Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hello, I've been shooting fast action rodeos in low light conditions and figured I needed to get some strobes to put around the arena. I now have 6 x3200's. I haven't tested them out yet, but from what I've been reading, they are not optimal for stopping action.

Even though they be lowered in power and turn down to shorten flash duration. I just wondering if I should replace them with x1600 or x800. From what I've read, the Einstien would be optimal for stopping action, but I can't afford them yet.

I've only used my speedlight, and it stopped action just fine, it wasn't enough light though.

I have searched all the forums, couldn't find the specific answer. Thanks

The X3200 has a blue 1/4 power switch. This make the X3200 act identically to an X800 (or AB800) in both power and flash duration.

The X1600 will have a faster flash duration than the X3200, but with one stop less power. It also has a 1/4 power switch that make the light act like an AB400 (or X400, if such a light existed).

The X800 will have a faster flash duration than the X3200 at full or the X1600 at full, but at 1 or 2 stops less light, respectively.

If the 1/4 power switch does not do what you want, the X800 or AB800 is not going to work either.

An X1600 in 1/4 power mode or and AB400 will do better. Einstein would be best.

(*better and best meaning power vs flash duration)

An Einstein at full power has the same duration as an AB1600 at full power though...

Thank you very much for taking the time to thoroughly answer my concerns. I think I'm going to try the X3200's first, if that don't work, I'll sell them and buy some Einsteins. Thanks again!