So I have 3 AB800 and 1 AB1600, but I am looking at replacing 2 AB800 with a Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads. So I have a question for those who went from AB/WL to Elinchrom Ranger Quadra.
Why did you change? What were the biggest different you saw when you changed? Is it worth the upgrade?
Since you are looking at Quadra (and not the bigger Ranger for instance) I'm assuming you want ultra lightweight system for shooting on location?
If so, Quadra is a much better choice than Einstein + VML (or any other monoloight + battery pack).
Monolights coupled with battery pack (VML, Batpac, Little Genny, etc) is going to be way more bulky than Quadra. Moreover, monolight is top heavy when mounted on lightstand or light pole, Quadra head is super tiny/light.
Only you can answer if moving to Quadra makes sense.
What are your objectives? Why are you considering the switch?
Give more input, otherwise you're just gonna get confusing answers. Everybody has a different workflow. What works for one, doesn't necessary have to work for another.
Marcin Harla wrote:
Since you are looking at Quadra (and not the bigger Ranger for instance) I'm assuming you want ultra lightweight system for shooting on location?
If so, Quadra is a much better choice than Einstein + VML (or any other monoloight + battery pack).
Monolights coupled with battery pack (VML, Batpac, Little Genny, etc) is going to be way more bulky than Quadra. Moreover, monolight is top heavy when mounted on lightstand or light pole, Quadra head is super tiny/light.
Only you can answer if moving to Quadra makes sense.
What are your objectives? Why are you considering the switch?
Give more input, otherwise you're just gonna get confusing answers. Everybody has a different workflow. What works for one, doesn't necessary have to work for another....Show more →
I agree here - it really depends on what you are looking for. I use both Einsteins and Quadras. I use the quadras for my senior shoots. I made 2 pistol grips that my quadra heads w/ 27" soft boxes attach to so my assistants each have one head and one battery pack. They appreciate this setup after years of the AB800 with vagabond. There is no weight at the head so carrying is a breeze. Eli could benefit from moving to a Lithium battery pack and becoming the lightest thing around.
Using my Einsteins on location means light stands and sand bags - both not as mobile and always worried about wind. I do take them on location for indoor large groups mainly due to the large modifiers I have available for them and I have 5 of them as opposed to 3 Eli's.
A third option for you if you want mobility is the ABR800 with the 30" moon unit and Paul's lithium pack. I used to use the ABR mounted on a monopod but I was still carrying a vagabond which was heavy. This did a great job for a single light source on a walk around session - need an assistant (or parent if doing seniors) - otherwise back to the light stand and sandbags. my 2c
CreV wrote:
By counting up VML and Einstein you will end up having a 3.5kg package to carry. I call that ultra lightweight, 640ws of power and 450 pops.
If I recall quadra weights 0.5kg less? You loose the ability to plug it into mains.
Of that 3.5kg around 2kg is for the monolight itself. That is heavy if you extend the lightstand or have it on a light pole
Notice I said monolight is more bulky (awkward to handle) than tiny Quadra head.
One of the reasons I don't like monolightsis that they are top heavy. It may not be a huge deal in the studio, but it's a problem when shooting fast pace on location.
I just purchased the Quadra, 2 head pro set. Had 2 Einsteins and 2 mini vagas and a slew of PB stuff that I am going to place up for sale. I am Going with the Ranger pro set instead of the pcb stuff.
I owned a Quadra (and every other battery pack/head system that has been made), and the Einstein+VML is far more portable, and offer a lot more utility than the other kits.
p.1 #10 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
The Quadra is an outstanding system and would be a very good choice for location work. The E640 and VML would also be a good choice. It boils down to "how do you plan to use the lights". If you plan to use booms stands, the Quadra weight advantage helps but is not the only consideration. The main reasons I use studio lights on location are power and modifiers. When you use large modifiers outside, the bulk and wind characteristics of the modifier are much more of a problem than the monobloc's weight, unless you are using a WL3200 . The larger modifiers also require more power from the light system.
I use the E640 because I need the same light for multiple tasks, both indoors and out. I also use the VML outdoors or when power is not close by and the light has the power to fight the sun with modifiers attached. My wife is able to control the E640 and VML combination with 64" umbrellas and a medium to large softbox on a stick without any problems as long as the wind will cooperate.
I believe a wind that would tip over an E640 plus modifier would also tip over a Quadra with the same modifier. For me, the weight issue applies mostly to booms where the weight is being suspended and must be counter balanced.
p.1 #11 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
Marcin Harla wrote:
Of that 3.5kg around 2kg is for the monolight itself. That is heavy if you extend the lightstand or have it on a light pole
Notice I said monolight is more bulky (awkward to handle) than tiny Quadra head.
One of the reasons I don't like monolightsis that they are top heavy. It may not be a huge deal in the studio, but it's a problem when shooting fast pace on location.
Horses for courses.
If you have a longer pole so that one end stays on the ground then weight is less of an issue. I haven't used Einstein (sold mine) but use AB800 with VML and it is super light setup in my view. I was using two speedlites with kacey's bracket and that setup was more cumbersome IMHo when using two pixel packs and two flashes not to mention two flexTT5s.
p.1 #12 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
mill4570 wrote:
The larger modifiers also require more power from the light system.
Richard K.
Why is that? I have only tried 5' octa as my max size and don't understand why bigger size requires more power. Now if you mean bigger size further from subject and that in turn requiring more power I understand.
p.1 #13 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
bobbyz wrote:
Why is that? I have only tried 5' octa as my max size and don't understand why bigger size requires more power. Now if you mean bigger size further from subject and that in turn requiring more power I understand.
It's a generalization, but for two softboxes of different size but same design, you will typically get less light at the center from the large one. The large one is spreading the light more, which gives you softness and wrap, but also spreads out the power.
p.1 #14 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
brett maxwell wrote:
It's a generalization, but for two softboxes of different size but same design, you will typically get less light at the center from the large one. The large one is spreading the light more, which gives you softness and wrap, but also spreads out the power.
Thanks Brett....
Sorry Bobby, I probably should have left that out of my post without a better explanation.
As for as the light stick, I was referring to one that rest on the ground. I use an extending paint roller pole with a Kacey adapter.
p.1 #15 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
brett maxwell wrote:
It's a generalization, but for two softboxes of different size but same design, you will typically get less light at the center from the large one. The large one is spreading the light more, which gives you softness and wrap, but also spreads out the power.
Why less light at the center. Flash tube is putting light everywhere. I have taken meaurements from center to edge of various modifiers and any well design one will give you very uniform exposure at various points od the front diffusion panel. Also size doesn't make any difference at all. measure power using 16" vs 60" modifier you get same power at given distance from fornt diffuser, using same power strobe.
p.1 #16 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
mill4570 wrote:
As for as the light stick, I was referring to one that rest on the ground. I use an extending paint roller pole with a Kacey adapter.
I hope I have not confused the OP.
That is what I use and have no problems with AB and VML. Long pole like your means one end is on the ground so weight is not an issue. It was an issue for my wife when using smaller pole where she had to have end of the pole on her waist level.
p.1 #17 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
bobbyz wrote:
Why less light at the center. Flash tube is putting light everywhere. I have taken meaurements from center to edge of various modifiers and any well design one will give you very uniform exposure at various points od the front diffusion panel. Also size doesn't make any difference at all. measure power using 16" vs 60" modifier you get same power at given distance from fornt diffuser, using same power strobe.
Bobby,
As I said, I probably should have left that out of my post. The generalization is based on how I most often use modifiers. If I am shooting a tight head and shoulders shot, I usually use a small (2'x2') softbox very close (2 ft or less) to the subject. A speedlight works well in this situation. To get a similar quality light for a full length shot and keep the modifier out of the frame, I switch to a much lager box, that in some cases might be 8 to 10 feet or more from the subject. So you are correct in saying the light to subject distance is the primary reason for the increase in power. When I think of modifiers I think "small = low power, big = more power". Of course you can use a 5 ft octa 6" from the subject, it just probably wouldn't be my first choice.
p.1 #18 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
bobbyz wrote:
That is what I use and have no problems with AB and VML. Long pole like your means one end is on the ground so weight is not an issue. It was an issue for my wife when using smaller pole where she had to have end of the pole on her waist level.
Absolutely.....and my wife also bitc.......uh...complained about the Vag II weight. She is much happier with the VML.
My point was, large modifiers in a breeze can be a much bigger problem than a little extra weight.
p.1 #19 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
bobbyz wrote:
Also size doesn't make any difference at all. measure power using 16" vs 60" modifier you get same power at given distance from fornt diffuser, using same power strobe.
You don't get the same power at a given distances at all.
It all depends on your softbox, some are efficient, some are not. With the same flash head and 100x80, 130x100, 100x80, 160x125 softboxes I get a variation of a whole stop between them at the same distances. Even the two 100x80 boxes are 0.6 stops apart. Environment affects results significantly too.
p.1 #20 · AB800 vs Elinchrom Ranger Quadra A heads
Spencer; you wrote glowing reviews of your experience with the Quadra; why the change? How are the monos more portable and are they not more top heavy than any pack and head system? Just curious.
