Lighting dilemma again... - DPChallenge Forums

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon

10/27/2010 06:27:38 PM · #1

Ok so currently I have two 430ex flashes fired with radiopoppers. I also use one 28" softbox and a umbrella. I am in the market to add a 3rd light but I'm not sure if I want to get a 580ex with another stand, softbox/umbrella and radio receiver or bump it up a notch and get 1-2 alienbees and generator. Currently all of my shoots are outside but I plan on opening a studio if business takes off.

What do you think? The cost difference isn't huge but the main thing is I wonder if the AB's are worth the hassle of the extra weight or will another speedlite suffice?

apercep

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

10/27/2010 06:58:09 PM · #2

AB. period. i own a 580.... i'm still always wishing for more power, and faster cycling, and fresh batteries..

yanko

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZE f/1.4 Planar T for Canon

10/27/2010 07:00:09 PM · #3

Carrying ABs and vagabonds around can be a hassle especially if you don't have an assistant, but in my opinion it's worth it. The lighting just gets better and you don't have to worry about a lack of power and the sun becomes more of your friend than your enemy.

Message edited by author 2010-10-27 19:00:39.

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZE f/1.4 Planar T for Canon

10/27/2010 07:02:26 PM · #4

That is kind of what I was thinking. Now though, do I get a 1, 2 or 3 set of AB's? Since I have 2 430 I think they should work well with the bee(s) as fill or hair light?

yanko

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

10/27/2010 07:10:20 PM · #5

I have two alien bees, AB1600 and AB ring flash. I also have a bunch of speedlights, which I use to light backgrounds, hair, etc.

ETA: While I like the light from the ring flash it's a little annoying to use. I'm not a fan of how it connects to the camera (never feels all that secure) and the moon unit softbox I got for it can be a real pain to setup if you're on location.

Message edited by author 2010-10-27 19:12:25.

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZE f/1.4 Planar T for Canon

10/27/2010 07:12:38 PM · #6

Originally posted by yanko:

I have two alien bees, AB1600 and AB ring flash. I also have a bunch of speedlights, which I use to light backgrounds, hair, etc.

ETA: While I light the light from the ring flash it's a little annoying to use. Not a fan of how it connects to the camera and the moon unit softbox I got with it can be a real pain to setup if you're on location.

Hmm... I suppose I could start with a single AB 1600 and then just build from there and while building just use my 430's for the 2nd and 3rd light.

yanko

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

10/27/2010 07:21:03 PM · #7

chromeydome would probably say to get an Einstein instead. I bought my ABs before those came out. If you do get the AB1600 and use it in a studio you could run into some problems controlling the light. Einsteins have just as much power but also with the flexibility of dialing the power down to that of a speedlight. The AB1600 even on it's lowest setting throws a lot of light.

Message edited by author 2010-10-27 19:22:38.

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/27/2010 09:12:25 PM · #8

Originally posted by yanko:

yanko would probably be right :-)

I have used all of the Alien Bees (40/800/1600/Ring Flash)--they are fine products. I purchased Einsteins for myself, though, when it came time to have my own gear rather than use of a studio's Alien Bees. Actually, I did buy an AB400 while I was waiting on the backordered Einsteins. I planned to keep it, but when my Einsteins arrived, I realized would seldom ever want to use the 400. It was within the 60 no-questions-asked return period, so I sent it back for refund. In addition to the various improvements/advances in the Einstein, it is worth noting that the ABs are each a stop apart (the 400 will be a stop lower than the 800 at both the min and max range, same for the 800 vs the 1600). A single Einstein covers this range, covers it more accurately and precisely, with consistent color temperature.

So, while the AB seems less expensive, and the individual units are less expensive, a single Einstein will cover the range three ABs. There are always trade-offs, so what works for me might not be what you need. In general, if you are buying one light, I would tend not to go with a 1600, unless you are working in big spaces, or with modifiers that really eat a lot of light. You mentioned most of your work is outside--if in bright sun, a 1600 might be worth it, but in a smaller studio, it is a bit much.

Einsteins are still backordered--shipping, but not available as readily as Alien Bees. So if you need lights now, or really soon, ABs might be the better way to go. If you can hold out, though, you might find that Einsteins are worth the wait and the extra price. The Einsteins are apparently thru most of their birthing pains, and the Version 2 units that will be shipped have remedies for the issues in the first version. I have the first version, have not encountered any troubles, but Buff will be exchanging mine out anyway, because their customer support/service is superb.

(Another future growth luxury possible with the einsteins: cyber commander. I love it. I can adjust each light separately or as a group directly from the remote. Very handy when you work alone, have a hair light or something else up high, or you have a client in the set and want to make a quick change. No climbing on a ladder or step stool, etc.)