AB, Interfit, or Photogenic...

[ChristopherCoy]

After looking at all three makes/models this evening, reading reviews online, and searching the forum for past threads on all three, here is my sizeup, and final three that I have to decide from:

Alien Bee 800:
Price - $291.85 inc. shipping
W/S - 320
Range - 5 stops
Recycle time - 1 sec @ full power
Modeling lamp - 150 watts
Pros - highly recommended, fast recycle time, lots of accesories
Cons - most expensive, lots of inconsistent output reports, plastic body

Photogenic StudioMax III:
Price - $270.57 inc. tax from Arlington Camera (ac model only)
W/S - 320
Range - 6 stops
Recycle time - 3 sec @ full power
Modeling lamp - 100 watt
Pros - its Photogenic, no wait time for shipping, FREE umbrella w/purchase, a brand that I can grow with.
Cons - slow recycle time, not fan cooled, lower wattage modeling light

Interfit Stellar X300:
Price - $248.90 inc. shipping from B&H
W/S - 300
Range - 5 stops
Recycle time - 2 sec @ full power
Modeling lamp - 150 watt
Pros - lowest price of the three, mounting bracket can be repositioned for heavy softboxes, aluminum bodies
Cons - dont know much about them, dont see myself buying larger lights in this brand later on

I've heard all the recommendations about the AB lights, so I dont need input on them. The Photogenic has been recommended once or twice, but nothing serious like the AB's. I dont really like the fact that the Photogenic is slow on recycle time and not fan cooled, but I'm sure I can live with it since Photogenic is a line that I can grow with. I dont see myself doing "bang bang bang" shooting anytime soon so I can overlook the 3 second recycle time. Right now, price is my driving factor, and the Interfit model looks very tempting, but I'm concerned about quality, and the lack of recommendations by piers. I haven't heard much about the brand.

I was first leaning towards the AB lights because they are so highly recommended, but then I saw the price of the Interfit lights so I decided on them. But now as I'm typing this out and looking at things in a comparitive nature, the Photogenic is really weighing heavy, especially because I'd like to have one of the larger digital lights like those that I got to see in use at After Dark.

Decisions, decisions....

Any input about the Photogenic or Interfit lights?

[caglejohnson]

I think the choice is clear. Go with AB's. They are well known, popular, and hold resale value quite well due to them being sold in house only. Simple.

[ChristopherCoy]

Whatever I go with is going to have to hold a large softbox....

[gregt1310]

Christopher - you might want to look at the new Alien Bee Einstein which is coming out next month. 640ws and all digital. They are a bit more expensive than the AB800 (I think around $429).
Here is a link:
http://www.paulcbuff.com/pcb2009/einstein.html

You could also wait and see if other Bee owners jump to this model, and could possibly snag some used AB800's.
Just a thought.

[danchez]

I have an AB800 and it holds a 5' Octabox without a problem, just make sure you get some sturdy stands Chris. Don't forget about the great customer service that is known about Mr. Buff and all of his employees.

[David Whatley]

WE use the AB's in the studio, and I am very, very happy with them. At least for the price. We also have a cpl really BIG softboxes that we use from time to time. I have a 4' octy box that never comes off of one of them.
Also, as someone said, they hold the resale value.