Alienbees Dillemma

Okay, so I am reay to purchase my alienbees package.

However, I am stuck trying to decide between the B400's and the B800's.

Currently I am using a two light set up with some horrible 200w/s eBay lights.

The B400 says that it has an effective 400w/s, so does that mean that they have twice as much power as I am used to?

If so, dont ned the B800's, and can save $110

Thank you for all your help!

Spend the extra $110and have sufficient power if needed.

Get one of each.

How big is your shooting space and do you plan to shoot outside in day time or shoot sports?

"Effective Ws" is a PCB BS marketing gimmick. The B400's are 160 Ws. So no, they have less power than your horrible fleabay lights.

• 160 true Ws, 400 effective Ws, for the AB400
• 320 true Ws, 800 effective Ws, for the AB800

I do not know the difference between true and effective but I would go for the 800's.

You can't argue what "arrgeebee" said.

I would not get one of each.

The only one who knows the difference between "true" and "effective" is PCB, since he's the one who invented the silly, asinine terminology.

Having too much power can also cause issues. I would think if your current lights are working OK then the B800s should be fine too. You should be able to keep them above mid point all the time.

Just get on the Alien Bees website and look at the very detailed information provided regarding what aperture you will get at various distances and using various light modifiers. That information is more important than knowing the watt seconds or effective watt seconds stuff anyway.

Get the 800's...

no, the b400's have 160ws of light. Get the b800's and you won't be let down.