Figured many entry level studio shooters would be curious before they take the plunge, but first things first the D-Lite 4 kit is perfect as a start.
Came with tow D-Lite 4 400w packs, stands, umbrellas (silver, white), cords and all.
$1440 tax in from www.vistek.ca
Like all other reviews, you seriously can't go wrong with this price considering they are from a reputable manufacturer AND 400w output AND digital control panel AND came with a moderately boring instructional DVD. Alienbees are almost a grand cheaper for similar package, but after $599 plus exchange plus taxes, shipping, customs it's not that far off. I haven't tried the ABs so can't compare besides price.
Even though the catch is, it's made in India it's still very well made. Plastic casing is well fitted and well built as the units feel solid. Units are fan-less so you do have to leave them to cool for about 10 minutes before putting them away, which is fine as I pack my other gear first and leave lights last. I read somewhere that for heavy workloads and more frequent shooting will push temperatures pretty high and will shut off to cool down, but I doubt I would come to that point often.
The instructional DVD is slow paced, but still very informative and goes through basics.
It's a pretty good buy but the drawback is that it will overheat if the modelling light is used with a snoot as stated in the brochure. My unit will be arriving mid-nov.
Oh great, more positive reviews on the D-Lites! I've been pulling my hair out the past few months trying to decide whether to buy the D-Lite 4's or take the plunge and spend the money on the 600Rx's. I just finally made my decision to go with the 600RX lights so I'll really have to avoid reading your future posts! Haha. Enjoy your lights!
Kopey wrote:
Oh great, more positive reviews on the D-Lites! I've been pulling my hair out the past few months trying to decide whether to buy the D-Lite 4's or take the plunge and spend the money on the 600Rx's. I just finally made my decision to go with the 600RX lights so I'll really have to avoid reading your future posts! Haha. Enjoy your lights!
Robert.
If you can afford the RXs, go for it.
I can't but plan to move up to RXs eventually and have D-Lites as fillers or back up.
Vistek told me about the snoot thing and to be careful with it, turning it off when not necessary.
I hired a 400BXs recently (the intermediate stage between D-lite and RX) and a Bowens Gemini Esprit 500 head for testing recently. Thought I may as well as going with a lighting manufacterer is a bit like a Nikon/Canon thing - you have to like not just the thing you buying but the accessories range, upgrade path, etc. I'd used Bowens Esprits before, never hands-on with the Elinchrom.
Both were simple to use, neither frustrating, and both gave very consistent results with similar softboxes attached. Neither, I would say, gave a more pleasing light than the other, they were both great. The Bowens has a more powerful modelling light and a little more overall flash power. Both had great build but the Bowens was reassuringingly tank-like and had that last-forever feel from the heyday of British engineering, and I loved the tactile, analogue knobs, which with the powerful modelling light gave a very 'hands-on' feel to working. The Elinchrom recycled a touch faster. I couldn't say the Geminis were 'better' than the BX, but I saw myself enjoying the Bowens more.
Bought as a set of three the Gemini 500s represent really good value. From what I saw at Photokina with the SkyPorts and RX Series Elinchrom are really blazing a trail at the high-tech end of things, and I'd probably go RX if I could justify the much higher price. There will be a Digital Gemini 500 launched by Bowens soon, although this will come at a higher price to the standard Gemini.
It's worth looking at different options and using hire before a big purchase.
The only problem I have encountered with my D-Lite 4's are the locking handles on the pivoting "stem" that attaches to the light stand. Both of my locking handles (plastic) have come away from the metal nut that they are tightening. There is no way to get them back on and Vistek has yet to get spare parts in yet. Frustrating! Other than that, they have been great.
mlorne wrote:
The only problem I have encountered with my D-Lite 4's are the locking handles on the pivoting "stem" that attaches to the light stand. Both of my locking handles (plastic) have come away from the metal nut that they are tightening. There is no way to get them back on and Vistek has yet to get spare parts in yet. Frustrating! Other than that, they have been great.
Lights were used about 6 hours straight. Modelling lamps were on most of the time and did not experience any heat issues. One light had a 3 ft by 4 ft softbox and worked perfectly fine, second light on reflector umbrella.
Solid units, shot after shot. Fired them about 200+ times that one night and photos came out great.
