think i screwed up buying a b1600

So have you actually tried it yet?

hasnt even gotten here yet.

let me know if you want to trade your AB1600 for an AB800.. I have one.

keyframe14 wrote in post #12412005
You do realize you don't need to use it full power. That;s the beauty of AB1600 that you can use it as either ab400 or ab800. The other way around doesn't apply.
You can trade it for my AB800 if you'll like

You're probably confusing this with the White Lightning stuff...

Wrap the ND gel around the posts. Doesn't work as well as in a softbox though...
Better off using ND filters on your lens....like a CPL that won't slow your lens down too much...

The problem isn't really that the full power range won't give you enough room to work with. The problem is that the Alien Bee lights are only really consistent at about 1/4 and up. If 1/4 power is too powerful for your space, you may want to consider trading it for another light. Now, if you are planning to always use it as a one-light setup, then you may be able to deal with the inconsistency at lower power settings. It will be a pain adjust WB and exposure on the photos individually, but it won't be nearly impossible like it is when you are using multiple lights that are all inconsistent.