SmartFlash vs ElitePro

AndyBakerUK

Suspended / Banned
Messages
850
Name
Andy
Edit My Images
Yes
Now getting to the point where I feel some studio flashes would be beneficial over just my speedlites and it's impossible not to consider Lencarta with all the positive recommendations here.*

Question is why the ElitePros over the SmartFlashes? I'm aware of the technical and functional differences but has anyone got real world experience of both and able to advise on situations were the SmartFlashes didn't delivery but the Elites could?

Many thanks
Andy
 
Comparing the EP300 to the SF200, there is only 50% more power (half a stop or 0.5EV). However, the extra cost is evident with the additional controls and features, such as proportional modelling lights (representing the power output of the flash setting etc), the audible beep can be turned off, the modelling lamp can be set to turn off during recycling (providing a silent "ready" confirmation), EP300 goes down to 1/32nd sec (SF200 goes down to 1/16th), EP300 tilt can be adjusted single handedly, and finally, the modifier mount on the EP300 is metal, whereas it's ABS (plastic) on the SF200.
Downside? EP300 costs £60 more per unit.
The SF200 will take pretty much any "S" fit accessory going, except the Fresnel spot. Having said that, I have found the Calumet speedring to be far too tight on the SF200, and I haven't been able to fit the Calumet Nova range of boxes (or any other Calumet box that utilises their speedrings for that matter) to an SF200 head. They attach to the EP300 without any problem.

Basically, it depends on whether you believe you need the additional features and benefits of the EP300, and if those features are worth the additional cost?

The SF200 are excellent heads, and I only took possession of them a few months ago to do a comparison between studio and home environment portraiture. I was very impressed with them to be honest, and whilst I expected to stick with my EP600 and EP300 heads generally, I find I use the SF200 heads an awful lot for hair lights or spotting etc.
Oddly enough, the SF200 heads seem to get used a great deal within my product studio, as you tend not to need a vast amount of power due to the working distances involved.

Can't say you'll be disappointed in either head, to be honest.

As for situations where the SF failed to deliver, it's only happened where I needed more output, and in those circumstances I switched to the EP600 heads.
 
Last edited:
...the modelling lamp can be set to turn off during recycling (providing a silent "ready" confirmation)

Great point, and this can be very valuable when mixing ambient and/or continuous lighting when you're looking to achieve certain background effects :cool:
 
I have the 200's need 2 more but will get the ep300's next time, really wish the 200's had the adjustable modeling lamp they are far to bright and get really hot if left on
 
I have the 200's need 2 more but will get the ep300's next time, really wish the 200's had the adjustable modeling lamp they are far to bright and get really hot if left on
They can be left switched on though, as long as you haven't got honeycombs fitted. They had my usual test, with the modelling lamp left switched on and the flash fired automatically every 5 seconds for 72 hours.
 
oh defo i have no worries with them over heating at all, it just gets a bit hot if i have someone standing in front of them
 
Okay decision made to opt for the ElitePros, now the decision on what softboxes! :p

That depends on whether you are using the heads in the same place, such as a studio, or whether you will be moving them from location to location.
If the former, then standard type softboxes will be fine, and a really useful size is something like a 70x100cm or 70x140cm box. A 120cm Octa is a worthwhile investment if you prefer the round catchlights in your model's eyes, whereas the rectangular softboxes can emulate window light etc.
If you are moving equipment from one place to another on a regular basis, you would be better investing in folding softboxes. The Lencarta range are "Profold", and work in a similar fashion to an umbrella. They are operational in seconds, and are dismantled in a similar time too. Non folding softboxes can of course be used, but take time to construct and collapse, and are at risk from damage during this procedure if done on a daily basis.

A good starting point is a softbox and an umbrella.
 
I have the 200's need 2 more but will get the ep300's next time, really wish the 200's had the adjustable modeling lamp they are far to bright and get really hot if left on

ElitePro's modelling lamp is adjustable, but nowhere near proportional. It only reduces by one stop from max, compared to the flash's five stops range! Great value though.
 
I would be moving/transporting the equipment a fair amount so the profold sounds the way to go. I already have a few umbrellas so would the following pair of soft boxes be recommended?

85cm Profold Folding Octa Softbox
60x90cm Profold Folding Softbox

Looking to cater for head portraits, full length, and possibly very small groups.

Another question, are there any brackets available that would allow the soft boxes to be stand mounted without the flash units? I'm thinking it would be very handy if I could also use them with existing speedlites whilst out and about?

Thanks.
 
I would be moving/transporting the equipment a fair amount so the profold sounds the way to go. I already have a few umbrellas so would the following pair of soft boxes be recommended?

85cm Profold Folding Octa Softbox
60x90cm Profold Folding Softbox

Looking to cater for head portraits, full length, and possibly very small groups.

Another question, are there any brackets available that would allow the soft boxes to be stand mounted without the flash units? I'm thinking it would be very handy if I could also use them with existing speedlites whilst out and about?

Thanks.
Yes, either this for one flashgun or this for 2 or 3 together
 
If Garry Edwards says he has done a test then he has DONE A TEST, looking on this forum i would like to point out something, i dont think anyone has proved Garry wrong in anything yet ?. i to am looking at the sf200 x2 but then deciding on the ep300 ? home portraits of my kids at home, so do i really need ep300 in a stanard living room space ?
 
If Garry Edwards says he has done a test then he has DONE A TEST, looking on this forum i would like to point out something, i dont think anyone has proved Garry wrong in anything yet ?. i to am looking at the sf200 x2 but then deciding on the ep300 ? home portraits of my kids at home, so do i really need ep300 in a stanard living room space ?

You've got that very wrong - ask my other half, she will tell you that I'm always wrong:)

No, you don't need an EP300 - it's really a question of whether the extra price is worth it to you, for the extra features
 
I now use lencarta exclusively :)
Smart flash, beauty dish, stands, softbox.....

Ok I do stool have other lights and modifiers but I find i'm tending not to use them.
The lencarta gear just works and is consistent.

Great value for money and well made.

The EP is next on the list.

If your bored, every shot now on my Flickr was taken with lencarta lights.... And that's just the smart flash

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stratography/

Not saying the pix are any good lol, but interesting that I converted so quickly :)
 
I now use lencarta exclusively :)
Smart flash, beauty dish, stands, softbox.....

Ok I do stool have other lights and modifiers but I find i'm tending not to use them.
The lencarta gear just works and is consistent.

Great value for money and well made.

The EP is next on the list.

If your bored, every shot now on my Flickr was taken with lencarta lights.... And that's just the smart flash

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stratography/

Not saying the pix are any good lol, but interesting that I converted so quickly :)

It's good to see your work! Since you have Flickr, why not join the (unofficial) Lencarta flickr group. :)

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1833706@N24
 
just seen your pics, the sf200 looks ok too me mate. nice model too. think i will take Garrys advice from post above, get the sf200 :)
 
Back
Top