Alien Bees users check in!

chukdivad wrote in post #7501923
Why only one receiver and 2 transmitters (typo maybe)?
Also, IMO, I would forgo the 430EXII and get another B400.

See .. that's why I post stuff like this before I make a stupid decision ..

So I need to receivers and 1 transmitter? Cool .. I'll fix that ..

I was thinking about the 430IIex for the simple reason that whenever I'm trying to do a little even here and there that I don't need all the lights I can just mount the flash and be on my way .. so you guys recommend against that?

RiKaN HaVoK wrote in post #7502046
I was thinking about the 430IIex for the simple reason that whenever I'm trying to do a little even here and there that I don't need all the lights I can just mount the flash and be on my way .. so you guys recommend against that?

Note quite that simple. I would recommend the 430EXII for those situations. In my experience (limited) the flashes and strobes don't work well together. I know it can be done and done well I just find it easier to work with one or the other. If your only going to get 2 lights though, and want a portable walk around flash you'll be able to make that combo work.

Manish, you would be crazy not to go with WL X1600 or (X3200 if you only shoot outside), unless you just dont want to part with the money. If I was not doing average with what I have now (which has nothing to do with my gear) I would drop the money on an X1600 right now. Since I dont feel terribly limited though I am waiting for Einsteins before dropping any serious money. For really close work inside 330WS is too much power with the distance I place my lights, so I have just been using a 3 stop ND gel inside. If Einstein comes out and is all that and a bag of potato chips I will probably get the 500ws one and then sell my 2 current 800s and pick up a X3200, or an older Ultra 1800 to really work against the sun outside.

Eli, I keep going back and forth between AB/WL's and Elinchrom. This is the ultimate issue I have, but, the accesories for EC are kinda pricey. I couldn't build a kit, initially, if I were to choose the EC route. With the AB's, I can build an entire 4 light studio setup, for the price it would cost for two RX600's, and two modifiers.

I've even talked to the wife about it, and while she approves of a lighting kit, I just keep coming back to the same question of what to go with. This is why I don't have them yet.

Oh, and thanks for the previous explanation.

Yea I hear ya. I have recently tossed the idea around of going with something else but it seems monolights are alot like women. Its hard to find the perfect one that has everything and wont cost a ton of money.

If I shot in a studio most of the time I would just go elinchrom and BX units, but since I need fast flash durations and mobile power, Elinchrom just does not work for me and my budget. So... I wait.

I hear ya. And Elinchroms aren't portable, unless one goes with the pack/head combo. That's another consideration...since I use lots of locations to shoot. I will be setting up an in-house studio, as well, but, I feel it won't replace location shooting.

The studio space I have alloted in my house isn't all that big, either. Maybe 12 - 14 feet wide, and about 22 feet deep. Ceilings are about 20 feet high, tapering to 8 feet. Another thing I'm not sure about is 'how many' lights I will need.

Darn...and here, I thought I had it all sorted out.

Got to use my teachers B800's today. He ended up ordering 800's rather than 400's. First ever work with studio/seemless. probably going to get one.

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

what did you delete it C?


was playing around with some friends and the new b800

Just got in my third b800 and AB stand. The cybersync receiver for it is coming in tomorrow. Can't wait to go shoot with them.

lucky. if anything, grid for softbox/beauty dish and a b400

B400-B B400 Black Studio Flash $224.95 ea. 1 $224.95 change qty
then click

B800-B B800 Black Studio Flash $279.95 ea. 1 $279.95 change qty
then click

VII The Vagabond II Portable Power System $299.95 ea. 1 $299.95 change qty
then click

CB1 AlienBees Carrying Bag $12.95 ea. 2 $25.90 change qty
then click

CSR+ CyberSync Trigger Receiver - Plus $89.95 ea. 1 $89.95 change qty
then click

CSRB+ CyberSync Battery Powered Trigger Receiver - Plus $89.95 ea. 1 $89.95 change qty
then click

CST CyberSync Trigger Transmitter $59.95 ea. 1 $59.95 change qty
then click

LS3050 10-foot General Purpose Stand $39.95 ea. 2 $79.90 change qty
then click

U48SW 48-inch Silver/White Umbrella $29.95 ea. 1 $29.95 change qty
then click

U48TWB 48-inch Shoot-Thru Umbrella $29.95 ea. 1 $29.95 change qty
then click

is this better?

I would suggest this in a 2 light setup.

http://www.alienbees.c​om/crk42.html

^^ What are you shooting?

i want to get a grid for my 800 soon but i dont know which to get