About to start with studio lighting, and wanting to buy a couple of strobes.
Would you go with the AB800 or the Einstein. Of course I know einstein are better., and I can afford both options. The question is only if it is really worth to move directly to those, or buy the other ones and invest the difference in other stuff - theres plenty of photo things one can buy
So beginning from scratch, would you recommend going one way or the other?
If budget is not the objection, go immediately with the Einsteins and with the CyberCommander controller. The Einstein is superior to Alien Bees in almost every way except weight.
I agree with RDKirk. I've had B400s, B800s, and a B1600, but just sold my B800 and ordered an Einstein. A single Einstein encompasses the power range of all three Alien Bees models and eliminates all of their limitations. The price is great and the technology beats lots of more expensive strobes.
The Einstein is new technology. That, before all the other benefits, is the main reason for buying.
As noted, its mated with the Cyber Commander to provide great functionality.
I have four Einsteins, two White Lighting and one Alien Bee 400.
I use the Einsteins all the time.
I had a problem with one of the Einsteins recently and had to send it in for repairs... so out came one WL to do replacement duty.
That said. I'm going to be getting a couple more Einsteins this year.
The AB and WLs have been pretty much wall flowers since I got the newer units.
The level of control using the CyberCommander is outstanding.
I still think Alien Bees are great, but the Einsteins just step things up a bit while still being reasonably priced and using the same modifiers and all.
