Can't decide between Einstein and Speedlite setup

I have a budget of about $1500 and I'm trying to setup a mobile studio/location solution for portraits (mostly outdoors, but also indoors). I already own a set of speedlites and a couple of really crappy studio lights (200 w/s or so).

I have a couple of options, as far as I can see:

- Einstein 640 with vagabond mini and a large octa on a lightstand. Very bare bone setup but powerful light.

- A really nice 2-3 speedlite based setup as well as other accessories such as boom, reflector holder, reflectors, extra umbrellas, camera grip, strap, filters, grids, etc.

I understand the theoretical differences between the two light sources, but I'm having a hard time making up my mind on which approach to take.

The first annoys me because I spend a lot and end up missing a lot of niceties from a workable portable solution. Voice in my head: "Dude, speedlites are plenty good and portable. You are sacrificing flexibility and portability here and you'd need ND filters just to take a decent shot with bokeh. You are putting all your eggs in one basket."

The second one bugs me because I feel like I'm spending a lot of money around a low power solution I might end up upgrading from at a future date. Voice in my head: "Dude, why are you dicking around with off camera speedlights. Most of the time you'll use a single large octa to supplement ambient light. Why spend big bucks and not even get a good strobe out of this."

This is so frustrating, as I've been trying to make a choice for weeks. I don't always have this kind of budget so I want to make the best of it and pick what will better allow me to produce results for clients. I understand that skill will allow either to produce results.

If it were you, were would you put your money?

A third in-between option for you to consider - the Cheetah Light / Godox Witstro.

And they can be supplement with the soon to come V850 Lithium speedlights. Both have HSS and simple remote power control -

https://photography-on-the.net …ad.php?t=127003​9&page=206
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elv, your suggestion actually steers me towards option 2. I can get a complete setup around my speedlites, and buy and drop a cl-360 in if I need the power later on. Thank you.

Is go for Option 2..

And use that as Te key light an slave the speed lights for fills, rim lights ect...

I only use speedlites.. I do however drool over the power of strobes at times :P. The only times I ever really find myself wishing I had strobes instead of speedlites is when they are not powerful enough to compete with the ambient. If you are shooting at the golden hour though you should have no issue keeping within the sync speed of your camera.

I love speedlites. They are cheap, produce decent power, very portable, and offer a lot of different options. I would go for the speedlites .