Need some opinions on an ALIENBEES buy... or not

Hey there all,
I'm really getting into studio shots, portraits and glamour type shots. I'm currently working using the "strobist"(the group) state of mind. Currently I have some strobes (550ex, old vivitar, quantum t2, etc) that i've just been shooting off of umbrellas, push on diffusers, and bare. I just sold my 1DMKII and got a little extra money in the bank. I am thinking about going all out and buying the AB "intergalctic Bee" setup. I don't make money off what I do, I just have fun and shoot friends in weird scenes, etc.

My options were to either get some old powerful manual flashes (vivitar 285HV's) and some more stands, diffusing box/umbrellas. And just run a real economical set-up.. (I am a student btw).

Or I was going to be going all out and getting the $1600+ AB set-up

Do I really NEED the AB lights... I do a lot of ON location shots, since I don't have a studio. We go out into parking lots, alleys, schools, etc, wherever.
Will the AB's really help me out... Or will my portable strobes just be fine.

I REALLY want the professional lights, and the accesbiliy for all the add on's like the grids and big soft boxes, BUT they will dry up my bank account.

What do you reccomend, what would you do in my shoes?

Thanks guys for any input you may have.

(i'm VERY ready and tempted to hit the CHECKOUT button the alienbee's site... PLEASE help stop me if you can)

Sounds like you are routinely working in areas with a lot of space, have you considered used power pack/head flash systems.

With the popularity of the monoheads, many of these power pack/head systems are going used for very nice prices.

Typically they are not quite as versatile with regard to power adjustment, but if you have a lot of room you can move them around.

You can get a lot of flash power, modeling light, direct connection to light stands, and a wealth of robust light modifiers with these used power pack/head units, and all at bargain prices.

Enjoy! Lon

Hey Lon, thanks for the adive.. I just decided to keep it simple and I went ahead and bought the Intergalactic Bee package. Pwerpack/head system... I belive I have one.. would a Quantum T2 qualify...? if so.. I love that light, it goes everywhere with me

"(i'm VERY ready and tempted to hit the CHECKOUT button the alienbee's site... PLEASE help stop me if you can)"

I am not sure once you get to the checkout button on thier site you can chose not to purchase, That button kept calling me by name . I just placed my order yesterday

I too just placed an order for 2 B800's last night.... But my White Lightning 1800 took a dump last night, so it was justified.

I would love to start with the Intergalactic Bee but I will probably end up piecing together something similar to the package over time...starting with a couple of B800's. I thought of SF photography (i'm in the city monthly) and wondered about grounding the battery when doing street photography.There isn't much dirt to stick a ground rod.

whoa... wait.. you have to GROUND the f'ing battery in order to use it? geez... that's a MAJOR inconvenience if so... like you said I plan to shoot some bands out on the train tracks and some alleys out here in SF how am I supposed to achieve that on an all cement platform... let me know any more info if you have any

At least that is what it says in the FAQ under the Vagabond battery. That is what I was thinking when I thought of using the Intergalatic Bee setup in SF.

Q: Is it really important to ground my Vagabond unit?


A: Yes. The grounding rod is provided for your safety, and the Vagabond unit must be properly grounded whenever it is used.

...wow.. I mught just get the busy bee setup then. and just lug around multiple 50ft extension cords... what a hassle.. either way... (btw I cancelled my order this morning) I am going to make a kit like justin said similar to the intergalactic

Honestly, the grounding requirement is mostly a liability thing. If I had the kit, I am sure I would use it on concrete when I couldn't ground the unit. I still hope you buy the Intergalactic Bee so I can check it out on my next trip to SF.

There you go, place it in your cart. I still want to see it in action.

I am on the verge of ordering AB's and this was based on advice from a pro I know. By Pro I mean 20+ years and a huge client list of companies we all know - the point being that for the price AB's are great.

The only thing he suggested was to get a better Softbox from other makers but DO get the AB's speed ring (supposedly the best he's used).

The speed ring as in the ring for the softbox attachments or the actual ring flash?

Stackinchips wrote in post #2808643
The speed ring as in the ring for the softbox attachments or the actual ring flash?

It's for the softbox which allows it to attach to the flash unit.