A New Bare Bulb Flash Arrives

jcolman wrote in post #16163640
Can you adjust the power of the AB's with your triggers? I don't know much about Alien Bees hence my question. Also, lets not forget size. I can get four Cheetah lights, batteries and other accessories into one Pelican case.

I can get my elinchrom in one pelican.

No clue about AB either sorry

Gaarryy wrote in post #16163663
and taking that a step farther. it makes no sense to Buy a eli quadra at $1700 vs the AB set up that's a $1200 dollar difference

Agreed I dont have one

I think we also have to bring in customer service with AB has a great reputation for that. I have not heard about Cheetah one way or the other (probably a good thing)

I think price is going to make or break this. Going baroque would have bought them at XXX price but now is going to get AB because they are less money.

sigma pi wrote in post #16163682
I can get my elinchrom in one pelican.

No clue about AB either sorry

I can squeeze two Einstein's + 2 VML's + cables & triggers into one Pelican 1510.

BigIronCruiser wrote in post #16163797
I can squeeze two Einstein's + 2 VML's + cables & triggers into one Pelican 1510.

I have 3 but cant fit 4 elinchroms in mine. I also have two triggers, instructions, power strip, back up triggers, and the power cables.

I have this http://www.pelican.com …ail_storm.php?C​ase=iM2950

sigma pi wrote in post #16163793
Agreed


I think we also have to bring in customer service with AB has a great reputation for that. I have not heard about Cheetah one way or the other (probably a good thing)

Edward is one of the best, if not THE best, in this industry in terms of customer service.

TMR Design wrote in post #16163449
For those that want to see real world images using the Cheetah Lights, here are a few. These are also in my review on my blog.

Shot with CL-180 as main light using a 68" Silver umbrella and CL-360 to light the background.

Good to see you back, great images Rob!

I have Einsteins, (4) with Cyber Commander and appropriate receivers for the lights. If someone wants to get AB800 or QB1600 then they will need Plus version receivers to be able to do remote power control.

I have CL-180s (2)and CL-360s (2) along with their remote power control.

I have 60EX-RTs (4) and an STE3. They have embedded remote power control.

These are three distinct lighting solutions. Do they overlap, sure. Would I get rid of one since the other(s) replace it in terms of power, size, convenience etc. NO!

Speedlites, Hybrid, Studio Monolights. Each has its strengths.

I appreciate people having limited budgets, and that many on these boards are amateurs or pro-ams. The reality is, if you want to get the best images you have to have the tools that help you. Making compromises on equipment means compromising opportunity for success.

On the flip side, all the equipment in the world won't help if you don't know what you're doing, so don't get too stuck on it.

Elv had asked me to shoot a series something like this quite awhile ago. I forgot Sorry, Elv. I apologize.

dmward wrote in post #16164802
I have Einsteins, (4) with Cyber Commander and appropriate receivers for the lights. If someone wants to get AB800 or QB1600 then they will need Plus version receivers to be able to do remote power control.

I just dont get remote power control. Once it is set do you honestly keep adjusting the light? I do not bother with it and think it it super over rated.

BigIronCruiser wrote in post #16162877
With respect to weight, keep in mind that Einstein's (and other AB's) handle nearly any modifier straight out of the box, while the Cheetah's require a bracket to offer the same flexibility. So when a Cheetah SpeedPro bracket is added to the equation, the CL-360 is only a few ounces lighter than an Einstein. The bigger difference is the battery. For an apples to apples comparison:

Cheetah CL-360 + L4500 + SpeedPro bracket: 5 lbs 3 oz
Einstein + VML: 7 lbs 12 oz

For about 50% more weight, the Einstein/VML delivers a much bigger punch, plus the VML has 120 volt sockets that can be quite handy from time to time.

Lest anyone think I'm bashing in this post, I have 3 CL's and 3 Einsteins. I like 'em all.

You are bringing up valid points. When I was talking "twice the weight" I wasn't talking just light but light + battery but none the less your points are something to be kept in mind when doing decisions.

TMR Design wrote in post #16163449
For those that want to see real world images using the Cheetah Lights, here are a few.

Thank you for sharing those examples

sigma pi wrote in post #16165126
I just dont get remote power control. Once it is set do you honestly keep adjusting the light? I do not bother with it and think it it super over rated.

Sour grapes

tetrode wrote in post #16165063
Elv had asked me to shoot a series something like this quite awhile ago. I forgot Sorry, Elv. I apologize.

Thank you for sharing these, it does help.

tetrode wrote in post #16165063
Elv had asked me to shoot a series something like this quite awhile ago. I forgot Sorry, Elv. I apologize.

Nice comparison. But twice the power on Einsteins.