Thanks so much for taking the time to share your honest feedback about the LINK, Mike! We appreciate the notes and are happy that you've kept it as part of your lighting arsenal.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! I now have two Links strobes along with the colored gel domes. Always great to see a high speed sync from PCB! The colored gel domes are a sleeper feature and really really well done.

@dustinfocus

3 жыл бұрын

Hey PCB. I made this comment above. I love your customer service (yes, a major pro as Mike points out) and so I know this idea would go far. What I need is the ultimate creators kit for the new lights. I'm talking two lights + two batteries and charger + all the gel domes + the hub ... and then let's say I could get a special bonus 50% off item like a beauty dish and then some free stickers! If I could get that, I, and my new studio, would be super set! Thanks!

Excellent Review! I have an Einstein and I absolutely love it!! I've had it for 4 years & still works like new. I was considering getting some more Einstein's but after watching your Review of the Link, I am now considering the Link as an option. :)

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Christopher! Glad you liked the review! I too love my Einsteins. I'll probably never give them up. They're just too solid, and too good if I need a manual flash. I love the size, weight, and durability of the Einsteins. I view the LINK as a nice complimentary add-on option for those who may want high speed sync, a modeling lamp suitable for video, and/or portable built-in battery power without the need of a vagabond. So it's great to see PCB have options like this that allow me to keep my PCB light modifiers as well.

Great video. I have been using all Paul Buff equipment for 20 plus years and haver never had any problems.

Great review. Thank you!

Thanks for sharing, love your honesty! Please do another video as you use the Link in real world situations.

I currently have 20 year old white lightnings and they are tanks and have lasted the test of time. Only 2 of 4 have been returned for repair at any given point. I have been waiting for this forever for my outdoor sports photography. Will help me out tremendously on those bright days. Great review. Thank you so much.

Mike, Thanks for your very candid impartial review of the Link unit. I've been using PCB since the Ultra's units became available. I like what you shared regarding the HUB and the App. YAY! Thanks for your caveats regarding the weight of the unit, the onboard controls, and the umbrella slot. Good info!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this very informative video!!! I'm sort of on the fence about getting one but I think you just persuaded me to get one! LOL

@MikeMcGeePhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Daniel, you're very welcome and I'm glad you enjoyed this video. The return policy PCB offers is really nice in case the LINK doesn't work for you, but I have my two LINK strobes for High Speed Sync. In terms of best bang of the buck, I'm a huge fan of the DigiBees as well. Cheers.

Loved the alienbees, they served me well but I finally moved over to godox about 4-5 years ago. Now I have all my lights connected speedlight and strobes and built in batteries but I think buff products are built strong so I hope they keep innovating, so they can compete with the likes of godox and profoto.

@picturmik

3 жыл бұрын

how do you like the godox/flashpoint system? I am about to jump to them, I like to mix on camera flash with studio strobes, and I do not need TTL all that often, but I DO NEED HSS a lot.

@jeffrey3205

3 жыл бұрын

@@picturmik I love it, no need for pocket wizards because the transmitter is in the light, also no need for the vagabond battery since the godox has a snap on battery which makes the light completely portable. The godox system is pretty reliable fun to use. The transmitter that goes on your camera is is brand oriented, which mean you get a Sony for a Sony camera and a Canon transmitter for a Canon camera but that's cool if you mix cameras, the Adorama version gives you a free trigger with each light so what I did was every time I bought a light I got a different brand trigger so anytime I need to use another brand camera I would have the transmitter to go with it, pretty Kool. Get the Ad600 adorama version is called the flashpoint xplor 600, don't get the pro version it has less flashes per battery and you can get the basic one without ttl, it's cheaper. If you like mixing different brand of lights you can buy a transmitter and reciever and you can put the reciever on the non-godox brand, but you cannot change light values using transmitter or use HSS, also if you buy lights within the godox eco system they all work together, from the speed lights up to the most powerful one the xplor 600. Check out fjh photography and Robert Hall on KZread they will give you all the answers about the godox system, good luck. Oh BTW, I still have my alienbees, I use them in studio when I'm doing graduations and other similar shoots when I don't need to keep changing my flash settings or directions.

Thanks Mike for your video review - it was extremely helpful. I have had 2 Einsteins and 1 Digibee for quite a while now, as well as the older full Vagabond power unit. I longed for HSS - and always had to drag out my speedlights for that. So based on your review I ordered the Link Nikon package, as well as the colored gels, the two corrective filter gels, and a collapsible beauty dish ( I have the PCB regular metal beauty dish). They all came in today, and I just got finished playing with it for the first time. It is incredible! I love the battery addition which gives me more portability in the field, having HSS capability and the TTL option. The gels/corrective filters are awesome and so easy to use... BUT, the Hub is the most impressive thing. I too have a loathing of the CyberCommander! Now I can use it as a paperweight. I had no issues at all syncing and updating the firmware through the app on my iPhone 12 Pro. Thanks again for the review!

@MikeMcGeePhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike, this is great to hear and I'm happy you're having a similar experience with the LINK/Hub combo! It really is a great option. Not sure if you still have your DigiBees, but you may want to check out my simple hack that allows the DigiBees to use the same colored gel domes made for the LINK. I use the Digibees even more than my Einsteins now. (Use the Digibees for all my videos here on KZread and also I have colored gels in the background on those digibees in the vids.) So thanks so much for your kind words and I'm glad you found this video helpful! Happy shootin' :)

@MichaelChapmanVisuals

2 жыл бұрын

@@MikeMcGeePhotography I have 1 DigiBee, and I had under-estimated this little unit. I got it to be a kicker or hair light for my two Einsteins, but in playing with it today I discovered that like the LINK, the modeling lamp is LED!!! Duh! That's great because I occasionally do videos. Like you, I see a second LINK in my future and I'll have a 3 light kit for video and a second light for HSS. I may also add another DigiBee because they are very reasonable and make excellent accent or kicker lights. I will watch the simple hack video for the gels on the DigiBee. Question: are you thinking of selling off your Einsteins? I'm thinking of that myself but suppose they are still useful for portrait shooting indoors because HSS isn't needed. Another reason for hanging on to them is you can't get much for them anymore - so maybe may as well keep them. So, your thoughts on using Einsteins with the LINK?...maybe a video? :) Thanks again for the help - your videos are very matter of fact and informative.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

2 жыл бұрын

@@MichaelChapmanVisuals Hey, Mike! I have a ridiculous amount of lights: I have 5 Einsteins, 6 DigiBees, and 2 LINK strobes. I'm not planning on selling my Einsteins anytime soon, because they are still rock solid in performance, but it's definitely crossed my mind multiple times as I use my DigiBees more. The small DigiBees are honestly the lights I reach for the most these days, not just for the power of the LED modeling lamps for video, but because I do quite a bit fo colored gel work, and being able to use the colored gel domes with the DigiBees via the cheap hack has made them incredibly versatile. If I magically sold all of my Einsteins, I probably wouldn't miss a beat using just DigiBees and LINK strobes instead, which means I probably *should* sell them, but I somewhat fond the of the build quality, ability to rapid-fire and all-around interface of the Einsteins, so I'm keeping them...for now. Thanks for the kind words about my videos, and I'm glad you like them! :)

@MichaelChapmanVisuals

2 жыл бұрын

@@MikeMcGeePhotography Gotcha, makes a lot of sense. Thanks for replying ...I'll go watch the DigiBee simple hack video now.

I preordered four Einsteins when they were first announced. I'd still be using them if it weren't for the horrific and unreliable Balcar mount. If PCB offered an Einstein "B" with Bowens mount their sales would probably skyrocket. I'm all Godox now. And, excellent, thorough review of a product that isn't at all price or feature competitive with other options now on the market.

The hub needing an app seems like a bad idea. I never want my phone to be necessary for me to be able to complete a photo shoot. Is the cyber commander compatible with the link? Awesome review!!

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the review! Actually, the HUB doesn't need the Buff app at all, the app just compliments the HUB. Think of it as an optional bonus app to control the lights separately if need be. It's a really nice interface too. If you don't use the app, then the HUB just sets the frequency, and can do High Speed Sync to the LINK and other Paul C. Buff strobes on the CyberSync system. The app just allows you to have full control over each strobe uniquely without even touching them (LINK, Einstein, DigiBee, and even AlienBees with the correct CyberSync module.) and it's free. So not required but a great free addition. The CyberCommander isn't listed as compatible with the Link, but I bet it would make a simple pop. I don't have one to test. It likely would make a pop when on the same frequency, but you need the HUB remote for firmware updates to the LINK, and that also means no HSS which is a big/major selling point of the LINK. Just for reference, I was able to get High Speed Sync actually working *without* the HUB Remote at all. I was using a PocketWizard TT5 on the latest e-release firmware connected via a sync cord, and a Raven trigger from FusionTLC. Worked great! So there technically are other options to get HSS working with the LINK even without the HUB remote, but the Paul C. Buff option is the most seamless since the receiver is built-in. Hope this info helps.

Thanks for the review. It looks neat although the Link is overkill for my needs but I'm rooting for PCB. Hopefully they continue to release new products like an updated Einstein that has a battery option but without added weight, if anything a bit slimmed down. Or an upgraded Digibee at 320ws, temperature controlled and improved fan (lower the noise), but with the same color consistency (or better) than the einstein and led modeling light and battery option, built in receiver. Battery assumes mobility and having a strobe that weighs 10lbs sort of limits mobility in the sense that you will need extra heavy duty light stands which add to the weight etc.

Great review.....first time viewer and grateful new subscriber. Note.......I get and enjoy comments about the weight, but man up. Anzel is turning in his grave!

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

haha true. But have you seen my weak arms? I guess I could add a feature that the LINK doubles as a barbell system. LOL But in all seriousness, it's mostly because I'm so used to shooting with the Paul C. Buff Einsteins/DigiBees/AlienBees, that the LINK is vastly more weight. But I get your point as well.

Thank you and do you now have the jell video? and also photos taken with these

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks and I'm glad you liked the review video. I don't have a KZread video of the gel domes yet, but I did a client shoot with them and they're FANTASTIC. So easy to change and easy to use with gridded strip boxes to shape rum lighting, etc. I have a preview on my Instagram story, and I create another video in my KZread channel here with a $7 hack to use these domes with Digibees as well. Might want to see that one as I used the colored domes with both the LINK and my DigiBees in my latest shoot. Hope this helps, cheers.

Wow that’s was great news about the Flash , I have the 1200 white since 1994 and still working, I was wondering about the modeling light if it gets hot On your new flash? Thanks for sharing

Hello - I purchased 4 Links for my studio and there is an issue with white balance that I don't understand. I'm shooting with a Canon R5 raw using auto white balance and the images are being recorded at a very high color temperature. The whites are actually brown. I can shoot the exact same settings with my Einsteins and the color temp is accurate. PCB tech support suggested setting the white balance to flash but I get the same result. Also want to mention that the HUB and the associated app nearly useless. The app rarely detects all of the strobes and when the phone comes out of lock screen all of the setup is gone and the strobes have to be re-detected. The HUB unit continually misfires and the battery life is awful. I own about a dozen Einsteins and have never had a single problem with them but this Link/HUB system isn't good, I feel like I've wasted $5000

After all I did buy the Raven transmitter and I’m beta testing a new upgrade for multiple digibee use with the owner. Are you now using it or you use the hub I watch your other video with the raven and I wanted to know what was your choice between the 2 units?

Your explanations were clear but I have one question. Have you used a flash in the hotshoe? Is the connection solid? D\Is it well balanced or does iy put stress on the camera's shoe? Thanks

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Bart, The LINK is strictly to be used as an off-camera flash/strobe. It isn't for the hot shoe, it's to be mounted on a light stand. The only item placed in the hot shoe in relation to the LINK is the wireless trigger (like the HUB, PocketWizard, The Raven, etc.) to trigger the flash off-camera. Hope this info helps, thanks.

@bartgorin6912

3 жыл бұрын

@@MikeMcGeePhotography sorry, I responded to the wrong video. When the hub is in your hot shoe and you put a speedlight in the shoe on the hub, does it work well, feel unbalanced, affect the speedlight's functions etc.

Why HSS if you're mostly inthe studio? I never used any of the platic strobes from Buff Ive got Zap Ultra Zaps and X series. They all have that near crappy mount. Thanks for the video content!

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Michael, this is a fair question. Well, I use the link for outdoor portraits w/HSS< but sometimes in-studio I use it as well. I have a small studio, and sometimes lights like the Einsteins and DigiBees offer too much light output even when air their lowest power. So with HSS, I can raise the shutter speed and lower the light this way, without altering my aperture settings, which keeps my depth of field how I like it. Hope this answer helps, and thanks for watching!

Hi Mike! Just wondering how the Links have been for you after some time of use. I’ve had Einsteins for 10 years now and love them. Thinking to upgrade to the Links but can’t find almost any reviews online. Are they reliable? Thks in advance.

I wish PCB would have a two-light, the hub, double batteries and charger, plus the gel kit as a package buy. It would be the creators holy grail.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Would be great! I must say, the gel kit for the Link is fantastic. I just posted a video today on how to hack it to use the gel kit with a DigiBee. Please see my video today if you're interested. Cheers.

Don't complain try getting it shipped to Canada , but worth it .

I own 6 Digibee strobe 2 cyber sync. One them I sent at 3 time for repair I just gave up on it working properly! I’m really considering the link because of the app and the hub ( anything to get rid of my cyber sync). I knew that the weight will be a problem and here is my question to you : I use a lots of large umbrella westcott and Plm 64 last photek is that a serious issue to you when using them is the unit can hold up real umbrella well? 2 is the recycling speed good enough in studio and is the exposure constant on your sequence of frame. 3 is the locking device sturdy on a light stand ? Thank you for a great review.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Cesare. I have a LOT of Buff Strobes. 5 DigiBees, 5 Einsteins, and 2 LINK strobes, and recently have been using the DigiBees even more than all the rest. To answer your questions: 1. I'm not exactly sure of the long term use of umbrellas with the LINK. As noted the connector is now different, but I primarily use the LINK with soft boxes and beauty dishes, and not umbrellas, so I don't have enough real-world usage to have an answer to the durability of that connector, sadly. 2. The recycle time of the LINK is spec'd at over double the recycle time of the Einstein. I feel the Einstein is the king of recycling speed and consistency in-studio. But is the LINK good enough? Yes. Your question can depend on if the strobe is in HSS mode, as this is a new product and all High Speed sync (HSS) in itself is a bit of a "hack" or tweak by all strobes. I really just use the LINK for HSS and portability, and haven't given up my Einsteins (or DigiBees). I give the edge for constant exposure and consistency to the Einstein over the LINK. The LINK isn't poor in that regard, but the Einstein is better for consistency. Especially if you're using the LINK in HSS at a shutter sync speed just barely over the max sync speed (say 1/320 sec) you may have more inconsistent results at 1/1000 sec. 3. I've found the locking device on the LINK is *very* sturdy. In fact, if you raise the locking arm, and tighten the knob too tight before lowering the arm, you might not even be able to really "lock" the arm down since it's so strong. It's solid! Lastly, if I were you, I would take advantage of the PCB 60 Day return policy and fully test out the LINK too see if it works for you. I may be great, or it might not since each photographer is different. It's nice to know you can return it for a refund, but please note that the battery is not allowed to be returned as per their return policy, but you can get a refund on the other items if they don't work out. Hope this info helps you!

@cesarebonazza

3 жыл бұрын

@@MikeMcGeePhotography Thank you for quick reply really helpfull , I knew that the Einstein was the most accurate the only reason is that hot modeling light That why I use the Digibee or my Headshots. I really appreciated your advice. Yes I can test it you are right about that. My contender was the Godox 1200 pack with one head more lighter and easier to use up on a boom or larger parabolic. I don't have that unit so I don't know how brighter the modeling light his! But I will try both the godox will still be great for me on location ( Vegas my residence) But I will like to keep all my accessories with the Buff stuff in my studio and there service is 100% amazing. I see my self been with out money for a while :) having t buy 2 systems ( for me the weight is the most important factor on using a strobe especially on location with a larger umbrella or a beauty dish) In studio I can deal with it but I will not boom the Link ! Still use my Digibee. Thank you and keep on clicking.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

@@cesarebonazza I love the DigiBee modeling lamps! I actually use the DigiBee modeling lamps to light my KZread videos here. Nice to be able to use the same light modifiers for video. Also, you may want to check out my video on a cheap hack to allow the DigiBees to use the new colored gel domes originally designed only for the LINK. I use those colored gel domes on the DigiBees all the time and they're great! Take care, and happy shooting!

Any way I can have help with mounting umbrella on LINK …..it just does not go in, tension clips do not give way to the shaft of umbrella ( less than 9 mm)?

i love the paul c buff product, but i wish you did the pop at full power test, these ridiculously loud, i can't imagine using multiple flash links, i'm going to need ears plugs. I hope they will solve this problem

Where is the trigger that allows controlling the bloc? Wireless HSS? Setting up channels and groups? The only reason I'm back to Buff is for short t.1 times without the Profoto price tag. But controlling with an app is NG.

Hey, great video. So happy to see some videos about the Link. It looks like an amazing product, yet nobody talks about it. Wanted to hear more about the Hub remote. I havent held it in hand yet, but in the photos it looks pretty flimsy, cheap and plasticy. Also barely any controls on it. Next to the Link it looks a little disappointing. Also, for example if I want to mount a big and heavy softbox to a bowens mount strobe - no problem, nothing is going to break. I am confused a little with the concept of baclar mount. If all weight rests on just these 4 metal handles, I have a hard time believing the mount could hold something like 60inch parabolic safely. Or are you supposed to use umbrellas if you want a bigger light souce? P.S. i think the design of the Link is absolutely awesome, 10/10.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Rokas, hey, glad you liked the video. I agree that this really is an amazing product after you get a chance to really run it through its paces. It's possible that few people are talking about it, because as of this writing, the HUB remote (which is required to achieve High Speed Sync) is only available for Nikon. When the Canon HUB is officially released, that will expand the reach of the product. As for the HUB Remote itself, it's definitely plastic, but I wouldn't call it flimsy. It's about the size of a deck of cards, with an LCD display on the front. It has minimal controls (like the Link itself) because you use Bluetooth to pair it with the Link. After that, it's really simple to use the free Buff smartphone to manage settings, rather than toggling the scroll wheel and enter button on the Hub itself. It has a sync port, hot shoe on top, and a USB-C port for charging. I actually am not a fan of the CyberCommander, but the HUB Remote (plus the free Buff App) is really where the magic happens and I *love* it. As for the Balcar mount, I've used a 86" parabolic with my Einsteins in the past, and the Balcar mount holds fine. (My studio is honestly too small to regularly use a 86" modifier anyway). Granted, this was in-studio and not outside where wind could make that a bit scary, but the mount itself is fine, but lacks a feeling of a true "locking" mechanism like a Bowens mount for example. Lastly, the design of the Link can definitely be polarizing. I'm hoping that that Paul C. Buff releases a "Version 2" of the Einstein that has the exact same specs, design and size, but can do High Speed Sync. That would be awesome in a more compact design, but the 800W modeling lamp of the Link that can be used for video, and the battery option make it fantastic.

@Apapukas

3 жыл бұрын

@@MikeMcGeePhotography Thanks for a quick answer, it defintely clears a few things up. I am in the market for new strobes, yet I have been shooting bowens mount for years, so swithing to new mount means buying new modifiers which is a bummer. Wonder if it is possible to use bowes modifiers through some sort of adapter on the link?

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

@@Apapukas I totally get it. In fact, I've been shooting with Paul C. Buff equipment for years as well, so I didn't want to replace on my Buff light modifiers, which is partially why the Link strobe is even more attractive for people like me already in the Paul C. Buff system. Yes, it's possible to go from Bowens to Balcar. I would google "bowens to balcar speed ring" and there are a few different manufacturers making these. However, just to note, Paul C. Buff is known for their fantastic light modifiers that have been around for many many years. They're so popular, some people on Bowens strobes still buy Paul C. Buff collapsible soft boxes and just change the speed ring the other way for Bowens. So I would be on the lookout for used native Balcar Paul C. Buff sofboxes and light modifiers on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, as the quality of Paul C. Buff light modifiers is fantastic *and* there's a large amount of used PCB gear out there that will still work very well for a fraction of the cost of new, and already have the genuine Paul C. Buff Balcar mount. Just an idea.

@Apapukas

3 жыл бұрын

​@@MikeMcGeePhotography Changing systems is a big deal, but the Link seems to be so great, I might just pull the trigger. Looking forward to more of your videos!

Does the dial detents correspond to 1/10 of a stop? I'm used to control both my Profoto and Einsteins without having to look at the screen in the back, and would hate having to look or using the app. Honestly using an app looks very unprofessional if you have a client in the studio and you're there scrolling in your phone looking like you're checking your Instagram Lol.

Can I use the vagabond mini to power this???

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

In theory, I'm sure you could for a limited number of pops. However, I wouldn't recommend this since the LINK is designed to accept portable power via clip-on batteries. Once migrating to the LINK, it would be far more efficient to get the kit for it, which includes the HUB Remote, a battery, and the external charger.

The Einstein was the first (still the only) mono lock to match the Profoto in flash duration and recycling speed, as well as color consistency. None of the Chinese do - nor do they have any US service. With the Vagabond, it works great as a location strobe. Now, after years of waiting…… the Link is twice the cost, twice the weight, twice the recycling time, only 1/3 of a stop more power…

Yes, that's right.. Shipping in PCB sucks. For a small dome, I have to pay $10 for shipping. We use FedEx in our studio and we pay $10 for 5-6lbs when shipping. I don't understand why would they do profit out of shipping costs.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Here's a nice tip I found. If you're ordering something small, and the PCB shipping is excessive, in the NOTES area of your order at checkout, put "PLEASE SHIP VIA USPS AND NOT FEDEX, THANK YOU." and PCB will ship items via US Priority Mail. I found this out because I ordered two replacement DigiBee covers. They are small, plastic, and extremely light. They are $5.95 each, or $11.90 for two. The cheapest FedEx Ground shipping? $25.84 to my ZIP in California, for items that cost ~$12 total. C'mon. I love PCB stuff, but wow. So I called, and they told me this tip of requesting US Mail. The order will originally go through at the high FedEx shipping rate listed at checkout, but you'll get a revised invoice a few days later with the actual (much cheaper) shipping, and Priority Mail was even faster than FedEx ground to California. Win/win. Hope this tip helps.

At 56 I’m too old to understand why one needs high speed synch strobe. I have tonnes of Paul Buff analog strobe gear.

Haha - "Canon red or pink or whatever it is.."

You forgot about reliability I ve had godox not fire and I had to replace flash tube twice , getting Good repaired in nearly impossible.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I addressed this exact issue at the 25:22 mark. It technically starts at the 24:36 mark. The reliability and customer service of Paul C. Buff equipment is fantastic, and repair options are a must. That's why I personally would always rather pay a bit more up front for the Paul C. Buff gear but have the long term reliability and convenience of being able to ship things to Tennessee to get them repaired for a low cost.

@matrixphotodesign

3 жыл бұрын

@@MikeMcGeePhotography Compely Agreed , I got one link so Ive really increased the versatility of my flash system .

8lbs is not that bad compared to Profoto 9.6lbs and Broncolor Siros L 9.8 lbs

@MikeMcGeePhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Gotcha. You're right, the weight is relative. It's just so heavy compared to even an Einstein, and *really* heavy compared to the fantastic DigiBees, that it was worth noting. But I totally understand the engineering that requires that weight.

@pablovi77

2 жыл бұрын

8lbs without the battery. And the Profoto B1x is only 6.6 lbs. But yeah, it’s the same weight as. Broncolor Siros L, which everyone finds too heavy.

So, it weights 4Kg, and then you need a separate battery?! Everyone is going lighter and smaller, and this guys are going heavier and bigger? It looks incredibly un practical for location work, and that’s when you would use HSS.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Pablo, just a couple of thoughts: 1. You don't need the separate battery at all, it's an option. So think of this as being the old way of previously requiring an Einstein and a Vagabond to power the thing, and with that combo contraption, you didn't have HSS. This assembles everything into one, as an option. I also use HSS in studio for when you have a small studio (like me) and even on the lowest setting an Einstein or DigiBee spits out too much light. HSS even ins studio allows you to alter the shutter speed to really reduce the amount of light for shallow depth-of-field portraits, even in studio without the need for ND filters. And lastly, the powerful modeling lamp on the LINK is also great for video. (I use it when recording KZread content) so even in-studio using the more powerful modeling lamp is a bonus and you can use AC power to reduce weight. But yes, with all of that said, it's heavy. :) Hope this makes sense, and thanks for watching.

@pablovi77

2 жыл бұрын

@@MikeMcGeePhotography Thanks for the reply. I know you can use it over AC. But this thing was designed as the first HSS and On board battery light for Paul C Buff. It’s meant for Location work. Well, when a light it’s too powerful for your studio, you use an ND gel on the light, you don’t spend more than $1,000 USD on a more powerful light just so you can use HSS and have a slightly lesser output. Which it must be about just a stop. If it’s anything like the Godox HSS. Im glad you find it useful. I find the Einstein better, cheaper, lighter, for studio work. Even the Digibees.

@MikeMcGeePhotography

2 жыл бұрын

@@pablovi77 Hi Pablo, I completely understand what you're saying, but to me, it's made for both location work *and* in-studio use. That's how I use it. It's primarily a studio strobe to me for photography, but when I want outdoor use, I slap on a battery and I not only have battery power, I have HSS. In studio, I have a quality strobe, that also has a fantastic powerful LED modeling lamp for KZread/video creation. Extremely versitile. Personally, the most versatile light with the most bang for you buck in the PCB lineup is a used DigiBee off eBay/CL/FB marketplace. The DigiBee is an absolute gem. Just my take.

Balcar has always been the weakest link(!) of a PCB system.

This system is a joke. 8 lbs of metal over someone's head, plus the weight of your modifier? And the reviews on the Play Store indicate that you will regularly lose connection to multiple lights, without notification. Having to use your phone means you can't have any other apps running, or any other bluetooth connections, and then you're limited to your phone's battery life. Bluetooth is too unreliable for a professional shoot. Add to this the fact that every time you send something back to TN to get inspected, you're out $35, plus shipping, plus the cost of repairs, and a month wait !!?! Then I find out that they discontinued the Cyber commander, so your old one breaks, sorry but you'll have to upgrade....No thanks. From the design, to the interface on the controller, to the lack of real support, I am so done with PCB...

@AnthonySell

7 ай бұрын

The last time I spoke to customer support was because I had a Vagabond mini that had a damaged battery clip, that little piece of plastic that keeps the battery in place. It broke, and the battery would not turn on unless it was plugged into the charger. I asked them what it would take to replace that, and they said $35 for the inspection, plus parts, and a month wait. All for a stupid tiny piece of plastic. Also, the cyber commander was never a great unit, the interface was terrible and they were entirely too fragile. I have gone through three of them, and I've since collected 3, planning to be completely switched to Godox by the time these wear out. @@inaka99