New AB Max, with love for europe

These look pretty cool. Ocant wait to see them in person. I wonder how they will stack up in the real world.

That strobe looks amazing. It makes me want to buy one when it comes out, even though I have no use for it.

cybersync transceiver module cost extra $29.95! They should be included!

I am so glad that i waited (mainly because i am broke)! (wait... does that mean we should expect a new ABR MAX 320 anytime soon?)

Those parabolic umbrellas look interesting.

JasonL wrote in post #7825808
Those parabolic umbrellas look interesting.

LOL, yeah, they don't actually look parabolic!

I was interested when I first saw this, looked like the ideal budget strobes to kit out studios with. Then I saw that their 8-stop range is actually a 7-stop range and that they are designed to be used with a permanent frosted dome which will presumably waste even more light. Also appears that the colour hasn't been improved. Slightly disappointing really.

Hermes wrote in post #7825897
How much light does the built-in frosted dome waste?

I was reading the graphic as well and was wondering the same thing. I would assume (maybe wrongly) that the advertised light power measurement should take into account the frosted dome considering it's part of the default design.

Anyway, looks interesting. Not a big fan of how they hype up their product with digital illustrations though.

Hermes wrote in post #7825897
... Then I saw that their 8-stop range is actually a 7-stop range ...

Just curious, Hermes, why you find a 7-stop range disappointing. It allows the 640WS light to be dialed down to 5WS and the 320WS light to be dialed down to 2.5WS. That's not alot of light. Do you have an application in mind that would call for 1.25WS?

Of course, all of this chatter is just conjecture as the ABMAX is not a "real" product at the moment, just a computer-generated gleam in PCB's eye. Hopefully, it won't follow in the development footsteps of the Einstein which remains vaporware.

tetrode wrote in post #7826022
Just curious, Hermes, why you find a 7-stop range disappointing. It allows the 640WS light to be dialed down to 5WS and the 320WS light to be dialed down to 2.5WS. That's not alot of light. Do you have an application in mind that would call for 1.25WS?

Of course, all of this chatter is just conjecture as the ABMAX is not a "real" product at the moment, just a computer-generated gleam in PCB's eye. Hopefully, it won't follow in the development footsteps of the Einstein which remains vaporware.

Every bit of extra adjustment helps. A powerful light with a true 8 stop range would would mean I'd be able to work with one model of strobe and no ND filters.

However, since these have the same adjustment range as the old ABs, the same colour system and a frosted dome to top it all off, there's no way they'll fit the bill.

Mmmm...yummy! New vaporware to go along with the old vaporware.

Hermes wrote in post #7826129
Every bit of extra adjustment helps. A powerful light with a true 8 stop range would would mean I'd be able to work with one model of strobe and no ND filters.

However, since these have the same adjustment range as the old ABs, the same colour system and a frosted dome to top it all off, there's no way they'll fit the bill.

Other than the concern for the same color range...I'm not really following you on the rest. I'm not sure what benefit the 8th stop range would bring you on a 640ws light..2.5 ws? You'd still need a ND filter at that power? A 7 stop range doesn't cut it?

The frosted dome pops off easily and doesn't have to be used, but how much of an f stop loss do you really think the dome is providing?

The same or similar color range is a concern for sure though.....

Hermes wrote in post #7825897
their 8-stop range is actually a 7-stop range and that they are designed to be used with a permanent frosted dome which will presumably waste even more light. Also appears that the colour hasn't been improved.

ok..I'll ask the dumb question: why is it an 8 stop range?
And why hasn't color been improved? Sounds like color is stable down to 1/8 power instead of 1/4 as it used to be?

HeadShotz wrote in post #7826272
Other than the concern for the same color range...I'm not really following you on the rest. I'm not sure what benefit the 8th stop range would bring you on a 640ws light..2.5 ws? You'd still need a ND filter at that power? A 7 stop range doesn't cut it?

The frosted dome pops off easily and doesn't have to be used, but how much of an f stop loss do you really think the dome is providing?

The same or similar color range is a concern for sure though.....

Correct.

Have you ever tried doing studio work at apertures under f/2? Imagine how low-powered the key light needs to be. Now imagine how low-powered the fill-light needs to be in order to be 2/3 stops below the key light in a situation like that.

I realise the dome comes off but it's obviously been put there because the bare tube output isn't very even so working without it doesn't seem like a very attractive proposition. As for how much light it wastes - could be a stop, maybe half a stop. The point is that a one-light fits all solution for me would need to have a respectable amount of power to start with. 640ws, which is further cut down by a diffuser, isn't going to be enough to comfortably use tools like condensing spots.

Hermes wrote in post #7826394
Correct.

Have you ever tried doing studio work at apertures under f/2? Imagine how low-powered the key light needs to be. Now imagine how low-powered the fill-light needs to be in order to be 2/3 stops below the key light in a situation like that.

I realise the dome comes off but it's obviously been put there because the bare tube output isn't very even so working without it doesn't seem like a very attractive proposition. As for how much light it wastes - could be a stop, maybe half a stop. The point is that a one-light fits all solution for me would need to have a respectable amount of power to start with. 640ws, which is further cut down by a diffuser, isn't going to be enough to comfortably use tools like condensing spots.

Ok..but for me (and many others I would bet), working under f/2 isn't something that happens very often in a studio situation. It's not as big of a concern for me. I'd rig up a ND filter somehow in that rare situation.

Realistically, name a brand on the market that has a true "one light fits all solution" 8 f stop range. If there is one, I'm sure most of us couldn't afford it. You are talking about a true pro system, which AB's never have been positioned as.

I did read Buff added the dome to help eliminate hotspots as well as help protect the bulb. Since the product isnt out yet, it's premature to say the bare tube output isnt very even..could be..may not be. How much of a concern of yours was this on the current AB's? Plus I'm sure the 7 stop (or 8..7 to me) range was measured WITH the dome in place. There's no extra f stop loss with it in place in my mind.