I'm getting a ranger rx kit for work and am looking into getting a set of grids for use with the reflector. Elinchrom has a set of grids (8, 12, 20, 30 deg) with either a 7" or 8.25" reflector. I honestly don't know which would be better/more flexible. I would like to be able to spot on one or two people, but haven't used these grids before and don't have a place to try them out.
Another question about reflectors: Is there a recommended size reflector for use with umbrellas? Elinchrom markets a reflector specifically for umbrella use, so I'm just wondering what you all use.
Get the 7" grid reflector, then save some money and buy a set of 7" grids by Speedotron. Irrespective of their lighting brand, most pros I know use the Speedo grids; not because they're better, but because a grid is a grid, so no need to spend more.
IIRC the 8.25" is the standard reflector. You have two sets of grids available for it. One with 2 grids: 20 and 30 degrees, and one with 4 grids: 8, 12, 20 and 30 degrees. There is also a Barndoor set (professional) available for it - which also can hold gels.
The 7" reflector is designed to be a bit smaller for on the road usage. You only have one grid set for it: 12, 20 and 30 degrees. There is also a seperate gel holder available for it.
Elinchrom also makes a smaller 65 degree reflector especially for usage with umbrellas (26140).
I use the 8.25" standard reflector + 8 / 12 degree grids the most. I didn't bother to get the grids for the 7" reflector.
"Elinchrom also makes a smaller 65 degree reflector especially for usage with umbrellas (26140)."
The "umbrella" reflector is actually 90 degrees. I like both the 18CM and 21CM reflector but the 21 offers more options, but its also harder to store and travel with. I mainly use the 18 with a 20 degree grid for a hair light.
Gregg Heckler wrote:
"Elinchrom also makes a smaller 65 degree reflector especially for usage with umbrellas (26140)."
The "umbrella" reflector is actually 90 degrees. I like both the 18CM and 21CM reflector but the 21 offers more options, but its also harder to store and travel with. I mainly use the 18 with a 20 degree grid for a hair light.
CGP4 wrote:
Get the 7" grid reflector, then save some money and buy a set of 7" grids by Speedotron. Irrespective of their lighting brand, most pros I know use the Speedo grids; not because they're better, but because a grid is a grid, so no need to spend more.
Agreed: I use the Speedo grids with my older Profoto 7" grid reflectors and my newer Hensel standard 7" reflector. The 4-grid set (10, 20, 30, 40-degree) was under $100.
Thanks for all the advice. Here is what I am hearing up to this point:
1. Speedotron 7" grids will work fit and stay on the Elinchrom 7" reflector. Saves me about $40 according to B&H.
2. The 7" reflector is smaller, thus easier to handle and travel with, which, along with compatibility with Speedo grids, is a plus.
3. The 8.25" reflector is the standard size, so it has more accessories (gel holder, barn doors, etc.) that will fit with it.
My questions:
1. The 8.25" reflector has a 10 degree narrower spread than the 7" reflector. Will this make that much of a difference?
2. Does the umbrella reflector basically ensure that all the light will go through the umbrella with concentrating it on the center part of it? Would it make a difference if I was using the Varistar umbrella softbox?
gillyohan wrote:
3. The 8.25" reflector is the standard size, so it has more accessories (gel holder, barn doors, etc.) that will fit with it.
While the 8.25" might be Elinchrom's "standard," there's really no such thing when it comes to lighting. In the U.S. market, there are plenty of options for 7" reflectors. As with grids, you can get gel holders, barn doors, snoots and the like from Speedo, Dyna-Lite, Lowel, Delta and others that will work with the 7" reflector.
Once you're using grids and and accessories like barndoors/snoots/etc., the reflector geometry is less relevant as you're already altering the spread.
gillyohan wrote:
2. Does the umbrella reflector basically ensure that all the light will go through the umbrella with concentrating it on the center part of it?
I can't speak to Elinchrom's specifically, but in general umbrella reflectors are just spill-killers...they make sure you aren't spraying light sideways past the umbrella's surface, losing light efficiency to wastage. If by "concentrate" you mean "focus", then no, they just keep all your output going more forward than you'd see without a reflector at all.
Some heads can't take an umbrella with standard reflectors as the reflector can obstruct the shaft receptacle - not sure if that's the case with Elinchrom the way it is with my Hensel stuff.
That is one of the cool Elinchrom selling features, the center umbrella shaft hole. You can use any reflector with an umbrella. I find the umbrella reflector does work best with umbrellas and it works nicely using just the Elinchrom translucent Deflector if you just want some diffusion.
Gregg Heckler wrote:
That is one of the cool Elinchrom selling features, the center umbrella shaft hole. You can use any reflector with an umbrella.
Profoto as well: the receptacle sits just below the bulb cover but inside of the reflector/modifier mount...it means you can actually still focus the light with a Zoom reflector while using an umbrella. Such a smart system that you wonder why more people don't implement it.
