Help: One Light Solution

I'm normally a run and gun, several speedlight kind of shooter. Always with PocketWizard TTL technology. But, I decided several months ago that I wanted to at least pick up one monolight.

I plan on using it outdoors particularly, for when the speedlights have no prayer against that sun. Or for a studio scenario, particularly when I want to blow the hell out of a backdrop.

I'm looking for something light, portable, and cost effective.

Around that time I placed an order for an PCB Einstein. I've also subsequently placed an order for the the mini Vagabond. Coupled with the MC2 add-on, I felt I had the perfect match.

I realized that all of the pieces wouldn't be together until the end of this year. But, I assume I'd at least have the Einstein by now.

So, in that time, I'm starting to have a bit of pre-buyers remorse. I'm reading the forums where everyone is putting down the quality of PCB products, as well as their inability to ever make deadlines. Couple that with Pocketwizards delay prone history, I'm thinking the MC2 is more vaporware than anything else.

The thing is, I see no suitable substitution for this solution. And, once I cross the $1000 price line for a monolight setup, I'd rather stick with my speedlights and go buy more glass (or another speedlight).

I am not trying to bait the Paul C Buff fanboys and haters with this post. I'm just trying to see if Einstein+MiniVagabond+​MC2 is the right strategy. And, if not, is there another in that same price range.

Thank you

You could always go with the AB800 or AB1600 and the current Vagabond.

The weight of Vagabond II (plus all of the fire stories I've read) doesn't go with run and gun as much.

I considered the AB1600. But, my guess is that the price of a AB1600 + FlexTT5 + AC9 will be more than the cost of an Einstein + MC2.

I know it is not within your price range right now, I use the Elinchrom Ranger RX AS Speed and love it. It is a great kit that is portable and has plenty of power. You can buy the Ranger right now and won't have to wait nor do you have to worry about durability.

Any other options out there? I see a lot of complaining about Paul Buff, but not many alternatives.