Enstein set up, what do I need?

I'm ready to go in this direction. I've been reading a lot & I believe that the Einsteins with the Cybersync system will be a good starting point for me. Do I need to go with the "Genius Package" or break it up? I'm going to add a Vagabond Mini™ Lithium power unit as well.

Thinking that I would rather have a soft box or a beauty dish in place of one of the PLM Umbrellas.

Also, what about the light stands that come with the package?

Please give me your thoughts.

Thanks, Jeff

You have told us absolutely nothing about the kind of pictures you want to make, or the environment in which you want to make them.

Sorry, portraits & family event photos, indoor & out. I want to be able to take this to wherever someone wants their photos taken.

Thanks, Jeff

Get the large octa softbox and the BD.

Lightstands - get the most sturdy ones you can afford.

The portable mini battery is awesome and a great investment specially shooting outdoors. Best thing is that it is super light. Buy it!!

Carefully decide which PCB items you might want in the next few months and buy them now - you get an accessory discount of 5% per light ordered so 2 E640s gets you 10% off all accessories ordered (except the mini) With the 60-day return policy it's easy to stock up and try stuff. Note tho you probably won't return anything

I would get 2x white 64" PLMs with the black backs, one of the square softboxes with grid, the PCB stands, the Cybercommander, trigger (CST) and CSXCV, at least one 8.5 reflector, the grids for the 8.5, one mini per light and PCB bags for everything. You might consider a spare modeling tube, flash bulb and mini battery if you can't get by down one light. You might also consider the lower power modeling bulbs if you want modeling lights when using the minis.

I ordered my PCB stuff 6 weeks ago. 2 E640s, 1 AB800, 2x8.5, grids for 7, large Octa w/ grid, ES 64" PLM with diffuser, CC, 2xCSXSV, CSRB+, two minis, PCB stands, bags for all.

After 2 shoots I returned the AB800 and 7 grids for another E640, CSXSV, 8.5 and grids plus a CST.
The ES 64 with the front diffuser is too specular for my normal use so I'm using Westcot 42" shoot-throughs until I order the 64" white with black back. I wish I'd gotten a smaller softbox but I'll keep the big one for now.

The Mini's already saved by bacon on an indoor shoot when the carefully scouted location had 8 outlets - none of which worked! 400+ shots of various combinations of a family in 45minutes and only 2 misses (both times due to my out-shooting the recycle time - gotta love toddlers)

Hello, I am looking at the same setup I have done some research and decided that the most versatility for me is 2x Einstein's with the 47" PCB Octabox the 51" soft silver PLM and the PCB 22" BD. You can shoot groups with the PLM and Octabox and single portraits with the Octabox and BD. Hope this helps!

Depends on folks. For me:

1. Einstein are good
2. Get VML
3. Stands etc look at better options from avenger, bogen
4. PLM, I better get some softbox, octa with grids before getting PLM.
5. BD, PCB is junk, look at Kacey

I have 3 Einsteins and I love them.

I bought the dish, three 8.5" reflectors and grids.

I also bought the 86" PLM in extreme silver and it's probably the best 80 bucks I've spent so far.
It's a giant octa with the diffuser on it.

Inside it's perfect, outside it's a perfect sail for a small boat.

I am going to look at the medium sized one in white with the back back next.

Go manfrotto or avenger stands.

bobbyz - why do you consider the PCB BD junk? I was just thinking about buying one.

DanThoman wrote in post #14529753
bobbyz - why do you consider the PCB BD junk? I was just thinking about buying one.

I can not speak fopr Bobbyz but I agree. Stamped metal junk that bends out of round if a butterfly lands on it, Junk Its cheap though, but cost enough that it should not be garbage.

PCB's octabox makes nice round catch lights. PCB's light stands are no different than B&H house branded Impacts. It's like a company in China specializes in producing "generic" or "private label-like" stands and allows different branding. Different branding, same stand, different prices....

lens pirate wrote in post #14529770
I can not speak fopr Bobbyz but I agree. Stamped metal junk that bends out of round if a butterfly lands on it, Junk Its cheap though, but cost enough that it should not be garbage.

THis.

eddieokeefe wrote in post #14529372
I also bought the 86" PLM in extreme silver and it's probably the best 80 bucks I've spent so far.
It's a giant octa with the diffuser on it.

Parabolic is not an Octa. It is cheap that is about it. What do you shoot that you need 86" modifier for indoors?

Here is where I'm at right now, still thinking this out a bit.

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bobbyz wrote in post #14530365
Parabolic is not an Octa. It is cheap that is about it. What do you shoot that you need 86" modifier for indoors?

I just use it as a giant lightsource as it is. I love it for portraits.

I guess it's technically not 8 sides, but who cares?
it pumps light like nuts.

Have you used it?
It's probably the best $80.00 light modifier you can purchase.

No hate, just my opinion!