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02/04/2008 10:01:41 AM · #1 |
Hi all,
I have 3 AB lights (2 400s, and 1 800), and several attachments (soft box, umbrellas, etc). I have always stuck with AB brand modifiers, because I KNOW they fit on the lights without any problems. However, I know there are a lot of third-party options out there. So, who here owns AB lights, and can give me some advice on other brands that will fit on them. I am specifically looking for a stripbox (the AB is 10" x 36", so around that size would work), a giant foldable softbox (the AB is 30" x 60", so somewhere there about would work), and possibly a brolly box (not sure of the size yet, I'm just considering getting this, and I'm not 100% sure if I am or not).
Any recomendations would be great, so let me know. One thing to note, is that the AB units come with a speedring, so that would definitely factor into the price of anything else, if they didn't come with one out of the box. Thanks!
-Don |
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02/04/2008 10:23:22 AM · #2 |
| Given that AB strip boxes and other accessories are generally cheaper than decent third party solutions, what is your goal here? |
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02/04/2008 10:26:25 AM · #3 |
| My goal is to save money, if the quality is comperable. But if the AB accessories ARE the best deal out there, then I'll stick with their stuff. I just wanted a second (or third, fourth, etc) opinion. :) |
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02/04/2008 10:30:34 AM · #4 |
| Got it. FWIW, the only reason I didn't buy strip boxes two years ago is because they were all so darn expensive. As soon as AB offered them, I bought two. Even if I could manage to find a cheaper price elsewhere, I'd probably still buy the Bees just because their support is so outstanding. |
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02/04/2008 10:43:14 AM · #5 |
I bought a couple of soft boxes from //www.backdropoutlet.com/ because they were cheaper, and I will now be spending more to replace them with the much better Alien Bees soft boxes. They arrived without any instructions for assembly and were missing 2 parts. The people at Backdrop Outlet were very nice, but didn't send me the replacement parts until I wrote them several times and then only sent me half of the assembly instructions. You definitely get what you pay for.
If you want the now complete set of 2 soft boxes with partial instructions from Backdrop Outlet, I'll sell be glad to sell them to you. ;-)
Message edited by author 2008-02-04 10:45:03.
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02/04/2008 10:47:19 AM · #6 |
I agree, They have some of the best customer service I have ever encountered. Re: OP. I have all AB accessories for my lights, Have not seen anything else on the market for a better price and I probably would stick with AB anyhow because of the good service. I actually am thinking about ordering some barndoors from them in the near future I think they are the only very useful attachement I do not have for my AB's
Originally posted by scalvert:
Got it. FWIW, the only reason I didn't buy strip boxes two years ago is because they were all so darn expensive. As soon as AB offered them, I bought two. Even if I could manage to find a cheaper price elsewhere, I'd probably still buy the Bees just because their support is so outstanding. |
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02/04/2008 10:58:33 AM · #7 |
Philip--LOL, I think I'll pass! Bugzeye--I have an AB barndoor, and it works great. Very solid build, although a little difficult to put on the AB reflector. But considering it is made of steal, I wouldn't expect it to be super easy to put on the light. Thanks for the replies so far--I feel better buying more AB brand add-ons knowing others can also vouch for their solid value.
Message edited by author 2008-02-04 10:59:38. |
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02/04/2008 11:01:37 AM · #8 |
I'll jump on the "Buy AB accessories" bandwagon. The first softbox I ever bought was 3rd party. It wasn't a bargain because first I had to buy the AB speedring, then the thing fell apart & I had to replace it. My AB products have never given me any trouble. I like their lightstands (although not everyone does), I like their modifiers, I even like their goofy logos on my stuff. :P
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02/04/2008 11:03:43 AM · #9 |
I've found less costly items than what AB offers, but they keep improving what they offer - like the folding softboxes.
Assuming their softboxes work like all others, you need the AB 'speedring' that goes on the light itself. It will have holes in it for the rods of all other softbox brands out there. The gotcha is they run $30 a ring, so that's on top of whatever box you buy.
Aurora makes good stuff (and makes most of the softboxes that end up branded by other companies!).
Midwest Photo Exchange carries a lot of good quality, affordable stuff. It's best to call them and ask about what you want - their website is less than good IMO. I never find what I want there, but they always have it if I call.
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02/04/2008 01:51:54 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Pixlmaker:
Philip--LOL, I think I'll pass! |
Aw, man! And after I put so much work into the sales pitch. ;-)
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