Paul C Buff Einstein units

[nick351]

Looking to hear any members thoughts on these units to be released soon, I've used an alien bee 1600 and 800. How would the einsteins compare?

Thanks in advance

[DAdeGroot]

Apparently more powerful than the 1600's and more importantly, consistent colour temperature across all power settings (or at least a lot more consistent than the AB 1600 and 800).

[nick351]

Not too much more expensive than the AB's too, considering taking the plunge on one to start with.

[jjphoto]

There's a long thread on FM with much input from Paul Buff here;

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/835412

There's lots of info about the units on the Buff (Alien Bees) web site too;

http://www.paulcbuff.com/pcb2009/einstein.html

I've been following these units for quite a while as I think they will suit my needs quite well and I've been considering getting some when they are available. They have shorter flash durations than the AB1600's but with the same power. They will also run on the Vagabond II batt packs which are 110volt (not 240v) as the Einsteins operate from 95-265VAC.

JJ

[ehor]

Apparently more powerful than the 1600's and more importantly, consistent colour temperature across all power settings (or at least a lot more consistent than the AB 1600 and 800).
Same power. 640ws :)

Don't forget to factor in price of modifiers etc as well when buying. Go the Large foldable softbox at a minimum size wise.

[fhphoto]

but the question is....how long can you wait?

[ehor]

but the question is....how long can you wait?
Not long enough.
I just bought a set of Ranger RX's :D

[DavidG]

but the question is....how long can you wait?

This was recently posted ....

http://www.paulcbuff.com/einstein/preorder.html

and so I'd expect atleast the end of March now ... some folks on other forums are saying even a couple of months longer ...

Ive got 2 on order and considering I made a decesion to buy based on an release date of January 2010 ... Was hoping to use on a shoot scheduled for the 27th of March ....

I have other stuff that will do the job, but considering this is my first foreray into this kind of product Im just sitting tight ... will see what happens ... Ranger RX's are certainly an option ...

[ehor]

Ranger RX's are great ;)

[DavidG]

Ranger RX's are great ;)

I hear you ...

Will see how long my patience will last :confused013

[ehor]

I hear you ...

Will see how long my patience will last :confused013
But the price difference is pretty big LOL.

[DavidG]

But the price difference is pretty big LOL.

$800 - $1000 difference ??

[ehor]

Cheapest is $2295.
So about $1700 difference.
Then you've got the price of modifiers on top of that.

Maybe it's worth the wait after all :)

[DavidG]

Cheapest is $2295.
So about $1700 difference.
Then you've got the price of modifiers on top of that.

Maybe it's worth the wait after all :)

I was thinking of 2 einsteins and a vagabond II power pack ... that would cost about $1750 .... v's ELINCHROM RANGER RX S SET at $2295 ... if the Einsteins delivery colour consistancy with the additionan 240ws then its makes for a very interesting comparison ... just when is the question ...

[ehor]

The Ranger RX will pump 1100ws through that single head ;)

[jjphoto]

Echor, did you buy local or from OS? They are potentially cheaper from B+H or Adorama but I haven't looked into it too deeply. Have you?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=364094&is=REG

or

http://www.kayellaustralia.com.au/isellit/products/products.taf?_function=detail&show=search&id=6&_UserReference=7E83F9B4CEEC12334B845FAA

JJ

[ehor]

I bought mine local. Yeah BH is cheaper but then you have shipping and GST and customs fee ontop.

[DavidG]

The Ranger RX will pump 1100ws through that single head ;)

Didnt know that .... hmmm thanks ...

[ehor]

Ranger Quadra's are 400ws but only $1800 for an A head (action head). About 1 stop less than the einsteins BUT it has built in skyports so you can adjust power remotely. Also has LED "day light balanced" modelling lamps :)

[DavidG]

Ranger Quadra's are 400ws but only $1800 for an A head (action head). About 1 stop less than the einsteins BUT it has built in skyports so you can adjust power remotely. Also has LED "day light balanced" modelling lamps :)

You make a convincing arguement Ed :)

[ehor]

You make a convincing arguement Ed :)
LOL. Well best is to go and checkout a ranger Q/RX in person. The size of the Quadra heads will suprise you. Kinda like a slightly squashed can of coke.

If you miss that extra stop just bump up the ISO ;)

[Geoff]

Possibly OT - So out of curiosity Ed - what made you swap?

I must admit I covet the Quadra's - so small - not sure I'm a fan of the requirement for the speedring adaptor but....so small.

Mind you - I also covet the speed of the Einstein compared to my current flash set.

Cost of light modifiers for Elinchrom is somewhat higher than AB/Einstein.

[ehor]

Possibly OT - So out of curiosity Ed - what made you swap?

I must admit I covet the Quadra's - so small - not sure I'm a fan of the requirement for the speedring adaptor but....so small.

Mind you - I also covet the speed of the Einstein compared to my current flash set.

Cost of light modifiers for Elinchrom is somewhat higher than AB/Einstein.
Main factor was the power from the Ranger RX. (1100ws)

Then in no particular order
- einstieins delayed indefinately
- big range of lights in the elinchrom range for me to grow and expand in to

Yeah elinchrom modifiers cost crapload more than Alien Bee ones put two together and you'll see the difference in materials used. You can also get generic softboxes from ebay etc to fit elinchrom if you want to ease the initial spend.

Alien Bees are a great way to get in to studio flashes on a budget but if you plan on shooting outdoors a bit I think the Quadra/RX system better suits location work.

The Quadra A head is like 1/6000 t.5 time and I think the 2 A head "To Go" kit is 2.3k with carry case, umbrella etc.

[jjphoto]

Although I haven't used either kit, I've certainly been looking into both for a long time now, I doubt you can beat the Alien Bees stuff for value for money if LOCATION shooting is your thing. The Vagabonds are really quite cheap, and light, and the power of the AB lights is quite OK for most applications although 640WS is not up there with the RX or other high end gear. However, there is no way the AB's can really compare with more expensive gear like the RX's if you really need that kind of power (although you could use 2 AB heads in one Vagabond and have more power than the RX, and still for much less than the cost of a single Ranger RX). Personally I would love to pick up probably 3 Ranger RX kits but in reallity I can't justify the cost so will ulimately buy 2 or 3 Vagabonds (or maybe the Innovatronix) and probably 3 Einsteins.

Once you start looking at gear in the power and price range of the Ranger RX's, Bowens have some nice options too, you start needing to justify some serious financial outlay. Broncolor is another story again. Many can afford that kind of gear but not me. I think that's why Paul Buff has done so well in the market, supplying a very good product at a much better price.

I've hired the Broncolor Mobil A2R (1200Ws) packs and heads in the past. These are a $4.5 to $6K kit. This really is the high end of portable lighting (although you could hire a big generator and use a Broncolor Scoro A4S 3200 W/S Pack (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/599750-REG/Broncolor_10_2995_Scoro_A4S_3200_W_S.html) if you really wanted to go all the way). To be honest, I couldn't see the value in the Broncolor Mobil A2R and I would never shell out for it (maybe fashion 'togs would appreciate it more than I do, better colour consistency which doesn't matter to me). On the other hand, if I had the dough, and the assistants to lug it around, I'd buy the Broncolor Scoro A4S 3200 W/S Pack (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/599750-REG/Broncolor_10_2995_Scoro_A4S_3200_W_S.html), and a generator, in a heart beat.

Check this out for an amazing demo of what the ScoroA4S is capable of.

http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2009/10/chase-jarvis-tech-strobed-photo.html

JJ

[DavidG]

Has anyone got info on Einsteins hitting Australian shores as yet?

Been on backorder whats seems like forever ... :(

[nick351]

Still considering to jump on a portable set up, either a Ranger Quadra kit or einstein w/vagabond.

Cant decide! Einsteins are still good value for money.

[bigdazzler]

I came within a millmeter of pulling the trigger on a Quadra kit last night ... restrained myself though (for once) :D

[JazzXP]

I've used ehor's RX set and it makes me cry that I don't have more money (well, more the fact that the wife says no). Very nice gear, I can't get my speedlights looking anywhere near as good as those.

[bigdazzler]

220-240v Einsteins delayed indefinitely ..

https://paulcbuff.com.au/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=13

[JazzXP]

220-240v Einsteins delayed indefinitely ..

https://paulcbuff.com.au/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=13

This is still saying end of August though https://paulcbuff.com.au/cms/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=40&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1

[bigdazzler]

If they are offering ABs in lieu for now, in the second week of July, that end of August ETA seems very unlikely to me.

I reckon thats there just to keep people interested. "Technical Issues" doesnt sound promising. I reckon well be lucky to see them by Christmas.

[SRR33]

Im still waiting for my PLM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!