Can I get some first hand feed back on Paul C. Buff's Zeus power packs?

<p>I could really use the power setting range of these packs with my many Dynalite heads. Please give me your first hand impressions, including consistency, build and interface. Thanks... t</p>

<p>I've only ever used mine with Buff's own Zeus heads. My general reaction: fast, pretty quiet, very predictable, and solidly made for the price. I've knocked mine around pretty well, without any misadventures. While I use monolights more often (and have become truly enamored with the Einsteins), there are times when it's really nice to have all of that horsepower up inside a high, overhead modifier, but with most of the guts down on the floor. <br /><br />The user interface really couldn't be more straightforward - just like it looks in the pictures/owner's manual (which you can download from Buff's web site), and works exactly as expected. The only thing that slightly nags at me is that the clamshell cover that folds away from unit's connectors/interface - while certainly made of the really sturdy, high-impact plastics he often uses - feels just a little less robust than the rest of the construction. But the only time you ever touch it, of course, is when you close the lid halves together (to cover the connectors/controls), and the two halves form the carrying handle. Despite that initial impression that the cover halves are a bit lightweight, they've taken all the knocks I've given them, and have held up very well. So, the proof is in the abuse-tolerance!<br /><br />I also, once in a while, use the Zeus pack to power the Zeus version of Buff's ring light - that thing can really pack a wallop.</p>

<p>Thanks, Matt. Any issues with color consistency, throughout the power range?</p>

<p>I am considering the 1250 with the vagabond Mini Lithium, the ring light and a 30in Moon Unit. At under $1300 for all that, it would be a relief to have that sort of control and cordless, too.</p>

<p>(I <em>would</em> have to buy more PW sync cords... what's with the guitar sized phone jacks? I guess that is a throw back to his old roadie days :^ )</p>

<p>My current Dynalite 1000Mx only dials down to 75ws in 1/3rd stops. Is my math correct that the Zeus dials down to approximately 35ws for one head, or does it go lower?... t</p>

<p>That sounds right ... if you use the 1/4 power output, and then dial the power all the way down, it gets pretty sleepy! I'd have to go trolling through the Buff site to see the actual numbers - but I've never found myself wishing I could go lower.<br /><br />I haven't noticed any glaring color issues, Tom - not like I have with the less expensive Bees. I use the larger (56", isn't it?) Moon Unit on the ringlight, by the way - and don't usually mount the shoot-through skin on it. Basically, I treat it like a large-ish softbox that has a <em>really </em>shallow profile. I've been known to use it on a boom right up near the ceiling when I'm in tight quarters.<br /><br />Haven't played with the new Mini lithium dealio yet, but it's on the list! And, yeah, those 1/4" phone jacks feel like a real throwback! Luckily, those connectors are easy to come by. Often as not, I simply let the optical slave on the Zeus pack see something else on the set that's going off, and it just follows along. Because you can put the pack on the floor with a certain amount of latitude, the optical trigger can be quite effective. Otherwise, I just use various Radio Shack specials (cable-wise) to string things up with my Pocket Wizards. <br /><br /></p>

<p>"on a boom right up near the ceiling"... right! The only other box that comes close to being that thin and wide costs as much as both the ring flash <em>and</em> the moon unit.</p>

<p>I worked an industrial job with a friend who was using the Mini-Lithium. It was shocking how fast that thing recycled. Used it all day and it didn't seem to slow a bit.</p>

<p>Thanks Matt, I appreciate the info... t</p>

<p> </p>

Zeus is ok. I prefer my new einstien strobes. hated the ring flash prefer strobe with beauty dish for better more

versatile look.

<p>One other thing to note is flash duration varies backwards compared to Dynalite packs.<br>

Lower the power on Zeus packs and flash durations get longer. IIRC, Dynalite goes faster if you decrease powe like most pack systems...</p>