The Alien Bees were my second set of studio lights, and the first "real" set -- chosen for the excellent feature/price balance for someone just starting out in studio photography. That was 5 years ago, and they have been serving me well ever since. My current inventory is 4 B400s and 2 B1600s, and pretty much one (or two) of every light modifier offered by Paul C. Buff. I also bought the wired remote, then upgraded to the Radio One Remote set (and am now considering the CyberSync system). Having tripped over countless wires, a studio just can't be too wireless for me.
The funky colors took a bit of getting used to, but they grow on you. If you ever have unskilled studio help, it's easier to refer to the Pink light and the Green light, rather than the Main and the Fill.
On the whole, I've been delighted with these monolights (see nitpicks below), they have performed consistently and accurately, and have more than enough features to hone my photographic skills.
Strengths:
Great customer service, its nice for once to talk to the people who make and sell these things, not just an outsource with an Indian accent. In fact, the accent was pure Tennesee, and I'm not positive, but I think she called me "honey"...
Terrific features for the price, I have not felt the need to upgrade to a more expensive big-name line. I have yet to replace a flash tube, and only one modeling lamp in 5 years of use
Paul C. Buff voluntarily sent me some replacement parts (connectors, carrying bags) when they had complaints from other customers...I really appreciate this proactive approach
I really do want to buy from an American company, Paul C. Buff makes it easy.
Weaknesses:
The nitpicks: The handle that sets the tilt hits the housing of the light, its a bit of a knuckle buster. The first LiteMod holder I got for a snoot was nearly impossible to put together and pretty rickety -- the upgraded one works fine. The Radio Remote One system receivers theoretically attach ti to the light housing with a velcro strip -- but they have a tendency to fall off, left dangling by the plug in the telephone jack in the back of the light. I have them secured with gaffer tape now, but it looks pretty jury rigged.
Similar Products Used:
An entry level set from Photographers Warehouse - power settings of full, half and 1/4.
Rating Reviewed by: Dena Strban(Unregistered User)
(Intermediate)
Review Date February 19, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 3.00 of 5,
9 votes
Review 3 of 4
Price Paid:
$339.00
from Alien Bees Website
Summary:
You have GOT to buy these lights! I have been using mine for almost a year and most certainly am impressed! The adjustable power is a dream. I wanted a monolight which was fan-cooled, but didn''t want to give my right arm to purchase one... and Alien Bees system was just what I was looking for. I called the manufacturer directly and spoke with Lori- who will help you in anyway she can; believe me, you will love the customer service- they are so willing to help you! What is great about Alien Bees is that you can always upgrade to a bigger, more powerful light for just a little extra- even after you have owned your setup for awhile- you should check into Alien Bees- you won''t be sorry!
Strengths:
The customer service, the price, the fan cooled system, and durability, the options regarding colors which are just plain fun, the compatibilty with White Lightning products, the remote capabilities...the powerful modeling light, the variable power switch.... want me to go on?
Weaknesses:
The fact that I don''t own more of them just yet...but....
Similar Products Used:
Britek system, White Lightning
Customer Service:
If I haven''t sold you yet- you should just call the Customer Service Department and just talk with them...they are great- I haven''t had any problems so I have never filed any complaints- but with th
I think this is a BRILLIANTLY conceived product line. It is basically an entry-level White Lightning studio flash for advanced amateurs and beginning professionals who want to do studio flash at a low price. The small size, plastic housing and candy colors say "amateur", in the sense you can''t use it all day every day and beat it up a lot. But hey, it put''s out an adjustable flash, has a usable modeling light, cooling fans, built-in slave, and a series of beginning accessories (stands, softboxes, umbrellas, carry bags, etc) that let you do whatever you want. I don''t think you could make your living with these things as a fashion photographer, but I think you could come close, and do a lot of other things.
Reliability: too soon to tell, I have two B800''s and B1600 on the way. The two B800''s slave to my Novatron pack/head set perfectly so far. If these devices are reliable, they are an immense bargain. Certain of the EXACT SAME ACCESSORY ITEMS, such as the 4-light wired remote control, and certain stands and bags, are cheaper from Alien Bees than from White Lightning, and work with both.
Strengths:
Cheap, comatible with some White Lightning accessories but not all (same speed rings, reflectors, wired remote control
Weaknesses:
Build quality visibly not up to high-end professional studio strobes...strikes me as more of a "prosumer" studio flash line...which is exactly what I want.
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