Alien Bees...

[yalemba]

Question #1: For a home studio, which Alien Bee lights should I buy, B/400 or B/800?

Question #2: Do these lights connect to the regular wall outlets?

Question #3: How do I connect the Alien Bee flash lights to my Canon D-10?

Thanks in advance...

[deztoys]

We had a similar group of questions when we decided to buy the bees. Since I can't make decisions worth a darn, I bought one of each. The price difference is releatively small. I love these lights. All in all, I could have just gotten 2 - B400s for our use, but figured it was a "growth" investment.

Yes, they plug right into the wall outlet. the cord they come with is like 15 feet, but you can get a 20 footer at the hardware stores. It uses a regular 3 prong end and what looks likt the end that plugs into your average PC for the other.

I've used a PC synch cord (1 comes with each light) and I've used the slave modes. I tend to use the PC synch cord.

I also recommend you buy your light stands from a different source. I've bought 3 additional stands from "JandK Group" on eBay and actually like their stands better. They are as strong if not stronger and have a more versatile light mount. Oh, and they are nearly half the price of the HD air cushioned Alien Bees specials (37 versus 69). I do recommend going with the air cushioned stands, they are much more forgiving than a regular HD. JandK also sells unbrellas cheaper than the AB site, so you might consider them for those as well. I picked up 2 42" umbrellas from them and am very satisfied with the quality.

Here's a link to the light stands I bought.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2951436343&category=30080


I also recommend you buy the Ailen Bees bags to pack your lights in if you don't have something else in mind already. They are the "hat box" style and will hold the light, PC cord and power cord real nice for you.