Lens is with JPSS awaiting repair. Should be back with me at the end of next week.

It is a good sharp lens, just a shame one side wan't quite right. Can't wait to get is back fixed!

I do wish that DA* lenses were a priority and had better turn around though as it is going to be about 3 weeks. At least I didn't have anything urgently requiring the lens otherwise I would have needed a rental.

Insurance would have covered rental if needed and should cover the repair.

Stirling Castle - Slightly Soft (Perhaps the Noise)
Alghero - Slightly Soft
Firenze - Soft
Dreaming - Slightly Soft
Light Ship - Very Sharp
Dancers Backstage - Sharp
Yainer - Sharp
Chloe - Sharp
Lillies - Very Sharp
Winter seed heads - Soft
Autumn Windfall - Sharp

Does this have anything to do with apparent/perceived sharpness caused by contrast?

The resolution and contrast on the 30 f/1.4 on the edges and corners is known to be poor. Those focusing points may be unusable due to the nature of the lens.

I have a Raynox that I was about to eBay. Bought is 4 years ago, never really used it as we got the Tamron 90mm macro. I think it is the 250 but cannot remember (shows how much use it has had). I'll be putting a few things up for sale in the classifieds later when I get home.

I'd recommend a real macro lens though if you can afford it.

That is what was confusing me as I could see what looked like an optical sensor. As it is radio that is very good and will mean the equipment we have can be used separately without getting more triggers.

Thanks for the advice.

Yes, the umbrellas would get too hot that close to the bulbs.

300W is quite a lot of light and heat!

Anyone know how the Elinchrom triggering system works, Radio, IR?

To me the Elinchrom flashes seem to offer the best balance. They are light, compact, powerful and seem sturdy. Wireless triggers seem to be standard kind of making my existing ones superfluous. However, the pass through nature of my current triggers means I could use a lot more lights if I wanted to combine both!

The Bowens flashes seem to be a little more expensive and much heavier at twice the weight of the Elinchrom sets. They seem easier to use though with a single dial for output power. Much faster and easier than a digital up/down for changing ratios. I know this is a plus as the Metz 58s can be a pain to take from 1/1 to 1/256th in 1/3rd stop increments.

2x200s or 2x400s? Don has already said go for overall power so for not much more the 400W/s heads are probably better. Already decided on softboxes as they are better for me because I already have two black/white bounce and one shoot through umbrella (I just hopped they are heat resistant enough).

Think it will be an Elinchrom set in the end.

Proline:
180W/s continuously variable flash power to 1/8
Very light flash heads
Constant 50W modelling light
Single roller suitcase to carry everything
Cheaper
Cheaper accessories

Elinchrom:
200W/s 1/10th stop variable flash down to 1/16
Actively cooled
Very fast recycle time
Light flash heads
Variable 100W modelling light

Both:
User replaceable tube, fuse and bulb.

Yes, with most lights I have looked at the modelling light is also variable. On the Proline heads there is only on and off, no preview, no balancing, very basic. I guess it helps keep costs down and you can always chimp the image during setup. Recycle time is quite poor at 3s on full power but I guess that isn't too different to my hotshoe units.

I think the Elinchrom D-lite 2s are a good starting point as the recycle time is very good and they are very light as well. All parts are user replaceable which is important. I'd hate a fuse, bulb or tube to blow and not be able to carry spares. The modelling lamp is a 100W variable output bulb.

I am torn though between getting the cheap and cheerful Proline flashes and later a set of Elinchroms or just start with the Elinchroms.

That is good to know. I have had a look at some reviews and the Elinchrom ones seem to be the best. I guess it is better to save up and get something good than buy something that needs replacing soon after.

I need something that will keep going for 8 hours or longer.