Studio Flash opinions please..

[MediaMagic]

I realize this topic is in a couple of different threads, but my question concerns a specific kit.


Okay, I've decided to take the step to flash as opposed to my continuous lighting kit. (I love my JTL Everlight kit, especially for video work). But if I'm ever going to get the best out of my still shots, I think flash is the way I have to go.

Could you studio lighting geniuses please take a look at this kit and tell me if this contains all the lighting I'll need to have a versatile home/travelling studio for portrait/product work? It's not cheap, but with as much as I have invested in great glass, I certainly don't want to skimp on lighting. Cost is not my concern. Quality and reliability is.

The package is called the Busy Bee at the following link:

http://alienbees.com/travelingbee.htm

Please take a look and let me know what you think.


Thanks,
David

[Longwatcher]

While I don't have the light set..

The one you have picked is one of two light sets I have been considering (as soon as I pay off my lenses). Having recently had my hands on on of the alien bees B800 in person, I am currently more likely to get the ABs then the other.

My main concerns had been how well they would work with the 10D and control fo the light. Seeing it in person allowed me to know it would work great. The photographer who had them, has had them for about a year now and said they work great and take some punishment from travel.

The only difference in the kit I am considering is upgrading two of the lights to B1600 and picking up the vagabond battery that goes with them. I feel that will give me a little more flexability.

I am also considering the radio remote to go with it as well.

Just my research,

Trivia: I am thinking birthday present for myself as far as the light set is concerned.

[fotog]

I use white lightning's. Had some for many years with no problems. They are great. The ones you are looking at are kinda on the low end for power. Check out white lightning, they have a rep. for great service and are on a pro leval. You should decide what stands, soft boxs, etc you need, not them.
Bill

[MediaMagic]

fotog wrote:
I use white lightning's. Had some for many years with no problems. They are great. The ones you are looking at are kinda on the low end for power. Check out white lightning, they have a rep. for great service and are on a pro leval. You should decide what stands, soft boxs, etc you need, not them.
Bill


Okay, for comparison purposes, I'm looking at this package from White Lightning. It seems to have a the same basic components of the alien bees package (sans honeycomb filters, available as add-on).

I definately want the 4 light option (main,fill, hair, backdrop) and I think a package like this one will get me up and running with the ability to add needed accessories as I advance. This, of course, will be a learning curve for me but I don't want to waste money on "learning lights" only to buy a pro setup 6 months from now. I'd rather spend the cash and learn on the good stuff. Here's the link.

http://white-lightning.com/remotepack.htm

I would add the wireless remote and the vagabond to the package, which increases the cost considerably.

What other accessories not included would you find useful on a regular basis? A good point about White Lightning is that they let you design your own packages with the same discount formula as their standard packages.

Also, is there a quality difference between the Alien Bees and the White Lightnings? I thought both of these companies offer "pro" level lighting.

Thanks again.

[MediaMagic]

longwatcher wrote:

The only difference in the kit I am considering is upgrading two of the lights to B1600 and picking up the vagabond battery that goes with them. I feel that will give me a little more flexability.

I am also considering the radio remote to go with it as well.

Just my research,

Trivia: I am thinking birthday present for myself as far as the light set is concerned.


Yes, going with two B1600's is a good idea/suggestion as well as the battery and wireless. I was thinking I'd add the latter two at a later juncture, but I found that if they are purchased with the lights, a pretty good discount applies.

Trivia: Happy B'day! hope the plan works! :-)

[WestFalcon]

I have White Lightnings and Alien Bees flash units. The White Lightnings are better built but the Alien Bees are still very well built and reliable. If I used them a lot in a pro application, I'd go WL but most amateurs would absolutely love the AB and probably never require anything else. They are both superb units.

[Yance]

Mediamagic, the Alien Bees are made by the same company as White Lightning; Paul Buff. So I would assume they have the same level of quality and service. If you have a definite future need for higher power units then spend the money now instead of stepping up later. I have used some of the higher end WL's quite a bit and have never found a situation where they didn't provide me with what I needed.