Alien Bees Users Check In (2)

PhilF wrote in post #14788480
I would go for avengers or matthews c stand and boom arms...built like a tank

Nice, I was thinking bout getting this one.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0CB_D600CB_Mini​_Boom.html

I'm currently using a cheap set of stands from the past. I'm still new to all this. Will the Avenger boom work with it? Do I need any adapters? Is there another part that I need to connect the stand and boom together so that it can swivel and be positioned easily?
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=425​220&is=REG

My Einstein fell over on yesterdays shoot (smacked straight into big rocks). Still works fine, but the side plastic bit has cracked and my BD is stuck!! Cant get it out

Excuse to buy a Mola dish now

I wonder if Paul C buff just sell the plastic covers for the Einstein.

fashionrider wrote in post #14788614
Nice, I was thinking bout getting this one.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0CB_D600CB_Mini​_Boom.html

I'm currently using a cheap set of stands from the past. I'm still new to all this. Will the Avenger boom work with it? Do I need any adapters? Is there another part that I need to connect the stand and boom together so that it can swivel and be positioned easily?
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=425​220&is=REG

the avengers and matthew brands are a bit heavy and superior in material and built. I think the cheap aluminum stands cannot carry them. I suggest you get those brands ... they also hold their resale value just in case you need to sell them in the future.

PhilF wrote in post #14788897
the avengers and matthew brands are a bit heavy and superior in material and built. I think the cheap aluminum stands cannot carry them. I suggest you get those brands ... they also hold their resale value just in case you need to sell them in the future.

Thanks a lot!!! Watched some youtube videos on it and read reviews, I think I'm sold on it.
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Turtle_Base_Ce​ntury.html

siddr20 wrote in post #14672609

Einstein plus paul c buff octabox.

This. Is. Amazing!

This was one light? Wow. What time of day was this shot? ND filter used? Great shot. Wow!

fashionrider wrote in post #14788305
I will be purchasing some AB lighting VERY SOON. Just waiting on student discount verification approval by Paul Buff's staff.

Ni$mo and everyone else, what type of stand/boom arm is that? All Paul Buff has is the mini-boom arm which isn't very useful. Would you recommend a specific type? I will be attaching a B1600 light + large octabox + vagabond mini.

I use the Cheetah Combi-boom. So far I like it and it's heavy duty but I do wish the arm was longer. I think it's a great buy for around $100 but would like to get a bigger one down the line and will probably go with Avengers

I will be doing a lot of on-location shooting, so portability and lightweight is a huge plus. The avengers C-stand (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Turtle_Base_Ce​ntury.html) seems a bit heavy at almost 14 lbs. But build quality is really good.

Manfrotto's Combi Boom Stand (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …20B_Combi_Boom_​Stand.html) is less than half the weight at 6 lbs.

Should I get the Manfrotto? Is it durable enough to boom an AB B1600 + Large octabox? I most likely won't be putting anything heavier.

ultimachi wrote in post #14790816
This. Is. Amazing!

This was one light? Wow. What time of day was this shot? ND filter used? Great shot. Wow!

Well, dip me in ****. If this is a single light source, I'm impressed. Based on the highlights, it looks like light from both left & right. Pretty good work !!

New AB user checking in! Just clicked on the purchase button for a B1600, Large octabox, Vagabond Mini, carry cases for both light and vagabond!

Now to order a stand/boom. Will need to do tons of reading/research first.

fashionrider wrote in post #14792566
I will be doing a lot of on-location shooting, so portability and lightweight is a huge plus. The avengers C-stand (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Turtle_Base_Ce​ntury.html) seems a bit heavy at almost 14 lbs. But build quality is really good.

Manfrotto's Combi Boom Stand (http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …20B_Combi_Boom_​Stand.html) is less than half the weight at 6 lbs.

Should I get the Manfrotto? Is it durable enough to boom an AB B1600 + Large octabox? I most likely won't be putting anything heavier.

I would suggest against the Manfrotto for the simple fact that the one you listed has a max capacity of around 5lb while set as a boom and a B1600 with large octa of over twice that weight. 14lbs might sounds like a lot but it's worth it in the field imho so I know it's firmly planted to the ground. I have a bag of weights hanging from one end and usually weigh down the stand at the base on top of that to ensure it won't tip over. I've only boomed my octa once and I don't think I'll ever do it again on that stand.

I just bought my first alien bee's for portraiture shooting. Picked up a B1600 in yellow, stand and the white 22" beauty dish. So excited .

On AB1600 to the left shot into a 32x40 softbox

Hey guys, i have a quick question. What's the best way to shoot with a wide aperture via 85mm or 50mm with a single strobe and still maintain a sharp enough image without the strobe overpowering?

I know a ND filter is required, but how much stoppage?

I guess I have it worded all wrong but i'm hugely inspired by Emily Soto's work.

BryantFC wrote in post #14835729
Hey guys, i have a quick question. What's the best way to shoot with a wide aperture via 85mm or 50mm with a single strobe and still maintain a sharp enough image without the strobe overpowering?

I know a ND filter is required, but how much stoppage?

I guess I have it worded all wrong but i'm hugely inspired by Emily Soto's work.

It greatly depends on how much ambient you are dealing with, and how much strobe you are using. Use the sunny 16 rule as a starting point and work backwards. If ISO 100 gets you a shutter speed of 1/100 @f16 on a sunny day, then 1/200 gets you to f/11. A 3 stop filter gets you to F4. If you drop down to ISO 50 you can squeeze down another stop. Keep in mind that your strobe power balance with the sun doesnt change when you add ND filters as both are accounted for. You still need a lot of strobe even though you are getting a larger aperture.