White Lightning x800 or Einstein ?

So I already have $300 to spend, should I go for a ab800 / white lightning x800 / Einstein or just quit thinking? I can save and wait if I had too for the Einstein, but I just need a studio light because my current b1600 overpowered my subject indoors today and I wasn't happy with that, I even had a light modifier on with a diffusion sock ..

I've read about AB vs the WL and WL wins overall but not a lot of people talk about Einstein here so I don't know what to go for. I may just go for my original ab800 and call it a day.

If your set on getting a PCB product you might as well buy an Einstein with cybersync CSXCV receiver. 2.5Ws on the low end so you'll have consistent colour with that product.

The WLX800 does not have the 1/4 power switch like the WLX1600, which is like having a AB400 and AB1600 all in one unit. I would choose the AB800 instead and save $110.

Beside the latest digital controls, the Einstein be operated from 2.5Ws -640Ws, 3 stops lower at minimum the AB1600.

Don't forget using the ND filters can knock down the power of the b1600 too.

I would either go with a B800, a WL X1600 or an Einstein. The X800 doesn't offer much over a B800 other than better build quality. The WL1600 or Einstein will let you keep the same max power as your B1600 but also get down much lower.

Used B1600's typically go for about $300 and used X1600's seem to go for about $325-$350.

Einstein. Consistant color throughout the range and a very wide range to work with. I love mine.

would that mean a WL x1600 be better than the Einstein? I mean seeing how the x1600 can stop down like the Einstein and is cheaper.

Vixen89 wrote in post #13181630
would that mean a WL x1600 be better than the Einstein? I mean seeing how the x1600 can stop down like the Einstein and is cheaper.

I don't think I'd say it's better. The build quality is definitely better, but that's about where it stops.

The Einstein uses a whole new technology to limit the flash output (IGBT transistors) which allows it to go so low (1/2 the power of a B400, I believe) while keeping the color constant across the whole range.

If you can afford it, the Einstein is the way to go, but if not an X1600 is probably the next best offering PCB has.

munzzzzzzz wrote in post #13181862
I don't think I'd say it's better. The build quality is definitely better, but that's about where it stops.

The Einstein uses a whole new technology to limit the flash output (IGBT transistors) which allows it to go so low (1/2 the power of a B400, I believe) while keeping the color constant across the whole range.

If you can afford it, the Einstein is the way to go, but if not an X1600 is probably the next best offering PCB has.

The above is great advice. White Lightnings have great build quality and can take quite a beating over years of hard use (i've seen from experience) though the einsteins as stated are a new design of tech allowing for very accurate color throughout the power range... very desirable!

Once you get into the realm of strict color accuracy and calibration, having a strobe that can maintain a pretty accurate color throughout the power range is a very sexy feature.

just my .02c

White Lightning is built like a tank. Between the x1600 and the Einstein, I don't know which way you should go. The Einstein has the fast flash duration and constant color mode, something you'll never make the x1600 be able to do. If you shoot fast action then your decision is made right there.

Their max output is about the same, WL is just a hair more powerful. Einstein wins on the minimum output but there are things you can do to with the WL to get less light, like flag your light or even shoot with a polarizer or ND filter either on the lens or on the light itself......or just use the modeling light.

The WL has a 5 year warranty vs the 2 year on the Einstein which was my deciding factor when I purchased my lights, well that and the tough housing of the WL.

Call me old school, but I didn't care for the all digital controls of the Einstein. Sometimes I have to hire assistants that have no photography background at all, and for me it was a lot easier to teach them to move a slider. Stupid reason, I know.....but it works for me. I've thought about investing in the Cyber Commander so I don't need someone to adjust power for me, but I'll always pay someone to hold a light stand for me for personal reasons, so I just have them work the power for me.

I pay neighborhood kids to hold my lights for me and to be my gopher. It's my contribution to my community. There are several kids around me who aren't very fortunate, so I'm able to help them out and mentor them along the way. It keeps them out of trouble. Sounds somewhat irrelevant, but it's something I consider when I purchase my equipment. It's something I believe in and something I lilke to pass along.