I already have and use Elinchrom RX and D-Lite monoblocs in the studio, but lately have need for more power outdoors (than my speedlites). One of my options (and the cheaper one at that ) is to just buy a Tronix Explorer XT power pack and use that when mains power is not available. Not as elegant as the purpose-built Ranger, but this solution would have some advantages:

1) Cheaper than a Ranger kit;
2) Backup strobes already available (have four monoblocs right now);
3) Tronix battery pack can be used with other things, such as laptop, etc.
4) Could buy FOUR Tronix battery packs to power each of my lights separately, and still not spend as much money as I would on the Ranger kit. (But I wouldn't want to carry them all! )

But... the more elegant solution would be the Ranger AS Speed kit! Asymmetric power, up to 1100Ws of power (I was thinking of getting an RX1200 monobloc, the Ranger would negate that need), more rugged and weatherproof than lugging the RX strobes around with a battery pack, etc. The disadvantages of the Ranger solution are that it is more expensive, and that I would have to get a second flash head (for backup if nothing else), making it even more expensive! But... that could be postponed for a while, and if the unthinkable happened and I needed backup, I could always go back to my speedlites in a pinch (and work around the power issues). The advantages of the Ranger kit are as follows:

1) Tough and weatherproof;
2) Accepts all my Elinchrom accessories;
3) Versatile: 5.7Ws to 1100Ws of power;
4) One Ranger pack will power two heads reliably (not always the case with the Tronix);
5) I wouldn't need to buy a separate RX1200 head (an RX1200 plus one Tronix pack are still cheaper than the Ranger kit, but not by much!)

Your thoughts?

My thoughts are that if you're not in a hurry you should wait until the Elinchrom Quanta pack is available. Cheaper, lighter than the Ranger AS (which IS very elegant but for me a lighter setup would be great)
-Anna

Rudi,

It would seem you've thought through the Ranger comprehensibly. I don't have much to add.

One thing though. Why RX1200? Have you seen or used one?

That unit is one a BEAST of a light! IMO the Ranger would be much easier to handle all the way around, even if the Tronix could keep up with the RX1200 (which I rather doubt). You better be packing big sand bags and pray you don't have any wind with 8-10 lbs swaying 8' up in the breeze. Personally the only place I would use a monolight that large, as good as it is, would be in a static install like an arena or at a sporting event.

For wedding photography, Annayu makes a good point.

But hey, different strokes for different folks as they say.

Good luck.

Carmen Miranda wrote:
One thing though. Why RX1200? Have you seen or used one?


Not the new RX series, no, but I know the older models were quite large, too. Honestly, the RX1200 is to get the extra stop over the RX600, and since I will mostly need that outdoors, the Ranger seems to make more sense in the long run. No free lunch and all that...

Well, it looks like it will be the Ranger RX Speed AS kit for me, with the Ranger A head, extra battery, hard case and Varistar kit...

annayu wrote:
My thoughts are that if you're not in a hurry you should wait until the Elinchrom Quanta pack is available. Cheaper, lighter than the Ranger AS (which IS very elegant but for me a lighter setup would be great)
-Anna

+1.

If you don't need them now, just wait, new stuff is already announced and coming.

The Quanta does not have enough power. I like the idea, but I need access to more power, more often than not.

rudiphoto wrote:
The Quanta does not have enough power. I like the idea, but I need access to more power, more often than not.

Then I think you are correct in choosing the ranger. I love mine. I enjoy the AS when I want to get as low power as possible for shooting at wider apertures (it doubles as my indoor pack as well), and of course the full power 1100ws is great for overpowering ambient light.

Don't forget to get the skyports if you don't already have a set, they are a wonderful addition. You'll also need the skyport adapter for the Ranger to prevent damage.

Carmen is the go-to-guy (gal?) , but I'll try to answer any other questions as best I can if you have any more.

Cheers,
Thomas

Thomas,

Which version of the Ranger do you have? Do you use it in conjunction with monoblocs inside the studio, or just by itself??

rudiphoto,

I have the Ranger Speed AS, and I use it alone. On location I'm fine with one light + reflectors/scrims, but in the studio I'll be adding two lights soon, not sure on monobloc or a pack/head setup.

I have a couple of EL RX600's for the studio (as well as a couple of D-Lite4's) and love using them even on location, as long as I have access to mains power. If all you want is in-studio lighting, monoblocs might be the better option (the RX strobes are great with the Skyport RX ).

I'll be able to choose when more information comes out on the BX500Ri's come out, they look like a perfect solution, just need to see the price point

Unfortunately, from what I've seen of the pricing in Europe, they seem to be quite close to the RX strobes/kits...

Ouch.

Well, DLite's hooray. Haha.

Cheers,
Thomas

Thank you everyone, for all your help with this. I picked up my Ranger kit a couple of days ago. Very impressed! While testing it out, I thought I'd have some fun and do some "product shots"