Alien Bees... 400?

[Steveo31]

Just thinkin about a simple set up in my garage or something for basic head/shoulder, maybe some shaded outdoor portraits, to get a AB 400. It's 400 effective watt seconds, but only 160 true. I don't know what all that means yet, but I feel it has to do with the light output, something about the power transferred between the power source to the bulb or something...

Anyway, is 160 eff. ws enough? Or is something a bit more powerful needed?

[tracyh]

I just got 2 AB 400's for my small portrait studio in my basement (one for main, one for fill). For portraits, I've only used both of them at a little over half power, so I find that they're plenty of light for me. I do also use some background lights and a hairlight where applicable, but have also used the AB's with out them as well. I haven't had any issues with "not enough light". I haven't worked with just one, however, but I'm guessing that if you cranked it up to full power and had some sort of reflector for some fill light, that you'd still be okay.

I've found that the customer service folks are great and have very quick responses to questions posted from their website. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help you out.

For what it's worth, I switched from using canon flashes (550ex and 420ex) for studio lighting to these since I was having issues with the preflash firing my background and hair lights. I couldn't be happier with this new set up. It works GREAT! The bees are awesome!

Good luck,
Holly

[Steveo31]

Awesome... just what I needed to hear! I too have heard horror stories of the preflash tirggering the slaves. Now, do the bees come with a cord to connect to the camera? A "PC" cord I believe it's called....?

Thanks for your help!

[tracyh]

Yep. The cable is nice and long, too. I have a canon D60 and it plugged right into the side. Basically, plug n play.

[Steveo31]

Souds like it's worth the $230...

[Conk]

I too am using the AB400's. Great lights. Plenty of power. I have it set quite low and use only a fraction of the pwer. Each light does come with a 12' pc cord. I am very happy with these lights.

[tracyh]

I shoud also mention that they have a 60-day return policy... and a deal where, within 2 years (I think), if you decide you need/want to upgrade to a higher powered light, you can do so with just paying $25 and paying the difference between the price of the light you have with the price of the light you want.

You really can't go wrong....!