Sorry if this has been asked and answered before, but I'm contemplating (read: craving) the purchase of an upgraded flash kit for location work (primarily environmental portraiture and dance). I'm considering the new Elinchrom Quadra ELB 400 with either S or A heads, or the Profoto B2 Air TTL kit. Both have similar starting price tags, though I know that the Profoto kit needs the optional radio trigger, and both require modifiers. I know the Elinchrom kit is more powerful. I'm not considering the B1 due to cost of two heads and weight. But at the end of the day, including build quality, ease of use, reliability, and quality of light, which of these two systems do you guys think is the better choice? If you had both on the shelf and were packing to go, which would you grab first?
I have a Quadra RX with a Lithium battery, not the ELB. I love it and I use the Pocketwizard TT system for Hypersync. But, I too have been craving a B1 or B2 but not for power reasons, only for built-in HSS reasons. I actually don't think the B2 has enough power for the majority of outdoor work. Unless you like more hard light work using more efficient modifiers like the Magnum or silver umbrellas, or shoot a lot wide open. (By the way I have a Profoto Large Deep Silver Umbrella I use with my Quadra and I love it also.) I would probably add a B1 but I have a lot invested in Elinchrom gear and I'm confident they will come out with a high speed sync firmware update for the ELB soon. If so I am going to get an ELB also. So, I think for you, your decision might come down to if you have any of the brand's modifiers already, budget, and how much you think you will need HSS. And, the A head with the Quadra is much faster than Profoto for your dance imagery. Then there is the the cost of light modifiers. While both Elinchrom and Profoto have many wonderful choices, Profoto is double the price of Elinchrom. If the ELB had HSS now it would be perfect. If you have to have HSS now though, I'd get the the B1.
Thanks, Gregg. I think HSS is a good thing to have, but if Hypersync can get me to the same result, then HSS might not be necessary. I think the Quadra is probably the way to go.
Steve Wylie wrote:
Thanks, Gregg. I think HSS is a good thing to have, but if Hypersync can get me to the same result, then HSS might not be necessary. I think the Quadra is probably the way to go.
Make sure you get the Quadra Standard ("S") heads for HyperSync use. The Action ("A") heads will not work as well with higher shutter speeds
You can save a lot of money by buying the original Quadra (with the lead battery) from people looking to upgrade. It's still a lot lighter than a lot of other options. I use the "Speed" versions of the Skyports (the Quadra has the receiver built in) and don't have a problem with sync speed. You have to buy an adapter to use the flagship Elinchrom modifiers. I often use a Softlighter (Photek).
"You can save a lot of money by buying the original Quadra (with the lead battery) from people looking to upgrade. It's still a lot lighter than a lot of other options. I use the "Speed" versions of the Skyports (the Quadra has the receiver built in) and don't have a problem with sync speed. You have to buy an adapter to use the flagship Elinchrom modifiers. I often use a Softlighter (Photek)."
Yes but prices on new Lithium Quadra's are very reasonable. I've found the new battery to be a great addition. If you buy used make sure it's a Quadra RX not just the original Quadra. And yes, get an S head if you want to do HSS.
Gregg Heckler wrote:
Yes but prices on new Lithium Quadra's are very reasonable. I've found the new battery to be a great addition. If you buy used make sure it's a Quadra RX not just the original Quadra. And yes, get an S head if you want to do HSS.
It's much more heavy duty than the original one. This is a must have.
Is there any other difference between the Mk II and the original adapter? BTW I have seen some insane used prices on the Quadra RXs if you need another one.
Yes big difference with the Mark II, a major improvement. I'm going to get an ELB soon or a B1 if I have the dough. If I knew Elinchrom was close to an HSS firmware update for the ELB I would get that for sure.
