800w or 1600w strobe?

[Tabby]

For formals in dark churches with high ceilings, is an 800w strobe not powerful enough? I want to use a large umbrella with the strobe in the center up high.

Also, if you suggest the 1600w b/c the 800w is too weak, is the 1600w too much or too powerful to also do portrait work?

I'm thinking alien bees or white lightning for the purchase.

Thanks!

[ito4u]

You can always dial down a 1600w. Imagine if your 800w isn't powerful enough. Then again you could always try two 800s.

[Wilt]

Let Buff be your guide!...

website says AB1600 has GN220 rating (10' f/22), so you put the light 20' away it is is f/11. With an umbrella you lose about -1EV, so you are at f/8. If you shoot at ISO 400, now you are at f/16!

website says AB800 has GN160 rating (10' f/16), so you put the light 20' away it is is f/8. With an umbrella you lose about -1EV, so you are at f/5.6. If you shoot at ISO 400, now you are at f/11!

Assess the info and make up your own mind about what you think you need.