is an understatement.

To the OP,

A Quadra set for studio work alone would be huge waste of cash IMO.

There's only a few reasons why folk part with the best part of 1.5K for a 400ws system, size/weight of a dinky pack being right at the top of list and output capability and usage duration right at the bottom.

I've used one an awful lot, Quadra has it's uses but it's far too limited for that kind of price tag for me personally and Elinchrom accessory prices I find comical.

Horses for courses of course however and each to their own.

If your going to be predominantly based indoors then AC powered heads are most likely your best bet.

If you do fancy some outdoor excursions, the XT's are a great option for you to take those AC heads with you and provided you respect the maintenance of the SLA battery, you'll get a huge amount of use out of one charge.

With two Elinchrom FX400's heads connected, I lost count after 500+ pops on full power and the battery light remained on green.
 
Last edited:
prince said:
Just seen this... http://www.theflashcentre.com/innovatronix-explorer-xt-se-i5955.html

Am i right in thinking that i could take normal lighting kits such as lencarta smartflash and use them with this outdoors and id have the flexibility of adjusting the power just like i could in a studio?

If so then this is a bargain surely?

Matt
Click to expand...

That seems like a near on perfect solution to me, as you have the best of both worlds indoor and out, with the added option of using your more powerful modelling lamps if you should wish too, i'm sure Alien bees do a battery pack similar to this but you can run more than 2 lights from it.
 
Last edited:
A couple of things to consider here, if you plan on usng something like the smart flash you will be 200 Ws per head, OK in a small studio as most beginers would have.. Not so sure about outdoors.

the there is the extra weight of the heads to carry too.. two different systems might be better as funds allow... Safari would give you 600Ws in a single head or 300 per head..

I know the cost might be an issue, just don't forget about the extra circuits in each of the mains powered heads....
 
EdBray said:
Only if you buy it in the US.

It's a pi55 take, In the US $345 in the UK £395.
Click to expand...

With all due respect mate, comparing US to UK prices is a futile waste of time unless your planning on a visit specifically for your purchase or making a purchase whilst on holiday in the US.

Everything seems cheaper in the US and whilst it maybe justifiable to adopt a bitter attitude about the price differences, it's utterly pointless.

Is £395 taking the mick for a XT SE?

Absolutely not. It's a bargain.

The more pertinent question would be: Where else are you going to get a battery (without building one yourself), that has the same spec as an XT SE, for less than £400 with a warranty and after sales service?
 
Tyke Tiler said:
With all due respect mate, comparing US to UK prices is a futile waste of time
Click to expand...

Totally agree with that concept, you may just as well compare prices in Timbuktu, it isn't going to make one iota of difference, we may be ripped of in the UK for many things but unfortunately that's the nature of the beast, we buy or we don't, our choice :)
 
TG. said:
That seems like a near on perfect solution to me, as you have the best of both worlds indoor and out, with the added option of using your more powerful modelling lamps if you should wish too, i'm sure Alien bees do a battery pack similar to this but you can run more than 2 lights from it.
Click to expand...

Could i not just put a multiplug in and power 2 lights off 1 socket and then 1 light off the other? Yes i would get less shots per charge but would the battery be powerful to fire 3x400w lights?

Matt
 
prince said:
Could i not just put a multiplug in and power 2 lights off 1 socket and then 1 light off the other? Yes i would get less shots per charge but would the battery be powerful to fire 3x400w lights?
Click to expand...

That would seem the obvious thing to do, and i can't see why not, however i'm no electrician and would not want to advise you one way or the other, hopefully someone more qualified will see this and say yay or nay :)
 
One ofther thing I'm not sure has been mentioned is the skyport system is built into the quadras. Thus making changing power from camera position a doddle.

Might sound like a gimmik but when you reqyuire to put your lights up/down to change power a few times you realise the importance of this and the speed you can carry on shooting.

The LED seems pretty reasonable for a modelling light too.
 
The remote power control on my quadra (and other Elinchrom) is essential. It is one of the many reasons why I love and recommend the eli system over all others, and is far more time and energy efficient than any other system without it. I sometimes place lights in difficult to reach locations, I sometimes need to change the power only slightly, I'm far more alert on location without having to walk back and for all the time, I do not need an assistant anywhere near as much, expressions from the clients are far nicer (and boredom threshold far less) when I'm not faffing about with lights that are ten feet or away from them.

Just makes for better pictures and happier photographers all round.

Buy a telly without a remote control? I cant believe people spend so much money on lighting systems without this most basic of feature.

The modelling LED are also very useful for focussing in dark locations, and keeping your bearings about you.

Edit - its high time Yongnuo added the feature to their YN flashes and Rf triggers!
 
Last edited:
Kris said:
The remote power control on my quadra (and other Elinchrom) is essential. It is one of the many reasons why I love and recommend the eli system over all others, and is far more time and energy efficient than any other system without it. I sometimes place lights in difficult to reach locations, I sometimes need to change the power only slightly, I'm far more alert on location without having to walk back and for all the time, I do not need an assistant anywhere near as much, expressions from the clients are far nicer (and boredom threshold far less) when I'm not faffing about with lights that are ten feet or away from them.

Just makes for better pictures and happier photographers all round.

Buy a telly without a remote control? I cant believe people spend so much money on lighting systems without this most basic of feature.

The modelling LED are also very useful for focussing in dark locations, and keeping your bearings about you.

Edit - its high time Yongnuo added the feature to their YN flashes and Rf triggers!
Click to expand...

I just got a 500BX to add to my 400BXs and the skyport power control is really fantastic.

Not sure I'd say it's a basic feature as it's still fairly new and only Elinchrom that I know of use it - But should be a standard feature on all systems.
 
Just another option: Certainly not as "sexy" as quadras but very affordable and reliable so far (use it for about half a year now) - works fine for me

http://www.flickr.com/photos/laternamagica/sets/72157623679557432/

Bought it in the Netherlands for less than 300 Euros (The basic set plus a 400Ws Head with Bowens S-type fit and a "paraplu" reflector.

http://www.fotokonijnenberg.nl/product/1459298/jinbei_fl-500_oplaadbare_flitsset.html

Drawbacks: The 400Ws Freelander 500 is not on stock, only the 250Ws Freelander 300 (or you opt for the more powerful but heavier "RD" Sets (plus RD standard heads, if you need the S-type mount). Shipping to the UK is quite expensive I was told (50 Euros).

Another general remark on portable solutions in a studio: One should keep in mind that the nummber of charging cycles for any battery is limited. Accordingly, aside from the pilot light issue which Garry already mentioned, I would always opt for two systems - a monoblock for inside and a portable solution for outdoors & on location.
 
diogenes said:
Just another option: Certainly not as "sexy" as quadras but very affordable and reliable so far (use it for about half a year now) - works fine for me

http://www.flickr.com/photos/laternamagica/sets/72157623679557432/

Bought it in the Netherlands for less than 300 Euros (The basic set plus a 400Ws Head with Bowens S-type fit and a "paraplu" reflector.

http://www.fotokonijnenberg.nl/product/1459298/jinbei_fl-500_oplaadbare_flitsset.html

Drawbacks: The 400Ws Freelander 500 is not on stock, only the 250Ws Freelander 300 (or you opt for the more powerful but heavier "RD" Sets (plus RD standard heads, if you need the S-type mount). Shipping to the UK is quite expensive I was told (50 Euros).

Another general remark on portable solutions in a studio: One should keep in mind that the nummber of charging cycles for any battery is limited. Accordingly, aside from the pilot light issue which Garry already mentioned, I would always opt for two systems - a monoblock for inside and a portable solution for outdoors & on location.
Click to expand...


dave hobby blogged about this set as being if anything too perfect - you can get sets with 2 heads and batteries for about £400, they weigh nothing and the battery lasts forever, and the colour is good and reliable - BUT (and an utterly massive but) he reported that the flash duration was essentially unacceptable, needing to go down to even 1/60th or so at full power... have you had any thoughts or experiences either way?
 
Last edited:
itsdavedotnet said:
dave hobby blogged about this set as being if anything too perfect - you can get sets with 2 heads and batteries for about £400, they weigh nothing and the battery lasts forever, and the colour is good and reliable - BUT (and an utterly massive but) he reported that the flash duration was essentially unacceptable, needing to go down to even 1/60th or so at full power... have you had any thoughts or experiences either way?
Click to expand...

Would be interesting if you could provide a link to the section of Daves blogg in question.

I can't confirm this observations at all. Just made a quick and dirty indoor test setup using the handheld flashhead of the FL500 (which comes with the set) without any modifiers. At a 2m Distance my flashmeter reads f22 with ISO 100 at 1/1power and 1/250s; at 1/125s (as well as at 1/60s) it reads f22.2. - Did not further investigate which amount of the slightly increased apperture could be attributed to the flash or to an increased contribution of ambient light as a result of the longer exposure time.
 
Last edited:
itsdavedotnet said:
sorry, http://strobist.blogspot.com/2010/04/test-drive-mystery-meat-400ws-chinese.html

was in a rush earlier.

cheers for testing that though, doesn't sound too bad at all... and they /are/ very nice and portable....hrmmm.
Click to expand...

The lights reviewed by David Hobby are not the DC pack-and-head Jinbei FL or RD. They are DC monolights made by a company called CononMark - probably their "DL" series. You can buy them in the UK from Viewfinder Photography as the "Strobeam DL4".

Useful links:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top