b800 or b1600?

bobbyz wrote in post #12214385
Can't you use higher ISO in the studio?

Yes I did that. But would have rather shot at lower ISO, I did not want to do any noise reduction(going to be a poster). It is a damned if you do and damned if you dont. I dont like that I always have to shoot at f9 for other stuff, unless I get a ND filter, even with a CPL the camera doesnt AF. I like the Einstein kind of range.

bobbyz wrote in post #12212872
Why would camera model dictate strobe power ratings?

I will say X1600 if budget allows it. Or better get Einstein.

Actually, I had sync speed in mind. He mentioned shooting outside a lot, so if anything, he'll want to have more power.

Difference between 1/200 and 1/250 is negligible.
If properly exposed there is no noise in a 5DII image until you get well above ISO800.
Poster sized prints from 5DII images at 6400 are easy.

Get the Einstein. Every other monolight you will look at is a second choice capability-wise.

How many photographers does it take, to pick a light?

Go with the b1600, you can always turn the power down. It's nice having the light power when you need it.

GenuineRolla wrote in post #12220268
How many photographers does it take, to pick a light?

Go with the b1600, you can always turn the power down. It's nice having the light power when you need it.

I think the point is that for many indoor instances, you can't turn it down far enough.. not to mention the notorious color shift many AB units demonstrate when dialed down to their lower reaches. That's why you're seeing the recommendations for the lights that have more of power control, like the X1600 or Einstein.

Don't get me wrong, B1600 is great, but if you've got a tiny indoor space, it can easily turn into too much of a good thing.

dmward wrote in post #12218144
Difference between 1/200 and 1/250 is negligible.
If properly exposed there is no noise in a 5DII image until you get well above ISO800.
Poster sized prints from 5DII images at 6400 are easy.

Get the Einstein. Every other monolight you will look at is a second choice capability-wise.

I was at ISO 200 and can see noise in the dark/black parts. I am painting them black in PS right now

BrandonSi wrote in post #12220562
I think the point is that for many indoor instances, you can't turn it down far enough.. not to mention the notorious color shift many AB units demonstrate when dialed down to their lower reaches. That's why you're seeing the recommendations for the lights that have more of power control, like the X1600 or Einstein.

Don't get me wrong, B1600 is great, but if you've got a tiny indoor space, it can easily turn into too much of a good thing.

This. shooting with a ND filter is not fun.

sigma pi wrote in post #12220721
I was at ISO 200 and can see noise in the dark/black parts. I am painting them black in PS right now

Noise at ISO200 but not at ISO100? And have you printed to see if you can still see the noise? I would love to see the final image.

BrandonSi wrote in post #12220562
I think the point is that for many indoor instances, you can't turn it down far enough.. not to mention the notorious color shift many AB units demonstrate when dialed down to their lower reaches. That's why you're seeing the recommendations for the lights that have more of power control, like the X1600 or Einstein.

Don't get me wrong, B1600 is great, but if you've got a tiny indoor space, it can easily turn into too much of a good thing.

Just off the phone with PCB and the woman said the difference between the AB1600 and the Einstein is the ability of the Einstein to go below the flash power of an AB400. I was thinking there has to be more, but that's all she said..

Also, If it's possible, I'd like to see some shots which illustrate the notorious color shift that ABs are known for.

Here is a shot that I had to apply some color correction to. The color shift to red was pretty prominent. She is still a bit pink after a quick adjustment.

Whoa! That's pretty intense.

And that's not a metering issue or anything else? Strictly the fault of the AB?

jtschell wrote in post #12220974
Just off the phone with PCB and the woman said the difference between the AB1600 and the Einstein is the ability of the Einstein to go below the flash power of an AB400. I was thinking there has to be more, but that's all she said..

Also, If it's possible, I'd like to see some shots which illustrate the notorious color shift that ABs are known for.

There's a huge difference between the Einstein and B1600.. Have you seen photos of the physical units? The Einstein is a digital unit, has an LCD panel on the back, has the action mode which improves t1 duration for motion stopping, and has the consistent color mode allowing for very consistent color temps across the full range of power.

If a B1600 was a Ford Mustang, the Einstein would be a Porsche 911. If you're looking at raw numbers, they might appear close, but in reality they're light years apart.

jtschell wrote in post #12221063
Whoa! That's pretty intense.

And that's not a metering issue or anything else? Strictly the fault of the AB?

That was one of my first trips out with the ab 1600. I had it cranked down low and the metering was fine. That said, I'm sure I could do a better job of color correction on it and its only a problem below 1/8 power. Once you get above that there are no problems with color.

WOW Gonzo is quick with it. and that is a nice shot otherwise

bobbyz wrote in post #12220952
Noise at ISO200 but not at ISO100? And have you printed to see if you can still see the noise? I would love to see the final image.

I dunno if there was noise at ISO 100 I wasnt looking for it. I was looking for the back end of the car falling off

I did a small print on my home printer just a section. Me too!! I am still working on it. 24x36

BrandonSi wrote in post #12221072
There's a huge difference between the Einstein and B1600.. Have you seen photos of the physical units? The Einstein is a digital unit, has an LCD panel on the back, has the action mode which improves t1 duration for motion stopping, and has the consistent color mode allowing for very consistent color temps across the full range of power.

If a B1600 was a Ford Mustang, the Einstein would be a Porsche 911. If you're looking at raw numbers, they might appear close, but in reality they're light years apart.

I've seen the photos and I'm aware of the physical differences, I was repeating what the cust service rep on the phone said.

While I don't disagree with the statement that there might be some color shift at lower power, I think it's being overstated slightly and/or due to poor technique.

I would love to see a side-by-side comparison.

jtschell wrote in post #12221245
I've seen the photos and I'm aware of the physical differences, I was repeating what the cust service rep on the phone said.

While I don't disagree with the statement that there might be some color shift at lower power, I think it's being overstated slightly and/or due to poor technique.

I would love to see a side-by-side comparison.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=867993

Looks like Gonzo Knows what he is doing.