Alien Bees vs White Lightning

[eigga]

I am about to purchase studio lights and have decide on one of the two choice below. Can anyone tell me in real terms what you get different between the two. They both seem to be about the same power. Thanks!

White Ligtning 800 $399 http://www.white-lightning.com/x800.html

Alien Bee 800 $279 http://www.alienbees.com/b800.html

[PacAce]

They're both made by the same company so if all the specs are the same, it's a toss up. Heads, go White Lightning. Tails, go AB. :)

[In2Photos]

Thw white lightning appears to also have a brighter modeling lamp (250W vs. 100W) and includes a carrying bag.

[eigga]

If dont get any responses I might just do that.

[eigga]

Thw white lightning appears to also have a brighter modeling lamp (250W vs. 100W) and includes a carrying bag.

Thanks, I had missed that.

[cdifoto]

White Lightnings are supposedly better built for durability over the long term. Can't say I speak from experience with both. The AB1600 I had was fine but I didn't use it heavily either.

[entrefoto]

The pro i worked with persueded me to go white lightning for the reason that they are supposed to last longer than the alien bees. i've had my white lightning for over a year and absolutely love it.

[eigga]

Thanks everyone!

[jrjphoto]

Both Alien Bees and White Lightning strobes are built by Paul C. Buff, Inc. in Tennessee. White Lightning units are powerful, expensive monoblock strobes from (I'm going to use effective watt seconds because that's the number most manufacturers use) 800w/s at $399 up to 3200w/s at $669. The White Lightning units are designed for professional use as they are built using aircraft-grade aluminum, polycarbonate (really hard, rugged plastic) rear bezels and rounded corners. As far as gadgets go, the White Lightning units are pretty sexy.

Alien Bees start at 400w/s at $225, and move up to 1600w/s at $360. The units are light weight and lower cost because they are not built as rugged as the White Lightnings. Of course their brightest unit is half as powerful as the White Lightning. Otherwise, the Alien Bees strobes have the same features and user-friendliness as its big brother.

Paul C. Buff, Inc. is a solid, reputable company that believes in its products and values its customers. Customer service is top-notch across the board so buying a unit from either line is a fine choice. You simply have to ask yourself what you're going to be doing with your lights. If you'll be in a studio forever then go with the Alien Bees. If you'll be out in the field or traveling with your lights a lot then you might want to look at the White Lightnings.

However, Eigga, for what you've set your sights upon, I think you'd do just fine with the Alien Bees. And years from now you might want some more power; upgrading is a snap with Paul C. Buff, Inc. Hope this helps.

[eigga]

Thanks JRJPhoto,
I do not have a studio at this time and these would be for on location most of the time. Based on that I have decided on White Lightning.

Matt

[Rolex888]

Excellent writeup. Thanks for the informative post!


Both Alien Bees and White Lightning strobes are built by Paul C. Buff, Inc. in Tennessee. White Lightning units are powerful, expensive monoblock strobes from (I'm going to use effective watt seconds because that's the number most manufacturers use) 800w/s at $399 up to 3200w/s at $669. The White Lightning units are designed for professional use as they are built using aircraft-grade aluminum, polycarbonate (really hard, rugged plastic) rear bezels and rounded corners. As far as gadgets go, the White Lightning units are pretty sexy.

Alien Bees start at 400w/s at $225, and move up to 1600w/s at $360. The units are light weight and lower cost because they are not built as rugged as the White Lightnings. Of course their brightest unit is half as powerful as the White Lightning. Otherwise, the Alien Bees strobes have the same features and user-friendliness as its big brother.

Paul C. Buff, Inc. is a solid, reputable company that believes in its products and values its customers. Customer service is top-notch across the board so buying a unit from either line is a fine choice. You simply have to ask yourself what you're going to be doing with your lights. If you'll be in a studio forever then go with the Alien Bees. If you'll be out in the field or traveling with your lights a lot then you might want to look at the White Lightnings.

However, Eigga, for what you've set your sights upon, I think you'd do just fine with the Alien Bees. And years from now you might want some more power; upgrading is a snap with Paul C. Buff, Inc. Hope this helps.

[Jere Lee]

I have both and the opposite is true. The Bees are lighter and smaller. They are much better suited for location work. The difference in quality would be more of a longevity issue rather than a matter of toughness. If a bee is dropped or busted or whatever, the repair would be quicker and cheaper.

[Mum2J&M]

Are the two you've referenced the same power - and it appears that the AlienBees uses regular lightbulbs and the Lightning ones don't?

[Longwatcher]

Are the two you've referenced the same power - and it appears that the AlienBees uses regular lightbulbs and the Lightning ones don't?

AB's use regular light bulbs for their modeling lights (although if you want you can use special light bulbs), however the flash tube is made for the AB's. The Ab400 and 800 use one type, the AB1600 another and I suspect the WL's use a different kind (if not more then one)

The modeling light is very low power compared to the flash tube and is only there to see how the light is falling and if you have matching modeling lights compare the ratios and shadows. It is the flash tube you use to take the pictures.

And I am not sure if the WL use regular light bulbs for modeling lamps, but I suspect so, they just allow for a higher wattage bulb.

[Mum2J&M]

Yep. Model lights would make more sense. Thanks.

[airfrogusmc]

I have had my white lightninig 1200s for 15 years and the only real problems I've had were flash tubes and only once have I had to replace them in three of my units and within the past two years at that. The tubes are two seperate tubes in each head. If one goes out you still have a flash but with half the set power. The modeling lamps are 200 bulbs. Great reliable flash units and very good cusomer service.

[milleker]

I had AB's for a week before I packed them all up and traded them in for WL's. Not that AB's weren't worth the money, they were. But I really could see how the brighter modeling light and tough metal WL housing could be beneficial. I've had them two years or so and love them.

[jrjphoto]

...and you really only need one in the field. The rest of your light can certainly be provided by ambient light and/or careful placement of reflectors, flags (something that blocks light) and scrims (something that diffuses light). So don't feel as though you have to buy several lights and accessories all at once. Become proficient with one light, then go from there.

[airfrogusmc]

...and you really only need one in the field. The rest of your light can certainly be provided by ambient light and/or careful placement of reflectors, flags (something that blocks light) and scrims (something that diffuses light). So don't feel as though you have to buy several lights and accessories all at once. Become proficient with one light, then go from there.

Great advice....
When working out of a studio environment I only use one main light if its a single or double portrait. A large softbox and reflector. If its formal a 10X20 muslin and background light. Environmental portraits a one light and tripod, reflector drag the shutter.

[eigga]

...and you really only need one in the field. The rest of your light can certainly be provided by ambient light and/or careful placement of reflectors, flags (something that blocks light) and scrims (something that diffuses light). So don't feel as though you have to buy several lights and accessories all at once. Become proficient with one light, then go from there.


This is exactly what I did, I bought the WL 800 and accesories. Thanks to everyone for such an informative post. Hopefully others trying to decide between the two will look here. Mine shipped today so I cant wait to practive and learn.

[JasonSTL739]

Thanks JRJPhoto,
I do not have a studio at this time and these would be for on location most of the time. Based on that I have decided on White Lightning.

Matt

I have both and the opposite is true. The Bees are lighter and smaller. They are much better suited for location work. The difference in quality would be more of a longevity issue rather than a matter of toughness. If a bee is dropped or busted or whatever, the repair would be quicker and cheaper.

Totally agree in on location - forget hauling around the WL's... Big difference here, and I've been there with both.

I had AB's for a week before I packed them all up and traded them in for WL's. Not that AB's weren't worth the money, they were. But I really could see how the brighter modeling light and tough metal WL housing could be beneficial. I've had them two years or so and love them.


Brighter modeling light maybe, however the metal housing I don't think it matters. I'd rather have the AB's that are "disposable" and much ligher and smaller. BTW did you swap the modeling light to a higher wattage or just use the 100?

Also if you use booms at all, the AB's are much easier to work with.

[eigga]

JasonSTL739,
Those are great points if weight is an issue. Personnaly I dont mind extra weight since I don't shoot in extremely remote locations. I dont think the AB800 would be disposable for me, they are affordable but not cheap. Since I plan to do children's portraits I decided to go with the toughest availabe. I know people who are big on weight will appreciate your thought! Thanks!

[JasonSTL739]

JasonSTL739,
Those are great points if weight is an issue. Personnaly I dont mind extra weight since I don't shoot in extremely remote locations. I dont think the AB800 would be disposable for me, they are affordable but not cheap. Since I plan to do children's portraits I decided to go with the toughest availabe. I know people who are big on weight will appreciate your thought! Thanks!

I really think the main reason you would want to use WL is the extra power - there is very little difference between them in actual use, unless you do rely heavily on the modeling light - but even then a 150 watt seems to do the job OK.

Just because the AB's are plastic, doesn't mean they are fragile. I've dropped em' and crushed em' and all that and still haven't lost one yet. The Lexan they use is very strong.

Power.... children's portraits you aren't going to need much. Even in a huge sofbox with several baffles I find a B800 to be plenty.

Cheers,

J

[eigga]

I really think the main reason you would want to use WL is the extra power - there is very little difference between them in actual use, unless you do rely heavily on the modeling light - but even then a 150 watt seems to do the job OK.

Just because the AB's are plastic, doesn't mean they are fragile. I've dropped em' and crushed em' and all that and still haven't lost one yet. The Lexan they use is very strong.

Power.... children's portraits you aren't going to need much. Even in a huge sofbox with several baffles I find a B800 to be plenty.

Cheers,

J


I think the WL800 and AB800 have the same power output. The main differences seem to be build quality and the modeling light. What I really need is practice, too bad you cant buy experience :)

[JasonSTL739]

I think the WL800 and AB800 have the same power output. The main differences seem to be build quality and the modeling light. What I really need is practice, too bad you cant buy experience :)

So very true.

[fivegallon]

I think the WL800 and AB800 have the same power output. The main differences seem to be build quality and the modeling light. What I really need is practice, too bad you cant buy experience :)
eigga, any updates for us? did you get your WL's yet? I'm keen to hear what you have to say about them

[fortinaa]

I am also surprised that nobody has bothered to mention that the White Lightnings carry a 5yr warranty vs 2yr for the Alien Bees.

I picked up an older Ultrazap800 and Ultra600 white lightning models a year or two ago. No problems with either of them for the little bit of studio work I have done. Better yet, I didn't pay more than $240 for either of them and they are still rated for 320ws. From what I have been told, $40-60 covers almost any repair a Paul Buff light might need, so I am happy with my purchases.

[Mr. Clean]

Just to add a bit, I used an old White Lightning ultra 1200 this weekend and it performed like a champ. What is it, like 15 years old? Great build, reliable, everything. I'd be happy with anything Paul Buff Inc. makes.

[eigga]

I have had great luck with the WL. I covered 150 family halloween portraits and spiderman portraits for about 25 kids with the WL. You can view the results in my portfolio at www.FocusedOnFun.com (http://www.FocusedOnFun.com). The halloween portraits were shot with two WL800, I borrowed the second from a friend. Look for the halloween pictures on my website. I plan to add a second WL soon!