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Alien Bees vs. Novatron
I'm currently using Novatron's and am thinking about purchasing Alien Bee's. Any advice, opinions as to whether or not this would be a step up? Jun 25 08 12:20 pm Link I own Novatrons, and have used just about the full line of AB. I would have to say quality of build would be a downgrade. As for quality of light I had no complaints when I used them. I'll be using some AB today for a kids shoot. And I have been thinking of getting some of my own because they are easier to travel with. I'm also interested in what other people's opinions are. JC Jun 25 08 01:03 pm Link My only complaint with Novatrons are the accessories or the lack there of, otherwise I love them. They're built well and I've never had any issues with the lighting they put out. Jun 25 08 01:18 pm Link The reason AB's are cheap is the build and circuit safety ... Nova's are a pro quality and a lot of pros use them. I know no real pros that use AB. Note I said real Pros. AB's are better than White Lightning and you should live longer with AB. I prefer Bowens - cost safety accessories history EL Jun 25 08 01:25 pm Link I think you're the first person I've heard refer to Novatrons as "pro" anyone else? As I said, no complaints I just wish they had more accessories  Jun 25 08 01:52 pm Link EL PIC wrote: Circuit safety as in risk to camera or risk of electrocution? Jun 25 08 01:59 pm Link Point Of View wrote: I don't know that I'd call it a "step up". You'll get better answers to your question if you go into a little more detail on why you feel the need to change from one brand of lights to another. Jun 25 08 02:02 pm Link Uh didn't I already state why I'm thinkng about changing over, lack of accessories on Novatron systems. For example I'd love to have a beauty dish, but Novatron doesn't make one that I know of? Jun 25 08 02:06 pm Link I have not heard that AB's have any circuitry problems. My experience has been very good with AB's and have found that they are quite durable. The cases are a Lexan like material that is pretty resilient. I have had lights take a tumble on location. Usually the modifier is what gets broken. I think the term "pro quality" is misleading. Are AB's the best lights on the market? Nope. But you get a lot of value for your dollar. As a profession (my photography business is my sole income), I have to cost justify all equipment purchases. Does buying more expensive lights make me more money? Not really. My clients don't care which brand of lights I use, they just care that they get the results they want. Anyway, that's my $.02s worth.  Jun 25 08 02:09 pm Link Novatron over alien bee for sure. If you want alienbees go with the step up , the white lightning. http://www.white-lightning.com/flash2.html At least their bodies are made of mostly metal and a bit more durable. - Stephen Jun 25 08 02:10 pm Link do you have a box or do u have mono lights? that makes a huge difference and if you have monolights do u have the real old ones or the new ones? there are some novatron accessories for the modeling lights that are fairly good but for the boxes there is just snoots and grids, u can get a speedring for 39 and fit any softbox on the novatron heads... the quality of light is pretty good and white balance is pretty consistent with that said i have sold my novatrons and got alien bees (mainly cause i got 2 ab800s for $300 with softbox included) i like the bees to a point but they have very poor quality reflectors and light modifiers. Ive had more success building my mods than buying the ones from ab but the positives for the abs are there. Id still rather have calumet travelites becuse they use bowen mods put out really good light and they are pretty much what you can rent when you travel to major cities. Jun 25 08 02:28 pm Link ..... Jun 25 08 02:28 pm Link Ty everyone, my ?????'s have been answered Jun 25 08 04:12 pm Link Ken Rieves Photography wrote: Yeah. I've never been electrocuted by mine, nor have they fried my camera. They've just worked. Jun 25 08 06:32 pm Link |
