compared to Bowen, Prolinca, Elinchrom etc.

<TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=0 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=2>Paterson Interfit Colorflash 500P
Ref No: 27-4404</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>http://www.vanbar.com.au/catalogue/picture/1000p.jpg</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



Product Description

Designed to full professional specification the 500s have all the power needed in the busy professional studio. The flash output can be adjusted to any point between full and one thirty-second power (5 whole f-stops).

A 250W quartz halogen modelling lamp automatically adjusts proportionally to the flash power set, unless overridden by the switch provided.

Complete with "Auto Power Dumping" the units ensure that output will be exactly at the required level. An audible recycling indicator can be switched on when required in addition to the normal flash ready light.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" align=center border=1><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>Code</TD><TD align=middle>Model</TD><TD align=middle>Flash Power</TD><TD align=middle>Guide no.* mtrs & ft</TD><TD align=middle>Colour Temp</TD><TD align=middle>Recycling Time</TD><TD align=middle>Weight</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>INT 404</TD><TD align=middle>500s</TD><TD align=middle>500 W/secs</TD><TD align=middle>50 (160/ft)</TD><TD align=middle>5600K</TD><TD align=middle>2.5 secs</TD><TD align=middle>4kgs (8.8lbs)</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>INT 406</TD><TD align=middle>1000s</TD><TD align=middle>1000 W/secs</TD><TD align=middle>75 (220/ft)</TD><TD align=middle>5600K</TD><TD align=middle>4.5 secs</TD><TD align=middle>4.3kgs (9.5lbs)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

* With standard wide angle "Spill Kill" reflector.

Just trying to compare options.

...a decent unit, Peter. I don't know the company too well, though.

The only thing I noticed is that the recyling times listed seem kinda slow (about twice those of the Calumet Travelite), but I don't suppose that would be a big deal to many people.

I guess it all depends on the price. How much is it?

BTW, put the words Paterson lights (without quotes) in a Google search and see what comes up first... ;)

The cost of one head is $990, there is a kit with two heads for $1,980

Complete two head kits are available with air cushioned stands plus, silver and white translucent brollies. All you need to make a start in studio photography. Colorflash 500P x 2 3 section air cushioned stand x 2 Silver brolly x 1 Translucent brolly x 1

As you know I already have two light stands, 2 silver umbrellas, so with this kit would end up with 5 stands, 4 silver umbrellas and 1 Translucent brolly.

Other choices are



<TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=0 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=2>Bowens SET Esprit II 2x 500 + acc
Ref No: hb-0074SET</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>http://www.vanbar.com.au/catalogue/picture/esprit2kit.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD class=small align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>AUD Inc. Tax - $2200.00
AUD Ex. Tax - $2000.00
US Export - USD 1400.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle></FORM><FORM name=products action=readmore.php?id=203.122.203.2251089422595&assoc=&end=1&Item1=LIGHTING&Item2=FLASH&Item3=MONO-BOWENS method=post><TABLE id=AutoNumber1 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Order: </TD><TD><INPUT class=form_control style="WIDTH: 20px; TEXT-ALIGN: right" size=2 value=1 name=quantity></TD><TD></TD><TD> <INPUT class=form_control onclick="OnAddToBasket(document.products, 32156, this, document.products.quantity, 0, '');" type=button value=BUY></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><INPUT type=hidden value=32156 name=product_id> </FORM><FORM name=vbform onreset=vB_RESET(this); onsubmit="return validatePost(this, 0, 10, 50000);" action=newreply.php method=post></TD></TR><TR><TD>

Product Description

This is a special Promotional kit from the Bowens Factory in England.

<DL><DD>Kit includes
<DD>2 x 500 Esprit II head.
<DD>1 x Carry Bag
<DD>1 x Sync Lead
<DD>2 x Bowens Stands
<DD>1 x Spill Kill
<DD>1 x Silver white umbrella 92cm
<DD>1 x 70x070cm soft box with adapter.
</DD></DL>or

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=0 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=2>Elinchrom SET 500 / 500 Studio to go
Ref No: de-20592Set</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>http://www.vanbar.com.au/catalogue/picture/elinchrom_el500_new.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD class=small align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>AUD Inc. Tax - $1999.00
AUD Ex. Tax - $1817.27
US Export - USD 1272.09</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle></FORM><FORM name=products action=readmore.php?id=203.122.203.2251089422595&assoc=&end=1&Item1=LIGHTING&Item2=FLASH&Item3=MONO-ELINCHROM method=post><TABLE id=AutoNumber1 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Order: </TD><TD><INPUT class=form_control style="WIDTH: 20px; TEXT-ALIGN: right" size=2 value=1 name=quantity></TD><TD></TD><TD> <INPUT class=form_control onclick="OnAddToBasket(document.products, 33152, this, document.products.quantity, 0, '');" type=button value=BUY></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><INPUT type=hidden value=33152 name=product_id> </FORM><FORM name=vbform onreset=vB_RESET(this); onsubmit="return validatePost(this, 0, 10, 50000);" action=newreply.php method=post></TD></TR><TR><TD>Product Description

<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="9%" bgColor=#333333>Code
(230V) </TD><TD width="7%" bgColor=#333333>Qty</TD><TD width="42%" bgColor=#333333>Item</TD><TD width="42%" rowSpan=10></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>20592</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>2</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Elinchrom 500 Flash Unit </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD>26143</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>16cm Umbrella Reflector 90 </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>26350</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>1</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Umbrella silver 83cm </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#ffffff>26351</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>1</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>Umbrella translucent 83cm </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>30101</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>2</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Stands 85-235cm </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#ffffff>26124</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>1</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>Protective Hood </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>26127</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>1</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Portalite softbox 60 x 60 cm </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#ffffff>33185</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>1</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>Poly case, black, for 3 heads </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>33220</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>1</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Carrying bag for stands/umbrella</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



or






<TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=0 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=2>Elinchrom KIT 500 / 500 Studio to go
Ref No: de-20592</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>http://www.vanbar.com.au/catalogue/picture/elinchrom_el500_new.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD class=small align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>AUD Inc. Tax - $2414.50
AUD Ex. Tax - $2195.00
US Export - USD 1536.50</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle></FORM><FORM name=products action=readmore.php?id=203.122.203.2251089422595&assoc=&end=1&Item1=LIGHTING&Item2=FLASH&Item3=MONO-ELINCHROM method=post><TABLE id=AutoNumber1 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Order: </TD><TD><INPUT class=form_control style="WIDTH: 20px; TEXT-ALIGN: right" size=2 value=1 name=quantity></TD><TD></TD><TD> <INPUT class=form_control onclick="OnAddToBasket(document.products, 27126, this, document.products.quantity, 0, '');" type=button value=BUY></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><INPUT type=hidden value=27126 name=product_id> </FORM><FORM name=vbform onreset=vB_RESET(this); onsubmit="return validatePost(this, 0, 10, 50000);" action=newreply.php method=post></TD></TR><TR><TD>Product Description

<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=5 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="9%" bgColor=#333333>Code
(230V) </TD><TD width="7%" bgColor=#333333>Qty</TD><TD width="42%" bgColor=#333333>Item</TD><TD width="42%" rowSpan=10></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>20592</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>2</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Elinchrom 500 Flash Unit </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD>26143</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>16cm Umbrella Reflector 90 </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>26350</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>1</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Umbrella silver 83cm </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#ffffff>26351</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>1</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>Umbrella translucent 83cm </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>30101</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>2</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Stands 85-235cm </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#ffffff>26124</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>1</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>Protective Hood </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>26127</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>1</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Portalite softbox 60 x 60 cm </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#ffffff>33185</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>1</TD><TD bgColor=#ffffff>Poly case, black, for 3 heads </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top bgColor=#f4f4f4><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>33220</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>1</TD><TD bgColor=#f4f4f4>Carrying bag for stands/umbrella</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

or



<TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=0 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=2>Falcon DE- 600 Head 600w/s GN 84 stepless
Ref No: L-53-600B</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle>http://www.vanbar.com.au/catalogue/picture/DE-300B.jpg</TD></TR><TR><TD class=small align=middle><TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>AUD Inc. Tax - $649.00
AUD Ex. Tax - $590.00
US Export - USD 413.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle></FORM><FORM name=products action=readmore.php?id=203.122.203.2251089422595&assoc=&end=1&Item1=LIGHTING&Item2=FLASH&Item3=MONO-FALCON method=post><TABLE id=AutoNumber1 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#111111 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Order: </TD><TD><INPUT class=form_control style="WIDTH: 20px; TEXT-ALIGN: right" size=2 value=1 name=quantity></TD><TD></TD><TD> <INPUT class=form_control onclick="OnAddToBasket(document.products, 4899, this, document.products.quantity, 0, '');" type=button value=BUY></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><INPUT type=hidden value=4899 name=product_id> </FORM><FORM name=vbform onreset=vB_RESET(this); onsubmit="return validatePost(this, 0, 10, 50000);" action=newreply.php method=post></TD></TR><TR><TD>Product Description

DE-600B 38~600Ws (Full ~ 1/8) 250W (E27 Modeling) GN84 (ISO 100, Metre) Standard Reflector 10" Sync Cord Sensor Testing Button

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

But this is the last of the choices.

I have also looked at the Hensel Contra as an option as well, one 500 head is $1,138 and 18cm reflector is $60.75 goes from 1/1 to 1/16 in 1/10 stops by a dial. Hensel have a Studio Advance setup for $2,997 complete.

Elinchroms are expensive EL300S is $1,544.40 and the EL600S is $1,782. There are the new FX 100 and 400 models which are $946 and $1,061 but the modelling light is only 100W.

I am basically really looking at getting one head and maybe a softbox to start with although I would like to get two obviously that would be better to learn lighting balance properly.

I do have a 150cm x 40 cm reflector kit so could use that as second source of light.

Anyway that is where I am at, at this moment, any thoughts on the above would be great.
</FORM><FORM name=vbform onsubmit="return checkQR(this);" action=newreply.php method=post>

Addendum, the Bowen Esprit has a Sync Voltage of 14 and the Canon 10D is 6V so maybe an ST-E2 might work to trip them remotely, if that ends up my choice. ?????? What do you think.

I could add this into the post afterwards it just wouldn't let me post the edit in there.