Alien Bees + speedlights - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/29/2005 11:05:23 AM · #1

This photo was taken with my 10D with the following simple studio setup:

1 Alien Bees B800 as main, 1 Alien Bees B400 as fill. The canvas backdrop design (from Amvona) helped to mask the fact that I had no backlight. While I don't believe this portrait is "bad", I think additional lights can improve it. Here's what I'm hoping...

I also have a Canon 420EX and Sigma EF-500 DG Super. My question is whether I can use those lights as backlight and hairlight, along with the Alien Bees as above? What would I need in order to connect these additional lights as slaves? Can they be triggered by the Bees? With fairly limited funds, I'd prefer to use what I have - IF it will work.

If any of you have done something similar with lighting, I'd like to know how you did it. Advice on other accessories, such as snoots and barn doors that can be used with the 420EX and EF-500, would be much appreciated.

TIA.
-len

Plexxoid

Canon EOS-30D

01/29/2005 11:09:33 AM · #2

THe skin tone is a little off, a tad blue.
Good picture, what accessories do you have on the Bees?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/29/2005 11:13:27 AM · #3

Originally posted by Plexxoid:

THe skin tone is a little off, a tad blue.
Good picture, what accessories do you have on the Bees?

The tone is probably a result of my impatient post-processing, and can be adjusted. I'm bouncing the light off white umbrellas.

Plexxoid

Canon EOS-30D

01/29/2005 11:18:27 AM · #4

Does your Sigma flash have a slave option? The 420-EX can only be set off by a Canon master unit (like the 580), I think.

I'd suggest saving up for another B400, if you need it. Or you could get a reflector and see if that would help you.

I'm in the process of buying a B800 with 30x60 softbox, a B400, and a couple umbrellas. I can't wait!

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/29/2005 11:22:50 AM · #5

Originally posted by Plexxoid:

I've used the 420 as a slave with the Sigma. It works fine. Ultimately I will be buying more Alien Bees equipment. For the price, they can't be beat!!

I'd still like to know if anyone has experience using the 420-EX and Sigma EF-500 with the Alien Bees monolights,and can shed some light (...pun intended) on how they did it... Thanks

Spork99

OM System OM-1

01/29/2005 11:36:02 AM · #6

you should be able to use them as slaves with a hotshoe optical slave.

The 420 will only fire at full power. I don't have the Sigma unit, but if you can manually set the power on the flash, I don't see why you wouldn't then be able to control the power firing it as a slave.

Wein Hot Shoe Slave at B&H

This will work if you use your AB's to trigger it.

01/29/2005 11:52:38 AM · #7

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Thanks, Dan. This appears to be what I need. The Sigma does indeed have variable power settings (full down to 1/64th).

And, thanks for the BH link... I'll check there as well for snoots, barndoors that might be available for these speedlights.