I have questions about Alien Bees...

I'm wanting to get some Alien Bees...but have no idea what to get. I'm thinking about getting a package with the stand, umbrella/beauty dish, and strobe, but don't know which ones to get.

What I'm going to be shooting are indoor/outodoor senior photos, portraits, and possibly some model shoots in the future.

Firstly, when would I use a beauty dish compared to an umbrellla? What are the different size umbrellas (32, 48, 60) used for?

Second, I've heard the strobes are a great value and are pretty good quality, but what about their stands/umbrellas that come with their packages below? Are they a good value and good for their respective price ranges? I'm

Thirdly, I'm thinking about doing one of their packages, http://www.alienbees.c​om/digi.html, but didn't know whether or not to upgrade the package to B800's (instead of the B400's), if I would see a real difference between the 400's and 800's. I was also considering the package with B800's http://www.alienbees.c​om/beginner.html but it only comes with one strobe.

Lastly...I'm wanting to wirelessly trigger these off. Aside from the Cybersync transmitter and receivers, will I need anything else? I didn't know if there were any advantages between the battery powered and the AC powered models besides portability?

Thanks in advance,

-Jon

Get the AB800 if you'll be doing some outdoor shooting.

As for the cybersync, I would get the CSRB. You don't have to worry about the batteries, it doesn't use that much. I have yet to change mine since i got it last year.

jeromego wrote in post #8708108
Get the AB800 if you'll be doing some outdoor shooting.

As for the cybersync, I would get the CSRB. You don't have to worry about the batteries, it doesn't use that much. I have yet to change mine since i got it last year.

Dang, really? That's pretty good battery life. How long does it take to charge? Can anyone else confirm this?

My good (local) friend just got the beginner bee set with the AB800. She's pretty happy so far. She just uses the sync cable and the basic umbrella. I'm hoping to swing by her place sometime soon to check it out.

Also look into the Calumet Genesis kits.

egordon99 wrote in post #8708250
My good (local) friend just got the beginner bee set with the AB800. She's pretty happy so far. She just uses the sync cable and the basic umbrella. I'm hoping to swing by her place sometime soon to check it out.

Also look into the Calumet Genesis kits.

Cool. Let me know what you think.

I have and use Paul Buff lighting equipment for some time, and I do like it. The bang for the buck is very high, and his Rolls-class customer service and 60-day money back satisfaction guarantee virtually eliminates any risk for the newbie who is not sure what to get.

There are often better choices for stands, umbrellas, and softboxes than the "vanilla" styles available from Buff. However Buff's latest collapsable softboxes and true parabolic umbrellas appear to be good values with special characteristics.

The Buff remote triggers are excellent values as well, however IMO unless you intend to use them with portable battery-powered flash units, you are better off getting the regular AC-powered triggers (they plug in-line with the flash AC cords). The battery powered units do suffer a few quirks natural to their battery-powered design that don't bother the AC-powered units.

I would advise not getting too much too quickly; a couple of the B800s, a larger umbrella and a reflector to start.

For the difference in the prices, get the 800 over the 400. Keep in mind the package prices are not that much different than ordering ala carte so dont feel like you have to stick with a package. If you find an umbrella or stand you like better elsewhere, then get it and be happy.

Depending on your outdoor shooting conditions you may find the B800 is still underpowered. For many people shooting outdoors in daylight sun they find the B1600 to be a better choice. If you're not sure of the conditions then a B800 is probably the better choice. Then, if you find (within 60 days) that you're underpowered you can either trade up or purchase a B1600.

If you have a light meter you can do some testing before you even order your lights.

^^ What Rob said- Don't forget about a Vagabond or other battery if you are doing lots of locations shots

what kind of work are you wanting to do?

If you ever find you're underpowered (even beyond the 60 days), Buff has an easy upgrade system. You send in the light you have (B400 or B800) and for the difference in cost plus $25, they will upgrade you to a more powerful light.