Good or bad? Elinchrom EL 26186 69" Rotalux Octabox?

[haring]

Is anybody using the Elinchrom EL 26186 69" Rotalux Octa Softbox? I like that it folds like an umbrella...

It is tow or three times more than a comparable product. Is the light coming from it so much better? I would like to use it with my profoto heads. I would like to use it on location.

Do you like it if you are using it?


Here is the link: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/612058-REG/Elinchrom_EL_26186_EL_26186_69_Rotalux.html

[Sheldon N]

I use a full lineup of Rotalux boxes on Elinchrom strobes, but they work just as well on Profoto with the adapter. The 69" is a great modifier. The Rotalux speedring is very fast and easy to set up, the softboxes are lightweight and portable, and the quality of light is excellent. The 69" softbox is a really nice large size, comes very close to the 74" EL Octa indirect for a lot less money.

I'd wholeheartedly recommend it. It's big though, so you'll need a good stand and sandbags or an assistant if there's any hint of wind.

[Dustbak]

I use both Elinchrom Rotalux products as well as Profoto Octa boxes. The Elinchromes are made of thinner material and feel less sturdy than the Profoto however in use the Elinchromes are miles ahead of the Profotos.

The Elinchromes come in a terrific bag that is very handy for transportation as well as being compact. The folding system with the speedring is the killer application IMO, so much easier and nicer in use.

Even though the material of the Elinchrom feels thinner I have not yet managed to damage one after 5 years of frequent usage. I am careful with my equipment and I rarely use assistants (if I do I have one that is almost as anal as I am).

Actually the Rotalux is the only thing I kept from the Elinchrom system after I switched to Profoto. I use them with an adapter on my Profoto lights.

Now the Giant is another story....

[haring]

Thanks! you are awesome!!!

[jzzmusician]

I have gotten rid of everything (long story) and now have only the 69" octa and a reflector.  I really love this light.  I'm not sure if I can post pictures on the forum but I would be happy to send you one or two taken with the octa.

I'm just an amateur hack, but the octa makes up for it.

--Bob

[K.C.]

Is anybody using the Elinchrom EL 26186 69" Rotalux Octa Softbox? I like that it folds like an umbrella...

The Octabank is one of the standards in the industry, has been for years. A great light modifier for beauty and fashion.

[Sheldon N]

The Octabank is one of the standards in the industry, has been for years. A great light modifier for beauty and fashion.

The Octabank is indeed one of the standards in the industry (I've got one), however it's a different modifier than the one he's asking about. The 74" EL Octa is an indirect light bank and costs over $1k. The 69" Rotalux octa is a direct softbox with the Rotalux speedring, that costs about 1/3 the price of the EL Octa. The light from them is probably more similar than different, however.

[K.C.]

Now that I look at the Elinchrom site I see that I've confused them. I own an Octabank and have used several of the smaller Elinchrom softboxes, they're all very good.

[haring]

I have gotten rid of everything (long story) and now have only the 69" octa and a reflector.  I really love this light.  I'm not sure if I can post pictures on the forum but I would be happy to send you one or two taken with the octa.

I'm just an amateur hack, but the octa makes up for it.

--Bob

yes, please! my email: info at haringphotography.com

THANKS!

[haring]

The Octabank is indeed one of the standards in the industry (I've got one), however it's a different modifier than the one he's asking about. The 74" EL Octa is an indirect light bank and costs over $1k. The 69" Rotalux octa is a direct softbox with the Rotalux speedring, that costs about 1/3 the price of the EL Octa. The light from them is probably more similar than different, however.

Yes, I am considering the 69".

[kitaoka]

The Octabank is indeed one of the standards in the industry (I've got one), however it's a different modifier than the one he's asking about. The 74" EL Octa is an indirect light bank and costs over $1k. The 69" Rotalux octa is a direct softbox with the Rotalux speedring, that costs about 1/3 the price of the EL Octa. The light from them is probably more similar than different, however.

A focusing arm is more versatile on the 69". http://www.markkitaoka.com/latest-news/necessity-is-the-mother-of-invention/.

[Msstudio]

I don’t use that one, but my basic approach is to use indirect mounting for any head as the lightpath is softer and takes advantage of the size. Which actually holds true to any size. But please do a test and see if the light quality matches your vision. One size doesn’t fits all. In general I feel the elinchrom modifies create great light but built quality is a bit fragile and fussy. But hey, georgeous light, what else do I care anboit...