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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> This is probably a ridiculously stupid question...
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Showing posts 1 - 14 of 14, (reverse)
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01/24/2011 11:09:28 AM · #1
I have yet another question bugging me. I am looking into buying a single studio light for a small home studio. I was looking at the Alien Bee B800. But I was wondering if you were able to plug these right into the wall or is there a special pack you have to buy to use them? Argh I feel like an idiot.
01/24/2011 11:13:23 AM · #2
They plug into a standard outlet.
01/24/2011 11:15:42 AM · #3
Thank you. I was hoping they would.
01/24/2011 11:36:06 AM · #4
and just remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question, but there are stupid people who ask questions....
01/24/2011 11:49:59 AM · #5
Originally posted by smardaz:

... but there are stupid people who ask questions....

What?
01/24/2011 12:26:19 PM · #6
Note that the AB800 is a very powerful light. I rarely use mine beyond half power. For a smaller studio you may be better off with two AB400's or even one AB400 and some good reflectors.
01/24/2011 12:37:09 PM · #7
Originally posted by scalvert:

Note that the AB800 is a very powerful light. I rarely use mine beyond half power. For a smaller studio you may be better off with two AB400's or even one AB400 and some good reflectors.


I second this recommendation, I have two AB400's and an AB800 and the AB800 is quite powerful and dont use much past half power on that one.
01/24/2011 02:15:04 PM · #8
Originally posted by PhotoDave:

Originally posted by scalvert:

Note that the AB800 is a very powerful light. I rarely use mine beyond half power. For a smaller studio you may be better off with two AB400's or even one AB400 and some good reflectors.


I second this recommendation, I have two AB400's and an AB800 and the AB800 is quite powerful and dont use much past half power on that one.


While it does have a nice punch you can't go wrong. Especially if you are using a large diffuser plus if he ever wants to take it out on location the extra power is nice.
01/24/2011 05:21:45 PM · #9
I went for the 800s right away when I got my Bees. Even in small spaces, one or two can be made to work well.
01/24/2011 05:32:05 PM · #10
Looking at the price difference ($50) I think I'd go for the 800 as well. I have no actual experience with studio lighting, so I'm just speaking as a consumer. Having a light that "might be too powerful" is an alright problem to have, as long as it's adjustable. ;)
01/24/2011 06:02:18 PM · #11
Originally posted by Strikeslip:

Originally posted by smardaz:

... but there are stupid people who ask questions....

What?

There are also stupid people who answer questions.
01/24/2011 06:07:29 PM · #12
Originally posted by Ductyl:

Having a light that "might be too powerful" is an alright problem to have, as long as it's adjustable. ;)

Not always. Even at the lowest setting, the AB800 is sometimes too powerful and I've had to resort to ND filters and polarizers at ISO 100 to keep a shallow depth of field, but I've rarely needed more power than the AB400 can provide (I own both). You can save a little money up front by going with a 400 and add more powerful lights as your needs and experience grow.
01/24/2011 06:17:27 PM · #13
A too powerful light becomes a just powerful enough light with some ND gels, you know... :)
01/24/2011 10:38:24 PM · #14
Don't listen to them....they only work with a special kenskidian plug. I have several I can sell you.
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