View Full Version : Alienbees
I took the advice of Brandon MC and picked up a set of four alienbees B800 strobes and just wanted to share the wealth. They're pretty incredible. The quality is great and the light they give is impressive. Came with a huge softbox, bunch of umbrellas, stands, diffusers, remote, etc.
Highly recommended if anyone is looking for a monolight solution. :thumbup:
http://www.alienbees.com
I've heard good things about the bees. Supposed to be good value for the price. If you don't mind my asking, how much did it run with all the accessories, and how big is the softbox?
The softbox is huge, about 5 feet long. The total with some extra reversible umbrellas and shipping was about 1800.
This is the kit:
http://www.alienbees.com/busy.html
marquee
11-27-2005, 01:30 PM
Save 10% with a student discount or find a student to buy for you.
Alien bees are great monolights for the money
Safford Productions
12-07-2005, 01:22 PM
We have a set of Alien Bees that we use on location shooting. 2-1600s and 1-400. We use them with umbrellas. They were much less than the competition, they are well built, lightweight, and we are very pleased with them. White Lighting is the higher priced version of the Bees. I would highly recommend both r product lines. Also, Alien Bees'staff and tech support are friendly, patient and really helpful when you need information on the product or tech advice. It's a pleasure to do business with folks like them. Their warranty is outstanding.
Rick Meyer
12-10-2005, 01:15 PM
How does this kit compare to the Lowell DV 55 kit that I have been looking at?
Safford Productions
12-13-2005, 03:22 PM
We are discussing self-contained strobe lights that are used in still photography. I think you are asking about continuous lighting which is used primarily in video production.
MattC
12-13-2005, 04:57 PM
kai,
I've been researching bees a bit as I don't want to spring for my first choice (Hensel). My only concern is the low wattage modeling lamp. What do you think about it?
Matt
Safford Productions
12-13-2005, 07:27 PM
Don't worry about that. It is adequate. It creates less heat which is more of an issue when using gels and grids. It is adjusted automatically with the power setting you use for the correct lighting of your subject. You can turn it off or on as an option to work in tandem with the power levels. Its really fine.
Safford Productions
12-13-2005, 07:31 PM
If you have any concerns, call The"Bees" and ask them. They are the most downhome, helpful folks I've purchased from. By the way, I'm in Texas and they are from Tennesee. No connection 'cept the culture.
Safford Productions
12-13-2005, 07:33 PM
Another thing, they'll take the stuff back if you don't like it. No questions asked. And you can find them at the PPA Convention and other Imaging USA events and raise hell with them face to face.
MattC
12-13-2005, 09:09 PM
Excellent. Makes me feel better about them, thanks!
Matt
Barry_S
12-13-2005, 10:17 PM
I got the Hensel kit because I wanted the 300 watt modeling lights. Yes, the Bees have proportional modeling lights, but if you have a modeling lamp down at 50 watts, it's not going to do much good competing with ambient light. I'm thrilled with the Hensels and they're definitely a step up from the Bees in build quality. However, Paul Buff has a solid reputation with the Bees, so if you can live with the lower wattage modeling lamps and less build quality, they're a great value.
kai,
I've been researching bees a bit as I don't want to spring for my first choice (Hensel). My only concern is the low wattage modeling lamp. What do you think about it?
Matt