Beeeeee Crazy - DPChallenge Forums

03/31/2006 12:46:54 PM · #1

OK, I think I'm going to finally break down and buy some Bees.... The questions is 1, 2, 400W, 800W, etc etc etc.... Should I buy a package? I've heard that the stands that they sell are pretty rickety and you can get better stands for cheaper... what about umbrellas... softboxes.... ARGH!!!!!

SO, the FIRST obvious question is... what the heck are you going to be doing with them? Well, I want to do some portrait photography, but will concentrate mostly on fine art work, figure studies, etc. Until I can complete my studio, I'm limited to working from my home... I have a room (approx. 12x14) that I can use for a dedicated studio, but I also have a large sunroom (approx. 20 x 30) that I can also use when I need to "stretch out"... I'm thinking that due to the nature of photography I want to do, I can probably get by with 2 400W Bees, but I'm not sure.... Should I also get a 550 or 580 flash for my camera, or can I rely on the sync cord and just use the bees (filling with on-board flash if need be)?

OK pro's... show your stuff, I need lots o' advice before going shopping.

Thanks in advance! :-)

03/31/2006 02:32:22 PM · #2

Ba-da-bumpity-bump ;-)

03/31/2006 04:27:19 PM · #3

Hellooo???

Count

03/31/2006 04:41:41 PM · #4

I was actually wondering the same kind of thing... hopefully someone will answer.

DanSig

03/31/2006 05:12:04 PM · #5

here in Iceland most of us use Bowens studiolights, the esprit kit is just what you need to start :)

Bowens esprit

Bowens are known for quality and durability, I know of a few studios using Bowens since 1965 and they still work like new :)

nova

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

03/31/2006 05:22:14 PM · #6

Originally posted by Palmetto_Pixels:

OK pro's... show your stuff, I need lots o' advice before going shopping.
Thanks in advance! :-)

I am definitely not a pro, but I'll tell you what I can until the real pros get here...

I can relate to your quandry! I went through the same thing last fall and ended up buying AB lights (2/400 and 1/800) plus stands, umbrellas and a brolly box, gel filters, a grid and maybe one or two other pieces of miscellany. I was advised not to try and use them with onboard flash, and I think that is the opinion of most. Using the three light setup has been very easy to learn, at least as far as grasping the basics.

I bought the stands from AB and have been satisfied, although I do see where there might be others that are less tipsy. For simplicity sake I would do the same all over again, but you might choose otherwise.

Probably would not buy the gels again as I have gotten very little use from them and even then the results were disappointing. Hopefully that will change eventually.

Some other things to consider will be backgrounds and a light meter. You will also need a hot-shoe connector terminal for your 350-D. Good luck with your lights.

Ray

fotomann_forever

03/31/2006 05:31:07 PM · #7

Originally posted by nova:

You will also need a hot-shoe connector terminal for your 350-D.

Ray

Or hot-shoe mounted wireless triggers. Really those are the way to go, if you don't like to have cords hanging off your camera.