Do you prefere monolights or powerpacks?

mlykke · Jan 29, 2008

1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

Not what you currently use, but what you acutally would prefere to be shooting with?

2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

3. And any other comments you have on you choice/preferance.

I don't need help buying equipment or any advice, I'm just curious about this

)

Michael Lykke

drookie · Jan 29, 2008

It depends on the Monos and the packs. Profoto makes some awesome Monos but I still prefer the acute or the D4. I used the Profoto mono for a project where I couldn't use a pack and they worked great. Now I'm selling them. I still prefer the Acute 2400R over the set of Monos. If money was an issue I would buy the Profoto monos over a lot of packs though just for light quality and consistancy
--
'If your lens is too short your not close enough to your subject!'

AlteredLight · Jan 29, 2008

mlykke said:
1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

Any good studio uses both. Monolights are great for background
illumination etc. Packs can power up to four heads and have many
extended features including control for your computer. We like the
packs for our key and fill and battery packs for mobile work. They
all work together and you really need a selection of all of the different
kinds.

mlykke said:
Not what you currently use, but what you acutally would prefere to be
shooting with?

See above. I really can't imagine working without the variety of each
type.

mlykke said:
2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

A really good way to start is to use ebay for some used lights. It
amazing what good deals you can get there on some lightly used
equipment. If the profits roll in, then you can upgrade or buy new.

mlykke said:
3. And any other comments you have on you choice/preferance.

I don't need help buying equipment or any advice, I'm just curious
about this )

Some seem to under buy and go cheap, some will over buy. Best is
to grow slowly unless you have worked for a pro studio and know
the ropes.

mlykke · Jan 29, 2008

AlteredLight said:
Some seem to under buy and go cheap, some will over buy. Best is
to grow slowly unless you have worked for a pro studio and know
the ropes.

Thanks for your answer - But as i said, I don't need any advice on equipment. I know my way around lighting equipment quite well.
I was just curious about what other people prefer and why

But thanks for the answer

Ellis Vener · Jan 29, 2008

mlykke said:
1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems

pack and head systems.

mlykke said:
Not what you currently use, but what you acutally would prefere to be
shooting with?

One and the same: i sometimes use a monolight ( currently an ABR800 for its versatility, but previously Balcar Monobloc IIs and Elinchrom EL1000s ) but I'm a pack & head kind of guy.

mlykke said:
2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

versalility, modularity, redundancy, and I prefer not to have large weights on top of a lightstand or hanging over a set.

mlykke said:
3. And any other comments you have on you choice/preferance.

No.

Delroy Thomas · Jan 29, 2008

I am actually curious to read the answers also because I am looking to buy a Pack system for the first time. I have always owned Monolights, but I am looking at the AlienBees Zeus Power pack as an option for some outdoor shoots. I was here trying to decide on some of the advantages in my head when I read your post ;-).

Kevin Connery · Jan 29, 2008

mlykke said:
1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

Not what you currently use, but what you acutally would prefere to be
shooting with?

I prefer a mix; there are times each option has an advantage. The independence of monolights are sometimes outweighed by the heavier heads, and vice-versa.

mlykke said:
2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

Durability, reliability, and longevity.

virtuamike · Jan 29, 2008

--
Ramen is how I afford my glass
http://www.blindmike.com

KT322 · Jan 30, 2008

I started out with 2 Profoto CompactPlus 600 monolights. However, I almost always find myself using my Acute2R 1200 pack with 1 head + ringflash. One of the main reasons I prefer the pack is because I find the lightweight head easier to secure on an 8'+ lightstand compared with the heavier monolight. Another practical benefit is the ease of adjusting output from the ground. The CompactPlus 600 does have the advantage of infinitesimal energy control (5 stops) vs the Acute2R's limitation of 1/4 step adjustments (4 stop max asymmetry). The Acute2R pack has a shorter flash duration, faster recycle time, higher output, and has a slow recharging switch that draws less current (great for powering with battery + true sine-wave inverter).

I don't regret purchasing my monolights. However, I find a pack to be more versatile, and absolutely necessary if you desire a ringflash.

RDKirk · Jan 30, 2008

mlykke said:
1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

I don't have a religious preference to either. From brand to brand, there is great overlap of capabilities. At the extremes, the incontrovertible differences are:

-- If you need the very largest "pop" out of a single head, you get that from a pack system.

-- If you need the very widest spread between heads, you get that from a monolight system.

mlykke said:
2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

I'm using monolights because I do a lot of location shooting with widely separated heads (including heads down the hall, at the top of the stairs, and outside the building shining through windows). I could easily use a mix, but I don't see a point to mixing just for the sake of mixing.

mlykke said:
3. And any other comments you have on you choice/preferance.

It just depends on what you need to do.

--
RDKirk
'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.'

Peter Berressem · Jan 30, 2008

RDKirk said:
mlykke said:

1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

Click to expand...

I don't have a religious preference to either. From brand to brand,
there is great overlap of capabilities. At the extremes, the
incontrovertible differences are:
A) -- If you need the very largest "pop" out of a single head, you get
that from a pack system.
B) -- If you need the very widest spread between heads, you get that
from a monolight system.

C) in case of B) plus A), then again A) ;-))

--
cheers, Peter

Germany

mlykke · Feb 12, 2008

Thanks for your answers

If anybody else wants to give their opinion/answer - Please do so.

Michael Lykke

UKphotographers · Feb 12, 2008

In the studio I have no preference so use both. On location, monoblocks are more convenient but I much prefer to use battery portables. The time saved in lugging, finding a power outlet running cables and taping them if required is immense. I have a mobile generator which I don't like lugging, but it depends entirely on the assignment I suppose.

--
Ian.

Samples of work: http://www.AccoladePhotography.co.uk
Weddings: http://www.AccoladeWeddings.com
Events: http://www.OfficialPhotographer.com

Theres only one sun. Why do I need more than one light to get a natural result?

Ryszard Sytnik · Feb 12, 2008

RDKirk said:
mlykke said:

1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

Click to expand...

I don't have a religious preference to either. From brand to brand,
there is great overlap of capabilities. At the extremes, the
incontrovertible differences are:
-- If you need the very largest "pop" out of a single head, you get
that from a pack system.
-- If you need the very widest spread between heads, you get that
from a monolight system.

RDKirk said:

2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

Click to expand...

I'm using monolights because I do a lot of location shooting with
widely separated heads (including heads down the hall, at the top of
the stairs, and outside the building shining through windows). I
could easily use a mix, but I don't see a point to mixing just for
the sake of mixing.

RDKirk said:

3. And any other comments you have on you choice/preferance.

Click to expand...

It just depends on what you need to do.

--
RDKirk
'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.'

==================================================

Hm, I do have religious preference, but not regarding lighting

)

Why I use Monolight? work for me and working excellent as long as AC is available.

Yes I know some very nice (Hensel battery power pack) and perhaps they be very useful in some situation. But they very, very expensive, to expensive for me.

But if some one like to buy for me as birthday present, - go for it. An I will thank you

)

Regards
Ryszard

With the age come; wisdom and dementia.
So you forget how wise you are.
I'm so poor; I can't afford my own opinion.

arlynd · Feb 12, 2008

Powerpacks

I do a lot of location work and prefer not to have the heavy monolights at the top of my 13 foot light stands (yes, there are many times I need them 13 feet high), too easy to tip and crash.

--
Arlyn DeBruyckere

David Grabowski · Feb 13, 2008

Central pack in the studio, which stays set up in the studio and Quantum head in the field ( battery pack power with the Qflash, I can't be stringing cords all over the place on location).

I own no Monolights , just haven't gotten around to that.

David

mlykke said:
1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

Not what you currently use, but what you acutally would prefere to be
shooting with?

2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

3. And any other comments you have on you choice/preferance.

I don't need help buying equipment or any advice, I'm just curious
about this )

Michael Lykke

virtuamike · Feb 13, 2008

mlykke said:
1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

Not what you currently use, but what you acutally would prefere to be
shooting with?

I prefer packs. Currently using Speedotron Blackline in studio, Visatec Litepac and Hensel Porty's on location. Monolights can get the job done but I don't like working with them.

mlykke said:
2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

Easier for me to pack, store, and work with. Plus I get more power for cheaper.

mlykke said:
3. And any other comments you have on you choice/preferance.

Nah, that's all I have to say.

mlykke said:
I don't need help buying equipment or any advice, I'm just curious
about this )

Michael Lykke

--
Ramen is how I afford my glass
http://www.blindmike.com

vaesjhsw · Feb 13, 2008

I prefer monoheads (AC or battery) because they are much more versatile in use for me. I don't like all the cablework that goes from a generator to the heads. Of course there are con's en pro's for every system, in my case monoheads work the best.

Patrick Love · Feb 13, 2008

mlykke said:
1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

mlykke said:
Not what you currently use, but what you acutally would prefere to be
shooting with?

I haven't used packs to-date, but the Hensel Porty system is REAL tempting for location work. In the studio, I am doing fine with my four Photogenic 1250DRC strobes. I don't need much more power than that for my work (portraits). Every shot on my site was made with the Photogenics.

mlykke said:
2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

I am financially invested in monolight accessories right now. I don't have a real need to try anything else. My Photogenics are built like a tank and haven't have any issues for the 6 years that I've owned them.

mlykke said:
3. And any other comments you have on you choice/preferance.

On location, I have two Photogenic StudioMax III AKC320 (AC/DC) strobes with two Quantum 2x2 Turbo batteries. I hang the battery right on the lightstand, and I ready to shoot for hours! For the money, its the best compromise in terms of $$ and quality/consistent light. I can use all of my Photogenic accessories--beauty dishes, grids, softboxes--in an extremely light strobe. The strobes aren't made like their bigger brothers (1250 DRC strobes), but I have owned them for a couple of years and haven't had one break yet! As a matter of fact, I had one fall to the floor while setting up during a wedding. I thought I was screwed! Nope, it worked like normal.

Pat

--
http://www.plovephotography.com

“You know, the camera is not meant just to show misery. You can show things that you like about the universe, things that you hate about the universe. It's capable of doing both.” - Gordon Parks

William Faulkner · Feb 13, 2008

mlykke said:
1. What do you guys prefer? Monolights or pack-based systems?

If you have to choose only one type of system go with packs and heads. Unless you've got a style or type of photography that needs to be done with monolights I'd start with a pack and a couple of heads.

mlykke said:
Not what you currently use, but what you acutally would prefere to be
shooting with?

I have and shoot with both packs and Monolights. All depends of the project.

mlykke said:
2. What's the reason you chose what you are using right now?

Everything I own is Dynalite. 1000XRs, 2000XLs, Uni400s. Great bang for the buck. Plus most of what I shoot is on location. Nothing like being able to get 2) 1000WS packs and 4) heads in a single easy to carry case.

mlykke said:
3. And any other comments you have on you choice/preferance.

One of the reasons I picked up the Uni400's is to be able to run these off of battery power. I own 1 Digital Camera Battery 60WS and three 40WS units. The recycle time on the Uni400's is in the 5second range, but when you've just hiked into the middle of nowhere it becomes quite tolerable.

mlykke said:
I don't need help buying equipment or any advice, I'm just curious
about this )

Michael Lykke

Good luck.

Bill F

http://picasaweb.google.com/faulknerstudios

Do you prefere monolights or powerpacks?

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