Mixing Strobes with different Color Temps

How bad of an idea is it to use strobes with different color temps? Specifically, I was planning to try using (mostly for macro) an Ike DS200 (color temp 4800K) with a little DS51 (color temp 5700K) for fill. Is that 900K difference going to be noticeable/a problem?

I only shoot RAW, and know I can alter WB in processing, but f you've got two different temps to start with, changing WB for one will make the other look weird, won't it?

The colour temp will not be a significant issue, Bruce.

However, I think having two strobes of such different powers will be a right PITA most of the time, when it comes to light quality. What do you do it you want the main light coming from the left and you big strobe is on the right. I guess you could turn the camera upside down! Much better to have two strobes of the same power and then turn one of them down to give you a main light and fill.

One of the pool exercises I do on my workshops is to get people to experiment with the different strobe powers needed to shoot a vertical CFWA shot. People generally find that they need a three stop difference between the upper and lower strobes to get pleasing even illumination. This is a 6-click difference on an Inon! And that is before we start messing around with directional light.

Anyway, back on topic. I would not worry about it. But you could always add a Lee 444 filter to the DS51, which would match them pretty closely.

Alex

Thanks, Alex. That's helpful. My thinking was really to shoot almost as though I only had one strobe (as I did years ago, and is often adequate for macro), with the big one as that strobe, and use the little one only occasionally.

Actually, part of what's motivating me is that I've been reading Martin Edge's new book, and he about has me convinced that I use two strobes far too often (almost always), and that I should explore shooting more of the time with just one.