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02/07/2005 11:40:41 AM · #1 |
| I'm gearing up to do some beach shots for a model. My hensel studio strobes won't do me any good on the beach since I don't want to take a generator down there. I have a Canon 550ex flash and I was wondering if that would be sufficient to light up full body shots of a model against a sunset. Otherwise, what would be the benifits if I bought an Alienbee B800 flash head and a powerpack? The Alienbee B800 flash is a true 320 w/s and effective 800 w/s. Which route would you choose and why. Thanks! |
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02/07/2005 11:53:35 AM · #2 |
i was sort of wondering the same thing... how alien bee's compare to a regular flash such as the 550ex
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02/07/2005 12:44:32 PM · #3 |
| Use BIG reflectors, a sunset and a flash unit have way different white balances. During the day, both would be about 5200 K, but at sunset, I think the sun tends to be a lot redder. Go with reflectors if the sun is bright enough, flashes would make the model look unnatural. |
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02/07/2005 12:45:42 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by leaf:
i was sort of wondering the same thing... how alien bee's compare to a regular flash such as the 550ex |
You can't get a 6' softbox for the 550ex, can you?
I just ordered 2 B800's, an umbrella, and a 30x60" softbox. Stupid softbox is on backorder.... |
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02/07/2005 12:48:40 PM · #5 |
I have been having this debate for a couple of weeks now. The additional depth of field (assuming less than full frame sensor) and higher ISO speeds available to digital SLR shooters should mean that we don't need as much light, so I am thinking 550EX or Alien Bee 400s. For a multiple light setup, the Alien Bees are going to be less money. I'm looking for simple single light step-up with umbrella and a reflector for fill. In this case 550EX is more portable. I'll be interested to hear your final decision.
Message edited by author 2005-02-07 12:49:55.
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02/07/2005 12:51:59 PM · #6 |
| As far as the color temperature, try putting a warming gel (light orange colored gel) in front of the flash and that warms things up and makes it look a little more natural. I've done that and it's quite effective. |
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02/07/2005 12:52:01 PM · #7 |
Does the 550 have an AC adapter?
Another thing, big strobes have modeling lights. Seems kind of make shift and unprofessional to use a hotshoe flash as a studio flash. |
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02/07/2005 12:52:44 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by photomayhem:
I'm gearing up to do some beach shots for a model. My hensel studio strobes won't do me any good on the beach since I don't want to take a generator down there. I have a Canon 550ex flash and I was wondering if that would be sufficient to light up full body shots of a model against a sunset. Otherwise, what would be the benifits if I bought an Alienbee B800 flash head and a powerpack? The Alienbee B800 flash is a true 320 w/s and effective 800 w/s. Which route would you choose and why. Thanks! |
The 550EX is certainly servicable, but not in the ballpark with the AB's in terms of power.
If you are going to be doing this sort of work frequently, an AB unit might be a wise investment. I would not dismiss other battery powered options either, like the Norman 200Ws or 400Ws packs.
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02/07/2005 01:29:45 PM · #9 |
Can somebody post some samples of using Alienbees with a powerpack on location???
And how about some samples of using the 550ex on location too??? |
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