Alien bees

I am ordering a alien bees kit, with 2 ab800's. There would be no advantages to getting a 400 and an 800 over 2 800's?
I am sure it is a dumb question, but thought I would ask.
Thanks, Dave

there is a difference

the 400's will be able to go lower in power than the b800 and that can help when you are shooting larger apertures/shallower depth of field

the 400's will also have faster flash duration
at full power, the b800 has a 1/1,100s flash duration, the b400 has 1/2000s so it is half the flash duration and that can help when you want to freeze action

I definitely think that when it comes down to choosing between the 400, 800, and 1600 it is important to know how you want to use them. If overpowering the sun was important and you need as much power as you can get then the 1600 or even the white lightning x3200 would probably be the best choice

One of the advantages of using monolights that have the same flash output and with the same wattage modeling lights, is the model lights between the different units is exactly proportional, making it easier to visualize what the shadows will look like from each light source, before you take the photo.

Also, sometimes you need a fair amount of power, if you are wanting to use a lens stopped down, and to shoot thru a couple layers of diffusion material in a softbox. For instance, this photo, I wanted to stop the lens down to get a good DOF, and I was using both diff panels in a 10x36 strip/softbox. This required full power of a B800.

I agree with Derek when he says that it's certainly a good idea to know how you want to use your lights. I chose all B800's since they sit between the B400 and B1600 regarding power. '
There are times when I wish I could dial the power lower though, so I am going to buy at least one Einstein.

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About two months ago, I bought a kit with two AB800's. Trust me, you're gonna LOVE them!!! Get a softbox if you have not already order it! I got the 32X40 AB softbox. It is beyond words... Enjoy!!! Be sure to post some pictures that you have taken with your new AB's!!

another quick question. I allready have a cybersync transmitter and reciever. The ab800's have built in slave trips, so if I used a 580ex2 with my cybersync, the ab800's would fire....correct?
Thanks

These things trip very easily inside...i had a trigger sutuation not long ago...i ended up using my Ex2 to trip 4 x Bees wity no missfires.

You'll love them, just play and experiment. I used a neighbour and my cat. Actually my cat was a better subject - she loves sitting on the chair on front of my softboxes for some reason. I started with one B800, then bought a second one, and then decided I needed a B400 for background and hairlight and also bought a strip box. I'm done spending now, more experimenting to do. Now, where's that cat ? Oh, and I use 1 synch cord to the camera from one AB, and let the others slave flash off that - works great.

awesome, thanks for the input guys. Ordering now