Comparing PCB strobes.

Q: COULD YOU COMPARE THE ALIEN BEE B1600 STROBE AND THE EINSTEIN? I’VE SEEN THE 1600 ON A COUPLE OF YOUR STARTUP GEAR LISTS OVER THE EINSTEIN. I ASSUME THIS IS A VALUE DECISION IN ORDER TO PUT THE ADDITIONAL $140 TOWARD A VAGABOND MINI, 85MM F1.8 LENS OR SOMETHING ELSE, BUT IN YOUR EXPERIENCE WHAT DOES THAT EXTRA $140 GET YOU, AND IS THE EINSTEIN WORTH CONSIDERING OVER THE LONG HAUL?

A: The Einstein is a great upgrade from the 1600 for a few reasons. One is for the faster flash duration. The 1600 is slow so I usually lose 2/3 of a stop in sync speed to catch it. The Einstein allows me to go to full sync speed of whatever camera I’m using. It also has a color mode that gives a more consistent color from shot to shot and at different power settings.

The other big upgrade is the ability to dial it down to 1/256th power. That covers the range from a B400 at its lowest setting to a B1600 at full power. All in one head.

It’s worth the money to get that over the B1600. If it comes down to a 1600 + Mini or just an Einstein alone, then get the 1600 and battery. Work with that for a few years, then upgrade.

I have a kit right now that is an Einstein plus two B1600s. The Einstein is my main light and the 1600s are background/rim/backup/etc. It’s a good kit of lights that are powerful and affordable. I’ve traveled around the world with them in my checked luggage and have yet to have a problem with them. So, if you can only afford a 1600 right now, go with that. It will eventually fall back to being a second light for you once you upgrade.