Bowens launches pioneering entry-level lighting solution.
June 11, 2007
Author: Company Press Release

Bowens has launched a powerful new entry level lighting kit.

The 'Studio In A Box 200' is the powerhouse sequel to the company’s original ‘Studio in a Box’ kit launched two years ago to wide acclaim by photographers.

The UK-manufactured Gemini 200 is constructed from tough, durable metal and weighs in at just 2.2Kg.

Said Bowens marketing manager, Robert Cook: “Our customers have been asking for an entry level kit with more power. The pioneering ‘Studio in a Box 200’ with its two 200Ws units of power is our solution.
Now photographers working on a tight budget have no need to compromise on quality.
This new monolight is smaller and lighter than any previous model we’ve made and it’s fully compatible with the Bowens Travelpak battery. This creates the opportunity to use the lights on location where no mains power is available and achieve around 800 shots per charge – and double that with the Travelpak+”.

He added: “And when photographers are in a position to move on to bigger lights any accessories will remain compatible with the larger lights in our range. There is no need to upgrade - as is often the case with some competitor systems”

“Our new Studio in a Box 200 opens the door to a comprehensive and wide ranging world of over 40 Bowens light shaping tools and accessories including 15 types of reflector and 19 styles of softbox.”

The new ‘Studio in a box 200’ comprises:
2x Esprit Gemini 200 units
2x 90cm Silver/White Umbrella
2x 120˚ Wide-angle Reflector
2x2m Lighting Support Stand
2x Flash Tube
2x 250W HaloStar Modelling Lamp
2x Power Cords
1x Sync Cord

Esprit Gemini 200 technical data:
Stored energy: 200Ws
Guide Number (m/100 ISO): 50
Recycle Time to full power: 1.3 Secs
Flash Duration to t=0.5: 1/1700 sec.
Flash Power Variation: Full to 1/4
Sync Voltage: 5V
Dimensions w.l.h: 145x 310x 130mm
Weight: 2.2Kg

With the Esprit Gemini now recognised as the industry standard in battery/mains powered monolights and portable accessories, Bowens have augmented the range to include two digital versions, the GM Digital 250 and the GM Digital 500.

Just like their analogue counterparts, these high performance units are solid metal, durable, economic lights that combine mains powered studio operation with the “Gemini” ability to go portable when needed.
Built to take the demands of today’s busy professional, the new range is smaller, lighter (but still just as tough!) and offers the benefit of true digital 1/10 stop light adjustment (better than 1%) via an easy to use rotary control on the side.
Weighing in at just 2.8kg (250Ws) and 3.3kg (500Ws) and measuring just (L)340mm (W)145mm (H)130mm, the GM Digital range come packed with extra features, such as auto flash dump, soft modelling control for extended lamp life and red eye reduction flash sync.
Light output is controlled via a single rotary control over a five stop range (6 stop points) from full down to 1⁄32 in exact 1/10 stop increments - the large, clear digital display shows the power level in terms of either digital F stops or as watt/seconds and can be inverted, to allow right or left handed viewing from a central shooting point. As with all Gemini units, the new range feature a digital camera friendly sync-voltage of just 5V and the now industry standard, “Gemini” Go anywhere battery socket.

Advanced Features:

Red Reduction Photocell Sync
The smart photocell on GM Digital units allows photographers to set the cell to ignore pre-exposure flashes from their on camera flash. The system can “learn” the pre-exposure sequence to ensure perfect flash synchronisation.

Advanced Modelling
As well as Full, Proportional or user defined levels of modelling power, the GM Digital units incorporate soft start lamp control for extended life. In addition, modelling can also be set to either extinguish while recycling or pulse when the flash is ready to go again.

Digital Display & Audio
The large clear digital display can be seen easily from a distance while shooting and can be set in f/stops or watt/seconds. A display invert feature permits clarity of display from either side of the camera or when suspended upside down from a ceiling track system. Audio feedback for READY/CHARGE and button recognition is easily configured.

Light shaping tools are essential for creating images with the ‘wow’ factor, but choosing which accessories to use to achieve that perfect effect can sometimes be daunting.

The Bowens professional accessory range includes over 40 reflectors, modifiers and softboxes covering every type of photography from basic portraits to creative fashion and commercial shots.

To make selecting the right accessories easier, Bowens have created four new unique lighting reflector kits designed to cover ‘Basic Effects’, ‘Portrait Lighting’, ‘Fashion Lighting’ and ‘Advanced Lighting’.

Now you just need to decide what style of photography you want to achieve and choose the relevant pre-packed and ready-to-go kit from Bowens. What could be easier?

Effects Lighting Reflector Kit
The Effects Lighting Reflector Kit contains five professional light shaping tools and accessories designed to compliment basic lighting set-ups by creating special lighting effects. The kit contains a Snoot and Four-Leaf Barn Door set supported by a 60º Reflector as well as a Back Light Reflector together with 12 coloured gels and filters.

Portrait Lighting Reflector Kit
The Portrait Lighting Reflector Kit contains seven of Bowens most popular lighting accessories for portraiture lighting set-ups. The kit contains a 60x80cm Softbox, a 60º Grid Reflector together with three sizes of Honeycomb Grid as well as a Back Light Reflector with 12 coloured gels and filters with a telescopic Backlight Stand. Finally an 81cm Gold/Silver reflector disc, for adding warmer or cooler tones to your portraits, completes the kit.

Fashion Lighting Reflector Kit
The Fashion Lighting Reflector Kit contains six specialist light shaping tools designed to create the high-Key effects currently in vogue. The kit contains two High-Performance Reflectors for broad high contrast coverage. An ultrasoft beauty dish with a grid diffuser attachment, a 15º Snoot for highlighting detail and a Gold/Silver Reflector Disc for adjusting colour tones.

Advanced Lighting Reflector Kit
The advanced Lighting Reflector Kit covers a broad range of lighting scenarios. The kit contains a 60x80cm Softbox, two Maxilite Reflectors together with two sizes of Honeycomb Grid as well as a Four-Leaf Barn-Door Set and a Gel Holder with 12 coloured gels and filters. The kit is completed with a Bowens 81cm Gold/Silver reflector disc, designed for easily adding warmer or cooler tones to your images.

Bowens have announced the introduction of a brand new generation of studio flash. The Esprit Gemini range encompasses a new design, and a new concept to create a ground breaking way of working with flash.

For the Bowens design team the concept was simple, to conceive and design a studio flash that could be run from either mains power in a studio or from a rechargeable battery pack out on location.

“It sounds so simple”, said Bowens Technical Director Mark Aherne, “there were many technical and design challenges to overcome to combine mains and battery power technology in one unit. We are very pleased with the final version of the Gemini, which meets the exacting standards, expected of a Bowens product.”

The New Esprit Gemini range has four models, rated at 250Ws, 500Ws and a 750Ws ‘plus’ which features a rapid flash duration and recycle time. Each model has a 5 stop power range, calibrated in exact stops and feature oversized robust controls for both power and modelling. Plus they all have a rugged carry grip offering safe handling whether in the studio or on location.

Robert Cook, Bowens Marketing Manager said “Photographers have been asking when will Bowens have a battery flash system for location work? We are really pleased that we can now offer the same solid and reliable flash system, that has become industry standard worldwide, with a battery power pack allowing the same quality of light for location photographers too.”

Added Cook: “Naturally, being a Bowens product the Gemini is compatible with our wide range of Reflectors, Soft boxes and other light shaping tools – we believe that we offer the most complete studio lighting system available today”

Power to drive the Gemini outside the studio, on location, is supplied by ‘Travel-Pak’ the small and lightweight battery pack developed by Bowens to offer freedom for photographers to work in the studio or on location. The Travel-Pak can power two Gemini’s at once providing over 100 shots each at full power per charge.

The new Gemini Esprit and the Travel-Pak will be launched at Photokina in Cologne and will be available to buy from mid-November. With these additions to the range Bowens expect the Esprit range continue to be the world’s favourite studio flash system.

Bowens International is set to launch a new light bank aimed at digital photographers and video/ TV studios.

In a landmark development Bowens lighting engineers have created a new studio lighting system capable of functioning equally well in either environment.

Said Mark Aherne, Bowens Technical Director: “This is a first for the company. As market leaders in photographic studio lighting it’s a natural progression for us. Video and TV is a burgeoning marketplace and our strategy is to become a key player in this space.
This new purpose-built, state of the art range targets studios that want to buy into Bowens’ long track record of creating robust, reliable, cutting edge lighting products at highly competitive prices.”

The new StudioLite SL 455 (four tube) and SL 855 (eight tube) systems are set to be showcased to the world at the Cologne-based Photokina trade show in September but will be available in the UK within weeks.

Added Aherne: “This range is robust, lightweight and stylish and it’s tailored specifically for 21st century photographers.
The dimmable, easily replaceable, lamps have a money-saving 10,000 + hour life and come in a choice of light output, colour temperature and colour rendition.

Our highly efficient reflector design maximizes the available light and creates a remarkably even light spread.”

Bowens have developed a comprehensive range of light control and shaping tools for the new system including detachable grids, softboxes, intensifiers and barn door attachments.

Robert Cook, Bowens Marketing Manager said: “We have a long history of designing world-class products that make life easier for both photographers and their clients – and this exciting new system will be a highly cost-effective extension to that portfolio.

Time is money in a photographic studio and now photographers can save studio set-up time thanks to the innovative SL455 and SL855 system.
For example, barn door attachments are easily removable. Users can fit quickly fit a reflector over the top of the unit – that’s often a challenge with some competitor systems.
These new light banks also run very cool and maintain colour temperature and light output over extended periods of operation - so those sitting under them won’t be feeling the heat – and the studio temperature will also stay much cooler.”

Eagerly awaited, the Quad 2400 is the latest in a range of power-packs from Bowens built with the digital user in mind. A direct replacement for the Duo 2400 the Quad 2400 uses advanced technology developed for the QUADX.

Like the QUADX the Quad 2400 uses capacitor switching to ensure total colour consistency. The power control can be adjusted in accurate1/3 f/stops, perfect for digital work

The QUAD 2400 features two head outlets. Of course the user can take the full 2400Ws from a single socket, but the power can be divided across two channels giving a wide selection of powers. Once the pack is switched to its asymmetrical mode, two channels, each with a maximum power of 1200Ws is available. As each can be adjusted independently of the other a great deal of lighting flexibility can be achieved.

Output precision is a feature of the QUAD 2400. Flash power can be adjusted in accurate steps of 1/3rd f-stop, giving the photographer excellent control of exposure. The power levels are displayed in large LED displays showing clearly the Ws output per channel. Each channel can be adjusted over three f-stops. With a minimum power output of just 37Ws the QUAD 2400 has a range of 6 f-stops.

The overall power of the pack can be reduced using a system of capacitor switching. By reducing the number of capacitors being used a greater level of colour consistency can be achieved. In practice this means that the QUAD 2400 can be switched from 2400Ws, to 1200Ws to 600Ws with less than 70K shift in colour temperature.

The QUAD 2400 offers two recycling speeds. Set to fast and the QUAD will keep pace with the most demanding shooters, at the slow speed, the QUAD will limit the power drawn allowing it to be used in most locations.

The modelling lamp control is also new, in addition to selecting full power modelling or lamps in proportion, a new Auto setting will set the modelling lamp of the brightest head to maximum, even when the overall flash power of the pack is set at a low level. This helps the photographer preview their lighting, even at the lowest of flash powers.
There is an audible beep that signifies when recycling is completed, and the modelling lamps can be set to extinguish during recycling giving a clear indication when the pack is ready to fire. Being a Bowens Generator, it will only fire at 100% recharge so flash consistency can be guaranteed.

The QUAD 2400 features a built in switchable slave cell and two 1/4in jackplugs for sync connection.

The QUAD 2400 is just part of the Bowens QUAD System. It accepts all QUAD lampheads and they in turn can be used with the comprehensive range of Bowens light shaping accessories. These include softboxes, reflectors, spotlights and a host of other products that will give the photographer the freedom to be creative in the studio.

The sleek profile of the Pulsar Radio Trigger system from Bowens has ensured that, just a few months after its launch, it has quickly secured a place as one of our top selling products.

If you are tired of using a radio trigger that looks like tower block on top of your camera then the super-lightweight, small but powerful Pulsar is just what you have been looking for.

The revolutionary radio triggering system combines sophisticated high-tech circuitry with economical low-priced value! Each Pulsar unit acts as either a transmitter or receiver and is capable of sending or receiving signals beyond 300 feet. Unlike IR triggering systems, the radio-transmitted Pulsar system is unaffected by high ambient light or low-light situations and can operate around corners and even through walls!

The Pulsar has a five-way channel selector switch that allows photographers to select all flash heads to fire simultaneously or to fire up to four heads individually without leaving the camera position. Additionally, the Pulsar has a studio selector switch, which provides isolation from other Pulsar units using the same channel, and allowing up to six different systems to operate independently in the same studio or shooting space.
The Pulsars' low-voltage operation takes the fear out of connecting an expensive digital camera to a high voltage studio lighting system. Other features include a co-axial PC sync out connection that allows photographers to use their existing sync leads, a DC input socket that allows for long-term installations, and a test button that will allow the Pulsar to be tested without shooting any pictures.

Each Pulsar is two units in one and can be easily switched to either Tx (transmitter) or Rx (receiver) mode.
Once switched on, a comforting indicator lamp on top of the unit blinks approximately every three seconds to show that the unit is working. This same LED will light to show when the unit is transmitting or receiving a signal. The LED also acts as a low battery warning by ‘double blinking’ when the batteries need changing.

To physically attach the Pulsar (when it’s being used in receiver mode) to a flash unit, a bungee cord and connector plate are included. Using the elastic cord, the plate can be attached to the light unit or stand. The hot shoe slides onto the connector plate and is locked into position, providing a simple, effective and safe design.

The Pulsar operates from two AAA batteries to ensure that the unit is as small and light as possible. But don’t worry about performance, the battery life is exceptional. In transmit mode you can expect Pulsar to operate for up to 560 hours (with NiCad cells) in receive mode you can expect to get up to 220 hours use. Typical use is around 200 hours, that’s a month to most photographers!

Pulsar can be used as more than just a simple triggering system, replacing a sync lead in the studio, but as a remote control device allowing photographers to have a greater degree of control over their lighting without ever leaving the camera and shooting position.

The Pulsar measures a mere 90 x 49 x 44mm and weighs in at only 122g. The package includes one transceiver unit, mounting adaptor, battery set, sync cord, & jack plug adaptor.

British photographic lighting specialist Bowens International will be using Photokina as the showcase for their newest lighting product. QUADX is a new powerpack that re-establishes the company's position in the serious photographic lighting market.

The QUADX uses the latest electronic design and components to create a studio powerpack that delivers a level of quality and performance to confirm Bowens reputation as innovators in studio lighting. The QUADX has a maximum power of 3000Ws that can be controlled through up to four lampheads. Digital control ensures that this power is delivered with complete precision, output adjustable in steps of 1/10th f-stop.

The recycling and flash duration speeds that the new QUADX offers are amongst the best in the industry. Flash duration can be as short as 1/7000 second and even when delivering the full 3000Ws, this pack can recycle in just under 2 seconds.

The control interface is based around an LCD information panel which can be used to show a host of information, from light output (in Ws or as a percentage of total power) to the flash duration and much more besides. With so much professional photography being done on digital cameras, the accuracy, repeatability and controllability of the QUADX will be welcomed. A full remote control system and future developments in software control ensure that the QUADX will be easily integrated into a digital workplace.

At the heart of the QUADX is a power management system that controls the energy storing capacitors. The unique power management system constantly monitors and adjusts capacitor performance ensuring complete output accuracy. In addition, precise capacitor switching delivers much greater colour consistency over the entire power range of the pack. The colour consistency of the QUADX will match many of its more expensive rivals. The power management system also helps the QUADX achieve its impressively fast flash duration.

Bowens have worked hard to incorporate as many 'extras' as possible and the new QUADX is packed with features that the busy professional will appreciate. Auto bracketing, advanced modelling lamp control, trigger delay and a great deal more all help to free the photographer's creativity.

In all the QUADX is by far the most technologically advanced product that Bowens have ever produced and comes fast on the heels of some impressive product introductions in their monobloc range. Bowens clearly have an eye for the future of photography and the capability to develop products that meet and exceed the demands the professional photographer.

The Tri-Lite II is the latest version of the best-selling Tri-Lite continuous lighting unit. Using high-frequency fluorescent light sources, the Tri-Lite creates a smooth, directional light that is particularly suitable to digital photography and those using simple cameras for Web photography.

Inside the Tri-Lite are three 30w lamps. Together they create a light intensity that is the equivalent of almost 450w of conventional tungsten light sources. Because the fluorescent lamps create almost no heat, the Tri-Lite can be positioned near the subject in order to generate the highest levels of illumination without damaging the subject with intense heat.

To create a smooth light source the Tri-Lite incorporates a translucent deflector and features a matt-white finish to the reflector interior. For easy positioning a handle is attached to the rear of the unit. The Tri-Lite is supplied complete with 5m power cable, 3 x 30w fluorescent lamps and the translucent diffuser. It weighs 1.9kg, has a reflector diameter of 330mm and a length (including handle) of 425mm.

Following hard on the heels of the launch of their ground-breaking Esprit Digital 750 Monobloc unit, British studio lighting leader Bowens International Ltd has announced the arrival of the RC-1 Digital Remote Control.

This handy device allows all the functions of the Esprit Digital 750 to be controlled from a remote position — a boon to photographers in today’s busy studios.

The RC-1 handset duplicates all the primary functions of the Digital 750, allowing them to be operated by remote control at distances up to 10m (35ft). It offers up to eight-channel operation and is powered by a single 9v PP3 type battery. The unit can be used to control the following functions:
Cell on/off - Bracketing (-B & +B)
Sounder on/off
Modelling Lamp Functions
Output Power up/down
Test/Open Flash
Capacitor Switching
Function Selector
In addition, 'Maximum' (setting the unit immediately to full power) and 'Minimum' (setting the unit immediately to minimum power) buttons are also included, as is a reset control (which returns the unit to the factory default setting).

The addition of a full remote control facility to the highly specified Esprit Digital 750 will surely make this product very interesting to traditional and digital photographers alike. The RC-1 weighs just 100g and measures 175 x 65 x 30mm.

In the world of photographic lighting, the spotlight is one accessory that has stood the test of time. Bowens has created a new spotlight, called the Pro Spot, that is designed to operate on the Duo generator system as well as their previous Quad units.

The Pro Spot is capable of delivering a high-quality image over a wide image circle with high light output. The flash tube positioning and flash tube design help to produce the maximum possible light output and crisp imaging. Designed to operate up to a maximum power rating of 2400w/s, the Pro Spot is an excellent addition to both portrait and commercial studios alike.

The lens included is a high-quality 85mm f/2.8 projector lens that gives exceptional resolution and produces crisp, sharp results.

In addition, the Pro Spot is supplied with a modelling lamp, gobo holder and a set of gobos ("B" size), making it suitable for a wide range of work.

An auxiliary iris, which allows precise control over the projected spot size, is available as an accessory. The user can make masks of any shape and size to suit individual requirements.

The Pro Spot will appeal to a wide variety of photographers, whether they’re shooting commercial applications or simply putting that favourite Venetian blind effect on their portrait sessions.

It seems that everyone has introduced large octagonal soft boxes in recent years and their use has steadily grown both in portraiture and other photographic applications. The new Octo 150 is the latest design from Bowens. It has a number of advantages over other large soft boxes. It is not solely dedicated to the Bowens lighting system. Although the Octo 150 works exceptionally well on Bowens monoblocs and lampheads; it can easily be converted to work with virtually any modern studio system.

The Octo 150 is a reverse-firing soft box — the head is mounted inside the box and pointed away from the subject towards the rear reflecting cloth. This scatters the light so that by the time it has reached the front diffusion cloth the distribution is completely even. Meter readings taken on any point on the front diffuser show a variation of less than 1/3rd f-stop. The round diffuser is completely seam-free and creates perfectly round catchlights (for portraiture) or even round reflections (for everything else!). At 150cm in diameter it is large enough to create a very soft and flattering light source.

For ease of positioning the Octo 150 has a large handle and the mounting mechanism is designed to lock firmly into position so any slippage is eliminated. The Octo 150 is supplied with a strong carrying bag and is simple to erect and dismantle. Any photographer who has yet to try one of these huge light sources is well advised to look at the Bowens Octo 150 as it offers exceptional performance at a very competitive price.

The pace of progress at Britain's leading flash manufacturer is astonishing. Just a few short months after we saw the arrival of the Esprit Digital 750, the market's most advanced monobloc flash unit, they are announcing not one but three brand new units!

The new units are additions to what Bowens calls the Esprit Digital range. Three new units have been created — the 250DX, 500DX and 1000DX. These units take the design of Bowens popular studio monoblocs to a new level. Gone are the analogue power adjustment controls and in comes digital technology. The new units all feature Bowens digital power control, offering accurate power setting in precise steps of 1/10th f-stop. Each model features digital power control covering 6 f-stops from full to 1/32nd power. Many of the advanced features that were incorporated in the ground-breaking Esprit Digital 750 have found their way into these exciting new units, including the full IR remote control. As more and more photographers find themselves tethered to their workstations, the ability to adjust their studio lighting from a remote position becomes increasingly important.

In general, the performance parameters match those of the hugely successful Esprit 2 units, also a refinement of one of Bowens most successful products ever, with fast recycling times and short flash duration.

"Bowens has always had a reputation for producing solid and reliable studio lights," said a Bowens spokesperson. "These new units combine our commitment to reliability and robustness with a performance that today's digital and traditional photographer are demanding.

"By using the latest electronic design we are able to offer a unit that is completely accurate but which costs no more than the older analogue units from our competitors. As these units are fully compatible with our extensive choice of accessories, we are confident the new Esprit DX models will be popular with new and existing Bowens users around the world."

Another excellent feature of the Digital 750 is the bracketing control. The amount of bracketing can be set by the user from 1/10 f/stop to 9/10. Using the bracketing control switches, the user can either decide to go below their selected level or above for their first exposure.

Esprit Digital 250DX
Perfect for small studios, location work or portraits, the Digital 250DX is capable of delivering plenty of light for the portrait photographer. It also has the advantage of an extended power range for the highest level of creative control — at minimum power the Digital 250DX is capable of delivering just 7w/s of power. As for portrait light, the controllability of the unit makes it a great hair light or background light. Although compact and lightweight, the 250DX is designed with a strong steel casing to resist the rigors of studio life. The advanced circuitry delivers fast recycling times (1.2 sec) and a very fast flash duration (1/1100 sec). In short, the 250DX is an exceptional flash unit that will prove invaluable in many studios.

Esprit Digital 500DX
The 500Ws monobloc has been our most popular size for more years than we care to remember. The evolution of the 500DX brings a level of control and precision to what has always been our best-selling product. Whether you need power for commercial applications or the finesse of 1/10th stop accuracy for complete control, the 500DX is the perfect lighting solution. The DX range benefits of power accuracy, repeatability and full IR remote control capability are all found on the 500DX, as well as good flash duration and excellent recycling speeds. No larger than the 250DX and weighing a fraction more, the 500DX is the perfect complement to any studio and the foundation of a first-class lighting system.

Esprit Digital 1000DX
The 1000DX is the performance heavyweight of the range. This unit is capable of delivering considerable amounts of power with precision and control. Two f-stops brighter than the 250DX, it is still capable of delivering flash of just 28w/s — a gentle giant indeed! The 1000DX is perfect where high light output and hard work are the order of the day. Fan cooled, the 1000DX can deliver shot after shot, keeping up with the most demanding studio environments. With resilient circuitry and robust design, this will be a classic workhorse flash unit for years to come. The 1000DX is fitted with a three-electrode flash tube that gives impressive performance and flash duration at full power in just 1/1700s. The unit can recycle to full power in just over two seconds on 230v. If you are looking for power and controllability, then the 1000DX could be the perfect flash unit for you.

Bowens is excited to announce their new Esprit Digital 750, a multi voltage flash unit designed specially for the digital photographer. As well as being the perfect flash for a digital studio, it is extremely well suited for those who shoot portraits or work on location. The Digital 750 provides an extremely high level of lighting sophistication at a very affordable price.

The Digital 750 has been designed from the bottom-up to not only deliver a level of output accuracy that has never before been available from a Bowens unit, but also to feature a general performance specification that will be the envy of many other manufacturers in the industry. The most obvious advance is a new membrane control panel, where all adjustments can be made using a comprehensive digital interface. Output can now be controlled in precise steps of 1/10 f/stop, covering 6 f/stops over a 5 f/stop range. Using advanced capacitor switching, this range can be increased to 7 1/2 f/stops with a minumum power of 7 w/s. Because this is now digitally controlled, the Esprit Digital 750 performs with incredible accuracy, with light output varying by no more than 1/20 f/stop! The control systems are simple to understand and use, such as when adjusting the output by 0.1 on the control panel, the flash power will have been changed by just 1/10 f/stop.

The most exciting aspects of this new flash are its ability to have consistent colour temperature over its full power range and its consistent flash-to-flash output. Its fan cooling allows for a 1.5 second full-power recycle time when operating on 120V, and just 0.8 second full-power recycle time when operating on 240V.

The total power of the unit can be set to three different positions: 750Ws, 500Ws and 250Ws. By using the capacitors at their maximum power, the Digital 750 delivers fast flash duration at all times. At 250w/s the unit can deliver an action-stopping flash duration of just 1/3250 of a second (t=0.5) with precise colour consistency. The new modelling lamp control allows the photographer to set the lamp to full power in proportion to the power selected or independently of the flash power completely.

"Bowens has taken the next step," said Mark Aherne, Bowens Technical Director. "With the Esprit Digital 750, Bowens has taken the features that digital photographers need and put them into a tidy package. We have assessed the light’s performance using market leading digital camera systems and the results exceeded even our high expectations. This light has consistent colour temperature, consistent output from flash exposure to flash exposure and a tremendous power range of over 7 stops, from 7 - 750 w/s. All this at two-thirds the cost of the competition."

Another excellent feature of the Digital 750 is the bracketing control. The amount of bracketing can be set by the user from 1/10 f/stop to 9/10. Using the bracketing control switches, the user can either decide to go below their selected level or above for their first exposure.

The Digital 750 also features a built-in optical slave, an auto dump feature that automatically discharges the capacitors when the power is reduced, audible and visual ready signals, as well as audible misfire and overheat signals. Its low-sync voltage (14V) will not harm sensitive camera electronics and it accepts the comprehensive range of Bowens reflectors and accessories. An optional eight-channel IR remote control allows you to control output levels and bracketing to up to six units.

Built to comply with rigorous European safety and suppression legislation the Esprit Digital 750 is setting new standards for studio flash equipment for the digital and traditional photographer.

Bowens International is proud to introduce a higher-performance, stronger and more robust line of reflectors to their already superb reflector range.

The revised reflector range includes 14 different models of reflectors and light shapers: Each model is constructed of a heavier gauge of aluminum than the original units for greater strength and durability. Another important enhancement to the entire line is an improved integral steel attachment ring that provides secure and safe positioning onto the flash unit. Further improvements have been made to the Wide Angle / Umbrella reflector, the Keylite Reflector and the Softlite Reflector. These impressive improvements have been incorporated without increasing the cost of ithe range.

"The new reflectors feature an integral mounting ring that is more rugged than our previous design and gives much greater overall strength to the reflectors, Bowens Technical Director Mark Aherne noted. "This, combined with a slightly heavier material, has created a reflector that we believe will be better suited to the daily rigours of the professional photographer. Additionally, we have been able to create a brighter surface finish for two of our new reflectors, the Wide Angle / Umbrella Reflector and the Keylite Reflector."

The versatile Wide Angle / Umbrella Reflector produces a wide, even spread of light ideal for high-key lighting and other applications that require broad illumination. This reflector’s shape has been redesigned to provide the greatest performance over the widest possible angles. Improvements include facets near the reflector’s front edge and a brighter finish on the inside surface to maximize light distribution. In addition, the umbrella bracket is now constructed of an improved heat-resistant material for increased durability.

The Keylite Reflector has a new finishing process to create a much brighter and almost mirror-like finish. Once again, the faceted design has been incorporated into the front edge of the reflector. This reflector delivers high-powered and specular light.

The High-Performance Reflector is a completely new reflector, designed to fulfill the demand for a bright, narrow angle light source. The highly parabolic design delivers a narrow beam of light with the maximum brightness. This reflector will create intense shadows and is perfect for creating high-contrast lighting effects. Its texture-enhancing output is perfect for food and fashion photography.

"The High-Performance Reflector is a completely new design for us,” Shirm said. “It gives a high-intensity beam of light with a less specular appearance than the Keylite reflector. For photographers who want to emphasize texture and recreate sunlight, this reflector will be very popular."

The redesigned Softlite Reflector now features a new surface finish. The original sandblasted finish has been replaced with a neutral-colored powder coating. In testing, this new coating delivers a slightly smoother finish, giving a broader spread of light without losing any of the softness that has made this light source so popular.

The new reflectors are available through the Bowens International network of distributors and dealers.