AlienBees B400 vs B800 for portrait and other work

[dphoto]

I keep going back and forth between the AlienBees B400 and the B800. I will be doing primarily portrait work to begin with, so the B400 seems like a good choice so that I can use a larger aperature. However, if I'm later doing more fashion oriented photos, or even outdoor photos, I'm afraid that the B400 will not emit enough light. I know that I can always diffuse the light from a B800 if it is too much, so it seems that the B800 really could be used in any event.

Is there anyone out there who knows... is there any situation that the B400 won't work well in so that I may need to consider the higher powered strobe? I'm trying to think ahead, and if my strobes can all be the same power, then it will make my life easier. :D

Thanks,
-Deva

[DaveG]

I keep going back and forth between the AlienBees B400 and the B800. I will be doing primarily portrait work to begin with, so the B400 seems like a good choice so that I can use a larger aperature. However, if I'm later doing more fashion oriented photos, or even outdoor photos, I'm afraid that the B400 will not emit enough light. I know that I can always diffuse the light from a B800 if it is too much, so it seems that the B800 really could be used in any event.

Is there anyone out there who knows... is there any situation that the B400 won't work well in so that I may need to consider the higher powered strobe? I'm trying to think ahead, and if my strobes can all be the same power, then it will make my life easier. :D

Thanks,
-Deva

You should be able to reduce the power of the 800 down to 1/32nd of full so your control is almost infinite. The extra power can be useful when you are trying to shoot larger groups and want every bit of power the flash can offer. I use two flashes, a 200 w/s and a 400 w/s output, and for groups I wish that I had a lot more power.

So I'd reccomend buying a couple of 800's which are only about 320 w/s in any case. And of course if you want to do portraits you'll require two in order to set up a lighting ratio.

[Vegas Poboy]

I ecently had the same trouble of deciding of what to get & went with the two 800's. It's easier to stop down the power than create it. In the future I'll add on a 1600 &160 but for starters I would go mid level.

[dphoto]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the responses. Well, it looks like the B800 is the way to go. I think I'm going to start with three lights: main, fill, and background. Yeah, I probably don't need a background light to start with, but the portraits I've seen with them look really cool, so I'm going to give it a try.

Thanks again for the input!
-Deva

[SnJPhoto]

You will like the AB's. They are a great entry level light. I'm not sure when/if I will really grow beyond their capabilities myself. I personally prefer to have a lover powered light at times. So I went with 2-400's and 1-800. All synched/fired by Pocket Wizards. You'll ove the lights. Lets see some pics when you get set up.


Scott

[dphoto]

Thanks Scott!

Yeah, I think I am going to like these lights! OK, I'll post something when I get them and can actually compose a shot. I usually post in the Critique Corner, so it will be over there. Hmmm... Pocket Wizards. Those are cool. I won't be starting with those, but maybe some day. :D

Talk to you later,
-Deva

[henkbos]

Bought 2 AB400 and 1 800 recently. Found that the power of the 400 is plenty for portraits. I did a large group the other day with all 3 lights.

Setup:
http://www.henkbos.com/web_pics/20040616_portraits190_std.jpg

Result:
http://www.henkbos.com/web_pics/20040616_portraits193_std.jpg

[Longwatcher]

One nifty thing nobody has mentioned yet.
With Alien Bees you can buy any one you want and change it out later for a different one, $25 and S&H. That is a great capability if you find you didn't get enough power.

I got overkill by getting two AB800 and two AB1600. I usually have the AB1600 on 1/16 (or lower) through a softbox and sometimes it is still too much light.

I would say if you studio is small (less then 5m from light to model) the AB400 and 800 will work well.

Just my opinion,

[dphoto]

Hey henkbos,

That's a pretty cool setup you've got there. How tall is that middle light stand? Also, what kind of lighting ratios did you use for this shot? I assume you have the middle light there because the group of people is so large? This is nice. And the shot came out very nice as well. :D Very cool!

-Deva

[henkbos]

Thanks, Deva.
Based on the advice from some people, I only bought AB lights. The stands are Photoflex (2.4mtr or 8ft) and quite sturdy. The umbrellas are 60' Photoflex as well. Got a small background stand from Manfrotto and a reflector kit from Photoflex.
If you live outside the US, don't forget to order the 220V upgrade with AB!

[Ken Fong]

Henkbos,
Great work! So your 800 was the center light? Was it firing at full power? I'm trying to search the forum for how folks are applying B800's at full strength (to justify the purchase). I see a lot of 'it's good to have the extra power for future purposes' but what are those future purposes? Shooting outdoors I imagine.

I see you had to get creative with extension cords then... :)

[NILOLIGIST]

I have four AB lights, 3-800's and 1-400. I am thinking of trading my 400 for a 1600. There are times when you need more light. You can always diffuse too much light but you can't make less light more. I am using the gels and grids and they work fine...

It is all about the amount of space you have and what you want to do. I like diffusing the light and making shadows. I have the beauty dish, softbox, grids and gel filters. I haven't had a lot of time to use them much have been doing weddings.

You have to get them and use them.

NiL,

[davidwegs]

I just get the 3200's and use the power I need via the slider. This way I have the ability to "upgrade" whenever I like :)

[Ken Fong]

Thanks NiL and David.
So it sounds like if you do a lot of heavy diffusion, more power is always better. But would you ever need something stronger than a B400 for a backlight or hairlight? I would imagine NiL could keep the B400 just for that purpose.

[Conk]

I use two AB 400's and have never used them to their full potential. I think Henkbos shows a good example of their capability.

[cmM]

the B400 should be plenty. I got the B800 because I *might* someday use it full power, and the price difference is too small to hurt my wallet.

[Johnny V]

Get at least the 800s if not 1600. Once the light is bounced into an umbrella, off a wall or ceiling or through a softbox the light is all sucked up. It's easier to lower the power but you can not up the power if there is no where to go.

If money is tight get one 1600 and two 800s. Use the 1600 for the main light and the 800s for hair light and background light.