Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hi there! I am on the brink of starting a portrait photography business. Mostly with kids, mostly for theatre -- head shots, but also some families/siblings/adults. I plan to do as much as I can outdoors, but may occasionally need to be indoors. I have a Nikon D600, no on camera flash, with a f4 70-200 lens. I've spent hours researching this site, and have come up with the following list regarding lighting ….

Einstein E640
Vagabond Mini Lithium
5-in-1 reflector kit
cybersync receiver plus (battery)
cybersync trigger transmitter
64 inch parabolic umbrella soft silver w/ 8mm shaft
PLM front diffuser fabric (64mm)
22 inch high output beauty dish

1. Is this a GOOD LIST? Do I NEED EVERYTHING here (questioning the beauty dish)?

3. should I rather get TWO ALIENBEES (400 and 800) instead of the ONE EINSTEIN (same price)

4. Will the CYBERSYNCS that I've listed allow me to fire remotely? I don't want cords … Do I need a cyber commander? Confused on the difference here?

5. What STAND should I buy -- I want lightweight and compact (I don't have to purchase this here)? I have heard it can be difficult to attach the Einstein to a stand bc of its weight -- what are my options here? I am very low tech and can't really modify anything myself! Also, do I need a swivel attachment?

6. Can the Einstein be used with light modifiers from any other vendor? For instance, I was considering purchasing a very small soft box -- the LUMIQUEST SOFT BOX III -- and wondering if I can use it with an Einstein. Do I need a SPEEDRING? What is a speedring??!!

7. Do I need anything else, or am I good to go wrt CONNECTING WHATEVER I NEED TO CONNECT IN THIS SETUP (ex. the umbrella to the Einstein etc etc)?

8. Do I need a LENS SHADE/HOOD as well? Where can I get this?

9. Do I need the 64 inch PLM or can I go smaller?

Thanks so much! I know these are a million questions, but I've been so impressed with your answers on this forum I thought I would give it a shot!!

Thanks!

Lynne

This is a perfectly fine list, except I would get the CSXCV receiver instead of the CSRB. The beauty dish has its use, but it cannot be used with the PLM. The beauty dish is popular for outdoor shooting, as it is less susceptible to the wind. The 18"Omni is also a good outdoor choice and is incredibly even and very high output, but with a smaller size.


Two lights over one has its advantages, but Einstein is a more flexible light than either the B400 or B800. Plus, you will be outdoors often, and can use the sun/ambient as a second and/or third light source.


You can trigger with these items without a cord going from camera to light. However, there will be a cord going from receiver to the light. If you purchase the CSXCV instead, as suggested, it will plug into the top of the light with no cords at all. Plus it is cheaper, and functions with the Cyber Commander.

Cyber Commander is a trigger that can also meter the flash and control various functions, predominantly the power of the flash, remotely. It is a popular product, albeit with a learning curve. This is often used in conjunction with the CST on camera and the CC hand held, so you can get the CST now, and upgrade to the CC later, if you choose.


Einstein (and AlienBees) have a 5/8" swivel stand mount adapter which is a pretty universal size. There is nothing about Einsteins weight that precludes mounting to a stand (what else are you going to do with it?). Just remember smaller and lighter usually means less stable, especially in the wind or with softoxes.


Most sotboxes made for studio lights can be mounted to our lights. You will need a speedring that is designed for your softbox and our lights. We carry a speedring that fits many brands of softboxes, but it may not be suitable for some. Your best bet would be to get one from your softbox manufacturer, or get one of our boxes that has the speedring built in. Incidentally, a speedring is basically a hub where all the rods of a softbox come together. This then mounts to the light in place of a reflector. The Lumiquest SoftBox III is one designed for speedlites, and would barely fit over the flash tube of our lights. For this and other reasons it is not compatible with any studio flash units.


Our lights have a swivel mount and umbrella mount integrated into the design. The light (Einstein) does not come with a reflector. This would not be used with the PLM or Beauty dish, so it may not be a big deal. No stand was listed, so you will need one of those from somewhere.


While I personally do like a lens hood, this is outside of our area of expertise. We do not carry them, and cannot make a specific recommendation. Most camera stores should be able to source the OEM shade for you.


You can go smaller and be less prone to the wind (less prone, not wind proof), but the larger will cover larger groups better.

If you have any additional assistance on what would work best for your needs, our Customer Service team is very good at helping you make decisions based on your specific requirements.

Thank you so much for your amazingly thorough and prompt reply (:

a couple of follow up questions --

1. i'm assuming you would choose the omni over the beauty dish? Would you also choose the 18 inch omni over a plm for outdoor shooting, or only in addition? can you use the omni inside or only outside? i can kinda figure out how the plm works (in other words, how the light ends up on the subject), but i can't really figure out the beauty dish or omni? what's the real difference between the omni/beauty dish and plm? you said the einstein doesn't come with a reflector but it doesn't matter if i'm using a plm or beauty dish. does it matter if i'm using an omni? also, what exactly is a reflector and when do people use them?

2. you are saying that i can get the CST and CSXCV and then i will have a wireless firing system? Since all i need to do is fire one light, this sounds great

thank you!

sorry one more question -- what light stand would you recommend if it needs to be as lightweight and compact as possible, but obviously not too flimsy. what's a good compromise? thx (:

At any given time, you would choose either the PLM or the Omni. However, as a purchase, I think both are good choices. You can use any modifier anywhere (taking proper caution for wind and such). The PLM is a relatively large but efficient source of light (any size, though bigger ones are obviously larger) that can be focused or softened when using a diffusion fabric. The larger size will create a softer light/shadow transition, as it has an ability to wrap around your subject. However, this larger size makes the PLM susceptible to the wind.

The Omni is a smaller light source, but incredibly bright (focused) and even. This will create more sharply defined shadows that can help with textures or create more dramatic light. Once the diffusion fabric is installed, the the light is spread, but is still very very even and smooth. The smaller size does make it less prone to wind.

You would not use a standard reflector with the Omni or Beauty Dish (as they are themselves reflectors). Also, you would not use it with the PLM, as the PLM need a bare flash to achieve maximum effectiveness. Reflectors are used for general purpose things like spot grids, snoots, and arena type lighting etc. For portrait work, I would not imagine you to need a standard reflector with just one light.

Yes, a CST and CSXCV will trigger an Einstein wirelessly (CSXCV is not compatible with AlienBees, should you go that route).

As for stands, our 10' stand is about as small as I would use. Even then, it has a smaller than ideal footprint for outdoor use (especially with a PLM), but it would work if sandbagged or attended. Our 13' stands have a larger footprint and are more resistant to being knocked over. While they are not super compact, they are not as heavy or awkward as a C stand, for example. Going with a super compact stand, like a Manfrotto nano stand is not recommended as they are too small and lightweight.

thanks so much for your help … much appreciated!!

Great info