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| TBC | <<TableOfContents>> Product homepage: http://paulcbuff.com/e640.php Rob Galbraith has a [[http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-10053-10715| more serious review for sports usage]]. This page is mostly just me rambling. == Why? == * High output * Portable * Smart wireless control system == Specs == * '''640 Ws''' (wattseconds) output * Comparison to hotshoe strobe guide numbers is basically impossible, '''the internet suggests ~160 Ws for top-end speedlights''' * Weighs just on '''2kg''' * About the '''size of a tissue box''' == Why an Einstein vs. an Alienbee? == Compared to the [[http://paulcbuff.com/b1600.php| B1600]], which is also rated at 640 Ws: * Universal voltage * Cheaper wireless receiver modules * Wireless controller is more expensive, but far more capable * Heavily integrated 2nd-gen remote control, the Alienbee 1st-gen cybersync stuff is kinda janky (perfectly functional, just not ''as'' nice) * Better output-level control, another 3 stops of latitude * Only ~350g heavier * Brighter modelling lamp (250W vs. 150W) * Modelling lamp can track flash output ''with offset'' * Slightly faster cycle time * Flash duration proportional to power, like hotshoe strobes == Comparison to a speedlight system == ||<rowbgcolor=lightblue> Attribute || Einstein 640 || Speedlight SB-800 || Notes || || Weight || 2kg || 500g || They're probably fairly close in terms of output-per-gram || || Portability || Much larger || Compact even with attached foot || - || || Light output || Absurdly high || Rather high || Numerical comparison would require some apples-to-apples testing || || Burst capability || Good || A few flashes, depending on power || Not specced. Try opto-slaving the E640 to a speedlight's modelling light for a laugh || || Cycle time || 1.7sec to full output || 2.7sec to full output || 2.3sec quoted for newer speedlights || || Output control || 1/10th f-stop || 1/3rd f-stop || - || || Continuous shooting || Basically non-stop || Subject to overheating || Speedlight behaviour varies between models. Buff gear only defines a maximum continuous usage for the Zeus lineup || || Modelling lamp || 250W bulb || None || Usefulness heavily dependent on your style, E640 cannot use lamp with battery || == Annoyances == * Wireless receiver sticks out a long way, can't be stowed with it installed * The Buff carry bag doesn't solve this, but has a little pouch in the lid for keeping the receiver == Portability == Fastpack 200 |
Buff Einstein 640
Contents
Product homepage: http://paulcbuff.com/e640.php
Rob Galbraith has a more serious review for sports usage. This page is mostly just me rambling.
Why?
- High output
- Portable
- Smart wireless control system
Specs
640 Ws (wattseconds) output
Comparison to hotshoe strobe guide numbers is basically impossible, the internet suggests ~160 Ws for top-end speedlights
Weighs just on 2kg
About the size of a tissue box
Why an Einstein vs. an Alienbee?
Compared to the B1600, which is also rated at 640 Ws:
- Universal voltage
- Cheaper wireless receiver modules
- Wireless controller is more expensive, but far more capable
Heavily integrated 2nd-gen remote control, the Alienbee 1st-gen cybersync stuff is kinda janky (perfectly functional, just not as nice)
- Better output-level control, another 3 stops of latitude
- Only ~350g heavier
- Brighter modelling lamp (250W vs. 150W)
Modelling lamp can track flash output with offset
- Slightly faster cycle time
- Flash duration proportional to power, like hotshoe strobes
Comparison to a speedlight system
Attribute |
Einstein 640 |
Speedlight SB-800 |
Notes |
Weight |
2kg |
500g |
They're probably fairly close in terms of output-per-gram |
Portability |
Much larger |
Compact even with attached foot |
- |
Light output |
Absurdly high |
Rather high |
Numerical comparison would require some apples-to-apples testing |
Burst capability |
Good |
A few flashes, depending on power |
Not specced. Try opto-slaving the E640 to a speedlight's modelling light for a laugh |
Cycle time |
1.7sec to full output |
2.7sec to full output |
2.3sec quoted for newer speedlights |
Output control |
1/10th f-stop |
1/3rd f-stop |
- |
Continuous shooting |
Basically non-stop |
Subject to overheating |
Speedlight behaviour varies between models. Buff gear only defines a maximum continuous usage for the Zeus lineup |
Modelling lamp |
250W bulb |
None |
Usefulness heavily dependent on your style, E640 cannot use lamp with battery |
Annoyances
- Wireless receiver sticks out a long way, can't be stowed with it installed
- The Buff carry bag doesn't solve this, but has a little pouch in the lid for keeping the receiver
Portability
Fastpack 200