Should i get a third B800 or a ABR800.

UPS lost the third B800 i ordered, so im going to see if Alien Bees will allow me to pay the difference for the ABR800 and order that instead. Would that be a bad idea? A lot of my friends have told me that the ring flash is great as a fill light. If you're just doing fashion and beauty type shots, which one would you get?

a couple of my shots.

Since you can use the ABR800 on a stands like a reguar light along with using it as a ring flash, I would say get the ABR800 for sure. Thats what my 4th light is going to be...

Or a AB1600, still trying to decide.

Great question. I've been looking at more and more pictures from people using the ABR800 and what I find to be very cool is using the ABR as the fill. It's in exactly the right position and when used as fill it produces wonderful results.
This has been recommended by a few people recently and it's sounding better and better every day. As a matter of fact, since I got my 4th B800 only a month ago I may just pay the difference and the upgrade fee and swap the B800 out for the ABR800.

Thanks guys. looks like you both have 3 strobes already and would be adding the ABR800 into that mix. that kinda makes me think that i should go for the b800 now, and add on later.

TMR Design wrote in post #2941097
Great question. I've been looking at more and more pictures from people using the ABR800 and what I find to be very cool is using the ABR as the fill. It's in exactly the right position and when used as fill it produces wonderful results.
This has been recommended by a few people recently and it's sounding better and better every day. As a matter of fact, since I got my 4th B800 only a month ago I may just pay the difference and the upgrade fee and swap the B800 out for the ABR800.

I was feeling like that about my AB400, might pay to do a swap.

Part of me wants to keep it just to have a low powered light to use for shooting wide open.

I might just end up adding an ABR800 and a AB1600 and have a total of 5 lights. The only reason I have not bought the ABR800 yet, is because I am waiting to see how the alien been 1200 and 2400 w/s pack system is going to be. Id love to move to that system.

awad wrote in post #2941167
Thanks guys. looks like you both have 3 strobes already and would be adding the ABR800 into that mix. that kinda makes me think that i should go for the b800 now, and add on later.

If I could do it all over again I would have gone stright for the ABR800.

The ABR800 wasnt even out when I ordered my lights. IMO its really two lights in one.

a) used as a standard studio strobe
b) used as a ring flash.

Ive really been wanting a ring flash or a beauty dish for the swim suit, glamour, fashion style shots on the beach agaist a sunset.

awad wrote in post #2941167
Thanks guys. looks like you both have 3 strobes already and would be adding the ABR800 into that mix. that kinda makes me think that i should go for the b800 now, and add on later.

Hi awad,

I currently have 4 B800's and part of me wants to keep these and just add the ABR, giving me 5 lights and tons of flexibility. I haven't decided yet but I am really loving what I'm seeing from the ring flash, and for a small space, using it as fill and not having the lightstand with an umbrella makes so much sense.

hm okay. you guys have sold me. ill call in the morning and try to get the ABR800 and Moon Unit.

thanks!

Robert, ( or anyone)
If I may steal this thread for a moment but it applies to this conversation...
With my main light on the right of subject, I typically place my fill above my L shoulder (just off center). With the ring light directly straight on, would that change the position needed for my main light?

Hi jcpoulin,

Are you sure you've explained your setup correctly? Your main light is to the right of the subject (camera left) and your fill is above your left shoulder, slightly off center. That sounds like both your main and fill are on the same side. Is this really what you mean?

But, in answer to your question, no, the position of the fill light does not affect the placement of the main light.

Thanks Robert....I meant as you look at the subject, main to my right, fill over Left shoulder, opposite sides.

just an update, my B800 showed up today finally. so i called and ordered the ABR800 anyways. so now i have the three strobes and the ringflash, which is versatile enough for me. thanks again guys.

but as it turns out...this thread was kinda pointless.

Hi awad,

I don't think the thread was pointless. There are others like myself that are debating which to get or perhaps never even thought of using the ringflash as a fill. Some might not realize that the ring flash can function as another B800.

I never even thought to use a ringflash for fill. I could use another light......

Halliday wrote in post #2945554
I never even thought to use a ringflash for fill. I could use another light......

Hi Halliday,

Using the ring flash as a fill actually makes so much sense. The ideal position for a powered fill light bouncing into an umbrella is directly behind the camera on the same axis as the lens. Many that use an umbrella raise it up only to get themselves out of the light so as not to create shadows. Some photographers don't raise it up and fire the shutter remotely so they are not blocking any of the light.

Also, in a small space, we all know that a light stand with an umbrella mounted takes up space and you really can't get it all that close to the wall. So to use that setup it forces the camera and photographer to be several feet away. Using the ring flash as the fill is not only a great idea because of placement of the light but also a real space saver in small rooms.