Yea I have been thinking that I could maybe ask for that for christmas from the parents! I will probably pick up a b800 for now since it is probably the most versatile light and then maybe I will keep it maybe I won't when I get the Einstein. Do you think there will be a ton of demand for the Einstein?
I've tried both systems out extensively. The slow recycle on the Calumet Genesis wasnt as bad as I thought it would be but its still slow. I prefer alien bee in every way though...their modifiers are @ fantastic price points. If budget is a concern...you have more of a reason to go with alien bee. Try and see what a elinchrom beauty dish runs you. Or any of their modifiers... Compare with AB. there new parabolic umbrellas, silver beauty dishes..and fold able soft boxes are incredible.
PS. If you havent used mono lights before. And you want something now, get a B400 and a silver beauty dish. The beauty dish with/without sock is a super versatile modifier. I can shoot 99% of my projects with that one modifier. Learn with just one mono light before going crazy with more lights. Also learn to add a reflector into the mix. and if you want to really get crazy add a vagabond II power pack and have fun with the mono light on location. Have fun!
I have used the Bees. I love them - just not great portability and power! I have moved to an all speedlight setup. Smaller carrying case, battery power, very portable - and does what I need it to do!
I also agree with LA - start with one light. You can do so much with just a light and a softbox or dish. Once you figure out one light - add a reflector. This will change things up a bit. When you are comfortable - add more lights as needed. The worst thing you can do is to start with a 3-4 light setup and then not know how they interact with each other.
I think I am going to wait a few weeks and get the perfect light, the Einstein. great power but also great flexibility. I have figured how to use my speedlights off camera, and I like that especially with HSS. But I want more power for some shots and I want to be able to have a good studio setup as well. I think I am going to keep my speedlight for those shots I want shallow DOF outside, but use the Einstein and vagabond as my main light source for all portraits.
