Which of these 2 do you recommend

I would like to get a nice beginner package and I am stuck between these 2 any help would be greatly appreciated.

Calumet Genesis 400 Soft Box Kit $369.99

• Genesis 400
  
• Calumet 10' Light Stand
  
• Calumet 24 x 32" Nova Soft Box
  
• Calumet Universal Speed Ring and a Genesis Speed Ring Insert

For the burgeoning shutterbug, the BEGINNER BEE is the best place to start! This single-light setup is the perfect way for you to get acquainted with AlienBees units and with photographic lighting in general. Our versatile B800 lets you get to know the features of the bees, getting hands-on experience as you learn adjustment and accessory use.

Really can't go wrong with either, but I would go with the Alien Bees because the accessories are a lot cheaper.

Austin.Manny wrote in post #9641017
Really can't go wrong with either, but I would go with the Alien Bees because the accessories are a lot cheaper.

+1 for the Bees

vincewchan wrote in post #9641323
+1 for the Bees

That would be a +2 for the Bees now.

Fine.. Genesis because you can use elinchrom high end accessories

People are only saying AB because thats whats cool to own...its an bandwagon thats easy to jump on because its popular.

The Genesis 400 though, is a more powerful light and comes with a far better modifier for roughly the same price.

No brainer...you get alot more for your dollar with Calumet lights....get the Genesis.

Genesis.

You can use any elinchrom compatible modifier--and there are several excellent 3rd party sellers on ebay with well built products at reasonable prices.

Either one would suffice. If shipping to canada wasn't so outrageous I would've went with the Genesis strobes because I hope to upgrade to elinchrom gear eventually. I ended up with the Bees and I'm pretty happy with them.

Jeffro250 wrote in post #9641946
People are only saying AB because thats whats cool to own...its an bandwagon thats easy to jump on because its popular.

I don't know if that's fair to say.....I've seen some really awesome photos delivered by alien bees. I don't think it has to anything to do with "bandwagon". Rather it's a great product at a good price point for most photographers. Their customer service is second to none, just read over the alien bees thread.

Can someone prove to me that Genesis produces "better light" than Alien Bees ?
To the OP....have you read through the alien bees thread, if not I suggest you do. Also check to see if there are any Genesis threads and read through them as well.

They're pretty comparable products. The Genesis lights have a digital control. The bee lights come in a variety of snappy colors. The differences in the light modifiers has already been touched on... Both of them have developed sort of a 'cult following.' Whichever one you pick... you'll be able to hone your mad lighting skills. If you already have mad skills, You will certainly be able to use ether or effectively.

Isn't it true that the AB's have a little more color variation through the power range compared to the Genesis?

lazer-jock wrote in post #9645670
Isn't it true that the AB's have a little more color variation through the power range compared to the Genesis?

At low power, yep.

1 for Genesis, if you would have caught the sale last month you could have got a better price, i got (2) 200 kits, stand and umbrella for just over $300, you can get soft boxes cheap from ebay

I am still waiting for my genesis lights, ordered them a month ago. If you do not mind waiting 4-8 weeks get the genesis lights.

I have had good luck with the Alien Bee AB 1600's. They were fairly priced and have worked great for me. Not just a "bandwagon" guy, I wanted reliability and so far, I have got it. I lost count but I have shot around 90 or more basketball, volleyball, and wrestling matches this season with no failures. I carry a spare flash tube for "just in case" situations, but haven't had the need. That should equate to almost 20,000 pops from the Bees.

Mike