About to order AB800... any suggestions/recommendations​/things to know?

I've been wanting to jump into the AB stuff for a while, and about to make that jump...

I've got a bunch of PW stuff (see sig) and I'm planning on getting an AC9 to control the AB

My immediate order will most likely be an AB800, a softbox or octobox... I want to play with this first, and then eventually order a 2nd, and a mini battery pack for the pair...

Any recommendations/sugges​tions or words of advice?

Most likely use will be weddings and engagement shoots.
I know I will want to try it/them in the middle of the day at some point, but I anticipate mostly late afternoon or evening shooting...

might also play with these and my son, who loves basketball...

1. Buy two lights instead of one.
2. Buy them used if money an issue.
3. AB1600 or better yet Einstein if using them during the day with any modifier besides BD.

bobbyz wrote in post #14401104
1. Buy two lights instead of one.
2. Buy them used if money an issue.
3. AB1600 or better yet Einstein if using them during the day with any modifier besides BD.

I've scoured Craigslist (4 locales around here, I'm willing to drive up to 4 hours) and ebay almost daily for the last two years looking for PCB stuff. AlienBees gear rarely comes up, and when it does, they go for top dollar. Really not worth it to pay near new prices for no warranty. I lucked out once and scored the old style PCB beauty dish for 50 bucks (back when they were solid), and that's been my only find. Of course, now that I say that, there's this:

http://portland.craigs​list.org/clk/pho/29999​48517.html

Not bad at all.

bdillon wrote in post #14401392
I've scoured Craigslist (4 locales around here, I'm willing to drive up to 4 hours) and ebay almost daily for the last two years looking for PCB stuff. AlienBees gear rarely comes up, and when it does, they go for top dollar. Really not worth it to pay near new prices for no warranty. I lucked out once and scored the old style PCB beauty dish for 50 bucks (back when they were solid), and that's been my only find. Of course, now that I say that, there's this:

http://portland.craigs​list.org/clk/pho/29999​48517.html

Not bad at all.

thanks for the link! jumping on that litemod system

too bad no mini vags D=

wow nice deal!

Get Einsteins and MC2s!

questionmarc wrote in post #14401450
thanks for the link! jumping on that litemod system

too bad no mini vags D=

That's Vancouver, Washington.

I started out with two Ab800s. If I could do it over, I would go straight for the einsteins. The 800's are often underpowered for outdoor use, only go down to 10 w/s, can't stop motion as well as the einstein, and are not compatible with the cybersync transceivers. These relative shortcomings were apparent and irksome after only a few weeks of use.

In other words, I would lube up and spread that wallet wide...

joe

bdillon wrote in post #14401392
I've scoured Craigslist (4 locales around here, I'm willing to drive up to 4 hours) and ebay almost daily for the last two years looking for PCB stuff. AlienBees gear rarely comes up, and when it does, they go for top dollar. Really not worth it to pay near new prices for no warranty. I lucked out once and scored the old style PCB beauty dish for 50 bucks (back when they were solid), and that's been my only find. Of course, now that I say that, there's this:

http://portland.craigs​list.org/clk/pho/29999​48517.html

Not bad at all.

I only mentioned used as OP is buying one brand new. I rather buy two used than one brand new. Warranty does no good if you have no spare to shoot when you need it.

bobbyz wrote in post #14402369
I only mentioned used as OP is buying one brand new. I rather buy two used than one brand new. Warranty does no good if you have no spare to shoot when you need it.

I agree, too.....but I don't think you understood what my post said.
Used ABs go for darn near new prices....IF you can even find them. The best you can typically hope for on a pair of ABs is 75 to 100 bucks under new.....given their rep, I'd rather have the warranty.

for sports, the AB400 is the more popular choice due to the faster flash duration.
If doing only portrait stuff, the flash duration doesn't really matter.

I've used everything in the PCB catalog besides the litemod system and the Zeus pack-heads, and was only mildly impressed until I got an Einstein + VML.

I'd say if you've got the budget (and your sig says you probably do ), go straight for the best; the most you'll lose is less than a rental fee.

bobbyz wrote in post #14402369
I only mentioned used as OP is buying one brand new. I rather buy two used than one brand new. Warranty does no good if you have no spare to shoot when you need it.

I will buy 2, I just want to buy one to start to play with (i.e. make sure it does what I want it / think it should, etc..) and then get the 2nd (and more mods, etc..)

The best kit is the Einstein and Cyber Commander. Especially if you have more than one light.
Really nice to be able to adjust the light in 1/10 steps while standing at the subject position.
Get every light just where you want it, then go to all and control your overall power setting. Makes changing aperture a breeze.

Started with six 800's that worked flawlessly for years. Sold them and moved to six Einstein's and the Cyber Commander....

Nothing wrong with a single light, even with a simple umbrella. The AB's are very popular for a reason. I do not see any benefit buying used, as they hold their value very well and giving up Buff's reputation for customer service for a few bucks (very few) would not be wise. The only thing I will add is a nice reflector (with a mounting arm if you work alone) really comes in handy.