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Originally Posted by StudioSeduction
Hi guys, after looking around online for different Dyna-lite options.. I've come across a few questions.
1. Can someone recommend a good online company that sells Dyna-lite products? I usually order for BHPhotoVideo but I see that Adorama.com sells them as well, any suggestions?
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B&H, Adorama, Samys,.... they're all good. If you see a price that looks too good to be true (like in the Brooklyn, NY-based stores) then skip it.
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2. I'm interested in getting 2 of the 4040 pack heads but I'm also interested in getting 2 of the 1015. Has anyone had any experience using the 1015? Does it get very hot since it's not fan cooled?
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The 1015's are 1000 w/s heads. Don't even think about putting them on the 2000 ER/Wi packs. They're fine for the 500 w/s packs, but I wouldn't buy them if you're going to shoot all day. If you're going to beat on the heads, stick to the 2040's and 4040's.
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3. I'm also interested in getting the M-2000WI pack and I read that the recycle time is 1.9 sec. Since I've used Profoto for the last 2 years...I'm concerned that this recycle time is a little slow. So my question is... do you guys notice the almost 2 second of recycle time when you're shooting?
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The recycle time is more of a physics thing than a manufacturing thing. If you look at the specs for any 1600J to 2400J pack you'll see recycle times in the 1.5 to 2.0 second range after a full discharge. It's the nature of the beast. If you need that kind of power you probably aren't shooting all that fast. At low power settings you can shoot several frames a second for short bursts with a larger pack, since there's more energy stored in the capacitors.
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4. As for modeling light...is it WYSIWYG? I'm just curious... 
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Yes they are. A head with a dome (from any manufacturer) is really, really accurate, since both the modelling lamp and the flash tube are encased in the dome. The only time it's really critical is if you're using a bare head and reflector. If the head is in a softbox or firing out of (or through) an umbrella it doesn't matter, since the modifier is what's controlling your light.
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5. My last question is..can anyone recommend a good octagon softbox to go with the dynalites?
Thank you!
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How big do you want it and how much to you want to spend? The Elinchrom Octa bank (~6') is the nicest one I've ever used. There's a bracket inside of it that mounts your head so that it faces the rear of the box. The light is increadibly soft and output is even to within 1/3 of a stop across the face of the box. It runs ~$1000 and they do make a mounting bracket to fit Dyna-Lite heads. It sets up and tears down like an umbrella, which is very nice.
The Chimera OctaPlus is nice too. It's a convertible 5'/7' octabox. That is, you can use it as either a 5' or 7' box with the included expansion kit. It has a graduated baffle to keep the light even and runs ~$850.
I'll also recommend the Photoflex octaboxes. Their 5' and 7' octaboxes include gold and silver panels, for three different looks. Photoflex also has a 40 degree fabric grid for it in case you want more directional control. (Fabric grids are not available for either the Elinchrom or the Chimera.) The 7' runs ~$450, excellent value for the money. You can get that box and the grid for less than the Chimera. It does exhibit more falloff toward the edges though. Not necessarily a bad thing, just different.
Both Chimera and Photoflex make a 3' octabox too, but I've never bothered with one that small.
Wescott also makes octaboxes, but I've never used one of them and can't comment further.
For a very similar octabox look at a fraction of the cost, look at the Photek Softlighter II's They make a 5' umbrella with a front diffusion panel that stretches across the front. One thing about it though: If you're doing head shots where the catchlights are prominent, you can see the lightstand in your subject's eyes because you're essentially using a bounce umbrella and diffuser.
Make sure you've got enough room to use a 7' box though, you need a big space. Even the 5 footers are unwieldy.
-Chip