Alienbees - Digibee Kit Please help!!!!

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

09/01/2006 01:24:09 PM · #1

OK, I'm torn about buying some studio lights. I'm considering the Digibee Kit, but I've heard alienbees lightstands aren't necessarily top notch. The $600 pricetag for the digibee kit is about what I'm willing to spend, but I don't know if it's going to be enough light. Does anyone have this package? If so, how does it work out for you?

Discuss....

09/01/2006 01:27:15 PM · #2

I started with that kit a few years ago, still have it, still use it almost every day... I've since added lots to that basic kit, but never needed to replace anything. Never had a problem with the stands either.

LeeD

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

09/01/2006 01:29:44 PM · #3

Originally posted by idnic:

I was really hoping you would reply to this post... Thanks for the input Cindi... Do you think this will provide enough light for me? I plan on expanding my maternity photography and am trying to make it into a side business. The lighting will be soft so I'm guessing I won't need much more, but I'm concerned about the strobes only being 400 w/s.

Edit to add...

I plan on "rigging up" a softbox once I get the kit. I think I can make one for a hell of a lot less than $100.

Message edited by author 2006-09-01 13:30:45.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/01/2006 01:37:02 PM · #4

I have three of these at the office and two more for myself at home. The only upgrade was getting B800 units, although I rarely use them at over half power. One of the stands is hard to close for some reason, and AB replaced an umbrella that loved to collapse at random intervals, but otherwise no problems. You might consider their brolly box as it will give you a large round softbox for well under $100 without the fuss.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

09/01/2006 01:43:19 PM · #5

Originally posted by Palmetto_Pixels:

Do you think this will provide enough light for me?

Definitely enough light! In a fairly small space (average room or studio) 2 400s will give you a LOT of light.

Beach_mel

Nikon D70s

09/01/2006 01:44:29 PM · #6

Not sure what other equipment you have but when I put in a fixed backdrop system, my old backdrop stands became my heavy duty light stands for my boom etc.

HTH, Mel

sea2c

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

09/01/2006 01:45:05 PM · #7

Any1 know where I could find this in Canada?

Thinking about converting half of my garage into a "studio" for portraits etc.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

09/01/2006 01:47:47 PM · #8

Originally posted by sea2c:

Any1 know where I could find this in Canada?

Thinking about converting half of my garage into a "studio" for portraits etc.

You can only get AlienBees from AlienBees.com.

I hope you have a big garage if you're only going to use half. This is my former-two-car-garage/now studio and I feel really cramped in there sometimes.

Elvis_L

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/01/2006 01:53:59 PM · #9

I have the 800s (4 of them) and it is a crazy amount of light. the 400s would haev been enough in almost every instance.

sea2c

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

09/01/2006 02:00:28 PM · #10

Thanks Cindi.

My garage unfortunately will need to remain a garage except for the half I'm taking the weekend to clean out so I can use it. For now I'm just going to be using lamps etc as I find ones that work and my sb-800 until i can get a couple more slaves to use.

Can I have your floor?

Bugzeye

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

09/01/2006 03:24:17 PM · #11

I too wish to aquire your floor. Does it come with a giant chess set?

09/01/2006 03:27:21 PM · #12

Originally posted by Bugzeye:

I too wish to aquire your floor. Does it come with a giant chess set?

LOL was the cheapest vinyl tiles they had at Home Depot that day -- but I like it too. I taped off a chessboard sized area for kids to play checkers on. I don't have any large chess peices though. This entire floor cost $109. I was very pleased with that.

LeeD

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

09/01/2006 05:06:36 PM · #13

Thanks for the input guys!!! It's been a huge help. I have permission from the boss (read wife). I'll probably order them once I screw up the courage to drop $600 on a dream.

sea2c

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

09/01/2006 05:16:59 PM · #14

So far I have you by $800 and I have yet to get lighting.

nova

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

09/01/2006 05:24:45 PM · #15

Originally posted by Palmetto_Pixels:

...I'll probably order them once I screw up the courage to drop $600 on a dream.

Do it. Your dream is worth it.

theSaj

Canon EOS-20D

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

09/01/2006 06:51:43 PM · #16

Has anyone gone the cheaper route and gotten something OTHER than alien bees?

How'd you make out? did it work out for you...

TechnoShroom

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

09/01/2006 08:56:13 PM · #17

My thoughts on AB stuff.

Strobes - Great, wouldn't change a thing.

Stands - Same stands are available at B&H (Impact brand) for cheaper. They are not high end stands but do the job unless you abuse them. For example:

13' Air Cushioned Stand at AB $99.95
Impact 13' Air Cushioned Stand at B&H $69.95

Softboxes - Cheap and finicky to assemble. I put a hole in the ceiling assembling one. Scared the shit out of me as the rod whizzed within inches of my eye. Oddly the rods attach to the front diffuser instead of to the outer shell which means you can't remove the front diffuser and just use the inner diffuser and it's awkward to install and remove the inner diffuser. There's also no facility to add baffles or other standard light modifiers.

I'd save your money and get one made by Photoflex or another company. May cost a little more but you'll get a better product IMO.

So... If I were to buy all new stuff I'd get just the strobes from AB and everything else from other places.

FireBird

09/01/2006 09:50:13 PM · #18

Originally posted by idnic:

f. This is my former-two-car-garage/now studio and I feel really cramped in there sometimes.

Cool studio. Wait a minute. Isn't there supposed to be a bearskin rug in there somewhere????