Flash system recommendations

[Ryan AU]

Hey folks.

I’m an experienced photographer and videographer, but don’t have much experience with studio flash systems. For photography, in the studio and on location I mostly shoot on Sony mirrorless using our existing video lighting, continuous lights and diffusers from Aputure, Nanlite, etc.

This year we’re doing some studio upgrades, including a Fuji GFX100, and I’m convinced enough by the benefits of flash over continuous LED I’m keen to invest in a decent flash system.

In studio and on location we usually have the luxury of a camera tech/assistant, so this opens up a few extra options.

From my research so far, I’ve narrowed it down to a battery powered system, as we often shoot on location, and enough lighting power to overpower the harsh Aussie sun, so 500w+. Availability in Australia is also a must - including spare parts and service.

Options I’m evaluating are:

• Profoto - Probably B10 / B10 Plus
• Elinchrom - ONE, which is obviously a bit lower power, but with a FIVE being added when it’s available
• Broncolor - Siros 800 L

I’ve spent enough money on decent gear with bad usability that reliability, usability and life span is as important as value for money. I’ve had bad experiences with Godox in the past, although I believe it’s improved, so I’m not that interested in investing in a system that’s going to frustrate us all.

I’m leaning towards the Profoto system based on reviews, usability, power, and the availability of TTL, which doesn’t appear to be available with the Siros, but keen on some real world experience.

Which systems have you enjoyed using, including the remote triggers? Which ones annoyed you? What would you buy or rent again?

 

[Ed Shapiro]

Hey folks.

I’m an experienced photographer and videographer, but don’t have much experience with studio flash systems. For photography, in the studio and on location I mostly shoot on Sony mirrorless using our existing video lighting, continuous lights and diffusers from Aputure, Nanlite, etc.

This year we’re doing some studio upgrades, including a Fuji GFX100, and I’m convinced enough by the benefits of flash over continuous LED I’m keen to invest in a decent flash system.

In studio and on location we usually have the luxury of a camera tech/assistant, so this opens up a few extra options.

From my research so far, I’ve narrowed it down to a battery powered system, as we often shoot on location, and enough lighting power to overpower the harsh Aussie sun, so 500w+. Availability in Australia is also a must - including spare parts and service.

Options I’m evaluating are:

• Profoto - Probably B10 / B10 Plus
• Elinchrom - ONE, which is obviously a bit lower power, but with a FIVE being added when it’s available
• Broncolor - Siros 800 L

I’ve spent enough money on decent gear with bad usability that reliability, usability and life span is as important as value for money. I’ve had bad experiences with Godox in the past, although I believe it’s improved, so I’m not that interested in investing in a system that’s going to frustrate us all.

I’m leaning towards the Profoto system based on reviews, usability, power, and the availability of TTL, which doesn’t appear to be available with the Siros, but keen on some real world experience.

Which systems have you enjoyed using, including the remote triggers? Which ones annoyed you? What would you buy or rent again?

All ofhte brands you have mentioned are for top-quality manufacturers. Since I am on the other side of the planet, I don't know which of these brands have an accessible service department in your geographic location. These are factors to consider for long term longevity and accessibility to good maintenance, parts and service.

You don't mention what kind of work you are doing at your studio and on location. All of the products you mention will deliver a certain volume of power and accurate colour temperature compatibility from unit to unit or lamp head to lamp head. The type of reflectors and modifier adaptability will determine the quality of light in terms of softness, hardness, beam spread, concentration, etc.

In my studio and for location work, I have to use Speedotron gear for many years. It is extremely durable. I also use Photogenic equipment for my location work. You may want to find out of those brands are available in your country,

Another quest to consider is if you prefer monolights or lamp heads powered by a central power pack.

Also, remember that watt-seconds are not LIGHT. W/S is the electrical input to the flash tube that indicated power but depending on the flash tube configuration/reflector design/ modifier in use, etc., the actual output can vaey. If, as an example, 200 w/s may be adequate to overpower or fill in bright sun with direct flas, however in a large umbrella or softbox you may need 500 w/s to achieve the ratio you require. Lots depend on what and how you shoot.

ON a.c operated units and chargers, you need to consider the household lin voltage in you country= 117 or 220 approx.?

Ed Shapiro- Commercial and Portrait Photographer. Ottawa, Ontario Canada

 

[Nikonparrothead]

No Broncolor experience. I have a couple of friends that went the Profoto route. Only drawback is you can't replace the flash tube yourself. They both love 'em and use them on location quite a bit.

I use Elinchrom (ELB 400, ELB 500 and ELB 1200 -- only the ELB 500 is TTL) All of it is pack and head battery system. Nice unit and the trigger is reliable. But since you're looking for a self-contained battery, not a factor.i

I'm curious about the Elinchrom FIVE as well. But I'm hoping you can swap out the battery.

The Elinchrom One looks like a decent fill light, and i know you can hook up a USB-C power supply to charge it on location but that may be cumbersome.

If Aussie sun is like Florida sun, you may want the Profoto -- you'll definitely need at least 500 watts to overpower the sun. (Plus you can trigger the Profots with an iPhone.

 

[Ryan AU]

All ofhte brands you have mentioned are for top-quality manufacturers. Since I am on the other side of the planet, I don't know which of these brands have an accessible service department in your geographic location. These are factors to consider for long term longevity and accessibility to good maintenance, parts and service.

You don't mention what kind of work you are doing at your studio and on location. All of the products you mention will deliver a certain volume of power and accurate colour temperature compatibility from unit to unit or lamp head to lamp head. The type of reflectors and modifier adaptability will determine the quality of light in terms of softness, hardness, beam spread, concentration, etc.

In my studio and for location work, I have to use Speedotron gear for many years. It is extremely durable. I also use Photogenic equipment for my location work. You may want to find out of those brands are available in your country,

Another quest to consider is if you prefer monolights or lamp heads powered by a central power pack.

Also, remember that watt-seconds are not LIGHT. W/S is the electrical input to the flash tube that indicated power but depending on the flash tube configuration/reflector design/ modifier in use, etc., the actual output can vaey. If, as an example, 200 w/s may be adequate to overpower or fill in bright sun with direct flas, however in a large umbrella or softbox you may need 500 w/s to achieve the ratio you require. Lots depend on what and how you shoot.

ON a.c operated units and chargers, you need to consider the household lin voltage in you country= 117 or 220 approx.?

Ed Shapiro- Commercial and Portrait Photographer. Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Thanks Ed, appreciate your feedback. Speedotron looks good for studio use, but not suitable for on location. Plus Speedotron and Photogenic sadly don’t appear to have any local sales or support in Australia.

In the studio it’s a mix - 70% portraits / 30% product. We have a nice Manfrotto product table and electric turntable for close ups of beer, drinks, and now watches.

On location it’s also a mix, but mostly portraits or people in situ, building up a library of stock photos for the client.

Your comments about reflectors and modifiers is a mark against the Profoto from what I can tell - the B10 Plus can’t expose the lamp head the same way as the others. Plus it seems like the Elinchrom performs much higher than its ~113w/s.

Appreciate your feedback!

 

[Ryan AU]

No Broncolor experience. I have a couple of friends that went the Profoto route. Only drawback is you can't replace the flash tube yourself. They both love 'em and use them on location quite a bit.

I use Elinchrom (ELB 400, ELB 500 and ELB 1200 -- only the ELB 500 is TTL) All of it is pack and head battery system. Nice unit and the trigger is reliable. But since you're looking for a self-contained battery, not a factor.i

I'm curious about the Elinchrom FIVE as well. But I'm hoping you can swap out the battery.

The Elinchrom One looks like a decent fill light, and i know you can hook up a USB-C power supply to charge it on location but that may be cumbersome.

If Aussie sun is like Florida sun, you may want the Profoto -- you'll definitely need at least 500 watts to overpower the sun. (Plus you can trigger the Profots with an iPhone.

Thanks for the feedback. The Elinchrom ELC500 looked like a good option if it was staying in the studio, but the feedback on the trigger is helpful. An Elinchrom One dual kit and adding a Five or two later on could be a good option. Shame you can’t swap the batteries but with USB-C I can use Mac chargers on site or just use power banks, which is pretty convenient. If the Five is around 500w/s, seems like a good option all round.

 

[Nikonparrothead]

I suspect the Five will be 500 watts, or just a touch more (the One is more than 100 wats and the old ELB 400 was actually 433 watts).

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Ed Shapiro]

All ofhte brands you have mentioned are for top-quality manufacturers. Since I am on the other side of the planet, I don't know which of these brands have an accessible service department in your geographic location. These are factors to consider for long term longevity and accessibility to good maintenance, parts and service.

You don't mention what kind of work you are doing at your studio and on location. All of the products you mention will deliver a certain volume of power and accurate colour temperature compatibility from unit to unit or lamp head to lamp head. The type of reflectors and modifier adaptability will determine the quality of light in terms of softness, hardness, beam spread, concentration, etc.

In my studio and for location work, I have to use Speedotron gear for many years. It is extremely durable. I also use Photogenic equipment for my location work. You may want to find out of those brands are available in your country,

Another quest to consider is if you prefer monolights or lamp heads powered by a central power pack.

Also, remember that watt-seconds are not LIGHT. W/S is the electrical input to the flash tube that indicated power but depending on the flash tube configuration/reflector design/ modifier in use, etc., the actual output can vaey. If, as an example, 200 w/s may be adequate to overpower or fill in bright sun with direct flas, however in a large umbrella or softbox you may need 500 w/s to achieve the ratio you require. Lots depend on what and how you shoot.

ON a.c operated units and chargers, you need to consider the household lin voltage in you country= 117 or 220 approx.?

Ed Shapiro- Commercial and Portrait Photographer. Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Thanks Ed, appreciate your feedback. Speedotron looks good for studio use, but not suitable for on location. Plus Speedotron and Photogenic sadly don’t appear to have any local sales or support in Australia.

In the studio it’s a mix - 70% portraits / 30% product. We have a nice Manfrotto product table and electric turntable for close ups of beer, drinks, and now watches.

On location it’s also a mix, but mostly portraits or people in situ, building up a library of stock photos for the client.

Your comments about reflectors and modifiers is a mark against the Profoto from what I can tell - the B10 Plus can’t expose the lamp head the same way as the others. Plus it seems like the Elinchrom performs much higher than its ~113w/s.
Appreciate your feedback!

The Elinchrom units, from what I see on their website, look lirk a good plan for your application. The brand is also well respected in North America. The lamp head/flash tube configuration seems versatile enough and the shoulder-carried power pack is reminiscent of the older Ascor portable system that was powerful and adaptable for hand-held or light stand use. Seems like a good system for environmental portaoture, fashion and general location work. Good luck with retooling- sounds exciting!

Best regards from CANADA!

 

[RE Alpha]

I am using the Broncolor Siros 800 L in both studio and on location. Including many light modifiers such as the Para 133. Before switching to Bron I used to own Bowens Gemini series. Before switching I tried Elinchrom and Profoto in the studio and on location. One factor was that the Siros always fired using the trigger on my Sony. That was not the case with both Elinchrom and Profoto (not many but just enough to break a session).

The Siros will deliver as promised on all accounts (such as Ws, speed, consistency of temperature). Also, the batteries last long and recharge very quickly. In addition, I needed some local service and that worked out perfectly.

That is of course just my experience. However, let me know any questions you may have. I'd be happy to help out where I can.

 

[Ryan AU]

Thanks for the feedback all.

Unfortunately I’ve had a bit of a reality check this week and decided I have to go the Godox route.

A combination of COVID and our distance in Australia from the rest of the world has meant that Profoto and Broncolor aren’t really a good option at the moment.

I went to look at Profoto on the weekend, and the supplier has been waiting for a trigger for 2 months, and not expecting to get it for another 3… Plus, if there was an issue with the flash, either warranty or accidental damage, it has to go back to Europe to be assessed - not even by air, by boat. Despite the fact it’ll probably be replaced not repaired, it’s about a 6 month wait for service.

Broncolor, being Swiss, I’m expecting about the same outcome, and have already been warned of stock shortages.

Godox, on the other hand, is made much closer to us, and is serviced locally by one of our regular suppliers. So apparently most problems can be turned over in 24-48 hours, and if it needs replacing the process takes about a week.

It sounds like Godox have come a long way since my last experience, so I’m going to give it a go, and by the time we need to upgrade hopefully the stock situation is better and we can either go Broncolor, which is my preferred option, or Elinchrom have a more powerful battery option.

Really appreciate everyone’s feedback!

 

[Nikonparrothead]

Nothing trumps availability!

It's good that you have a local vendor who will provide service.