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08/24/2010 05:06:44 PM · #1 |
Ok, so I have decided to buy AlienBees lights, but I can't decide what to get. I have been surfing forums for 2 days solid and I am confused. I will be doing indoor portrait photography, shooting with a Canon T2i. I am trying to decide between the following set ups:
The Beginner Bee - I'm not sure one light will do me... I would definitely need to invest in a reflector and a stand for that reflector.
The DigiBee - 2 lights should be sufficient to start out with, right? Do I NEED the 800's or would the 400's be ok?
Then I am wondering if I would be better off piecing together a set, maybe 1-800 and 1-400, and stands, umbrellas, etc.
The other thing is should I get umbrellas or soft boxes... money IS an object and the soft boxes are considerably more expensive than the umbrellas. This would be my first time dealing with lighting, so be gentle :)
Thanks!
Steph |
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08/24/2010 05:13:13 PM · #2 |
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08/24/2010 05:35:32 PM · #3 |
Arrrggghhh lighting gives me a headache. I barely understand how to use my lowest of the lowend dslr and when I try to read about lighting it's a foreign language.
Sorry, had to get that out.
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08/24/2010 05:47:42 PM · #4 |
If you can be a bit patient (for the backorder situation), I would highly Highly HIGHLY recommend the Einstein 640 over the Alien Bees. The ABs are great, but the Einstein improves upon them greatly. One Einstein will cover the output range of the 400/800/1600 (i.e, you would need 3 different ABs to cover that range). The control is more precise, the light quality is superior (better color temp consistency, both flash tube and modeling lamp are enclosed in a pyrex dome). The ABs change color temp as you change output levels, even shot to shot at the same output level, so your white balance will change out from under you, and skin tones will look different from shot to shot.
I have used all of the AB types, and now own the Einsteins. The Einsteins are vastly superior. Paul Buff customer service is perhaps the best in the industry, and they really stand behind their products. You won't regret committing to their product line. And if you can wait, spend a bit more money on Einsteins, or limit yourself to a single Einstein to begin with, add another one later on, you won't regret that either.
If you have to, start with one Einstein instead of two ABs. But if you can swing two Einsteins, go for it (better discount on the other accessories, modifiers). But one Einstein, convertible umbrella, 5 in 1 reflector, some white foam core board, and a couple light stands can work great. The cybersync triggers work well, and if you get the specific receiver that fits into the Einstein, you will be ahead of the game when you add more lights, and a cyber commander someday.
You can certainly start with umbrellas--inexpensive, with a nice light quality. You can get convertible umbrellas that easily go from reflective to shoot thru. If you will be using them at home, in small spaces, you might try this style of umbrella for shoot thru--helps to control the bounce from walls, etc. |
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08/24/2010 06:10:24 PM · #5 |
| Yeah, I was thinking of getting just two 800's and get the Cybercommander system. I figured I am not going to buy them until I get a full-on studio though. So I will wait till then and get the einsteins. For now, I am sticking with the strobist kit. |
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08/24/2010 06:11:22 PM · #6 |
I am doing what chrome mentioned... In fact I have some modifiers and a little cyber thingi sitting here with nothing to stuff them on :-( I saw the price was going up $50 so that was the final straw (bad idea for an order but have been looking for studio strobes for a while now)..... I figure I should be getting delivery sometime in 2020 based on the queue :-/
I have been using old hotshoe flashes for a long while (the whole strobist thing) and they can still work for backgrounds and what not while I have the one big light. My main reason for the einstein (well there was also the power working natively on 240v that you prob don't care about) was the range of adjustments.... It can go very low as well as a lot higher then my little flashes (even gaggled together). Plus there is always the $$ and it was the best option given what I could spend (yeah... I like the profoto's I have used but ain't a reality for me). |
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08/24/2010 06:15:03 PM · #7 |
| I got the digibee pack with 2 SB400 heads and it has served me well. I would say for now that'll probably be plenty. Combined with a few reflectors and modifiers you can do quite a bit. |
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08/24/2010 06:29:47 PM · #8 |
I think the ABs are a Very Good Value, and the Einsteins are a GREAT value. While waiting and waiting for my Einsteins (order placed in Feb, shipping started in late April I think, and they got to me at the end of June) I ordered one AB 400 just to have something to use while I waited. As luck would have it, I got into a lot of OT at work, barely got to use the AB400, and within 3 weeks of ordering it, got the notice for my Einsteins. So I had the Einsteins in hand, and thought I would just keep the AB 400 anyway. But once I used the Einsteins, I took advantage of Paul Buff's 60 day no questions asked return policy, and sent the AB400 back for refund. I'd rather save that money, add a bit more, and get another Einstein. What I actually did, though, was turn around and spend that money on more modifiers from Paul Buff!
BTW, the Cyber Commander is a great device: I would still get one of the CST triggers to use on the camera hotshoe, but the CC is TERRIFIC: you can control output levels, modeling lights for the Einsteins remotely--really nice when working alone (no assistant), and super nice for lights up high, like hair lights, stuff on booms. It includes a light meter. For what it is and does, $179 seems like a real bargain. For example, you can adjust, trigger, and meter each light individually, get your ratios the way you want them. Then you can control the whole group--increasing or decreasing output all together, keeping the relative settings (ratio) as you do. Pairing it with the Einsteins is just such a sweet setup. Not necessary to start with it, but getting it when you order lights puts the discount on it.
I like speedlights, too. And for certain things they are ideal. But I got tired of not quite having enough power, of having to stop and change out batteries mid-shoot, etc. |
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08/24/2010 06:42:33 PM · #9 |
I agree with the whole battery thing for strobist. But to me, strobist kit allows me to do things wherever I want and I dont have to buy and carry an expensive battery pack.
I would also say that they have plenty of power. I was able to overpower the sun with this shot here.
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08/24/2010 07:09:43 PM · #10 |
| I agree. For studio work, I like studio strobes and modifiers. These are more hassle on location, and speedlights are very portable and useful on location, especially when the location is more remote! I have and use speedlights, too. |
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08/26/2010 05:20:21 PM · #11 |
I definitely recommend reading the thread  bvy mentions in the first reply above.
Also second chromeydome's thoughts on Einsteins; but there obviously is a cost consideration there. You could always pick up some AB800s now and upgrade later -- the AB line appears to hold it's value very well on ebay. I keep watching ebay to add some more ABs for "cheap," but they consistently sell at the same price as (and sometimes curiously even more than) buying direct from PCB.
Cyber Commander and CyberSync+ receivers is the way to go for remotes if you afford them, also. Otherwise, the 4-line cable remote is a handy option, you just have to run phone cables to each block -- a little cluttery, but not horrific. I started with the cable-remote myself, but it didn't take me long to suck it up and plop down the money for the CC system.
You mention umbrellas vs. softboxes, and I don't see anyone has really address those questions yet... If you want a really great rundown on modifiers, with specific advice on setting up a first-time studio, plop down some $$$ for this class from Zack Arais. He talks about ABs extensively, and compares multiple AB and other modifiers, showing both setup and real-time tethered shooting with each modifier.
If you can wait for the backorder log to clear (another 2-3 weeks, supposedly) I recommend considering the PLM system as a good startup (or even long-term) alternative to softboxes/octoboxes. PLM v2 just started shipping -- my 86" v2 is due in the mail on Monday, oh boy oh boy.....
As for your AB combination deals (digibee, beginner bee, etc) -- remember those are just some pre-fab packages -- you can build your own discount package if you buy direct from PCB, and get a tiered discount based on the number of blocks you buy at one time (5% per block, up to 20%). The discount remains in effect for something like 90 days after your block purchase, also -- something they don't advertise, but if you ask, they will allow it. So if you have a lot of accessories you want to buy, but need to spread the damage out, you can buy the heads first and still get some % of accessories for 3 months. (I think it's 3 months -- best to verify with PCB sales to make sure I'm not overstating that time frame...)
If you want to be really nerdy and price-compare-to-death like I did, ;) I made up a spreadsheet with all the heads and most of the accessories which automagically computes discounts and various subtotals, and even lets you compare up to 4 configurations at a time. I can email it to you (or anyone) if you want - just PM me. |
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