Need advice on studio equipment.

where do alienbees fit into this hierarchy of quality. they are very common among pros and enthusiasts, and sell almost instantly on the used market... are they "kid toys" or are they a step above.

they have a good reputation, i was just wondering from some of you who are more judgemental of "pro quality"

thanks. i dont mean to hijack the thread, but i think it applies, as AB's are value light kits in your price range as well. You can get a really nice AB kit for $1600.00

Alien Bees are more than 'kid toys' but not quite 'serious pro gear'. Some broad generalizations...

The 'kid toys' are really cheap, really low (50-200) watt-second rating, really low output modelling watt (60-100w) with no aftermarket accessory sources except original mfg with a few light modifiers.


The 'serious pro gear' are sturdy, 500-2400 watt-second, >200w modelling lights with many aftermarket accessory sources with broad spectrum of light modifiers.

The 'in between' (for hobbyists and weekend warriors or those on limited budgets) are adequately built, 150-1500 watt-second, 100w modelling lights with some aftermarket accessory sources but usually from same mfg as flash.

White Lightning and Alien Bee have a large group of supporters, and they are a respectable product.

Bees arent bad lights, but I would never consider them if I were using them for a business. I dont like their build quality, I dont like their modeling lights, and they are extremely inefficient. They should put out a lot more light for their w/s ratings. I've also heard the light isnt quite as consistent as other nicer brands (as in exposures and WB can change slightly) but havent used them enough to really judge that.

I'd recommend them for someone who is not a pro or planning on it, might use their lights once or twice a month but want something more than the most bargain basement system.

White Lightings are far better though when it comes to quality and output, but there you start to aproach the prices of other lighting systems so it opens up more choices to you. There really isnt much in the AB category except some of the other house brand systems from Adorama and such.

For my first kit I was between a Dynalit pack kit and that Hensel kit I posted earlier and was really leaning toward the Hensel for its price. Then I got a good deal (though still twice the price of the Hensel kit) on a slightly used Profoto Acute system so I went with that.

You're here too? Crazy. Viper says <3 OT

vwpilot wrote in post #2239624
White Lightings are far better though when it comes to quality and output, but there you start to aproach the prices of other lighting systems so it opens up more choices to you.

white lighting are ok, just the Ab's big brother. Big advatage with either is the replacement bulb/flash tube costs. Considerably cheeper than other brands

Hey, yeah, here too.

White Lightings I think are built far better than the AB though. And they have a better modeling light.

But at that price I would start to consider other systems, such as the Hensel above.

The bees are to the pro lights, like Schwartzeneger is to an oscar.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #2241016
The bees are to the pro lights, like Schwartzeneger is to an oscar.

His name is Arnold, not Oscar!

I've got to tell you I owned nearly all the systems currently out there ( I used to run a rental department) and I really like the Paul Buff stuff. I have 5 and in 15 years have only had one issue, sent it to TN and turned it around in 3 days door to door.

I had speedos and Norman, they exploded and so I got rid of them. I favor monoblocks over packs, any way. If your powerack goes out so goes all your lights. With the blocks if one goes out the others still work.

I agree with tht others that Novatron is rookie stuff. I buy used all the time, to save money. If it needs repair, I send it back to PCB and they fix it. Please, Please get some good solid C stands for your garage. Use sand bag all the time too.

Get something you can grow with. There are no 2000 WS Nova packs. Like you said it is an INVESTMENT.

I hope this helps,

Les Baldwin