I recently ordered the Elemental G Series Ultra Kit but they are out of stock til November. Danny from Elemental has kindly agree to loan me their M Series kit while I wait. So I thought to return a favour I shall do a mini-review of their kit. Note that I am a complete beginner when it comes to studio flash and apart from the above and great customer service, I have no conflict of interest.
Specs:
2 x M series 300w Professional Studio Strobes
2 x Detachable Dish Reflectors (Spill kills)
2 x 150w Modelling Bulbs
2 x Sync Cords for wired connection
2 x WT806a Pro Series Air Cushioned Light Stands
1 x 24" x 24" Softbox
1 x 36" Silver/Black Umbrella
1 x Pro series Padded Studio Bag
1 x Background Support stand & Carry Case
1 x Radio Trigger
1 x 80cm 5 in 1 reflector
1 x 10' x 12' Cloth Backdrop (colour may vary)
Specifications
Power Range: 300 Watts
Guide No.: GN54m (ISO100)
Power Control: 1/32 - Full stepless
Lighting Range: 55 degree
Flash Duration: 1/1500 - 1/800s
Modelling Lamp: 150 watts Diffused Halogen Quartz E27
Recycle time: 0.5 -1s
Recycle Indicator: Ready Light & Audio Signal
Features: DIM switch
Triggering: Photo Sensor, sync chords, manual fire
Triggering Voltage: 5 Volts, DC
Colour Temperature: 5600K
Effective Photo Sensor Distance: <10m
Power Source: AC200 - 240v, 50hz
Fuse: 10A
Weight: 2.2kg
Build quality:
I am impressed by the overall quality of the light externally. The only complain I have is with the handle. It's a T-shaped on, with one screw holding it to the lights. No problem with that really, except that the handle itself is very slightly flexible giving a sense of lower quality. If they had use a normal U shaped one with two screws holding it on this would be better.
The lights itself functioned as it should. I have had one or two problems with the wireless trigger supplies, but it was due to interference. Nothing that can't be solved by change in channel.
The softbox supplies are pretty good. They take a while to setup initally, but it's easy enough for me.
The air damped light stands fell sturdy enough. So are the bags.
The background stand are ok. They are spring dampened. In my sample, the top section of the pole does make a grinding nose on extension and retraction. Again this may just need a bit of WD40. I don't know.
In use:
As mentioned before I am waiting for my 250W lights to arrive. To stop myself getting to attached to the M series I have delibrately not use more than 3/4 power. And I didn't need to. My studio/lounge is around 3.5m x 6m + furnitures. They are certainly powerful enough for my needs.
The recycle time is just under a second or so. I did not use a stopwatch to count. All the controls functioned as planned.
There is no "how to use" DVD with the kit. But you don't need one. It's simple enough to use. I spend a few hours playing with them and here are some of the photos. I used a 120cm octagon softbox which is an upgradable option.
I have a few hours experience with them and that's what I came up with...
Conclusion:
Great lights. It shows that you CAN achieve high key portrait with ONLY 2 lights (and a giant softbox). I love the M series... great workhorse. Would I pay more for this over the G series? I'm not sure. I haven't tried the G series yet so I really can't say. What I can say is that I don't need 300W in my studio. There are a few features "missing" in the G series compared with the M series. But is it worth paying a lot more for it? I'm not sure. If you have the money however you should get the M series as one can almost never have too much power. The G series is not fan-cooled. Not sure whether the model lamp would dim after flashing either...
When you buy Elemental you are paying for the customer service. They are cheaper than Lencarta, another friendly company. Both offers Bowens S fit. If you can afford it of course Bowen would be better. Elinchrom is also good but their accessories are expensive compared with Bowen. The customer service at Elemental has been excellent so far from my point of view.
My first ever review. Any questions welcomed.
Adrian
Similar Threads 
Linear Mode
