As a long time Buff products user I have owned White Lightnings , Alien Bees and Einsteins. The products are rugged and the Einsteins have a feature set that others are hard pressed to match.
However, I recently switched to Bowens in my studio for several reasons.
First, The modifier mount. The Balcar/Buff modifier mount is not suitable for large soft boxes as it lacks the strength to hold them. You can say anything you want about user error but the fact remains that large, heavy modifiers will fall off frequently.
Second, There is no handle to hold while tilting the head. Not a huge deal but more problematic as the modifier gets heavier.
Third, sliders to adjust power on the WL and ABs. Not true of the Einstein
Fourth, Excessively busy screen and controls of the Einstein. Fussy remote though it works well.
The Bowens address those concerns of mine in the studio.
Very solid mount with a ton of available modifiers
Clear large dial controls that tell you at a glance what your settings are.
Handle and a very secure tilting swivel for the head.
Rugged build and bright modeling lamp.
I do not need remote power adjustment as I can easily move between lights and make adjustments.
Downside is that they are heavier than the Einsteins for location work.
I still use Einsteins and Bees on location as I use them with umbrellas or plain reflectors and the mount is not an issue. I also like their compactness and light weight and the fact that for $50 Buff will repair almost any mishap.
However, I recently switched to Bowens in my studio for several reasons.
First, The modifier mount. The Balcar/Buff modifier mount is not suitable for large soft boxes as it lacks the strength to hold them. You can say anything you want about user error but the fact remains that large, heavy modifiers will fall off frequently.
Second, There is no handle to hold while tilting the head. Not a huge deal but more problematic as the modifier gets heavier.
Third, sliders to adjust power on the WL and ABs. Not true of the Einstein
Fourth, Excessively busy screen and controls of the Einstein. Fussy remote though it works well.
The Bowens address those concerns of mine in the studio.
Very solid mount with a ton of available modifiers
Clear large dial controls that tell you at a glance what your settings are.
Handle and a very secure tilting swivel for the head.
Rugged build and bright modeling lamp.
I do not need remote power adjustment as I can easily move between lights and make adjustments.
Downside is that they are heavier than the Einsteins for location work.
I still use Einsteins and Bees on location as I use them with umbrellas or plain reflectors and the mount is not an issue. I also like their compactness and light weight and the fact that for $50 Buff will repair almost any mishap.
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