Hensel Integra Pro Plus 500Ws Monolight (90-230VAC)

Comments about Hensel Integra Pro Plus 500Ws Monolight (90-230VAC):

"I bought the pro plus kit based on good reviews throughout the web. Unfortunately there are few issues with it which have not been mentioned in those reviews.

Pros:

1- Lights are built sturdy. Quality you can feel.

2- Light output seems to be consistent and of very good quality.

3- Radio transmitter/receiver responds fine when working among the units.

4- Beauty dish is a nice touch.

Cons:

1- Stands are of very poor quality. It can trip over very easily. Same quality as Kaeser stands priced at $20 (I have a couple Kaeser's). I expected professional quality for professional lights. Very disappointing... Actually be careful not to drop it on a client's head and be sued for.

2- lights are heavy. If using it for hair line make sure you have a sturdy boom to support the light and the the counter-weight.

3- Umbrellas, reflectors, softbox, they are too small and of a little use. For head shots may be ok, but again I expected more for a professional kit (this was not surprise for me because they are described accurately in the kit description)

4- Radio trasmitter/receiver are not compatible with pocket wizard devices. If you have a Sekonic light meter with radio transmitter/receiver, like I do, it will not work with Hensel system. To measure light you need to use a sync cord what kind of defeats the purpose of buying a wireless thing. It may have transmitter/receiver that you can buy to make it compatible, but so far I haven't found one. This incompatibility may be an issue If you have to add another light, in this case you need to stick to Hensel lights. In the Hensel manual it says that the frequency is 433,92 and it's FCC standard. On Pocket wizard site it says FCC/IC frequency for USA is 340 - 354 MHz... I'm confused, but my knowledge on this is limited.

5- User Manual is simply a joke. You better be versed in lights otherwise forget it. No detailed instructions anywhere to be found. Actually the manual is a really bad translation from German.

6- I searched Hensel USA site trying to find a compatible receiver (or information on it) so I could add other brands or hensel pro (not plus) or make my Sekonic compatible. I found none. Again it may have some out there but so far I haven't found one.

7- Hensel accessories are very expensive


Conclusion:

If I were to buy Hensel again, I would buy stand alone Hensel pro lights (not the plus) and pocket wizard transmitter/receivers. Sturdy stands to safely hold the lights. Bigger softbox, umbrellas and reflectors. Adding all together the kit would end up to be about the same price charged for the pro plus, but much better kit with the advantage you could grow without be tied to any manufacture."

BOTTOM LINE No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Comments about Hensel Integra Pro Plus 500Ws Monolight (90-230VAC):

I'm a proffesional amateur. I decide for Hensel because it's the best lightning system. My proffrsional friend use it few years. He worked on many another systems - no other more than Hensel.
I'm very satisfied too. Hensel for ever. It worth this price.

Comments about Hensel Integra Pro Plus 500Ws Monolight (90-230VAC):

It's perfect for me. Real 500 joule output, 1/10 of a stop feather control. I have the 3 light kit and like it very much. Superb construction, effortless operation, consistent output and respectable performance.

Comments about Hensel Integra Pro Plus 500Ws Monolight (90-230VAC):

This is a much better build than I expected. Purchased a kit with 3 500 Watt-Second lamps and performance is perfect. Radio control streamlines setup and adjustment of lights. Control layout and functionality are very clever and will save time.

Because the build quality is so good, I plan other purchases with Hensel.

Comments about Hensel Integra Pro Plus 500Ws Monolight (90-230VAC):

Beautiful power from this light, it really kept up with shooting all day long in 90 degree heat, by all day I am mean snapping photo after photo. It was my first time using it, but it performed really well. Very nice compared to Photogenic in terms of looks/feel. High quality.

Comments about Hensel Integra Pro Plus 500Ws Monolight (90-230VAC):

This is my 4th Integra Pro Plus monolight. I wouldn't trade my Hensels for any other strobe. With the optional wireless transmitter, they are fully adjustable from the transmitter, either individually or as a group. A radio receiver is built into each. They can be adjusted over a 6-stop range with one whole number change indicating a 1-stop change. The 500w/s model is plenty of power for most situations in the studio.

Comments about Hensel Integra Pro Plus 500Ws Monolight (90-230VAC):

After long reserch,review,comparison technical data. I decided to purchase 3 Hensel Integra Pro Plus 500 from B&H. Unfortunately this units was out of stock I waited almost a month. Finely my order arrives to my home. My firs reaction: I was speechless, this units a beautiful, Sat and Sunday I try them, I se-up a different power level and modeling lights at any possible combination between this 3 units. I used Hensel RC/RF 4 channel remote control, everything working superb. I am more then happy, I love this lights and how they work, with this remote control is so easy, you do not have to walk to lights.

Problems Encountered: No, no problem. The only thing I wish for is: Hensel Octabanks soft-box (Mfr # 4000200) what B&H do not have. I wish they order some for customers.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Not owned, but working with Photogenic 500

Items I Recommend: nsel RC/RF 4 chanHenel remote control