I'm looking to get a small semi-portable back-up kit and keep coming back to these guys.

If anyone's using them, love to hear some feedback.

Thanks a lot!

*also, I tried to search and see if this topic's come up before, so if we can keep the reprimands to a minimum, that'd be great.
thx

Mark

You'll get a range of opinions on ABs and Wls. I started with three AB800s and after a few flawless years with them, upgraded to WLs.
I have had zero issues with them, the company has been great whenever I've called (sales or service).
They seem to be the least expensive, well supported light out there.
Others may look down on them and suggest higher end lights (Elinchrom, Profoto, etc) but I shoot with guys with all those other brands and at the end of the day nobody notices a difference in the light.
I'm damn happy with them and would buy them again in a NY minute.

pros: easy to use. cheap. easy to set up. with the portable pack, you can shoot anywhere. ocean, parking garage, mangroves, wherever your little heart desires.

cons: the light stand is flimsy, have to weight it down more than a regular light stand, the umbrella is cheaply made & also flimsy.

haven't flown with it yet.

buena suerte

They're decent enough lights, and if you're primarily interested in portability they're pretty much the obvious choice.  I've moved up a notch to White Lightning but kept one of my bees for that very reason.  They have a really good return policy so bottom line is you might as well try them out and see what you think.

Craighead,

You will see posts here about ABs accys. I agree with them. The lights are a great value, most of the accys are just cheap.
For a few $$ more than AB you can get better lightstands and umbrellas. I'd resist the 10% discount AB gives you on accys and just buy the lights from them
Then go to a photo shop and get a feel for sturdy stands and solid umbrellas.

I'm using Avenger stands as they are solid and fold down to fit in my light case. I also bought larger umbrellas. I am using ABs Brollyboxs, though. They have been pretty solid over 2-3 years.

thanks for all the input everybody.

sounds pretty positive.
and i'll check into the WL's too.

Imagenes - thanks for the accys tip.
i've got all that stuff from a couple other systems anyway, so yeah, just lights looks like the way to go.

I use them... but then again... I have only been shooting this stuff for less than a year and wanted to know if I was going to like it...

They have served their purpose. Do I like them? some times - but not really... lighting is inconsistent from pop-to-pop, they are flimsi and don't hold weight well... Had to get a speedring that attaches to the stands so I can use my CineDome (which I love - but its heavy). They are great to start with... at least they have to me... I have had them for less than a year (as long as I have been shooting models) and have learned to work around their inconsistencies and have provided me with good results... So they have delivered on their investment... but now that I have decided that I like this style... that I like this form of photography... that I like to light a scene... my thoughts have shifted with respect to them.

Today... would I buy them again (or buy more?) no.... again, not bad - they have their problems and you learn to work around them. But I would not get more nor buy them again. There are better options out there... slight more money - sure... but if you are starting you can go with a used speedo (black line)... I don't find the difference that big now that I have the stands, the PW, the modifiers etc... Me? I'm saving for a Profoto starting kit... two heads and a pack. I'll add as I go as I need 4 heads or so... I find that is less work when I have consistency when I shoot... that is worth money to me too

So - not a bad review... not a good review... it all depends on where you are developing your photography... If light is important... then there you are... they might help you to get you started and perhaps you will grow out of them... Perhaps you don't - perhaps you end up loving them and keeping them forever... If you feel you need something that will serve you well - all the time... that has consistent temperature, output etc... then you are going to be considering the big names rightawa... and start hunting at ebay...

(unless you want to buy mine )

Many AB users are fanatics as well... Marketing and mass-communication graduates hate people like me as I have no brand loyalty... it either serves my purposes or not... there is no middle point... but there are states (when you start, or when you are more seasoned and need more). So take each response with a grain of salt... try them out... borrow them if you can and formulate your own while blending every one elses opinions...

RM

I purchased the speedrings and lights  from AB, and picked up softboxes/ octobanks from Amvona on Ebay ( auction not store) They are very sturdy for the price and come with a few useful accs.

Umbrellas/ brollies from photoflex on ebay.

lightstands/ cstands second hand from lighting rental houses in L.A.

Love the ABs.

all my shots have been with AB's in my port (except for a couple 580exii shots).

I've pretty much got at least one of everything at this point. I'm invested in the system so I'll stick it out. No problems so far. Every once in a while the light will overexpose.

My bees work great. Most of my photog friends use them also. I think they are a great light for the price!

Every shot in my port was done using Bees. Except #'s 1, 8, 10, & 12. Number 8 was shot with a super duper expensive lighting system.

I have had them for 2 years. I have flown them to Vegas. Had them in my trunk on dozens of occasions on bumpy NYC roads. Shot outside with them. Shot in the drizzle with them etc.

They were blown over twice while using an umbrella on a windy day because I am a fucking genius. However, the light didn't get a scratch. The Umbrella broke.

I highly recommend them and I know other well paid photographers that use them for very professional shoots.

The only thing I would invest in is some weights, or a better quality stand.

I've been using two B800 in studio and on location for over two years. No complaints.

You get what you pay for.  For the price, they are a great deal, great entry level into the realm of lighting.

HOWEVER

Flash and color consistency are all over the map.  Although customer service is great, it has to be for the reason of they are always breaking down.

For the dollar I can't think of anything that would be better....then again, I would spend a little more upfront as in my opinion AB's and WL's have some long term limitations other equipment does not have for a little more

im currently testing out the zeus packs and heads. i haven't had any issues with them at all. i used to own a couple of 800's and they worked good for the exception of color temp flux.

had them, loved them, sold them to get my hensel porty rig.  i like the look of the glass domed lights and about to switch to profoto so i can take advantage of many rental locations and the zoomable modifiers.

my main beefs with AB's are:

- the modeling light is near useless and it's HUGE (household bulb) - which the flash tube has to flash thru on it's way to your subject. 
- hatehatehate the plastic stand mounts.  i broke 2 in the space of 6 months.  heavy mods + plastic mounts = breakage during paying shoots.
- the color temp flux is annoying enough for me to notice it from time to time.
- no-body rents them and i can't add to my system if i have a bigger gig or am out of town.

great light for the price, but not the right light for me at this time.

For the price, I'm not sure they can be beat.

In studio, I use AB mixed in with my Elinchrom, and enjoy very much.

On location, my ABR-800 (with cool 56" moon unit) is a fantastic key light, or without moon unit, using the ring as it was originally intended. I couple it with speedlights to make a portable and quick setup/teardown rig.

I've had my Bees since early 2004.  I've had at least a dozen shots that had noticeably inconsistent lighting since then (which isn't many).  They are inexpensive and very reliable.  If their lexan housing were a little thicker I could call them bulletproof.  I've ruined 3 sync cables from mishandling, and I've broken an umbrella when I knocked a fully extended stand over, but they are otherwise well built and durable.

I'd call them very much a good deal on the basis that they are inexpensive and their only apparent flaw is the stigma against them because they are inexpensive.  Expect snobby photographers to deride you for having them.

I have now passed the 4-year mark for my first 4 alien bees and accessories (I have 6 total). I have had no problem with the heavy duty light stands, but the others are a bit light at times.

I have had three things malfunction during that time.

- I had to resow a giant softbox as the thread broke. (I have 1 rectangular and 2 octoboxes - I have been told the new folding ones are better)

- I had to open up and reweld a piece on the transmitter for the Radio Remote set.

- I had a brolly box spine bend too much. (this is so far the only item I thought was down right too cheaply made)

As to the lights, the are spot on as long as you keep them at or above the 1/8th power settings.

At 1/16th they vary by about 0.1 f-stops and at 1/32nd (AKA min power) they vary by upto 0.3 f-stops. So if that is a problem you are probably too picky.

As to color variations they do have some as they warm up. I found that if I take some extra pictures (about 15) at the beginning of a session they are pretty stable after that. Other factors like what I, the model and any escorts are wearing seem to affect the WB more then the ABs after they warm up.

And within the price range, the ABs are more stable then other lights. But if you need that extra level of stability go ahead and pay 3 to 4 times the price. An AB is like a 5D, while a top of the line Profoto or Elinchrom are like 1DsMkII. You basically get a little bit extra for a lot extra money. But I will mention if I could afford it, I would get the high-end Elinchrom from the research I did (their D-4 lite are NOT as good as ABs though)

And I have used some other types of lights.

Just my opinion and experience,

I have 2 AB800's, and the wireless remote.  I'm very happy with them.  I bought my stands from Amvona.

You get what you pay for...

Other posts on this topic include:

* AlienBees and one grand to spend
* White lighting Mono Blocks
* Alien Bees vs JTL units
* Alein Bee Lights (200+ posts)
* Comments on AlienBees vs. JTL strobe units

And non-Alien Bee specific threads on similar topics:

* $2000 to spend on studio flash
* Strobe Lighting, what made and brand should I get?
* what type of lights do u recommend?
* Strobe lighting recommendations: Looking for a 3 light setup.
* Studioflash! (What to buy in Europe)
* Inexpensive lighting gear
* Best strobes for both studio and location lighting
* Best strobes for both studio/on location lighting?
* Best strobes to buy for the bucks
* What is the BEST type/brand of lights to invest in
* Lighting - what to buy?
* Looking to get a lighting system...need your help
* What is the best studio lighing equipment?
* What is the worst studio lighting equipment..
* Flash: go for the cheap or invest?
* Studio lights (What do you have and what do you like/dislike about it.)
* $7500 lighting system......what would you get
* Limited budget. - Indoor studio lights needed
* any LIGHTWEIGHT monolight recommendations?

See the Lighting, Flash, Ring, & Battery Strobe Reference thread (last updated 12/10/07) for links to other articles and discussions

Is the search feature back online?? nice list if you had them bookedmarked.

RM

i'm happy, and even as i find myself getting busier and paid more frequently, i still have no urge to change.

For the dollars you will spend on this lighting system as a backup system it is great. Easy to set up and take down and very compact. I would not use it as my main system but as a backup or when traveling it is great.

Don't believe it when people say they are inconsistent from flash to flash under low speed use.  I've used my B800's in mixed setups with another photographer's much more expensive Photogenics and shooting on manual white-balance (kelvin temp setting).  There were no color shifts and we shot portraits all evening at a 50 year class reunion. 

I've not rapid-fired mine, though, and I hear there are some color shifts when rapid firing them.  I can't say one way or the other because I have no experience in that regard to draw from.  But, again, in a portrait or slow fire situation, they're flawless.

Rob

Its the only light equipment Ive used. Im happy!

Are the heavy duty stands from White Lightning OK, or do stands need to be purchased elsewhere?

What about the umbrellas from AB or WL?  Quality any good?

Their umbrellas are great.  I had a brolly box give up the ghost on me the other night as it was being packed back up.  In the interest of fairness to the product, though, I use that piece of equipment on location all the time.  It gets put up and taken down all the time.  Its not like they're expensive.

Rob

I'm not sure anyone has really addressed your original question, but yes the Alien Bees mono lights when used in combination with AB's Vagabond power source make an excellent light weight and inexpensive travel/location lighting solution. For years I have used an AB800 mono light combined with a Bogan stand, Photoflex softbox, Quantum radio slave and the Alien Bees Vagabond power source. The cost of one AB800 and the new Vagabond II is less than $600.

As I've said, I used this equipment for years and so I can attest to the durability of the system. My original Vagabond did give up the ghost after three years of hard use (batteries do that), but Alien Bees re-manufactured my Vagabond for $40 and I was back in business with in a week. Tough to beat that. And remember, I use this system for location work so I have to pack it up, drag it to the location, set it up, tear it down, and haul it back almost every time I use the equipment.

I have shot as many as a 1000 images on a single charge (I use the light primarily as fill in open shade, so obviously I'm not shooting at full power). Over the years my clients have been pleased with the results.

Many more professionals use Alien Bees for location work than anyone is willing to admit. A lot of bang for the buck, and they will take a beating!

As everyone knows (because I have written about it endlessly) I highly recommend anyone buying a new Alien Bees system consider buying the ABR800 as their first light. For $400 you get both a studio mono light and a pretty decent ring light all in one package. Recently Paul Buff Companies have added the Zeus pack and head system to their Alien Bees, White Lightning line up. This gives the photographer who starts with Alien Bees a complete upgrade path all the way to a high power studio pack and head system. And when combined with the new Vagabond II, the Zeus high power pack and head system (1250ws and 2500ws power packs) and even be used on remote locations!

Fish
Sponsored Photographer, Paul Buff and Companies
(Alien Bees, White Lightning, Zeus)
--
John Fisher
900 West Avenue, Suite 423
Miami Beach, Florida  33139
(305) 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com

at the lower end, 1/16 and 1/32 the units will fire inconsistently.

If it is as fill - you will never notice.

I have several friends who have them - I asked about color consistency.

None of us have notices any.

Something is going on with people -- why some have the problem and some do not.

Maybe it is shooting too fast.

From my limited knowledge of the way flash works, (Sold probably a $1,000,000) worth of pro strobes when I worked for a camera outfitter.)

You should not get color variation - capacitors work like sponges - when they are full they are full and then they fire.

they are small and light weight, nice for the price.