Which size Alien Bee?

[suzyjazz]

If I will be shooting for the most part in living rooms in people's houses, what size Alien Bee should I get -- 400 or 800? 400 is probably sufficient. I'll be using it with an umbrella and pairing it with Canon 550 EX. There may be times when I want to mess with one light only. Particularly if I am working with an unccoperative (very active!) subject. Not sure how well that would work but I guess that might affect the answer.

I want to place the order tonight, so I have a couple of hours!

Going off to watch TV for an hour now....

[markperez]

800 has been good for me. good power but you can turn it down enough when in tight places. Only $50 dollars difference if you are buying just the one light.

[engstrom]

Suzy, I don't have any experience with the ABs or other studio stobes, but as Mark said for the price difference I would definately go for the 800. You are getting a reflector too for fill, right?

[Abel]

i agree... 800 at least. cant beat it for 279...

even a 1600 costs less than a canon 580ex!! sheesh! hehe

[JohnRushing]

I still have lots and lots to learn about lighting but one thing I have always believed is get the most for your money. Why buy small and have to ugrade one day when for a few dollars more you can get something that will suite your needs for a very long time. You end up saving money in the long run by spending a little more now.

[suzyjazz]

Thanks for the quick responses! I was planning to spring for it since I am using "mad money" that I found. And Abel, good point about it costing less than the flash.

Originally Posted by engstrom

Suzy, I don't have any experience with the ABs or other studio stobes, but as Mark said for the price difference I would definately go for the 800. You are getting a reflector too for fill, right?

Wasn't planning to.... using both 550 this AB with umbrella and I don't know what reflector to buy or how to use it! Talk about buying things that are over my head....

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

Thanks for the quick responses! I was planning to spring for it since I am using "mad money" that I found. And Abel, good point about it costing less than the flash.

Wasn't planning to.... using both 550 this AB with umbrella and I don't know what reflector to buy or how to use it! Talk about buying things that are over my head....

Yeah, but if you get a reflector you can use the 550 for a hair light.

You'll catch on quick - your pictures show that you have a good grasp of light and shadows!

[suzyjazz]

I appreciate your input, John, but I didn't order a separate reflector because I didn't understand. I ordered the B800, 13 foot stand, single light carrying bag, and 60" umbrella. This probably sounds really stupid, but I thought I reflector was something you put away from the light. The pictures on the alienbees.com site show those cone shaped things that the bulb comes out of as being reflectors. So, I am confused. I have used a strobe and flash with umbrellas before and it turned out OK, but I just don't know anything about reflectors.

[markperez]

there are cicurlar reflectors where you hold to bounce the light
http://www.alienbees.com/crk42.html

and there are light reflectors that go on the strobes and help spread the light
http://www.alienbees.com/7abr.html

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

I appreciate your input, John, but I didn't order a separate reflector because I didn't understand. I ordered the B800, 13 foot stand, single light carrying bag, and 60" umbrella. This probably sounds really stupid, but I thought I reflector was something you put away from the light. The pictures on the alienbees.com site show those cone shaped things that the bulb comes out of as being reflectors. So, I am confused. I have used a strobe and flash with umbrellas before and it turned out OK, but I just don't know anything about reflectors.

You did just fine. You'll have a nice large light source. Did you buy a shoot through or bounce umbrella? The shoot throughs are my favorite because you can use them either way. Bounce for more control and shoot through for more fill in the room off the walls and ceiling. Can't wait to see your results!

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by srwatters

You did just fine. You'll have a nice large light source. Did you buy a shoot through or bounce umbrella? The shoot throughs are my favorite because you can use them either way. Bounce for more control and shoot through for more fill in the room off the walls and ceiling. Can't wait to see your results!

Oops, I don't know that either. I ordered this one: "60-inch Silver/White Reversible Umbrella" http://www.alienbees.com/usw.html

L:ooks like it's a bounce only. Should I call tomorrow and change it to "Translucent White "Shoot-Thru" Umbrellas", U60TWB? I didn't realize there are shoot through umbrellas.

[suzyjazz]

Originally Posted by markperez

there are cicurlar reflectors where you hold to bounce the light
http://www.alienbees.com/crk42.html

and there are light reflectors that go on the strobes and help spread the light
http://www.alienbees.com/7abr.html

OK, I didn't see the first one until you sent the link. That is what I was tinking a reflector was. The second link is to a device that I thought was part of the light. It comes standard on the B800 (I'm guessing on all of them) but I guess it's a smaller piece than what could be ordered in addition. I didn't understand how that would replace my flash on one side to free it up for hair light.

[markperez]

The cicurlar reflector would replace your fill flash by bouncing light from the AB flash back towards the subject. This would be your fill light.

[suzyjazz]

That is what I was thinking except when I clicked on reflector on the Alien Bees, site, I didn't see anything like that, except for the Beauty Dish, which is way out my league!

[engstrom]

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

The second link is to a device that I thought was part of the light. It comes standard on the B800 (I'm guessing on all of them) but I guess it's a smaller piece than what could be ordered in addition. I didn't understand how that would replace my flash on one side to free it up for hair light.

Yes, that reflector does come standard with the light. I was refering to the first link that Mark posted - the circular reflectors. Like Scott said, don't worry about it. You got a good system. You'll probably add to it eventually but starting out with a basic kit with teach you the fundamentals.