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12/30/2005 02:40:56 PM · #1 |
I would not only like to get more involved with portrait shots...I actually HAVE TO for a project I've got in two weeks. So I've been looking around for good studio lights (not super high end...but good). I came across a web site called Alienbees...and I noticed on a few threads that several DPCers have bought their lights. How does Alienbee compare to White Lightning or Photoflex equipment? Does anyone have an opinion on this lighting setup:
//www.alienbees.com/digi.html
Any advice and/or suggestions on lighting setups would be greatly appreciated. Basically, I need a setup that will work well for sports banquets (portraits) and possibly year book portraits. Thank a lot.
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12/30/2005 08:31:29 PM · #2 |
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12/30/2005 08:34:26 PM · #3 |
I picked up this same kit several months ago. Like you I wanted to start learning more about lighting and portraits. I don't have a meter so I go on a trial and error basis, but for the most part, I have been happy with the kit. It's a good starter kit.
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12/30/2005 09:00:45 PM · #4 |
Same people that make the White Lightning units make Alien Bees (Google "Paul C. Buff"). I've had my Bees for awhile now and love them.
I've got two B800's and they put out plenty of light...definately enough for portraits. I used them for indoor group wedding photos in a large sactuary and had to crank the power way down.
I'd say Bees are probably the best out there for the price range.
Message edited by author 2005-12-30 21:01:17.
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12/30/2005 10:19:25 PM · #5 |
i use two b800s. as for the accessories...i heard the AB stands and softboxes aren't made well (i use manfrotto stands and a photoflex softbox). i found the reflectors and other modifiers pretty decent (i have the beauty dish, barndoors, and honeycomb) except for the brolly box which i broke.
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12/31/2005 09:35:05 AM · #6 |
I have also bought AB. I bought 2 B400s and 2 B800s. I have to say for the money they are very impressive. All 4 units can dish out a ton of light. More than I have ever needed. The stands that come with the kits are ok. The bigger ones are much better.
I would recommend the softboxes instead of umbrellas. I'm not a huge fan of the AB softboxes though. They are a bit of a pain to set up.
I would highly recommend a meter. This will cut your test shooting to almost nothing. Take your readings and shoot. When dealing with 2-4 lights and playing with the ratios it's just much easier.
I bought this meter: Sekonic L-358
It does everything I need. Really takes the work out of 20-30 mins of test shooting.
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12/31/2005 09:57:25 AM · #7 |
I own Alien Bees lighting, and they are actually made by the same company that makes White Lightning.
They work great.
E |
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12/31/2005 10:32:01 AM · #8 |
Hey all, if I could throw in a question about AB lighting as well, I'd appreciate your expertise. ADGibson, you mentioned the light meter so you can get an instant reading and save a lot of test shots (makes perfect sense). However, I noticed the AlienBees lights feature modeling lamps, so you can "preview" what your flash units are going to do to your shots. Couldn't you use those to get a light reading right from the camera? I've never used external flashes before, so forgive me if I'm way off on this. Someday I'd like to get an AB setup myself (possibly the big one--the "Busy Bee" package, although that may be overkill). It would seem that buying their bigger package would save money over the "start small and work your way up" method. Anyway, the modeling light really intrigues me with these, so your comments are appreciated. Thanks!
-Don |
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12/31/2005 10:36:08 AM · #9 |
The modeling lamps are nothing more than 100 watt light bulbs. You can not get an accurate meter reading from them. They are used to show you how the light will be cast to adjust for shadows and such.
Message edited by author 2005-12-31 10:36:34.
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12/31/2005 10:40:52 AM · #10 |
| cbeller--Thanks. I was under the impression (from their website) that they were dimmable lights that gave you an idea of the flash output, not just the direction of the light. What you're saying makes much more sense, as I can't see a 100 watt bulb being able to accurately tell you how much light a B800 flash unit is going to give you. I wasn't sure, though. |
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12/31/2005 11:00:21 AM · #11 |
| yes, alien bees are great lights. I have two of them (one I got for xmas) and they are awesome. all the basic fetures you need and everything is easy to use. make sure to order a pc sync but other than that the light comes with all that you need. |
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12/31/2005 11:13:24 AM · #12 |
The main difference with Alien Bees that makes them so much cheaper is consistent light color.
The quality of the electronics in any light setup is what makes the ability to...
....have speedy light recovery...a must for fashion and sports.
....consistent light intensity..nothing worse than every shot varying by as much as 2 stops...which can happen with cheaper lights.
....consistent light color....having to color correct in photoshop in batches is a pain enough..having to do it for each and every shot due to changing color is insane when dealing with hundreds of shots that come from a shoot.
I would suggest an entry level set from elinchrom or profoto or even white lightening....alien bees are great for very low production shooting and for entry level folks who don't sell alot of photographs. |
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12/31/2005 11:41:04 AM · #13 |
There is nothing wrong with ABs. As you dim the power output they DO keep their color. Their accessories are on the cheap side.
Paterson Interfit Stellr lights (the 600ws kit - 2-300ex lishgts) are a better deal than the the ABs. Slightly heavier and no choise of fancy colors, but they have a more powerful modleing light and include 2 sofboxes.
If you want to get a softbox, the photoflex ones are great.
A pair of white lightneings are gonna be better in many ways, but area bout 50% more up front cost. Buff does have excellent customer service.
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12/31/2005 11:43:11 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
There is nothing wrong with ABs. As you dim the power output they DO keep their color. Their accessories are on the cheap side.
Paterson Interfit Stellr lights (the 600ws kit - 2-300ex lishgts) are a better deal than the the ABs. Slightly heavier and no choise of fancy colors, but they have a more powerful modleing light and include 2 sofboxes.
If you want to get a softbox, the photoflex ones are great.
A pair of white lightneings are gonna be better in many ways, but area bout 50% more up front cost. Buff does have excellent customer service. |
How would you compare bowens 500watt espirit flash kits to the interfit 600watt ones? |
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12/31/2005 11:47:58 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
There is nothing wrong with ABs. As you dim the power output they DO keep their color. |
I have not found this to be true as a rule.....This is one of the knocks against Alienbee for years.
....I should clarify the above statement....I work for a professional commercial photo company (art director / accounts ). We are ULTRA critical about light color...everything we shoot is PMS matched against corporate logos and stuff..
Examples...we shoot for the makers of Advil and Coke...we cannot be off 1 (ONE) PMS color rating.
So maybe I come from a bit TOO critical of an opinion :-/
Message edited by author 2005-12-31 11:56:48. |
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12/31/2005 12:15:31 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by hokie:
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
There is nothing wrong with ABs. As you dim the power output they DO keep their color. |
I have not found this to be true as a rule.....This is one of the knocks against Alienbee for years.
....I should clarify the above statement....I work for a professional commercial photo company (art director / accounts ). We are ULTRA critical about light color...everything we shoot is PMS matched against corporate logos and stuff..
Examples...we shoot for the makers of Advil and Coke...we cannot be off 1 (ONE) PMS color rating.
So maybe I come from a bit TOO critical of an opinion :-/ |
Yeah, that is precision requirements, and i doubt you should be using $300 strobes for it. WL's do better, and when you dial down their power you can actually cut out capacitors so they stay more accurate. I don't think it'smuch of an issue for the hobbyist or even portrait work, shootin raw and you can tweak it if need be. Also, if you do a custom WB (as a pro with your requirements is likely doing) then the color shift would not be an issue.
I made my statement based on a long thread over at FM.com. I have not had the pleasure of trying many lights - i have a friend with one AB and one that ordered a set. I am getting the stellar's (wel, 90% sure) and can then compare them to the ABs and get back to you all on my opinion.
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12/31/2005 12:38:17 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Yeah, that is precision requirements, and i doubt you should be using $300 strobes for it. WL's do better, and when you dial down their power you can actually cut out capacitors so they stay more accurate. I don't think it'smuch of an issue for the hobbyist or even portrait work, shootin raw and you can tweak it if need be. Also, if you do a custom WB (as a pro with your requirements is likely doing) then the color shift would not be an issue.
I made my statement based on a long thread over at FM.com. I have not had the pleasure of trying many lights - i have a friend with one AB and one that ordered a set. I am getting the stellar's (wel, 90% sure) and can then compare them to the ABs and get back to you all on my opinion. |
Great advice and very true observations here!!
The only reason I try to be as harsh as I can....( I read the stuff at Fred Miranda) is that on so many photography gear sites today we have hobbyist's that say "I shot my kids in my basement studio and look at the results!!! This is the best my photography has ever looked! Why pay the big bucks for anything else!!!"
These sites (DP Review, etc, etc,etc,,) drive me NUTS!
Of course this is the best their photos have ever looked...they were using tungsten or onboard camera flash before...ANY STROBE KIT will look better than those.
BUT.....An Alienbee starter kit is $600...you can get an elinchrom starter kit with everything you need (speed, color, all the bags and gear etc) PLUS professional color and consitency for $1,200. You would never need to get more....ever..Unless you need onboard computer linking cpability or a lot more light and ultra speed for pro sports and glamour.
I think the whole idea I see alot on websites is that the high end stuff is...
...Too expensive for what you get
...Finicky
...No one needs all the attention to detail
I say....If you are buying L-Glass or Nikon equals and can tell the difference..you will apreciate better lights. Isn't it funny so many of the guys on all these websites are buying $6,000 or more camera kits to photo their kids but wont spend more than $500 on lights!
Insanity...:-/
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