Rethinking AB

[bagtagsell]

So I was all set to order some Bees. It would be my first monolights. But then my ABR came in the mail. It feels very shoty/plasticy. It works, but the build quality leaves something to be desired. Are all AB products built like this? Also if I bought only the flash heads from AB what quality accessories would work with them? Can you use other companies accessories?

[TMR Design]

Hi bagtagsell,

Alien Bees strobes are actually very good units despite the plastic case. I don't own the ABR but I do own 4 B800's.

You'll find that if you ask around or go over to the Paul Buff forums you don't see owners complaining about build or problems caused by poor build quality. If you find that the AB products don't meet your expectations then don't buy them. If budget constraints are an issue then I would give serious thought to the Bees or perhaps the Elinchrom D-Lite 4. There are a few other brands that are not terribly pricey but that is a relative and subjective thing that only you can know. In terms of overall quality of the Bees, they are excellent.

The accessories have much to be desired but if you like the strobes and want to explore third party accessories then take a look at these articles:

http://robertmitchellphotography.blogspot.com/2007/11/norman-accessories-on-alien-bees.html

http://robertmitchellphotography.blogspot.com/2007/11/which-norman-accessories-with-alien.html

http://robertmitchellphotography.blogspot.com/2007/11/norman-accessories-for-bees-complete.html

[JustinL]

The thing about the Bees is what Paul C Buff built, an excellent company with great customer service. I've read his personal replies on other photo boards where some ABR users mention the plasticy feel of the unit and he replies with "plastic is light-weight and makes the ABR easier to handle."

Makes sense to me.

[Longwatcher]

Referencing the regular AB units, as I don't have an ABR.

My thinking on the subject is that given the amount of electricity that is released by strobes I prefer a lexan plastic to a metal case. Also while it may take less to actually break the case then a metal one, it will take a whole lot more dings before they become noticeable as they would on a metal case.

And if you ever open one up, you will find it is a pretty thick plastic housing.

[Curtis N]

Race helmets are made of "plastic". Don't sell it short. It's pretty tough stuff.

The AB lights are great bang-for-buck, company service and support are excellent.

But according to what I've read and limited personal experience, their accessories are junky and overpriced. Shop around for stands, umbrellas and such.

[nadtz]

Heh, but the rebel series cameras are considered toys for the same reasons, go figure! That aside, AB's (I also havent used the ringflash) will hold up fine so long as you don't toss them around or drop them on a regular basis.

[DSMITH131]

Race helmets are made of "plastic". Don't sell it short. It's pretty tough stuff.

The AB lights are great bang-for-buck, company service and support are excellent.

But according to what I've read and limited personal experience, their accessories are junky and overpriced. Shop around for stands, umbrellas and such.

OK Curtis I know y'all Northerners don't know much about Nascar but The Helmets are construction of the outer shell begins with a thin layer of gelcoat. Then a special resin, consisting of several types of glass, carbon, Kevlar and other exotic fibers and weaves, is added to the shell. This all combines to make the hard, glossy outer shell. Not plastic LOL
Just had to do it

But anyway I don't own ABs but over the years of reading reviews they seem to be as close as you can get to pro level without going broke and to boot light, powerful, portable and everyone raves about how good the costumer service is. The only thing I wish the modeling light was more powerful. I been in the market for new lighting for a while and stuck between ABs, Photogenics and Esprit Gemini

But Curtis no disrespect to you I admire and thank you for all the advise and encouragement you have given to me and this site. Have to give props where prop are due

[bwolford]

The shells of the AB products are lexan. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexan

Used in aerospace for canopies for jets and bullet proof glass. I'm not too worried about lexan being a negative characteristic of build quality.

I can't speak to ABR.

[bolantej]

I would email them and ask them for info regarding this issue. They are usually more than willing to answer any questions. Wind tried to take away one of my Bees, but it survived. I would imagine the ring flash is made form the same stuff.

[bigfredtn]

I have 2 AB800's, and I love them.

[Marionne]

Love my Bee.

[Sauk]

I have 2 AB800's, and I love them.

I just got my two B800's and I love them! Very light but feel durable enough for me to be honest. I purchased some B&H air stands for like 39 bucks that are really nice for that amount of money. Very stable.

But man the things worked like champs tonight at the basketball game

[Aaagogo]

i got AB's love them, give the pro lighting needs without the pro lighting price.

On top of that the customer service from Paul's company is thumbs up.

however, the stands can be bought from B&H, impact light stands.

[Sauk]

i got AB's love them, give the pro lighting needs without the pro lighting price.

On top of that the customer service from Paul's company is thumbs up.

however, the stands can be bought from B&H, impact light stands.

Yep those are the ones I purchased.

I should add the times I have called to check on my order they were super nice and helped with all of my questions. They didn't seem like they had better things to do which was nice.

[slimninj4]

I will be ordering a AB800 after christmas with stands, umbrellas, softbox from other locations. When I get comfortable with one light I will then move to either get more AB or move up and get more advanced set.

[Wilt]

If plastic bothers you too much, look into White Lightning units --which are also manufactured by Paul Buff!

[Philco]

I will be ordering a AB800 after christmas with stands, umbrellas, softbox from other locations. When I get comfortable with one light I will then move to either get more AB or move up and get more advanced set.

I use the AB 2X3' foldable softbox with my AB800's all the time and I really prefer it to some of the more expensive boxes I've had to set up and break down during the rush of a wedding. I'll be using it tonight for my wedding in Laguna Beach. I did buy heavy duty stands at Calumet, though. The AB's definitely get the job done, and they're cheaper than 580's :)

[smdevo]

So I was all set to order some Bees. It would be my first monolights. But then my ABR came in the mail. It feels very shoty/plasticy. It works, but the build quality leaves something to be desired. Are all AB products built like this? Also if I bought only the flash heads from AB what quality accessories would work with them? Can you use other companies accessories?

I have a few AB's that I use as a portable system. I pretty much abuse them without worry. I know what you mean about the plastic cheap feel on the ABR. The lock/unlock mechanism for the reflector and diffuser seems like it could break if you torqued it too much. Just bee careful. The sync plugs can get loose too. Otherwise the build is solid and after many months of travel and setup/teardown mine are all in good shape besides the many scratches and scuffs on the outer casing.

There is no loss of protection with the lexan over aluminum. If anything it will take the impact of a fall and leave the guts intact. A much cheaper and easier fix.

Accessories are another story. I'd use alternates if you can find em.