Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

This is a super cool, on location light system! It is extremely lightweight and comes with an additional battery. The batteries have no memory effect and so can be recharged at any point. With an adapter can be used with other EL light shapers..Great for outdoor portrait and on-location fashion shoots!

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

So, first I am a full time wedding pro here in Miami. I have a very "commercial" style to my images.. and use lighting all the time. Previously, I had been using AB1600's and AB800's with the mini batt. and also some speedlites with the PW Flex system. All good options, but all have lots of drawbacks.

I read about every review on the web about the Quadra system.. and I knew the limitations going into the sale. (400ws / "plastic" heads / etc) But, I can tell you that I still get f/18 for a nice bridal in mid day sun with the rotolux acting like a b-dish with the center cap installed. LOVE it! I also L O V E the power range of this thing. I can go down to 8.2ws and match a ambient of 1/30 2.8 @ 1600! SICK!

This system is 100% replacing my use of the AB strobes, and speed lights for all off camera work at weddings, and even some commercial projects. here are some more thoughts if your thinking of buying:

1. Get two packs, so you can have individual control of both heads and have more power avail. I like having the full 400ws on each head. For a tight indoor thing, you can make due with one pack and have a nice key and fill.. but for more flexibility the extra $1200 for a pack is well worth it.. and also serves as a backup!

2. Get at least one long 16' cord. I use booms, etc and the longer cord is key.

3. SKYPORT system IS VERY NICE! I did some range tests.. and I was very impressed. Even using long glass from afar I had no issues (so far). :-) ON par with my flex PW system (which also had a temper sometimes too). Nothing is perfect.

4. If your using full power dumps.. then your going to love the 2.2/sec recycle.. HOWEVER, you are only going to see that for about 50 - 70 shots.. and then the pack will revert to "slow mode" and your looking at 6/sec recycle for the rest of your shots.. (maybe 150 total?) Again, this is only for full power. Because of this I also carry extra batts for each pack.

5. The pro roller x300 WAS PERFECT for my setup for lighting. Fits both packs, batts. cords, mods, everything!

Overall I love the system.. and am very happy. One weird thing.. is that the little logo on my head started to "rub off" and I contacted Elinchrome and they are going to replace both heads for free.. and said they had some printing issues with the ink. It was actually nice to have the quick, and detailed response from them... as I now feel confident about any other future issues... very good customer service!

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I am mostly a sports photog, but take families and Seniors as well, these lights have been a great asset to my arsinal of tools. The lightness, and ability to change the settings right from camera are great. I love that everything I needed came right in the bag. Just Incredible...

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

This is fantastic set that I have been using for a while now. Portability, size, and power are the three most important factors that helped me to chose this system. I already own Elinchrom BXRi 500 set that I use indoors and love it.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I was searching for a solution capable of providing quality light, portability and used with my flash. I believe I have found it in the Elinchrom Ranger Quadra system. This Kit is small enough to carry and augment your portable studio solution in the field.

WIth two batteries, it's very doubtful that you would ever run out of power for enven a long day of shooting. Two heads capable of freezing the action works well with portable flashes.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

PRO: This kit is SMALL. I can actually carry all of my gear in one trip from the car including light stands, modifiers, and camera/tripod. I haven't tried airplane travel with them yet, but there is a section in the manual on removing the fuses which seems to be all you need to do.
Due to the size of these heads the possibilities seem endless. You can hide these lights anywhere for outdoor shooting.
The modeling lights are nice. They put off only a little bit of heat. The functionality to be able to turn on and off the 'auto-off' function makes them great for video. They seem about as bright as those HID car headlights, though not blue and obnoxious.

CON: The display is a bit confusing. When I first got the lights I went out to a local park at night to try the lights out with a friend. In the darkness, one of us managed to hit a button on the transmitter which put it into a different sync mode. We ended up having to cut the shoot short and coming back to look in the manual on how to reset it. (Which was easy enough to do)
I'd recommend taking some time to learn the codes on the screen. It would be nice if there was a handy spot in the case for the manuals to fit, but I've just got them floating loosely in there.
Cables are a little short but Elinchrom makes longer ones available.

It is also worth noting that my lights came with both the reflector covers and shoulder strap that seem to have previously only sold separately. The reflector covers don't provide a huge amount of diffusion, but you can shoot with them on. However, to use umbrellas the covers need to be removed, unless perhaps a hole was drilled in the cover.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I love this kit! I've only used it a few times, but so far the performance of this battery powered lighting kit has blown me away. Granted I was shooting at the lowest power setting most of the time, but I was able to shoot for over 4 hours and over 300 shots on one battery (the kit comes with two).

The included transmitter is awesome! Not only is it nice that can you shoot wirelessly, but you can also adjust the power setting from the transmitter. No need to walk over to the power pack!

Like in some of the other reviews the strobe cables are short, but I didn't find it limiting for the style I shoot. I also purchased the 7" grid reflectors...a nice addition if you have already have grids. I was also impressed with the LED modeling lights. I figured they wouldn't be all that bright, but I actually found them to be too bright. Not that I'm complaining.

In conclusion it's a nice compact kit that delivers great light!

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

Wish it included at least one longer cable. I purchased one extension cable.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

No doubt about it for on location shoots but also very good in the studio. Not too much power which sometimes would be a disadvantage in small studios.
But enough power for daytime outdoor shootings.
My assistant appreciate the power pack size and light weight.
After 3 month using it I even take it with me for lazy day on the beach...

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I primary use it for seniors with the 53 inch octobox on a monopod. What I like is that the box and the light head are very light and easy for a parent or assistant to carry it around. But also easier to hold up high if the situation warrants it. Great for overcast days to give some directional lighting when a reflector would not be good. Allows to shoot in many conditions.

The power pack and battery are less bulky than most making it easier to carry even at the same weight as other units. It has more than enough power for this situation.

I wish that the A and B plugs could be controlled on power independently from each other. And that both plugs could go from full power to the lowest power when only one light is plugged in. I also wish the attachment locking mechanism was a bit better.

But it really works well. Especially the remote.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I recently purchased this set and took it to an engagement session I was assisting and helping shoot at a vineyard. Trust me, as someone who is only 5 ft tall, this Quadra was a godsend. So easy and quick to set up! I also bought an Elinchrom deep Octa (don't forget to buy the adapter) and the results were amazing. I wish I could link images but I will settle for waxing poetic about the quality of light I got from that set-up. Trust me, it was almost noon under the unrelenting Texas sun, and 400ws in a diffuser was powerful enough.

Best money I've spent this year. I am not saying ditch your speedlites - each have their uses. Just remember to be a little bit gentle with these tiny Quadra heads. As for me, I'll be saving up for another pack so I can use a one head/one pack set up. Yes, it's expensive, but it's worth it for me so I can do my job more efficiently.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I'm a location portrait/fashion photographer.
Been using mostly Speedlights, but wanted something a little more flexible and powerful.
The portability and the ease of use of my Ranger Quadra is fantastic. Its light weight and fairly easy to use.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

The Quadra A heads have so far been amazing! Very small and portable which is key when used on location with out an assistant.The updated LCD on the battery pack is a vast improvement in bright sunlight compared to the older version. The only negative is the cables that are supplied are way to short.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I use this for on location shooting, a great light weight kit that has plenty of power for small to medium shoots, very reliable and well made.

The great thing is that the heads are so light and small that its easy for an assistant to handhold the strobes and hang the power pack over its shoulder.

My only complain would be the short cables hence the 4 star rating

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I've used this set to light children at sunset with great results. I've also used it to light high school basketball. One light is powerful enough to light up the "key" on a basketball court. The flash duration is so quick that stopping action is done with ease. I shoot ISO 200-400 in poorly lit gyms, 1/250th, f5.6-7.1 with no problem at all.The menu system is a bit counterintuituve however, requiring a learning curve or carrying around the manual. The cryptic symbols could be better.I've yet to use both lights at the same time. The reason being the cords are very short and it is my understanding buying an extension cord, besides being quite pricey, will reduce power at least a stop. The neck strap is nicely cushioned. The batteries charge quickly. There's a green light on the charger to indicate when they are charged. It's yellow before being turning green.The case is nice. Should have hinges that hold the lid upright.Comes with the Elinchrom Skyport transmitter (though mine was missing. [...]) The transmitter fits into the hotshoe and works perfectly. The receiver is built into the pack.All in all, a high quality kit that works very well.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

For onsite lighting, when lightweight counts, when one wants a beautiful form factor with a great case, powerful, super fast flash duration. one need look no further.

Menu system, while easy to use, has cryptic symbols. I guess you could learn them, but better keep the manual handy.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I love the portability of the Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set by Elinchrom! 99% of my shooting is done on location. It is so liberating to not be a "slave" to electricity!

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I was amazed when this set came. It is so small and light, even with the 2 batteries. We purchased this setup to use on some locations shoots. The results were great! We had previously used our Norman ML600s or speedlites. These heads deliver a consistent, fast duration light. I would recommend getting a smaller carrying bag to use when size is important because, while the case that they come with is nice and durable, it's size does not do this set justice. Also Elinchrom uses a smaller size umbrella shaft, 7mm. You are also limited on the light modifiers until you purchase the adapter. Well worth it though!

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

Very light and small size, easy to transport. Have not used them much, but the times I did, I liked the results. I also have the ranger (which I like a lot), but now I can use the quadra when I don't have the space to transport the ranger. I am able to fit the quadra in my camera bag with two lenses and one camera and some other stuff.

Comments about Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set:

I use it to light people on location. I love it!
It is light and very easy to use.