Elinchrom Ranger Quadra RX 2 x S Head Kit EL10290.1

2013-03-06T19:00:00

I picked the Elinchrom Quadra over a Norman 400B , or Lumedyne. It is more flexible - precisely downward variable than those units. I think the light quality is better and better suited to the kind of light modification I want. My other options for portable lighting were a regular Ranger or Speedotron Explorer pack. Using either of those comparitively heavy rigs on location or manned by a mobile person does not compare to how the Quadra's work in the field. The kit is very lightwieght and the battery rig can be slung over an assitant's shoulder as he or she handles a light head on a stand or portable boom. The light quality seems very close to a regular studio type flash head and depends on which light modiifier you choose. The heads are very small, but the flash tube is of the same type as studio head - as opposed to what you get in a shoe mounted flash. The most typical use is as fill or main light when shooting portraits or environmental portraits out doors - the kind of shooting that used to require hauling your studio gear out and using a generator. For these purposes the Quadra is the best solution I have ever encountered. The heads work well with the Elinchrom light modifiers up to the 39 inch deep Octa Rotalux. I am told they can be mounted inversely into the new mid size inverse deep octa box but I have not seen that in use. I would not use the Quadra on a large inverse reflector like the big Elinchrom beauty light, at 400 WS it does not seem like it is powerful enough. The Quadra heads also mate well to a Chimera extra small and small soft box via their excellent adapter - and that is how I prefer to use them. They work very well with an umbrella, like a Photek, when adapted to an umbrella stand. I would not use the umbrella mount that is in the head...very lightweight..looks like an afterthought. I mount the head to an umbrella via a Manfrotto umbrella stand adapter or a Chimera stand adapter. You have to be careful about adding very large or heavy accesories to the heads...and the Elinchorm adapter for using the Rotalux boxes is a must have if you want to use those modifiers. I think all the Elinchrom accessory gear is overpriced. This may be due to currency rates but their stuff does work well. I have been told that Chimera is working on an adapter to use their Octa2 beauty light and Octaplus line of boxes with the quadra heads and that will be welcomed as I already have those modifiers and they are better made than the Elincrom modifiers. The kit case is excellent, The pack to head cords that come with he kit are too short and you will want at least one 11.5 cable. I also have the longer extension cord...this comes in very handy in the field if you are placing a head on a boom or way up high. The little plastic diffusers which come attatched to the heads are indispensable. I never take them off..not bad all by themselves. Flash duration of the standard heads is plenty fast enough for me and you get a little more light output.

MARK G.

2011-09-06T21:00:00

The quadra are an excellent product. I purchased the S head but should have gotten the A to get that extra flash duration

DARRYL S.

2011-09-04T21:00:00

Great item! However, the "standard S-type head" is not a standard s type head at all and doesn't fit anything out of the box u can use umbrellas or pay a fortune to have a soft box adapter head in my eyes this is a real negative. That is why only 90%. The positive outweighs the negitive by a lot it is worth making your own power system and digital interface makes it easy to control the light. Produces great even light in my opinion. In my eyes defiantly worth getting you can carry around a studio in the back of your car and have room for a model. Most importantly, Great carrying case!!!!!

MARK V.

2011-09-04T21:00:00

I can't say enough about these guys have completed many reviews. In short the items are always high quality. Actually, better put Pro-Quality at Low Cost. Wish I found them earlier will only use them for umbrella and soft box supplies. Great item! However, the "standard S-type head" is not a standard s type head at all and doesn't fit anything out of the box u can use umbrellas or pay a fortune to have a soft box adapter head in my eyes this is a real negative. The positive outweighs by a lot it is worth making your own power system and digital interface makes it easy to control the light. Produces great even light in my opinion. In my eyes defiantly worth getting you can carry around a studio in the back of your car and have room for a model or two. Most importantly, Great carrying case!!!!!

Vig

2010-01-17T19:00:00

The lights are great except that they require extra re-enforcers to carry a soft box. Fantastic for outdoor portraits! Extremely light weight and compact. Beats the pants off the competition.

GORDON W.