This item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
This is the Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit.
Building on the foundation of the RX the BX-Ri series is robotically manufactured, making possible extreme precision, light weight and the addition of computer chips for software implementation. Decoding the Ri designation, the R indicates remote operation capability, while the "i" stands for Eye-cell.
A Skyport EL receiver is now built-in, meaning not only remote, wireless triggering regardless of obstructions, at distances up to 394 feet, but also powering up and down or on and off with complete control of the modeling light. Eye-Cell is particularly handy when using the BX-Ri with the on-board optical slave to sync cameras with pre-flash or red-eye function. The photographer simply programs the number of pre-flashes specific to the camera or lets the BX-Ri do it automatically.
Flash duration is an extremely fast 1/1558 sec., capable of freezing action without blur. Of course, that would be academic if your strobe didn't recycle fast enough to keep up with the energy on the shoot. Elinchrom has that covered with recycling times of 1.45 sec. (115V) at maximum power.
Purchasing a BXRi monohead gives you the key to one of the most extensive arrays of reflectors and light-shaping tools available, including the legendary Octa bank. Additionally, virtually every independent manufacturer of light modifiers makes Elinchrom compatible products.
Using your gear abroad can sometimes be problematic but the BXRi is a world-citizen, accommodating power requirements from 90-260V via auto-detection circuitry. Now you can avoid the hassles and uncertainty of overseas rental, while bringing Elinchrom quality along wherever the job is.
This Kit includes 2- BX 500 Ri 500Ws monolights, a Skyport Universal Radio Transmitter, 2- 25.5" square softboxes, 2-stands and 2- 16' sync cords. A light stand bag and a monolight bag are also included.Note! Heads come with 120V AC modeling lamp. When using with another voltage modeling lamps must be swapped for lamps matching that voltage.
| Maximum Watt/Seconds | 500 x2 |
| Guide Number | f/90 @ 1m @ISO 100, 1/250, with 48° Reflector |
| Recycle Time |
115V:1.45 sec @ full power, 0.34 sec @ min power 230V:1.13 sec @ full power, 0.36 sec @ min power |
| Flash Duration | 1/1558 sec. |
| Flash Variability | 5 f/stops: 31 - 500 Ws |
| User Replaceable Flashtube | Yes |
| Changeable Reflector | Yes |
| Modeling Light Wattage | 100W |
| Voltage Stabilization | Yes, +/- .5% |
| Flash Ready Indicator | Ready Light/Open Flash, Switchable Audible Beep |
| Operating Voltage | 90-260VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Sync Voltage | 5VDC |
| Built-in Slave Cell | Yes |
| Circuit Protection | 2.5A AGC Modeling Lamp Fuse, 8A AGC Flashtube Fuse |
| Fan Cooled | Yes |
| Auto Dump | Yes |
| Dimensions | Each light: 10.24 x 7.5 x 5.5" (26 x 19 x 14 cm) |
| Weight | Each light: 4.5 lbs (2 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Monolights about as good as these get...
The BXRi 500 monolights are properly rated at about a 4.8 to 4.9 out of five. The somewhat hokey 26 inch softboxes drags my rating of the two light kit down to 4. Frankly,...Read complete review
The BXRi 500 monolights are properly rated at about a 4.8 to 4.9 out of five. The somewhat hokey 26 inch softboxes drags my rating of the two light kit down to 4. Frankly, the old BX 400 hundred kits with their umbrellas and reflectors was more functional/versatile than are the new kits with the BXRi 500(and/or 250) monolights.
The lights and the EL-Skyport transmitter that comes with the kit is a dynamite combination. Now you can remotely and near exactly adjust light output of hairlights, kickers and other hard-to-access monolights by simple metering at the subject and adjusting the output level of the light without moving.
The new BXRi 500s employ a very quiet and efficient bottom-housed cooling fan. I find this to work very well, even when using a solid gel filter on a reflector. This is important as cool operation extends the life of the monolight.
There is one drawback to the bottom mounted fan housing. This restricts the distance of travel of a shaft through the umbrella mount so that focusing of an umbrella can become a bit restricted. I have not found this to be a major issue, but it should be noted. Also, the umbrella mount on the BXRi lights is upgraded from the two piece mount of the older BX lights.
The light quality of the BXRi 500s is typical of Elinchrom's superior quality. The control is excellent. The color temperature variation across the power range is minimal.
Finally, the kit case and all of its contents are first class except for the two softboxes. In my opinion, these monolights are a combination of state-of-the-art electronics with excellent build quality. The kit is ready to use without buying any accessories other than a flash meter and a camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice BUT...
I'm giving this product 2 stars because "pro" level monolights are supposed to be built well enough to move around and travel with without breaking.
I love the feature of cont...Read complete review
I'm giving this product 2 stars because "pro" level monolights are supposed to be built well enough to move around and travel with without breaking.
I love the feature of controlling the strobe's power from the Skyport - that's primarily why I bought this light. When I received this set of lights and took one out of the case the plastic tilt knob broke. It's plastic and it's probably the most used piece on this light! So I decided to upgrade to the RX 600 lights which costs me several hundred dollars more thinking they'd be built better since they are "pro" quality.
I received them today and guess what? I heard a rattling sound in the box and opened it to find that the tilt knob was broken in the same place! C'mon Elinchrom! You have a quality problem here.
I am really wanting to like these lights because Elinchrom has a good reputation - I used the equipment several years ago at the Smithsonian National Air And Space Museum and they worked flawlessly for a year while I was photographing there!
So what to do now... return these AGAIN to BH? By the way BH has been GREAT through this ordeal... they are very professional and polite etc... THANK YOU BH!
I will call an Elinchrom rep in Los Angeles tomorrow and see what he says about this problem. Or I guess I could look for a different brand that has the feature allowing me to control the power of each light remotely. I think only Paul C. Buff does that but I could be wrong.
I hope Elinchrom is listening! I really want to use Elinchrom lights but I need them to be built durable! Stay tuned...
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 93 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Indoor use only. Great product.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Easy to use, light weight to take them everywhere.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Best studio lights ever. Consistant color fast recycle time. I own 3 of these.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I use this lighting set for portraits in studio. The great thing about them that is a huge plus, is that I can adjust the lighting on-camera from the transmitter to the in-light receivers so that I don't have to keep walking to the lights to adjust. What a time saver.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I do mostly infant and child photography in my home studio and this kit is perfect. More than enough power and ultra reliable.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
This kit is great for portraits, weddings, sports, or you name it. Elinchrom is AMAZING stuff. The best.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
From a beginner's perspective, these lights are easy to use and easy to maintain. They are not the most durable in terms of build quality but I'm not a pro using them daily throwing them in and out of boxes either.
If you're a beginner/intermediate wondering what set to buy, all I can say is I LOVE these lights! I've used them a dozen times by now and they are great! Very powerful and the skyport system is amazing!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Great for studio work not something you want to take with you on location. Very powerful usually 1/4 power is more then you need unless your in bright sunlight.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I'm new to studio lighting but watched Scott Kelby's videos and it looked like what I wanted... they are easy to use, light and I want to be able to pack into the great outdoors to use as well as inside. Wished I had a third light, and the deep octa lightbox and some reflectors which I will get soon.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
No complaints. Works as you would expect. Softboxes are definetly budget minded and I don't expect them to hold up for long. Everything else seems well built and sturdy. No problems with the remote that others complained about. My wife originally set it up with battery and trip cord on the hot shoe and we had numerous firing issues, but once the trip cord was removed it worked perfectly.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Kit has everything you need to start and seems to be of good quality.
Manfrotto stands are very nice but not air cushioned but seems like it could also support larger modifiers. Speedring is made of plastic and not the usual aluminum, one arrived broken but was quickly replaced by B&H.
Great quality of light, would probably be nicer with a better/larger modifier although the quality of light is still very good.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Small kit for the shooter on the go. Heads are great and the stands too. The soft boxes are just ok but I found the plastic speed rings are difficult to work with. Once your set up every thing is great.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
This To Go Kit is a great way for a beginner to get a head start in achieving studio quality light photos, as well as a great addition for a seasoned pro just looking to add some top quality strobes, stands, bags and soft boxes to their collection for a great price. All the items in this kit are top of the line quality with the exception of the Portalite soft boxes, they are above average at best and the only flaw in the kit. Everything else is really top notch, the bags that hold the stands and strobes are way better than I thought they would be. The stands are made by Manfrotto, what else do i need to say. The ability to control the strobes from the SPEED transmitter mounted on camera is a big time saver and very easy to set up and use. The strobes are Pro grade and are very durable and also easy to use and understand. With the reduction in price of this kit it made it a no brainer for me since I was in the market for 2 strobes and even though the softboxes are only "good" and not "great" this kit is amazing and would still even be worth it if they didn't come with it at all. 100% recommended if in your price range and if slightly out than i would try to find a way to swing it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
What an amazing kit. Got this a few days ago and can't stop playing with it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Well built. Softbox and case are nice. Great price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
its awesome i used to work with them in college now i have them.. the only thing is that it came with the softbox, but if you want a hard ligh you don't have any other adapter with the kit, havs to be bought
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I am using these lights for a studio photography class and they have been very easy to work with. Set up is easy and It was very easy to get them synced with my camera. I do find the manual a little hard to follow, but I have been able to get them to work for what i needed with out completely understanding the manual.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I did a lot of research and needed something that was useful in a number of occasions in different locations. I then found this!I use the 500s for portrait and still life at a number of locations. These monolights have a good range of power for most situations and after testing them out, they are perfect. One key point for purchasing these instead of the other elinchrom models is that since they are BXs they have a global voltage range of 90v to 260v and have built-in wireless. I was thinking of going for the 250 set as well but for the minor price difference with the 500s, the 500s suffices my needs.
As expected, what I really like most about these Elinchroms Bxri is the ability to control them from the wireless remote transmitter without purchasing additional wireless receivers. Built-in wireless rocks and it's definitely a step up from using old school non-wireless lighting. Another good thing about these is that they are super easy to use!
The only concern I had was the fact that one softbox was missing from the package. It was really strange and probably an assembly error on the product line... how unlucky... Anyway I contacted BH and they sent one within a week after contacting the manufacturer! THANK YOU! I wish I can add another star just for the customer service.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
easy good
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
This is very easy to use; and set up on location is quick and simple. My only complaint is that the Skyport Transmitter came without any instructions or manual. I had to search online forums to find out how to set it to "speed" so it would match the light's settings. Other than that I am completely satisfied.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Monolights about as good as these get...
The BXRi 500 monolights are properly rated at about a 4.8 to 4.9 out of five. The somewhat hokey 26 inch softboxes drags my rating of the two light kit down to 4. Frankly,...Read complete review
The BXRi 500 monolights are properly rated at about a 4.8 to 4.9 out of five. The somewhat hokey 26 inch softboxes drags my rating of the two light kit down to 4. Frankly, the old BX 400 hundred kits with their umbrellas and reflectors was more functional/versatile than are the new kits with the BXRi 500(and/or 250) monolights.
The lights and the EL-Skyport transmitter that comes with the kit is a dynamite combination. Now you can remotely and near exactly adjust light output of hairlights, kickers and other hard-to-access monolights by simple metering at the subject and adjusting the output level of the light without moving.
The new BXRi 500s employ a very quiet and efficient bottom-housed cooling fan. I find this to work very well, even when using a solid gel filter on a reflector. This is important as cool operation extends the life of the monolight.
There is one drawback to the bottom mounted fan housing. This restricts the distance of travel of a shaft through the umbrella mount so that focusing of an umbrella can become a bit restricted. I have not found this to be a major issue, but it should be noted. Also, the umbrella mount on the BXRi lights is upgraded from the two piece mount of the older BX lights.
The light quality of the BXRi 500s is typical of Elinchrom's superior quality. The control is excellent. The color temperature variation across the power range is minimal.
Finally, the kit case and all of its contents are first class except for the two softboxes. In my opinion, these monolights are a combination of state-of-the-art electronics with excellent build quality. The kit is ready to use without buying any accessories other than a flash meter and a camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice BUT...
I'm giving this product 2 stars because "pro" level monolights are supposed to be built well enough to move around and travel with without breaking.
I love the feature of cont...Read complete review
I'm giving this product 2 stars because "pro" level monolights are supposed to be built well enough to move around and travel with without breaking.
I love the feature of controlling the strobe's power from the Skyport - that's primarily why I bought this light. When I received this set of lights and took one out of the case the plastic tilt knob broke. It's plastic and it's probably the most used piece on this light! So I decided to upgrade to the RX 600 lights which costs me several hundred dollars more thinking they'd be built better since they are "pro" quality.
I received them today and guess what? I heard a rattling sound in the box and opened it to find that the tilt knob was broken in the same place! C'mon Elinchrom! You have a quality problem here.
I am really wanting to like these lights because Elinchrom has a good reputation - I used the equipment several years ago at the Smithsonian National Air And Space Museum and they worked flawlessly for a year while I was photographing there!
So what to do now... return these AGAIN to BH? By the way BH has been GREAT through this ordeal... they are very professional and polite etc... THANK YOU BH!
I will call an Elinchrom rep in Los Angeles tomorrow and see what he says about this problem. Or I guess I could look for a different brand that has the feature allowing me to control the power of each light remotely. I think only Paul C. Buff does that but I could be wrong.
I hope Elinchrom is listening! I really want to use Elinchrom lights but I need them to be built durable! Stay tuned...
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 93 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Indoor use only. Great product.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Easy to use, light weight to take them everywhere.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Best studio lights ever. Consistant color fast recycle time. I own 3 of these.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I use this lighting set for portraits in studio. The great thing about them that is a huge plus, is that I can adjust the lighting on-camera from the transmitter to the in-light receivers so that I don't have to keep walking to the lights to adjust. What a time saver.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I do mostly infant and child photography in my home studio and this kit is perfect. More than enough power and ultra reliable.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
This kit is great for portraits, weddings, sports, or you name it. Elinchrom is AMAZING stuff. The best.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
From a beginner's perspective, these lights are easy to use and easy to maintain. They are not the most durable in terms of build quality but I'm not a pro using them daily throwing them in and out of boxes either.
If you're a beginner/intermediate wondering what set to buy, all I can say is I LOVE these lights! I've used them a dozen times by now and they are great! Very powerful and the skyport system is amazing!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Great for studio work not something you want to take with you on location. Very powerful usually 1/4 power is more then you need unless your in bright sunlight.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I'm new to studio lighting but watched Scott Kelby's videos and it looked like what I wanted... they are easy to use, light and I want to be able to pack into the great outdoors to use as well as inside. Wished I had a third light, and the deep octa lightbox and some reflectors which I will get soon.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
No complaints. Works as you would expect. Softboxes are definetly budget minded and I don't expect them to hold up for long. Everything else seems well built and sturdy. No problems with the remote that others complained about. My wife originally set it up with battery and trip cord on the hot shoe and we had numerous firing issues, but once the trip cord was removed it worked perfectly.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Kit has everything you need to start and seems to be of good quality.
Manfrotto stands are very nice but not air cushioned but seems like it could also support larger modifiers. Speedring is made of plastic and not the usual aluminum, one arrived broken but was quickly replaced by B&H.
Great quality of light, would probably be nicer with a better/larger modifier although the quality of light is still very good.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Small kit for the shooter on the go. Heads are great and the stands too. The soft boxes are just ok but I found the plastic speed rings are difficult to work with. Once your set up every thing is great.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
This To Go Kit is a great way for a beginner to get a head start in achieving studio quality light photos, as well as a great addition for a seasoned pro just looking to add some top quality strobes, stands, bags and soft boxes to their collection for a great price. All the items in this kit are top of the line quality with the exception of the Portalite soft boxes, they are above average at best and the only flaw in the kit. Everything else is really top notch, the bags that hold the stands and strobes are way better than I thought they would be. The stands are made by Manfrotto, what else do i need to say. The ability to control the strobes from the SPEED transmitter mounted on camera is a big time saver and very easy to set up and use. The strobes are Pro grade and are very durable and also easy to use and understand. With the reduction in price of this kit it made it a no brainer for me since I was in the market for 2 strobes and even though the softboxes are only "good" and not "great" this kit is amazing and would still even be worth it if they didn't come with it at all. 100% recommended if in your price range and if slightly out than i would try to find a way to swing it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
What an amazing kit. Got this a few days ago and can't stop playing with it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
Well built. Softbox and case are nice. Great price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
its awesome i used to work with them in college now i have them.. the only thing is that it came with the softbox, but if you want a hard ligh you don't have any other adapter with the kit, havs to be bought
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I am using these lights for a studio photography class and they have been very easy to work with. Set up is easy and It was very easy to get them synced with my camera. I do find the manual a little hard to follow, but I have been able to get them to work for what i needed with out completely understanding the manual.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
I did a lot of research and needed something that was useful in a number of occasions in different locations. I then found this!I use the 500s for portrait and still life at a number of locations. These monolights have a good range of power for most situations and after testing them out, they are perfect. One key point for purchasing these instead of the other elinchrom models is that since they are BXs they have a global voltage range of 90v to 260v and have built-in wireless. I was thinking of going for the 250 set as well but for the minor price difference with the 500s, the 500s suffices my needs.
As expected, what I really like most about these Elinchroms Bxri is the ability to control them from the wireless remote transmitter without purchasing additional wireless receivers. Built-in wireless rocks and it's definitely a step up from using old school non-wireless lighting. Another good thing about these is that they are super easy to use!
The only concern I had was the fact that one softbox was missing from the package. It was really strange and probably an assembly error on the product line... how unlucky... Anyway I contacted BH and they sent one within a week after contacting the manufacturer! THANK YOU! I wish I can add another star just for the customer service.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
easy good
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Elinchrom BX-Ri 500/500 To Go Set - 2 Monolight Kit (90-260VAC):
This is very easy to use; and set up on location is quick and simple. My only complaint is that the Skyport Transmitter came without any instructions or manual. I had to search online forums to find out how to set it to "speed" so it would match the light's settings. Other than that I am completely satisfied.