Bowens, or Elinchrom?

[Davi]

Just looking at getting some studio lighting, but I'm a bit torn. I want a relatively cheap set to throw in the car when out and about. Bowens seem to have a wider power range for the same max w/s, but have analogue power settings - I presume that means you're unable to the power via remote like you can on the Elinchroms I've been using? Also Elinchrom have fully interchangeable modifiers whereas I'm told not all Bowens modifiers fit all lights?

What would you go for, and why?

[DIW35]

That's a bit like the Canon or Nikon question. Both Bowens and Elinchrom produce great products that will easily do the job they are intended for.
I personally went for Bowens because I got a good price on a twin head starter pack, and I was used to using them from a studio I used to use. However, I'd have been just as happy with Elinchrom if that had presented the same opportunity.

With regard to modifier fit, all my lights have the same fitting so the modifiers I have can easily be swapped between them. I wasn't aware that Bowens modifiers were available in different fittings, but if that is the case, just make sure you get the ones that fit the lights you have, assuming you go with Bowens.

ETA: Almost forgot, Bowens have a Travelpak, which can be used for powering lights on location, or anywhere else that you are away from a mains source of electricity. I presume that's what you meant by powering them remotely.

[Simpo Two]

DIW35 said:

I was used to using them from a studio I used to use

Quadruple word score!

[Davi]

the travelpak is one reason I was looking at Bowens, but it's not what I meant - I actually missed a word out - you can ADJUST the elinchroms by remote, i.e. their output levels can be changed from the trigger on the camera, Not sure if that was possible with the bowens as it is analogue.

[Simpo Two]

Davi said:

the travelpak is one reason I was looking at Bowens, but it's not what I meant - I actually missed a word out - you can ADJUST the elinchroms by remote, i.e. their output levels can be changed from the trigger on the camera, Not sure if that was possible with the bowens as it is analogue.

It's a useful function, saving you from leaving the camera to tweak settings, especially if the heads are hard to reach. You need Style RX heads or better: http://www.elinchrom.com/products.php

FWIW their portable flash is called Ranger.

[ian in lancs]

We've been using these in the studio for a few months; faultless and a fast flash duration too boot. At this money we reasoned they were use until dead and replace! They're surprisingly good!

ETA the link

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1500Ws-Studio-Flash-Kit-...

[DIW35]

Simpo Two said:

Quadruple word score!

Do I get extra for that?

[Davi]

Simpo Two said:

It's a useful function, saving you from leaving the camera to tweak settings, especially if the heads are hard to reach. You need Style RX heads or better: http://www.elinchrom.com/products.php

FWIW their portable flash is called Ranger.

Available on the BX entry level ones now as well - which is what I've been borrowing to work with. I do really like the feature, did a hair competition shoot a few weeks back for which one head was 12ft up, no way I could have worked the shoot without the remote workability BUT... not sure how often I'd use that compared to the battery pack option of the Bowens at the moment...

I had a look at those ebay ones, I've had mixed feedback on them in the past and frankly the budget at the moment is very much one-shot at this LOL.