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View Full Version : Hmm first time buying a flash...

chabooky386
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 12:18
I have always been a firm believer of natural lighting. But, with all these cool shoots i see with some cool lighting work I am debating on what to get... Need some help. I have a 30D and i mainly shoot portraiture.

So would you get a AlienBee ABR800 or Canon 580EXII?
SoaringUSAEagle
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 12:33
Well I think the 580 would be a good start. That's where I started. It depends if you want to do indoor or outdoor though. If you're doing indoor, consider a softbox or umbrella to soften the light. That 800 is pretty powerful.
René Damkot
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 12:59
Completely different flashes.
One has ETTL capability, the other not. One is mains powered, the other uses batteries. One has a modelling light, and different options for light modifiers, the other is limited in that respect.
They are both flexible, and both can be used, but each has its strong and weak points....
JBaz
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 13:42
Do you do portraits on scene, on the go pictures, out in public places, outdoors? You'd probably be better to get the 580. The ABR800 is more focused on studio work and settings where you have time and power to do it. It's less versatile than the 580, but you can do a lot of nice creative work with it a studio flash head. And honestly comparing either one is like comparing apples to oranges. Sure they both are fruits, but are on totally different.
chabooky386
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 14:19
All good points guys... =/
chabooky386
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 16:45
I see some people take pics with this ringflash at the beach and such... How is that possible?
fi20100
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 16:48
I see some people take pics with this ringflash at the beach and such... How is that possible?

Battery ;)
chabooky386
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 16:55
Battery ;)


Is there an external battery pack you can get?
Titus213
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 17:16
Yes, there is an external battery pack - only $300 (http://www.alienbees.com/battery.html)

I'd go for a 580EX myself.
fi20100
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 17:17
Well, we don't have AlienBees here in Europe, so I can't say for sure, but I do think there are some external battery packs that you can use with some models... Have you checked their website?

... too late...
JBaz
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 18:23
Honestly, the ABR800 is nice, but it's not like you'd be able to carry that into a bar or a night club and take pics on the go... Also if there's space limitations, the 580 is a better choice.
pcunite
7th of August 2007 (Tue), 18:44
Get the 580EX II and use it OFF CAMERA. However you will need a way to trigger the 580. Cables work but another 580EX II would be better.
chabooky386
8th of August 2007 (Wed), 00:40
-sigh- yall are making me really think hard......
JBaz
8th of August 2007 (Wed), 03:27
You still haven't answered any of our questions in what kind of portraits you shoot. Settings such as indoor, outdoor, or if it's on the go. If you don't have speedlite such as the 430 or the 580, I would get that first before you get a studio light.
chabooky386
8th of August 2007 (Wed), 11:49
I ususally shoot outdor, but i do shoot indoor as well too.
chabooky386
8th of August 2007 (Wed), 11:52
Ill shoot anywhere basically...
René Damkot
8th of August 2007 (Wed), 12:51
In that case, the AB might be limiting, because you'll also need a power source to go with it. Also, outside HSS might be usefull at times.
580 is nice to have.
If you can live without HSS and ETTL however (very easy if you have somewhat controlled circumstances), there are a bunch of cheaper alternatives. Have a read in this post (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=246797&highlight=flash) by Curtis N.