Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

Noe · **Alien Bees -** 03-24-2005, 10:47 AM

Does anyone own a set. I am interested in purchading the kit below.

http://www.alienbees.com/digi.html

Would this be a good kit for starting out? Do you have any recommendations on other kits?

Noe

MyKey · 03-24-2005, 10:52 AM

I don't own a set, yet I know a ton who do. I shoot with Novatron's 600D and 1500D power pack kits, but I have shot with Bees also. I like them, they are simple yet very effective. You wont go wrong and you will get a lot of use out of the purchase.

jheiliger · 03-24-2005, 11:27 AM

Yep... I got a few of them!

I have been shooting with them for several years. They have the best customer service in the world, and the light output is very consistent.

THEY ROCK!!

Joe

eurotrash · 03-24-2005, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jheiliger

Yep... I got a few of them!

I have been shooting with them for several years. They have the best customer service in the world, and the light output is very consistent.

THEY ROCK!!

Joe

yes i made a post about their customer service a few months ago. they are great people. support small business.

brad · 03-24-2005, 01:54 PM

I have a friend in Hurst who shoots Cat Shows who uses Alien Bees almost exclusively.. she loves them.

http://www.helmiflick.com

chloew · **Re: Alien Bees -** 03-24-2005, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noe

Does anyone own a set. I am interested in purchading the kit below.

http://www.alienbees.com/digi.html

Would this be a good kit for starting out? Do you have any recommendations on other kits?

Noe

That is the kit I bought about a year ago to use with my 10D. I did decide to upgrade one of the lights to the 800 to get a bit more output if needed. I haven't used them a ton, but they are great and easy to use. A good first set of lights.

ctp93 · 03-24-2005, 02:42 PM

I did the same as Christian. I bought the same package and upgraded to an 800 on one. I also got a heavy duty stand, large softbox, and various other umbrellas from them.

I love mine. I don't get to use them much because I have limited space here at home. One of these days when the Texas Lotto get's it right and picks my numbers, I will buy some studio space and get to play with them more.

But I do love them.

srwatters · 03-24-2005, 03:53 PM

I went straight for one AB-1600 with a large Octobox. For fill I'm using my good old Nikon SB-800 with a small Morris softbox. I fire the AB with a cord and the Nikon flash is in SU-4 remote mode. So far I've only messed around a little bit, but I have a shoot planned in two weeks. More practice on the wife and kids until then. All I can say is for my first studio light, it sure seems nice. Quality is great and the customer support is first rate. They called me back to help insure that I could use the AB as key and fire the Nikon as a slave. Real nice folks on the phone.
YMMV,

montyw42 · **Re: Alien Bees -** 03-24-2005, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noe

Does anyone own a set. I am interested in purchading the kit below.

http://www.alienbees.com/digi.html

Would this be a good kit for starting out? Do you have any recommendations on other kits?

Noe

I have been looking at monolights also. The Flashpoint II from Adorama seem to offer more bang for the buck, and get good reviews.

Monty

http://www.adorama.com/FP620PWK.html

Abel · 03-24-2005, 09:12 PM

alien bees are on my list of things to get for sure. ive heard so many good things about them

kumori · 03-24-2005, 09:50 PM

I bought the beginner bee set with B-800 a couple months ago, and have been very happy with it. I have shot a few still life's with it, and often set it up pointing straight up with no umbrella to bounce off the ceiling to take candids of the kids. I also bought the small brolly box for still lifes. The light is simple to use, and gives nice results.

mramos · 03-24-2005, 10:57 PM

I have one 800 with thier large octabox. For the price you cant beat it, especially if your just learning or want to play around. I have not had any problems with them, and would/have recommended them.

ndsimm · 03-25-2005, 07:13 AM

looks like it's time for me to upgrade......never heard of bees until here and I really like the option outside power supply. I've always wanted to travel with extra lighting and never knew how it was done.....

gpgyo · 03-25-2005, 07:49 AM

If you are a student (or have one at home) be sure to take advantage of their student discount. Details are on their website.

Greg

PS - Whatever you do, don't get black lights. Every other light is black, if you're going to buy bees, get a color you like.

ndsimm · 03-25-2005, 07:52 AM

So if my daughter is a senior in high or soon to be college freshman, I get a discount??? cool!!!