Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Will AB400 (used as background light) will affect Einstein (used as Main and Rim light) freezing action? More specifically will AB400 add some sort of blur in the freezing action accomplished by Einstein lights.

It can, yes. The AB400 has a fairly fast flash duration, so that is a plus. But, if a subject is backlit, then you can get a dark ghosting.

If you killed the main and fill lights, using only the background lights, this would cause a silhouette of your subject. A slow flash duration would cause this to be a blurred silhouette.

Once you add the main and fill lights, regardless of how fast they are, they cannot improve the blur caused by another light.

Does Canon 580EXii speedlight for background lighting can be used along with Einstein. Will they add blur in Einstein's freezing action.
I have 1 each of Einstein and AB400 and will be buying 1 Einstein more.
The lights will be used in lighting dance shoots in a rental studio. please suggest

If the B400 is used at full power, it will have a fairly fast flash duration. Rather than reduce the power, you can use neutral density gels reduce the brightness.

As for Canon 580's I do not know what their flash durations are at full, but I suspect they will be slower than a B400. As you dial down the 580EX, then the flash durations will quicken. But will it be enough power?

I would do a test run with the B400 first to see if it causes a problem. Alternatively, use the 580EXII at 1/4 power or so and see if it is enough power.

Thanks for the great input. I would like to purchase Monolights, either two Einsteins or 1 Einstein and other Ab400 depending upon your test results. If I have to use ND gels how many (in the slot) would be sufficient. For me the AB400 are inteneded for background light and Einstein for Main and Rim light. Thanks

First, I cannot do the test, as I am not in your exact environment with the dancers you will be shooting (or any dancers, really). My apologies if I was confusing. I was suggesting you do this as it sounded like you had the lights already.

Second, originally, it sounded like you already had the lights, though it now sounds like you do not. If not, then go with two Einsteins. The AB400 will not offer anything extra other than a lower price.

I apologize, may be I made myself unclear at certain point.

I have two Monolights (1 Einstein , 1 Ab400 and two speed lights Canon 580EXii and Canon 430Exii ) and this technical query was to help purchase two more monolights)

yes, it was a good help to make decision. Other then price Einstein outweighs Ab400.
As at present this month I purchased different modifiers and grids including PLM 86" and 64" so I wanted to play safe with choice of purchasing right monolights for my work.

I appreciate your help with technical parameters and scenarios.

Thanks

Yes, the E640 is a higher priced light, but some of that cost is offset by lower cost remotes as well as it can do everything a B1600 and a B400 can do, and then some.