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View Full Version : Which studio lighting setup?

Conk
4th of July 2004 (Sun), 20:34
It has been suggested to purchase this DigiBees (http://alienbees.com/digibee.htm) kit. I have also seen this kit (http://www.owens-originals.com/studio%20packages/hmstudiopackage2.html) from Owens.

I am having a tough time finding a kit to buy. Obviously I want the best bang for the buck.
Has anyone got any suggestions? I don't want a purchase too far over a $1000.00 Canadian. I'm starting to panic because I need this stuff real soon.
Vegas Poboy
5th of July 2004 (Mon), 01:02
I went with the Alien Bees to start off with Just heard alot of good things about the lights and service. I started off with 2 800's and love them so far but I don't care for thier stands I prefer bogens over the bees. In fact I'm getting read to order 1 400 this week for backdrop lighting.
Longwatcher
5th of July 2004 (Mon), 17:59
I have the Alien Bees and have been having wonderful results with them.
But I do have four (2xAB800 and 2xAB1600) although I tend to only use three of them on a regular basis. Unless you have a big area to light, the AB1600 are a bit much. so a pair of AB400 or AB800 should be great for most people. The best part is you can upgrade them later and the set easily expands if needed. I don't have any issues with the tripods, except for the one I have the boom arm (for hair light) I wish was a bit heavier, but it works.

The only negatives I have heard about the ABs is some commercial photographers FEEL that the won't hold up to thier heavy use, but no one has actually mentioned in a location I read that they have ever had an AB go down due to hard useage. The other comment is on the colors (other then black).

I will admit they look only marginally professional, but once you have them hooked to umbrellas, softboxes, and booms, nobody else will notice this.

So I can highly recommend the Alien Bees as an extremely good value for the price.

One true negative though is you only have one location for parts, so if you ever do have a problem, it has to go back to the factory. Very friendly service to date and tolerant of customer's lack of common sense.