My holiday present to myself arrived

[Longwatcher]

Well my holiday (xmas/yule/whatever) present to myself arrived.
My set of Alien Bees lights (the busy bee kit w/2 of the 800's upgraded to 1600), the radio remote control set and the vagabond. Needless to say the packages are no longer under the christmas tree (that lasted 15 seconds as I brought them in from my porch after the UPS guy drove off) :)

All but the 10' stand arrived this evening, but not a serious issue as I already had 3 light stands.

Very cool, much better so far then previous continuous lights I have been using.

However, I think I over did my self. I did not pay attention to the size of the softbox (48") That thing is huge and seems to take up half of my photo studio (read living room). However, It does a really good job as far as I can tell so far.

I have noted that I can use 1/250 sec with sync cable, but only 1/125 with radio remote. (must read 10D manual again). Which 95%+ of the time will work fine with the radio remotes.

I had thought the vagabond units had two plugs each CU-150 component, but they only have one, so I need to get a couple of power strips to go with it.

I found I also need another sync cord for the remote transmitter, which was not included. Otherwise everything I could need of was there.

As to needing a light meter... I currently feel that I can get the results I want in my studio (currently my living room on occasion) without one, however that said, I can see the utility of one if I had to set the lights up somewhere else. But I reserve my final opinion until after I have a live person in front of them.

So far my first impression is they are well worth the money.

Other then the light meter I can't think of anything I need right now, equipment-wise. If Canon comes up with a FF camera, under $3000 like the 10D or better, then I will feel the need to get it and two more lens. There is no point in getting those lenses unless I have a 35mm format FF DSLR.

Now I just need a model to practice on :p

[stoneylonesome]

Sounds nice, Now take a photo of it all set up so we can see it :D, as far as a model is concerned, maybe you should contact CharlesU or Doug Rowen, maybe they'll loan you one :D :D :D enjoy the new set up

[Longwatcher]

I considered taking a picture of it all, but it won't fit in my living room set up as I would use it until I remove the Xmas tree. Also, because of the size of the soft box (it is actually 60" not 48" as I thought) I may have to switch the side I would normally put it on.

I also discovered this morning that I have to start with the remote recievers in the off position or the lights get confused and won't charge after the first flash until I turn the reciever off then on. Was a bit nervous that the light had a glitch in it already on the first day of use.

As to a model, I actually do have one lined up for later in the month or early next, but have to wait until her christmas present arrives. My girlfriend's daughter has wanted a corset for over 3 years and her mother said she could have one on her 18th birthday. I could afford it and her mother couldn't so I am getting it for her in return for her modeling it for me (and not cutting her hair which is down to her waist right now) until after she has modeled for me again. I just want to play with my lights NOW!!! :D :p :D

[charlesu]

Congratulations on the lights. I think you will find that 1/250th versus 1/125th is meaningless with strobes.

If the strobes are your only light source or the major one then shutter speed will be all but irrelevant. They are firing so quickly (1/5000th??) that your shutter could be open for 1/30th or 1/500th and it won't affect exposure UNLESS you are getting a lot of ambient light from a window, etc.

Set your shutter speed where everything works and don't worry about it.