I've been using Einstein's since they were introduced. Although it was a bit of a hassle, the original issue with the weak mounting fingers was fixed at no cost. Coupled with the Mini Vagabond, they rock. Having said that, I've started using Cheetah CL-360's for most of my location work. Like the Quantum's, they're a bare-bulb flash. Unlike the Quantum's, they DO NOT offer TTL capability. The power pack for the Cheetah is lightweight, and capable of firing something like 600 full-power pops. Cheetah and Einstein offer offer proprietary triggers that are very reliable.
Started with AB800 and AB1600 and upgraded to Profoto.
The AB gave me some color problems and the mount design isn't the best.
I now prefer the pack and head system but was all about monolights in the
beginning.
For a short while I was even trying out the whole 'strobist' system with a
pair of 580EX. Them I came to my senses how weak the speedligths are
and how a hassle it was to have all these AA batteries. Sold em soon after.
I have the Acute2 1200's for studio.
On location 7B 1200 and AcuteB. Sold the AcuteB since it's always in the back
of mind the lack of capacity of pops even with 2 batteries.
I use both AC and battery packs together in studio.
Going forward, I prefer the flexibility of shooting on location. Transition to a
Profoto B4 system was the plan but the Broncolor Move is what I'm saving up
for. Better priced, better performance and much lighter.
Been using my antique lumydnes for 22 years with a few battery and pack replacements. simple to use and reliable . completely portable and plenty of juice
Photography is my full time profession and only source of income besides some rental property. Everything I shoot revolves around profit. I've been using E640 since the first batch came out. Is there something better than the Einsteins? Maybe. Is the light quality better? Maybe not. Is there a light system that will out perform it and keep more money in my pocket? I haven't found one. Is there a system that has better manufacturer's support? Definitely not. Profoto stuff is sexy, but no matter how many times I've looked at the numbers I can't justify the price difference.
