Which twin head kit ?

[Snapper10]

I'm looking at getting my first studio flash kit to do some portrait stuff. Got plenty of space to work in so no problem there. I've narrowed it down to two brands (unless I'm told different !) and been looking at either the twin Elinchrom RX D lite kit (400/400) or Bowens Gemini 400/400. On the face of it, I rather fancy the looks of the D lites with it's Skyport system and softboxes.

BTW my camera is an EOS 7D, is there anything I should be aware of before diving in ?

Thanks in advance.

Elinchrom RX kit

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-elinchrom-400-400-d-lite-4-rx-softbox/p1533305

Bowens kit

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-bowens-gemini-400-400-2-head-studio-kit/p1029932

 

[London Headshots]

It's personal preference really.. I hate the Elinchrom mount, and while I use their softboxes on my Profoto lights, I can't stand how expensive they are. If you go Bowens, you'll have access to a much wider range of modifiers from cheaper manufacturers.

Things like Beauty dishes, reflectors, grids, etc are all the same, and they can be very expensive if you go with Elinchrom.

 

[HoppyUK]

It's personal preference really.. I hate the Elinchrom mount, and while I use their softboxes on my Profoto lights, I can't stand how expensive they are. If you go Bowens, you'll have access to a much wider range of modifiers from cheaper manufacturers.

Things like Beauty dishes, reflectors, grids, etc are all the same, and they can be very expensive if you go with Elinchrom.

Yes, a lot of it is personal preference. And just to prove it, I prefer the Elinchrom mount to Bowens S-type.

Either way, don't choose on the basis of what modifiers are available in which mounts - there are plenty for both. I have a couple of Lencarta Profold softboxes that are very nice indeed (just push up like an umbrella) and are very good value. Most of those come with an interchangeable mount in a variety of fittings. Ditto Bessel.

Edit: Elinchrom Skyport is excellent. Also note the D-Lites are smaller and much lighter than Bowens. Otherwise, pretty much six of one, half dozen of the other. If you have a bit more cash, Profoto is a cut above.

 

[Snapper10]

Thanks for your time replying guys.

Decided to go for Bowens along with wireless triggers. Only downside is the kit comes with brollies. However once I've got to grips with using the basics I'll get myself a softbox or two.

 

[Garry Edwards]

Brollies are often included in kits because they're cheap, but there's nothing wrong with them, they are extremely useful tools although, like all other tools, they can't do everything equally well.

If/when you do end up with a softbox, the brollies won't be wasted.

 

[Daryl]

Both are great. Bowens is more robust being metal cased. Both very good sets...

Bowens can and do take almost any punishment you throw at them.

In 15 years of using Bowens only ever changed 2 flash tubes. There are the Land rover of the light world.

you can get all the extras from Lencarta at half the price of the original item.