Alien Bees or 550EX

[dennykyser]

Ok I need another light sorce and not sure which way to go. I now have a 550EX and a Photogenics Strobe and looking for one more light. I shoot mainly Bust and 3/4 Portraits in my home but eventually will get back into weddings so trying to keep that in mind. My portraits are mostly children so use umbrellas a lot.

I know the 550ex have the ETTL wireless capability but that is a plus not a necesity since I have a great hand held meter and plenty of PC sync cable. I guess I am wondering it the 550ex is powerful enough for portrait work as a fill and a hair/background light. My strobe can be the main light.

[evilenglishman]

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[MediaMagic]

Ok I need another light sorce and not sure which way to go. I now have a 550EX and a Photogenics Strobe and looking for one more light. I shoot mainly Bust and 3/4 Portraits in my home but eventually will get back into weddings so trying to keep that in mind. My portraits are mostly children so use umbrellas a lot.

I know the 550ex have the ETTL wireless capability but that is a plus not a necesity since I have a great hand held meter and plenty of PC sync cable. I guess I am wondering it the 550ex is powerful enough for portrait work as a fill and a hair/background light. My strobe can be the main light.

Well, I would say get the Bee. Or, maybe even start with White Lightning. The Bees (or Lightnings) will be more precisely controllable and easier to work with (at least they are for me, I am beginning to hate dicking around with the 550's, but that could just be user ineptitude).

I've just "upgraded" from Alien Bees to White Lightnings and both are extremely easy and straightforward to work with. I doubt you'd be disappointed with either.

Of course, you could make do with a 550ex as hair light, and that would also lend some versatility for other situations as well, but if you are looking for the *best* tool for portrait work, then go with the Bee.

[Vegas Poboy]

Go with the Strobe, more power, more flexable & more for your money.