I’m not usually a gear junkie but I must admit that the Elinchrom system is getting to me. I’ve been using the Bowens 500W lights for maybe 5 years now. While hardy and problem free, they’re not exactly the most convenient to bring around for location shoot. Especially if there’re loads of equipment to haul around.

Someone was selling an old Elinchrom system and I tested it a few days back. I was so impressed with the size, ease of use and the design of the lights and softbox. The thing that hit me most was the size and weight of the lights. For the same output, one light weigh almost half that of the Bowens (2kg vs 3.5kg), and is even nearly half the size (260mm vs 410mm). Perfect for location shoot. Pack two of these lights, umbrellas and stands in a bag and I can just sling it over the shoulder. That’s it, a mobile studio kit. You may not feel the difference when just carrying one light but you will when you have a few of them.

The good thing about the Elinchrom system is the built in receiver. That’s so convenient. I usually have a bag of receivers with me and had at times, left them behind and had to resort to using the sync cable. All I will need is the EL Skyport transmitter.

So if you’re looking for a set of lights, consider something that’s convenient. Specs-wise, they’re very close but I guess to me, the clincher is the size and weight. Transporting up to 4 lights, stands, modifiers, cables, camera equipment, notebook, etc is a challenge and every kilo I save makes a lot of difference.

Check out Bowen’s system here and Elinchrom’s system here.

If you’re looking for battery powered packs, check out Strobist’s post on elinchrom lights. Plenty of good info there, including comments from users.

4 Responses to “BOWENS VS ELINCHROM: BATTLE OF THE LIGHTS”

1. Wayne Mah says:

   11/11/2009 at 3:35 am

   Thanks for the mini-review. I didn’t know Bowens were so much heavier. I just bought the Elinchrom BC 500 Ri lights… they are awesome… it’s so convenient to use the remote… especially if the light is high on a boom. No more needing a chair or whatever to change the power settings!
2. eulee says:

   11/11/2009 at 8:06 am

   Hey Wayne. Good for you! Yah I will feel more secured mounting it on a c-stand than I would with a bowens
3. eulee says:

   11/11/2009 at 8:07 am

   Hey Wayne. Good for you! Yah I will feel more secure mounting it on a c-stand than I would with a bowens
4. eulee says:

   16/12/2009 at 11:04 am

   There is an update to the post here: http://www.photographybyeulee.com/blog/2009/bowens-vs-elinchrom-battle-of-the-lights-ii