Equipment to get started.

I'm thinking of trying some outdoor flash photography (portraits) and wanted some larger equipment. Here's what I was thinking of getting to start. Does anyone have any feedback or suggestions?

Hoya 4-Stop ND filter
RadioPopper JRX-KS Transmitter/Reciever Kit
AlienBee B800
Vagabond Mini
Paul C. Buff 30x60 softbox

My main concerns are whether I will be happy with the 4-stop filter or should I go to a 6-stop and whether the B800 will have enough power to give me nice light from the 30x60 softbox.

If you think you're ever going to be trying to overpower the sun, I would definitely suggest going with a b1600.

vegasboy wrote in post #16474117
If you think you're ever going to be trying to overpower the sun, I would definitely suggest going with a b1600.

Agreed, B1600 is the way to go.

Forget the RadioPoppers, you want a PocketWizard ControlTL trigger w/ AC9 receiver. This will allow you to use HyperSync. An invaluable tool.

Forget the PCB softbox and get an Elinchrom 39" Deep Octa. You will need THIS.

Have fun!

AB1600 at a minimum, and just barely!:

• Buff lists AB1600 with softbox at GN102 for ISO 100...at 10' it would be f/8 and 0.7EV
  
  
• So at ISO 100 you would have Sunny 16 rule of thumb indicate 1/100 f/16...1/200 f/11. So AB1600 into a softbox would provide -0.33EV fill when at distance of 10' to subject, or -1.33EV fill at 14' to subject, or -2.33EV fill at 20' to subject.
  

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to plan on the B1600 based on your comments and save up for a nice softbox.

s1a1om wrote in post #16476484
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to plan on the B1600 based on your comments and save up for a nice softbox.

Get the Einstein 640 vs the AB1600; if not, you will wish you did in the long run.

Buy smart, buy once.

Rocky Rhode wrote in post #16476571
Get the Einstein 640 vs the AB1600; if not, you will wish you did in the long run.

Buy smart, buy once.

I don't know what the general publics perception of the Alienbees B1600 is, but I've had mine going on 4 years, and it's withstood 2 pretty gnarly falls on set (one on a c-stand with an octabox and falling about 8 feet because of wind) and it still works like a CHARM. Also, my 2 B800's have never gave me one bit of problems.

vegasboy wrote in post #16484194
I don't know what the general publics perception of the Alienbees B1600 is, but I've had mine going on 4 years, and it's withstood 2 pretty gnarly falls on set (one on a c-stand with an octabox and falling about 8 feet because of wind) and it still works like a CHARM. Also, my 2 B800's have never gave me one bit of problems.

The AB1600 has exhibited color shift (pinkishness) at very low power settings, while the newer Einstein is designed in a manner which eliminates the shift. That is what the obtuse comment " if not, you will wish you did in the long run" was about, probably. Durability and strong customer support are not issues for Buff products.

Get a 6-stop ND filter. I got the Hoya 4-stop and can't get below f/2.8 sometimes.

frugivore wrote in post #16484418
Get a 6-stop ND filter. I got the Hoya 4-stop and can't get below f/2.8 sometimes.

I don't know about you, but I hate using high ND value filters on a lens because it makes everything so dark, and using ND gels on a light source mounted in a softbox is a pain in the arse.

Wilt wrote in post #16484384
The AB1600 has exhibited color shift (pinkishness) at very low power settings, while the newer Einstein is designed in a manner which eliminates the shift. That is what the obtuse comment " if not, you will wish you did in the long run" was about, probably. Durability and strong customer support are not issues for Buff products.

I would say the more important advantages are the ability to use the Cyber Commander and to use a wider power range. It also make you appear more intelligent when you say, "I use Einsteins".

Wilt wrote in post #16484384
The AB1600 has exhibited color shift (pinkishness) at very low power settings, while the newer Einstein is designed in a manner which eliminates the shift. That is what the obtuse comment " if not, you will wish you did in the long run" was about, probably. Durability and strong customer support are not issues for Buff products.

Ah, I thought it was in regards to longevity of the product. It is known to have color shifts yes. However I've never had to deal with anything too bad myself, but I know it is out there.