Some newbie questions about an Alien Bee setup.

Hello all,

I finally have a handle on the mechanics of studio lighting and I am about to splurge on the B800 Alien Bee. My question is simple but I cannot seem to find an answer after searching the AB website and the forums here.

What do I need to remotely trigger the AB800?

I have a few follow-up questions also but this is a start. Thank you for your insight.

a trigger and receiver. the cyber syncs would work. as would the eBay triggers or anything like the Skyports, etc.

I use Yongnuo RF602 transmitters and receivers. They work awesome and have never had one mis-fire with over 2000 shots. Hit up ebay!

Excellent, that is what I suspected - thanks. I think I'm going to go with the cyber syncs.

Now a second question: Could I fire my 580 EXII also off camera with an additional receiver or would I need something else ?

robert.depalmo wrote in post #9524747
I use Yongnuo RF602 transmitters and receivers. They work awesome and have never had one mis-fire with over 2000 shots. Hit up ebay!

Something like this.. ?

http://cgi.ebay.com …5ad6cdc551#ht_3​569wt_1165

Go with the CyberCommander and 2 CSRB+ .

The Cyber Commander can remotely control the level of the Alien Bee (as well as act as a light meter) and the CSRB+ is the battery powered receiver that works with the Cyber Commander.

It will also work with the 580exII (although you can't remotely control power and you need a 3.5mm to PC cord).

shadowman wrote in post #9524778
Something like this.. ?

http://cgi.ebay.com …5ad6cdc551#ht_3​569wt_1165

Yes, that is what he was referring to. I have them too and I love them! But since you have an Alien Bee, the Cyber Commander offers a lot more versatility.

Though I find it hard to believe a search on the forums turned up nothing, I can tell you that you have plenty of options to trigger a B800. Any trigger out there is pretty much capable of doing so. Many here use CyberSyncs and YongNuo RF-602s. Depending on your budget and needs, you can go for a CyberCommander and CSR+/CSRB+ instead of regular CyberSyncs (CST and CSR/CSRB).

All you need are triggers that can somehow use a mono cable to plug into the B800's sync jack and you're good to go.

If you go with the Yongnuo RF-602 you will not need a sync cable to connect the 580exll as the receivers have hot shoes built in. Just something to consider. Honestly unless you are going to go the cyber commander route the syncs are going to give you the same performance as the RF602 only they dont have a hot shoe receiver and the transmitter is bigger than the RF602. The RF602 also have the ability to "wake up" flashes that have gone into sleep mode when not being fired. You can get 1 transmitter and 3 receivers for under $70.

Thank you guys. Very helpful information.

Annnnnnnnd I'm spent.

Ordered:

RF602 Transmitter/Receiver
Sekonic L-358 Flash Master Light Meter
B1600 Black Studio Flash
B800 Black Studio Flash
Foldable Large Octabox (47in.)
13-foot Heavy Duty Stand (2)
48-inch Gold/Silver Umbrella

Go big or go home.

I would have gone for the CyberCommander and two CSR+/CSRB+ instead of the Sekonic and the RF-602.

The CyberCommander, though it's not as accurate (some say) as the Sekonic, it also does readings just like a light meter. But the best part about it is that it can remotely control your strobe's power and trigger them.

Alright a few more questions:

I have two of the 13' Heavy Duty stands on the way. What are my best options to Boom my B800 and B1600 out?

Do you recommend the Alien Bee Beauty Dish or is there a better third party alternative??

Thanks!

I was thinking this for the boom arm.. ?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …te_Boom_Arm_.ht​ml#reviews

Second that. Anyone have a link to a good boom arm for the Heavy Duty Stand?

IUnknown wrote in post #9583345
Second that. Anyone have a link to a good boom arm for the Heavy Duty Stand?

I got my boom from this eBay seller. Seems pretty sturdy. But I don't know how it fares when compared with others. I just thought that it's cheaper.