Am thinking of buying monolights (Profoto Compact R or perhaps Elinchrom RX's) vs power packs (lower cost?) but am concerned about ease of use. Some questions:
I would suggest you look at what Hensel can offer.
Hensel USA - Integra Pro Plus
I have recently bought a two light 500w/s monobloc kit (with which I am absolutely delighted) and have I written a little about the feature set here...
Pro Photo HOME Reviews - Expert Pro 500 Plus compact flash unit ( ‘Integra’ in the USA) - Powered by ReviewPost a) Auto dump - if the monolight doesn't have this feature does it mean I have to go to the light itself and manually trigger it? Or trigger remotely if it has Pocket Wizards inside?
Dumping the power manually could possibly slow your work down on a long shooting session where you were constantly walking to the lights and adjusting the light output or waiting for excess power output to be dissipated. For a short portrait session, or similar, it is unlikely to have much impact on how the shooting session progresses and how it feels to you.
The Hensel monoblocs use auto-dumping. The integra/pro plus head range also contain the wireless receiver, which is built into the heads, and offers excellent control to the user, giving them the ability to set every adjustable parameter from the camera position.
b) Weight - I intend to use large softboxes (3'x4) and Octal type umbrellas (5') so will this weight mean the lights & stands could tip over easily?
The Hensel monoblocs use a very smart fitting that can be slid along the length of the casing body. It adjusts the centre of gravity so that fitting heavy light shaping tools can be accounted for. I think the feature is unique and shows the care with which the system is designed.
Adding wall or ceiling mounted brackets that will take your monobloc heads, in your regular studio location, will reduce or remove the issue.
c) Stands - Looking at Avengers but there are so many models to pick from I don't know which way to go! Thoughts?
Light stands can be a bit like tripods... cheap usually means not effective and good usually means way too heavy to transport easily. You will possibly end up buying a good air-damped set for the studio and a lighter set (use with sandbags) for location work. The leg length, height extension and combined weight of head and light shaping accessory and size are the deciding factors in the overall stability of the kit in use.
d) Remote Power - I want to use these outside as well. Vagabond the way to go? Other options for powering? Perhaps the Tronix Explorer XT? Thoughts?
Hensel provides a battery pack called, 'Visit'. It should provide around 160 full power flashes for two 500w/s lights.
e) Any other considerations relative to ease of use for monolights? Or is it just easier to go with a pack and head setup?! Thanks for your help.
I used to use some non-wireless monoblocs (Elinchrom Micro 750s heads) and adding wireless to them was an expense that proved to be less than useful. The Hensel system lets the user make adjustments to power (6 f stops in 1/10th stop, with consistent and accurate light output) and modelling light (300w prop/full, on or off) and provides 3 different wireless channels and I have not used the system beyond about 65 feet (it was faultless at this distance) from the camera position but I have read that 100 feet is possible. Less wires trailing around means a safer working environment for subjects, clients and photographers.
I don't think that packs being used on location in the open are necessarily going to be any easier to use. In the studio situation, I can see how they might be easier. As to the quality of design of the Hensel units... They are easily the match of the Elinchrom RX units and the brilliant design of the system for holding accessories, feature list and ease of use has lead me to the conclusion that they are the better quality units. They Hensel 500w/s kit two light kit (including the wireless transmitter) costs less than the Elinchrom RX two light kit of 300w/s without the wireless transmitter.
Jeff
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