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06/05/2010 01:53:30 PM · #1 |
I've posted along these lines before, and I think I've finally decided on something. Take a look:
//www.alienbees.com/beginner.html
I want to get my feet wet by learning to do one light portraits. I'm curious about this unit (or kit) in terms of usability, versatility, durability, etc. I want something that will last a while and that I can add on to later.
Also, can you think of any other accessories I might need to get started? Backdrop comes to mind. What else?
Thanks. |
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06/05/2010 04:11:05 PM · #2 |
I think you will be pleased with AB. I have used them a LOT, and am in the process of buying my own lights now. I am on the waiting list for Einsteins, and getting impatient, so I may buy one AB800 in the meantime. If you are going to have just one, the AB800 is likely the best choice between the 400, 800, and 1600. (The Einstein will cover the range of these by itself, but, as I said, is a long wait).
I think a medium softbox with a grid, or perhaps the octabox with a grid would be good first softbox choices (that is what I will get, anyway). And if you don't already have some umbrellas, those are worth having. The cybersync radio triggers are nice, too (I use them routinely). I think you get a 5% discount on any accessories you purchase at the time of purchasing one strobe. |
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06/05/2010 06:56:18 PM · #3 |
| Thanks chromey! The 800 is what I had my eye on. This kit comes with a shoot-through umbrella. I plan to learn how to use it, then maybe add a softbox. I'll check out the radio triggers... |
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06/05/2010 07:00:32 PM · #4 |
| I looked at the same setup a few months ago. I decided to go mobile and get an SB600 to go with my SB800. Im getting two light stands and two umbrellas for fathers day....I'll be set. |
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06/05/2010 07:54:05 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by bvy:
I've posted along these lines before, and I think I've finally decided on something. Take a look:
//www.alienbees.com/beginner.html
I want to get my feet wet by learning to do one light portraits. I'm curious about this unit (or kit) in terms of usability, versatility, durability, etc. I want something that will last a while and that I can add on to later.
Also, can you think of any other accessories I might need to get started? Backdrop comes to mind. What else? |
As discussed recently in this thread, remember that you can roll-your-own kits with PCB, with a graduated percentage off accessories depending on how many monoblocks you buy.
If you're looking for studio lights (vs. speedlights, which is another option as  kenskid mentions above), the ABs are great place to start. I'd recommend the TS13AC (13', air-cushioned stand) for studio use - more heavy-duty, but of course a little more bulky, especially if you're going to be considering putting large softboxes or boom-arms on it in the future. Also worth looking at the 22" High-Output Beauty Dish and/or the Folding Octoboxes or Softboxes. A set of honeycomb grids can come in useful, but those would be used more often in a 2+ light setup, unless you're wanting to really isolate spill and/or go for a high-contrast look.
If you can wait for the next version of PLMs to come in (supposedly any-day-now... but they've been saying that for over two months...), I'd recommend a PLM over the standard umbrellas, again depending on your use.
For backgrounds, I really like Botero foldable backgrounds, since they are reasonably easy to transport, but others swear by their rolls of seamless muslim or paper... There again, it depends on if you want something you can take with you easily, or leave set up in a studio.
I'd recommend picking up a couple of extra medium-duty light stands (like the LS3050s) and a reflector arm (RBH2566) or two as well (to hold/prop-up backgrounds and reflectors).
Editing for formatting oopsie.
Message edited by author 2010-06-05 19:55:00. |
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06/06/2010 04:39:53 AM · #6 |
| If you are planning on using it indoors you may want to step down to the AB-400. The 800's got alot of power and in many cases can been too much indoors unless you can defuse them quite a bit. Not only will the 400 give you enough light to work with, It is a little cheaper which will give you a little more money to apply towards accessories. As Chromey Mentioned a Medium Softbox is a nice companion to have with the light. I believe you would get a 5% discount on it if you buy it at the same time as the light. Unless AB has stopped doing that. |
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06/09/2010 07:14:17 PM · #7 |
| I've not used monoblocs but I'm sure they have a way of dialing down the power. There are any number of ways to reduce the light thrown by strobes but if you need more light you're out of luck. I say go with the 800 even if you only need full power once in a while. The difference in price is marginal. |
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06/19/2010 11:11:17 AM · #8 |
Thank you all again. Still deciding between the 400 and 800. Good arguments on both sides.
One other question, and it may help with the issue above. I plan to set up shop in my basement. Lots of room, but a low ceiling. Seven feet to be exact. Obviously I won't be photographing basketball players. But for seated subjects and/or children, is this adequate? Anything to consider? |
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06/19/2010 09:13:07 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Quintus:
I've not used monoblocs but I'm sure they have a way of dialing down the power. There are any number of ways to reduce the light thrown by strobes but if you need more light you're out of luck. I say go with the 800 even if you only need full power once in a while. The difference in price is marginal. |
Yes and no. Yes, they are variable (6 stops, full to 1/32). The issue comes when you want the quality of a light close to the subject but cannot dial down power more. To achieve the outcome you want you need to then start using neutral density on your lens/flash unit, which many consider to be a PITA.
If you're setting up in the basement, be wary of the color of the ceiling. If it's white, you're going to get a crapload of reflection when you don't necessarily want it and everything will look the same regardless of what you do. Consider black, that way you can easily put a reflector in place to bounce if you want to. |
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06/19/2010 09:59:07 PM · #10 |
Well, I just made this choice, actually. While waiting and waiting for my Einstein order to be next up on the waiting list, I decided to go ahead and purchase a single alien bee in the meantime. The Einstein will cover the range that the AB400-800-1600 do, but for a single AB I needed either a 400 or an 800. I've used 800s the most in studio settings, so I tended in that direction. But, luckily, I sat down and thought about it some. My use for this single AB would be primarily at home, sometimes on location/in-studio. Walls at home are close, ceilings lower than studios. Plus, for portraits I like to work with the light close, the aperture wide.
I got the 400 earlier this week. With a shoot thru umbrella, I can get down to the 2.0 aperture range pretty easily, and up to f13-14 on the shoot thru. With the beauty dish, sock I can get down to about f4-5 up close, and f18-19 a few feet away.
It is really a one-stop difference between the AB400 and 800. The 400 works well for my close-space needs. I think I could have made an 800 work, too, and it does give a stop more overall, so the high end is better if you need it. I had the luxury of knowing I have other lights coming that will cover the high end just fine, so I saved a few bucks on the 400 vs the 800. If you primary use is going to be in small spaces, a 400 might be a bit more friendly.
BTW, in a small space, the shoot thru umbrellas with the black backing that will close around the strobe-face are nice--blocks any bounce from the umbrella out to the walls/ceiling. |
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06/19/2010 10:23:49 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by chromeydome:
Well, I just made this choice, actually. While waiting and waiting for my Einstein order to be next up on the waiting list... |
How long have you been waiting/ do you have an estimated ship time? |
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06/19/2010 11:01:33 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
Originally posted by chromeydome:
Well, I just made this choice, actually. While waiting and waiting for my Einstein order to be next up on the waiting list... |
How long have you been waiting/ do you have an estimated ship time? |
Well, I am about the 1200th customer (not sure how many overall, now: when I pre-ordered in Feb, they had 2500 units ordered but that doesn't address how many customers had ordered that many). They were contacting customers in the 750 range last week, and are at roughly contacting customers at a rate of 50-100 per week. Contacted customers get 5 days to respond. So I could be anywhere from 4 to 8 more weeks out..... Not sure how long the wait is for orders placed today.
Good reviews out there now, from those who have received theirs. So I am happy to be in the queue at least, and will be happier to get them in my hands :-) |
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06/23/2010 11:36:56 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by chromeydome:
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
Originally posted by chromeydome:
Well, I just made this choice, actually. While waiting and waiting for my Einstein order to be next up on the waiting list... |
How long have you been waiting/ do you have an estimated ship time? |
Well, I am about the 1200th customer (not sure how many overall, now: when I pre-ordered in Feb, they had 2500 units ordered but that doesn't address how many customers had ordered that many). They were contacting customers in the 750 range last week, and are at roughly contacting customers at a rate of 50-100 per week. Contacted customers get 5 days to respond. So I could be anywhere from 4 to 8 more weeks out..... Not sure how long the wait is for orders placed today.
Good reviews out there now, from those who have received theirs. So I am happy to be in the queue at least, and will be happier to get them in my hands :-) |
I'm curious to see how long it takes to finally get some, and also want to hear your impressions. I've put some thought into this as well and was thinking the Einsteins would fit my needs well too. |
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06/24/2010 10:26:16 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:
Originally posted by chromeydome:
. . . Good reviews out there now, from those who have received theirs. So I am happy to be in the queue at least, and will be happier to get them in my hands :-) |
I'm curious to see how long it takes to finally get some, and also want to hear your impressions. I've put some thought into this as well and was thinking the Einsteins would fit my needs well too. |
Here is the PCB tech forum thread where you can track their ordering/shipping status by number. May be a good or bad thing (sorta like the "refresh" button during challenge voting. ;)
Also, just saw another Einstein go up on ebay (I have a saved search for most any PCB stuff). Don't know the seller myself, so I'm not vouching for, nor discouraging against, but if you're in the need of one "quick," that might be an option.
ETA - On a somewhat-related note (at least in terms of PCB shipping status), Paul just said the PLM v2 have started actual assembly (on the two smaller versions) and should be shipping soon -- largest version should start assembly next week. Not sure how many of those are backordered, but I've been on that list since... January, maybe? Hope I'm at least near the front of that line. ;)
Message edited by author 2010-06-24 22:30:27. |
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06/24/2010 11:35:04 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by cdrice:
Here is the PCB tech forum thread where you can track their ordering/shipping status by number. |
AWESOME!! Thanks! Somebody at 1048 just got their email and ordered today--so I am only about 100 away, or just a few days, I expect! Really good news, as I have been delaying some shoots until I get the gear in hand |
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07/01/2010 05:18:21 PM · #16 |
WOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO
got the email, my turn in line came up, and my new Einstein's are On Order! Should ship next week! |
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07/01/2010 09:25:01 PM · #17 |
| Sweet! Make sure to post your impressions for us all :) |
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07/02/2010 03:57:54 PM · #18 |
Wooo Hooo Pt. Deux!
Just got an email that they shipped today! (promise was within 5-7 business days of order placement) So instead of shipping next week, I should HAVE them next week :-) |
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