Zeus by Paul C. Buff

Scott_Witcher · #1 01-08-2008, 06:12 PM

I know there are those who have Alien bees or White Lightning monoheads. So far I haven't heard any negatives about them... So I was wondering what those who use Paul C Buff equipment think of the Zeus system. I would prefer a pack and head system, which isn't cheap if I go with Elinchrom, Profoto, or Speedotron.

So if you use the Zeus or Paul C Buff lights let me know what you think as I plan on buying a lighting system this summer.

My Thanks.

Ed Okie · #2 01-09-2008, 01:58 PM

WhiteLightning XL 800s and 1600 - good relatively inexpensive equipment. Mechanical design is okay, but definitely not high end in terms of quality control. They represent a reasonable price-value point. Flash tolerance varies by about 1/4 stop; if you're shooting exacting light-balanced copy-work it can be very annoying (and unpredictable). Likewise, output from two supposedly identical 800XLs differs by about a 1/4 stop at all power settings other than at the lowest-output end (which that end is rarely if ever used). RFwireless flash controls... "ya' get what ya' pay for." RF receiver is prone to picking up mysterious signals and flashing, when it's in your face it's most annoying. The air-cushioned light stands... good but not outstanding. Air lock/cushion is in -both- directions... which makes it difficult to -raise- the light or softbox. A simple direction air-control valve would have solved that problem. Caster attachment wheels... a good idea but the knob sticking out snags pant legs or dresses. Poor design is the culprit. Wouldn't happen if the know was on the inside. Starting out "on the cheap" I'd suggest going with the AlienBees name (same equipment with a few function differences).
Chevy or Lexus? is your dilemma.

Scott_Witcher · #3 01-10-2008, 07:24 PM

Thank's Ed for your feedback.

I am surprised that you are the only person who has responded... I was under the impression that there were quite a few photographers using AlienBees.

ChristianLandry · #4 01-10-2008, 10:24 PM

I bought a pair of X-1600 3 years ago. They integrated well with my Bowens for the first few months ( lighting arenas) but then the capacitor blew up twice in both units for unknown reasons over a period of time. The service in Canada was excellent but all in all I am very disappointed about those lights. I totally agree with the description given by Ed.
Last month my former associate bought 4 Elinchroms 600RX. I never expected such a radical increase in quality of light (flash duration, inherent hard to explain (especially when translated!) overall quality of the light, and built precision). That's the direction I am taking from now on ...

DougAxford · #5 01-10-2008, 11:13 PM

I own a dozen WL Ultra 600 units for probably 20 years and I have never experienced problems with inconsistent flash output from the same unit. They vary unit to unit for sure, but I expect that. We shoot tens of thousands of shots with them every year and I am happy, especially considering how much we abuse them and the cost. We get at least one unit that has a capacitor fail every year now, but good gosh, I owned a Brownline pack for 2 months and it started smoking during a school shoot. That's not nice.

I don't own a Zeus, so I didn't feel the need to reply.

I've never seen everyone agree on any equipment on any forum, so I'm not sure that any answer is very valuable. I'm kinda getting fed up with the "I love it" vs. "it's junk" I read on so many forums. Maybe I'm just old and cranky in the middle of winter.

Doug

Scott_Witcher · #6 01-11-2008, 02:02 PM

Doug, I definitely understand where your coming from with the "love it" or "junk" comment as our experience with equipment gives us very black and white view of photo gear. Thank-you for responding.

Right now I have access to Speedotron Black line equipment at College, but the lights are for on campus use in studio. So I have had good experiences with Speedotron, but I'm looking for lights that I can use outside school.

Luke_Miller · #7 01-11-2008, 03:28 PM

I just received my first Paul C. Buff products on Monday, two White Lightning X800s. So far I am very impressed. I joined the Paul C. Buff forum and there is a wealth of information to be found. Paul himself posts regularly. You might try asking your Zeus question there.

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