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08/11/2005 11:53:09 AM · #1 |
Looking into geting some lighting equipment,i know they can cost an arm and a leg and im gonna be trying to do some DIY jobs with some umbrellas.
I'd just like to know what are the best models. |
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08/11/2005 01:22:35 PM · #2 |
what will you be taking pictures of? models or still life stuff?
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08/11/2005 01:26:21 PM · #3 |
I bought some Photogenic StudioMax II off bhphoto and it wasn't TOO bad on the budget. 2 320 w/s strobes, 2 brellas, 2 8' stands, and a carry bag for $550.
You'll probly hear "alien bees alien bees" but the w/s isn't as good for the $ as the Photogenics, just so you know.
Message edited by author 2005-08-11 13:26:51.
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08/11/2005 04:33:32 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by mavrik:
You'll probly hear "alien bees alien bees" but the w/s isn't as good for the $ as the Photogenics, just so you know. |
I'm not so sure that's true.
According to this product page, the StudioMax II only has a Guide Number of 90. According to this info page, the GN of a B400 is 118 (with a 7" reflector) and 220 (with an 11" reflector). I'm assuming the GN of 90 on the StudioMax II is with the standard 7" reflector.
But remember, GN is not a good way to compare strobes (because the reflector plays an important part, as shown by the 118 vs. 220 number.) And "watt seconds" are not a reliable way of measuring flash power for comparisons either -- that is simply the amount of electrical power discharged with each flash. So a more efficient strobe design can generate more light output with the same "Watt-seconds" of power when compared to one that has a less efficient design. So even though a B400 "only" uses 160 watt-seconds of actual energy, it produces the equivalent amount of light of a typical 400 watt-second strobe.
In addition, the Alien Bee strobes come standard with 100W modeling lamps (compared to 40) and can be upgraded to 150W lamps. When shooting portraiture, modeling lamps are very important.
Also, the B400 recycles to full power in 0.5 seconds; the StudioMax II shows 3 seconds. This is also important when shooting portraiture, especially with models whose expression and pose can change quickly.
Finally, the B400 has a shorter flash duration, which is important if you care about stopping moving elements (since shutter speed has no effect on your exposure when using strobes. Exposure is basically all controlled by the flash.)
And this Bees package is only $50 more.
Anyway... there is good reason people recommend Alien Bees all the time. :-)
Message edited by author 2005-08-11 16:41:28.
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08/11/2005 05:09:50 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by EddyG:
Originally posted by mavrik:
You'll probly hear "alien bees alien bees" but the w/s isn't as good for the $ as the Photogenics, just so you know. |
I'm not so sure that's true.
According to this product page, the StudioMax II only has a Guide Number of 90. According to this info page, the GN of a B400 is 118 (with a 7" reflector) and 220 (with an 11" reflector). I'm assuming the GN of 90 on the StudioMax II is with the standard 7" reflector.
But remember, GN is not a good way to compare strobes (because the reflector plays an important part, as shown by the 118 vs. 220 number.) And "watt seconds" are not a reliable way of measuring flash power for comparisons either -- that is simply the amount of electrical power discharged with each flash. So a more efficient strobe design can generate more light output with the same "Watt-seconds" of power when compared to one that has a less efficient design. So even though a B400 "only" uses 160 watt-seconds of actual energy, it produces the equivalent amount of light of a typical 400 watt-second strobe.
In addition, the Alien Bee strobes come standard with 100W modeling lamps (compared to 40) and can be upgraded to 150W lamps. When shooting portraiture, modeling lamps are very important.
Also, the B400 recycles to full power in 0.5 seconds; the StudioMax II shows 3 seconds. This is also important when shooting portraiture, especially with models whose expression and pose can change quickly.
Finally, the B400 has a shorter flash duration, which is important if you care about stopping moving elements (since shutter speed has no effect on your exposure when using strobes. Exposure is basically all controlled by the flash.)
And this Bees package is only $50 more.
Anyway... there is good reason people recommend Alien Bees all the time. :-) |
Another possibility instead of the AB's is the White Lightning strobes, they are made by the same company and there are soem other differences, but a big one is the 250W proportionally controlled modelling lights.
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08/11/2005 05:40:36 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Another possibility instead of the AB's is the White Lightning strobes, they are made by the same company and there are soem other differences, but a big one is the 250W proportionally controlled modelling lights. |
I have four White Lightning strobes myself (and it is indeed nice to have 250W of modeling light), but the modeling lamp in the Bees can also be set to track the power level. Quoting from the AB web site:
The modeling lamp can be set to full brightness, turned completely off, or set to track the power changes.
Not sure if you were listing that as the big feature or the more powerful modeling lamp. :) Other than that, the White Lightning units have an extruded aluminum body with a positive-lock clamp which does help their ability to support extremely large, heavy softboxes. (The softbox on my mainlight is 54"x78"... that's pretty large. :-)
A nice detailed review of a Bee is available here, complete with lots of pictures.
Also, don't forget the nice guarantee offered on the Bees... "In order for you to bee happy, and certain that what you've purchased is what you want and need, we offer a 60-Day Absolute Satisfaction Guarantee. We are that convinced that you will be completely satisfied with our products. This guarantee gives you the option to try out our equipment, and make changes if necessary, or return it if it does not serve you as you'd hoped."
Message edited by author 2005-08-11 17:54:35. |
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08/11/2005 06:09:48 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by EddyG:
Originally posted by Spazmo99:
Another possibility instead of the AB's is the White Lightning strobes, they are made by the same company and there are soem other differences, but a big one is the 250W proportionally controlled modelling lights. |
I have four White Lightning strobes myself (and it is indeed nice to have 250W of modeling light), but the modeling lamp in the Bees can also be set to track the power level. Quoting from the AB web site:
The modeling lamp can be set to full brightness, turned completely off, or set to track the power changes.
Not sure if you were listing that as the big feature or the more powerful modeling lamp. :) Other than that, the White Lightning units have an extruded aluminum body with a positive-lock clamp which does help their ability to support extremely large, heavy softboxes. (The softbox on my mainlight is 54"x78"... that's pretty large. :-)
A nice detailed review of a Bee is available here, complete with lots of pictures.
Also, don't forget the nice guarantee offered on the Bees... "In order for you to bee happy, and certain that what you've purchased is what you want and need, we offer a 60-Day Absolute Satisfaction Guarantee. We are that convinced that you will be completely satisfied with our products. This guarantee gives you the option to try out our equipment, and make changes if necessary, or return it if it does not serve you as you'd hoped." |
I was referring mostly to the 250W as an advantage.
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08/11/2005 06:27:24 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by mavrik:
You'll probly hear "alien bees alien bees" |
Toldja. ;)
M
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