think i screwed up buying a b1600

so i found a killer deal on some ab's and was trying to buy them all but ended up missing out on all but the b1600 and jumped on it before the seller could change her mind, now im reading b1600's are too powerfull for small indoor spaces? thats a huge problem because i only have small indoor spaces. it is coming with all 4 grids and some color gels, do they make nd gels or anything for these or am i just screwed besides getting a battery back and using it outdoors?

Sell it and buy an Einstein. Alien bee gear is the fastest thing to sell on here along with speedlights.

i'd want it either way for outdoors but i wanted something i could use indoors to learn with before worrying about an outdoor setup.

ok i just checked the ab site and for about $80 i can order an adapter and nd filters for the light but i dont think i can use soft boxes or beauty dishes or anything along with the nd setup?

Einstein has the same 640Ws.. But goes down to 2.5Ws ...supposedly with more consistent color and a faster flash duration.

http://www.paulcbuff.c​om/pcb2009/e640detail.​html

but how much more does it cost lol

The Outlaw wrote in post #12409516
but how much more does it cost lol

You can sell your 1600 setup for probably $325. If you're gonna spend $100 on ND filters.. That comes to $425. With no modifiers indoors! The Einstein is $499

if its too bright i may end up doing that but not sure on the einsteins dunno anything about them, i have been interested in the calumet genesis 300b since seeing its good reviews in shutterbug magazine, 300ws and comes with a portable battery setup.

Get a sheet of Rosco ND gel, tape it or use some wooden clothes clips to tape it inside the softbox. I've done it w/a B1600...

Use ISO50 if you can. That way you can use it at 1/4 power.

bobbyz wrote in post #12409851
Use ISO50 if you can. That way you can use it at 1/4 power.

does 50d have iso 50?

kenyee wrote in post #12409718
Get a sheet of Rosco ND gel, tape it or use some wooden clothes clips to tape it inside the softbox. I've done it w/a B1600...

that sounds like a good idea. any way to do something like this with a beauty dish?

I would sell the B1600 for ~$300-$315, and find a WL X1600. You can usually find those for ~$360. It has a 1/4 power switch that lets it act as a full range B400. That way you can use it as a B400 indoors, or a B1600 outdoors. Einstein is obviously the best way to go, but if you're looking to save money, a White Lighting X1600 is a great option.

BrandonSi wrote in post #12410001
I would sell the B1600 for ~$300-$315, and find a WL X1600. You can usually find those for ~$360. It has a 1/4 power switch that lets it act as a full range B400. That way you can use it as a B400 indoors, or a B1600 outdoors. Einstein is obviously the best way to go, but if you're looking to save money, a White Lighting X1600 is a great option.

saving money is a big concern. i've wanted some alien bees for a long time and honestly wouldnt have even bought this but the price was insane, i wish i would have seen the add in time to buy all 5 lights the seller had. i shouldnt have even spent the money i did but like i say i couldnt pass it up. the x1600 sounds like a great option. i was planning on either looking for x1600, ab800 +cash or accessories, or a calumet genesis 300b. i think the x1600 would be the best for me if the b1600 doesnt work out. this will be a single light setup btw unless i use my speedlights with it. i just cant put much cash with it because right now i really need more glass (only have 3 primes and a tc) and am trying to get a dual sport bike.

maybe i been thinking about this the wrong way. could i possible just get a 2-3 stop nd filter for the lens instead of a nd setup for the lite? is there a downside to that idea?

Too powerful? Maybe if you are using it without any diffusion. Use it with a shoot through umbrella or a soft box and you'll be at f8 at half to quarter power. That's perfect for group shots. If you want it less then remember the inverse square law and move the light back. That plus some diffusion will reduce it's power if you are looking to shoot at f2.8.

If you can't afford a soft box then use a white sheet and shoot through that.

If you need less than what the lowest power gives you then use a hot shoe flash off camera.

The AB1600 is one of the most popular lights on available because of its power/price. Don't let forum folk talk you out of using it, learning with it, and creating some fantastic light created pictures. If you are doubting yourself, remember that Zack Arias got to where he is by using AB1600's for years.