Strip, Honey -- Lighting questions

07/29/2007 09:58:10 AM · #1

So i have come to realize the true value of studio equipment, and am seriously contemplating buying myself a studio light. I have heard a lot of good things about the alien bees (if anybody has any other suggestions, lemme know - have about 500$ to blow)

So, I am looking at getting one alien bee B800 (320w/s), a stand and possibly a softbox.

However, I recently got to play with striplights at the MÃ¼nster g2g and really liked them. Now here comes the real question. Can I buy any sriplights or softboxes, or do I have to look for a specific size to fit my specific lights, or are they universal? Also, if i were to buy honey combs to place over the striplight for low key shots, how do i find fitting ones.

I am just a beginner with all the lighting stuff, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

(in case anybody else is thinking of getting lights, i just saw alien bee gives a 10% discount to students!) :)

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/29/2007 12:00:58 PM · #2

Originally posted by tapeworm_jimmy:

(if anybody has any other suggestions, lemme know - have about 500$ to blow)

The kit I use Impact VS160 Been using them quite a while and using them hard with no problems at all. They use Bowen light modifiers, so finding lightboxes, reflectors and everything else is easy. The are equivalent to the AB400s.

Or the Impact VS320 is about the same rating as the AB800.

You can definitely get more bang for your buck. The ABs are nice, but not the end-all-be-all in strobes.

Message edited by author 2007-07-29 12:02:31.

MikeJ

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

07/29/2007 01:27:45 PM · #3

An even better bang for the buck than the Alien Bee's is the Excalibur studio lights. These are the SP-6400, SP-3200 and SP-1600 series (640 ws, 320 ws, 160 ws). Not only are the lights in the same class as the Alien Bee's the softboxes, umbrellas, snoots, barndoors, etc. are also cheaper.

Mike

LanndonKane

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR

07/29/2007 01:39:56 PM · #4

No fair, the title of this thread was misleading.

07/29/2007 01:55:29 PM · #5

Originally posted by LanndonKane:

No fair, the title of this thread was misleading.

Yes, I felt the same way... LOL

07/29/2007 03:07:19 PM · #6

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Originally posted by LanndonKane:
No fair, the title of this thread was misleading.

Yes, I felt the same way... LOL

I had to get your attention somehow :)

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

07/29/2007 03:33:11 PM · #7

Here's what I know about soft boxes and strips. They have what is called a speed ring that attaches them to the strobe. If there is a speed ring available for it that works with your strobes, then you're good to go.

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

07/29/2007 05:32:20 PM · #8

Originally posted by MikeJ:

the softboxes, umbrellas, snoots, barndoors, etc. are also cheaper.

They are the same price.

EDIT: Nevermind... for some reason I thought it was White Lightning vs Alien Bee instead of Excalibur vs. Alien Bee.

Message edited by author 2007-07-29 21:51:34.

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

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

07/29/2007 08:38:07 PM · #9

Originally posted by MikeJ:

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I have to disagree. Comparing the AlienBees B400 to the SP-Systems Excalibur 1600...

Maximum Watt/Seconds
AlienBees B400 = 160 w/s
Excalibur 1600 = 160 w/s

Power Range
AlienBees B400 = 5 f-stops (full to 1/32)
Excalibur 1600 = 3 f-Stops (full to 1/4)

Recycle to 100%
AlienBees B400 = 0.5 second
Excalibur 1600 = minimum 3 seconds on AC (4 seconds DC)

Flash Duration
AlienBees B400 = 1/6400th second
Excalibur 1600 = 1/500th second

Sync Voltage
AlienBees B400 = less than 6 volts
Excalibur 1600 = 9 volts

Modeling Lamp
AlienBees B400 = 150 watt max
Excalibur 1600 = 60 watt max (AC use only)

Internal Cooling Fan
AlienBees B400 = yes
Excalibur 1600 = No

Auto Dump
AlienBees B400 = yes
Excalibur 1600 = No

Weight
AlienBees B400 = 2.5 lbs
Excalibur 1600 = 3 lbs 13.6 oz

Available in pink (very important)
AlienBees B400 = yes
Excalibur 1600 = No

Warranty
AlienBees B400 = 60-Day Absolute Satisfaction Guarantee and 2-Year Warranty
Excalibur 1600 = 1 Year Warranty

Flash Tube Replacement Cost
AlienBees B400 = $25.95
Excalibur 1600 = $59.95 (at B&H Photo)

Price
AlienBees B400 = $224.95
Excalibur 1600 = $199.99 (at B&H Photo)

Comparing just the features listed above, I think itâ��s obvious that the AlienBees light is the better deal. Moreover, if you also compare such things as customer service, then it's probably a much, much better deal.

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

07/29/2007 09:18:39 PM · #10

How big is your studio?

Where is Cindi when you need her?

I bought the AB400's and they are more than enough power.

If you want a few lights I suggest the Digibee Kit

It is a little over your budget but it will get you started.

smurfguy

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/29/2007 09:22:09 PM · #11

To be fair, Mick, that's the AC/DC version. The AC-only version is here, with quite similar specs, but includes a 43" umbrella and an 8' air cushioned stand for $189.95. The B400 Beginner kit (stand + umbrella) will cost me $305.

Leroy's Impact VS160 2 light kit is $349.95 (2 lights, 2 stands, 2 softboxes), while a comparable AB kit would cost $756.

It was said and questioned before, but it seems to me AB's accessories are indeed more pricey.

I'm not arguing that these kits are better quality, but they are cheaper and definitely an easier entry into the world of lighting.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/29/2007 09:52:13 PM · #12

Originally posted by rex:

I bought the AB400's and they are more than enough power.

Cindi would agree. She has an 800 and says it's too much.

And the Impact 160s I listed are the same output as the AB400s.

MikeJ

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

07/30/2007 01:36:22 AM · #13

Originally posted by Mick:

[quote=MikeJ] An even better bang for the buck than the Alien Bee's is the Excalibur studio lights. These are the SP-6400, SP-3200 and SP-1600 series (640 ws, 320 ws, 160 ws). Not only are the lights in the same class as the Alien Bee's the softboxes, umbrellas, snoots, barndoors, etc. are also cheaper.

Mike
I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I have to disagree. Comparing the AlienBees B400 to the SP-Systems Excalibur 1600...

The 1600 isn't the one to compare. Shooting with 160 watt seconds is good for a hair light or background light. For flexibility and good light coverage, you should have at least 320 ws sized lights. Plus the SP-3200 and SP-6400 have more features and flexibility than the 1600 does.

I did a lot of research when I bought my 3 Excaliburs 7 years ago. That was before the Alien Bees came out. Even after the Alien Bees came out and they did their marketing blitz I went back and did another comparison to see if the Bees would have been a better buy. I could not find anything that made them an equal or better buy than my Excaliburs. In 7 years of use, dragging them across the country several times, taking them out on location, using them in 90+ degree room temp heat, I had to replace a modeling light fuse twice and a modeling light once. I did recently lose the flash tube in my 1600 and I'll have to replace that. And though the tube is a bit more expensive than the Bee's tube, it's a simple pull out and pop in the new one. Once in over 7 years of fairly heavy use I can live with.

The other advantage that I like is that the Excaliburs do not need fans. The Bees won't work very long if they lose a fan because of how compact they are. The Excaliburs are quieter. Bigger yes, but only a couple of times when I used a boom was that an issue.

Also, the Excaliburs come with very decent light stands and a 45" umbrella for their listed price. With the Bees, you pay extra for those. For someone just starting out, this is an added savings to the over all cost.

While the Bees do stop down a bit more, I haven't found this to be an issue. I mostly shoot at the half power rating anyway. The only times I've stopped all the way down was when I was shooting my Lily's and had the lights right up near them for very percise lighting. I could have used another stop less power but found a layer of diffussion material did the trick.

I know a lot of people buy the Bees. For someone that is on a very tight budget and wants the same calibur of light, the Excaliburs are a good choice. Or if they just want to get more for the same price. It's just another option available that is often overlooked because many don't do check out what's available.

Mike

Message edited by author 2007-07-30 01:37:09.

virtuamike

Nikon D2X

Carl Zeiss 35mm ZF f/2.0 Distagon T

07/30/2007 04:16:40 AM · #14

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Expanding on that, speedrings are based on mounts. Alien Bees and White Lightning use the Balcar mount, which means compatible accessories are fairly easy to find (check calumet).

virtuamike

Nikon D2X

Carl Zeiss 35mm ZF f/2.0 Distagon T

07/30/2007 04:26:33 AM · #15

Originally posted by tapeworm_jimmy:

There are quite a few manufacturers that make softboxes - Plume, Chimera, Westcott, Norman, Photoflex, etc. To get them to work with your specific strobe, you need to know what mount it uses. In your case, Alien Bees use Balcar mount.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the softboxes or speedrings sold by Alien Bees, not impressed with their build quality. And no, they don't sell strip lights or grids/honey combs for use with their softboxes.

Also just noticed you said MÃ¼nster. Is it 230V over there? I'm pretty sure they stopped making 230V versions of the Alien Bees.

Message edited by author 2007-07-30 04:32:16.

07/30/2007 07:04:13 AM · #16

Originally posted by virtuamike:

Also just noticed you said MÃ¼nster. Is it 230V over there? I'm pretty sure they stopped making 230V versions of the Alien Bees.

Yeah, but I am living between Germany and Canada, so im looking to get stuff on 110 for my place in Toronto. If i have to bring it back to Germany, ill either sell it in two years, or i will just get a load of transformers :)