Alien Bees

[tjaded]

Hi all--
I'm curious about the Alien Bees line of lighting. I've only been able to use their lights 3 or 4 times, but was pretty impressed each time. Has anyone else had much experience with them? Seems like an economical way for me to add to my lighting set up. I currently have a small Novatron kit. I've used a lot of Speedotron & Norman power pack systems, but power packs are kind of tricky in my current shooting set up. I really like the White Lightning lights, too, but they are a lot more money. So...anyone like/dislike Alien Bees?

 

[Dave Parker]

Been using my for a couple of years now, no problems with them at all, for the money they are great lights, IMHO...

Dave

 

[Chazzy]

Are the reflectors and other accessories interchangable with White Lightning? That would be very nice for someone who wants to upgrade from Alien Bees to White Lightning later on.

 

[Dave Parker]

Are the reflectors and other accessories interchangable with White Lightning? That would be very nice for someone who wants to upgrade from Alien Bees to White Lightning later on.

Being honest with you, I don't know, I have never really considered an upgrade as the bee's work great for what I do, I know the local shop I used to work at, has white lightnings, I will see if they do, next time I am in town.
Dave

 

[tjaded]

Being honest with you, I don't know, I have never really considered an upgrade as the bee's work great for what I do, I know the local shop I used to work at, has white lightnings, I will see if they do, next time I am in town.
Dave

No, they are different. I used both on a shoot. The only real issue with the white lightning lights was the need to use a filter to correct for the SLIGHT blue/cyan cast...81a fixed it.

 

[Chazzy]

No, they are different. I used both on a shoot. The only real issue with the white lightning lights was the need to use a filter to correct for the SLIGHT blue/cyan cast...81a fixed it.

Drat--there goes my plan.

 

[tjaded]

Drat--there goes my plan.

I know! Wouldn't it be so much easier if some of the companies standardized speed rings/reflectors/etc. Knowing my luck, I would invest in one brand of lighting, they would go out of business and I would never be able to find the right hardware!

 

[Chazzy]

I know! Wouldn't it be so much easier if some of the companies standardized speed rings/reflectors/etc. Knowing my luck, I would invest in one brand of lighting, they would go out of business and I would never be able to find the right hardware!

I was thinking of Interfit Stellar in a similar way, because (I think) they take Bowens reflectors. But several people commented on reliability problems with Interfit.

 

[Pinholemaster]

They are written about a lot on the SportsShooter's forum.

http://www.sportsshooter.com

I'm a Dyna-lite person, having use them since 1980. Love them.

http://www.dynalite.com/index.html

 

[Digidurst]

Not sure if you knew this or not but the company does offer an upgrade program. Also, I know of two pro photogs in my area who use them on a daily basis and they have nothing but praise for them. And their customer service is phenomenal!

*no affiliation - just a happy customer

 

[JBrunner]

5 years with mine- no complaints- incredible bang for the buck.

 

[bjorke]

One of the earliest of these podcasts:
http://www.studiolighting.net/category/studio-photography-podcast/
was a lengthy interview with the creator of the Bees and White Lightning units

 

[nc5p]

They are an excellent design, lightweight, reliable, and a good value for the money. I have two of them.

Doug

 

[DeanC]

I know! Wouldn't it be so much easier if some of the companies standardized speed rings/reflectors/etc. Knowing my luck, I would invest in one brand of lighting, they would go out of business and I would never be able to find the right hardware!

The reflectors may be different, but the speed rings are the same (or, at least, photoflex sells you the same ring for both lights).

Dean

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I use White Lightning at work but would buy Alien Bees, absolutely.
I think you can visit the factory if you are in Tn. Always heard good things, especially when it comes to repairing and dealing with the factory.

 

[SuzanneR]

I just bought one recently, and for someone who knows very little about studio lighting, I foung them easy to use. One thing I have heard, however, is the sync cords can go after awhile. So it might be a good idea to keep an extra sync cord on hand.

 

[big_ben_blue]

Has anyone here ever tried the new Alienbee ringlight? It looks VERY tempting in terms of price vs functionality and power (a nice compromise between the mini versions for 35mm and the humongeous studio units).
I am more of a Bowens pack user, and am a bit hesitant to invest into an unknown-to-me system.

 

[Rider]

Are you sure the Alien Bees and the White Lighting don't share the same accessories?

A quick look on their website, it seemed they have the same reflectors.

One question I had about the (Alien Bees) reflector: does it allow to change the angle of the umbrella without any additional parts?