ABR800 or AB800??? Which one as my first studio strobe...

[turbodude]

Ok y'all, i have been looking into getting my first high powered strobe. Now the question is which one....

Price doesnt really matter since i have budgeted around 550 for the first one.

Now will i be able to do teh same thing with a abr800 as i would with the ab800? but with the versatility of the ring type look.

If i get the ABR800, i would get the 56" moon unit with a center cut out diffuser panel as well as one without the hole. And also the 20 degree grid.

If i get the ab800 i would buy the large octo box.


question which one would suit me better.

I shoot a lot of car stuff, as well as people. Thanks!

[smdevo]

get the ringflash. Both are the same power but I think someone said that you get more light loss with the 56"moon unit and all it's internal baffles, but no more than 1 f-stop I think. You should get the grid to make it more versatile. I assume you will get more lights later on so either way you will have to buy all new modifiers each time.

[TMR Design]

If you think you want a ring flash or already know you like the effect then I would say to get the ABR800. My understanding is that it can still function as a normal B800 would, on its own or part of a multi-light setup.

Make sure you know which modifiers can be used on the ABR, as I don't think it accepts all the same ones that a standard B800 does, but in terms of the light and power I think they were designed to be indentical.

[turbodude]

yea i plan on geting the moon unit and 20 degree grid.

[Doug Rowan]

If you think you want a ring flash or already know you like the effect then I would say to get the ABR800. My understanding is that it can still function as a normal B800 would, on its own or part of a multi-light setup.

Make sure you know which modifiers can be used on the ABR, as I don't think it accepts all the same ones that a standard B800 does, but in terms of the light and power I think they were designed to be indentical.

Correct....I have one & it can be used as a regular studio strobe if you want...plus it does so much more!

[iceman/slider]

I have one AB800 and am about to get the ABR800.

I agree, go for the Ringflash straight out the box. Much more verstatile. If you plan on doing much portrait work, and can afford it, I'd get the Vagabond(portable power pack) too. The standard strobe works very well though. I can't wait to get my hands on the ABR.

Good luck!

[turbodude]

ive decided abr800

[JBaz]

I have two AB800's and I'm also about to order the ABR800 once the funds come available. Looks like a lot of fun. :)

I'll probably stick with getting the 30" instead of the 56" moon light since I'm also getting a large octobox for the regular AB800's.

[pepperoni]

I searched and revised this old thread instead of starting a new one.

I'm in a similar position as the OP and wonder how well the ABR works in the 56" moon thingy vs the regular AB800 in a similar size octobox. The ABR seems to be a little more versitile, so if it's comparible to the AB strobe in a large softbox, I'll go for it.

Anyone using the ABR in the 56" moon unit have experience with the AB800 as well?

Thanks.
:cool:

[turbodude]

i bought the abr800 with 30" mu

[majs]

I just got the ABR800 with the 30' MU and have been using it off camera as the main light. So far I have been really happy with it. Here's a link to my setup.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4810247&postcount=81

[bolantej]

I have both but haven't used my abr800 yet. I have seen images taken with the ring light as a reg strobe and it works just fine. I love it because it is more versatile.