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REVIEWS:  Flash and Lighting:  Monolights:
B400 Studio Flash

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AlienBees B400 Studio Flash


 
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Rating
Reviewed by: 

ynotcphoto

( Professional)

Review Date
March 9, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5,
2 votes

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Review 1 of 5

Price Paid:  $230.00 from alienbees

Summary:

My style is to shoot using limited depth of field. I was debating whether to get the B800 or the B400. I got the B800 bc I was afraid of being short of power. I found the B800 was giving more light than I needed at the lowest power setting. I just got the B400 yesterday, and was testing it out when it failed on me (firecracker-like bang). I am sending it back for another one, and I am not concerned about it. But I was happy with the flexibility that the B400 gave me while it was working. I was able to shoot closer at lower aperatures, and if I needed the depth of field, I could shoot at full power. A footnote -in a non-photographic comparison, you are getting a Honda Civic compared to a Lexus. The light works well, and I would highly recommend it.

Strengths:

Lightweight, fast recycling, adjustable power settings and economical price.

Weaknesses:

None.

Similar Products Used:

Calumet Travelite 750. Alienbees B800.

Customer Service:

Simply the best. Called in about the light I had just received having problems. Without having to plead my case, advised me they would be sending a new one, before receiving the defective unit. Try getting that service from B & H.



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Rating
Reviewed by: todd victor
 (Intermediate)

Review Date
May 7, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

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Review 2 of 5

Price Paid:  $225.00 from White Lightning

Summary:

The best thing about this little light is the control it provides you. It is extremely flexible when it comes to flash power. It lets me simulate low light situations with either modeling light only or very low flash.

Strengths:

variable flash control

Weaknesses:

none really.

Customer Service:

another reason i purchase from White Lightning. The best customer service available.



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Rating
Reviewed by: nuspawn
 (Intermediate)

Review Date
April 17, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5,
1 votes

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Review 3 of 5

Price Paid:  $224.00 from direct from factory

Summary:

After gathering information from various dealers of Photo equipment in my area, I was able to establish criteria to base my purchase decision on. The problem was that the units from other manufacturers that met my criteria were well outside my price range. The last dealer I visited recommended units developed by Paul Buff. AlienBees, was this guy for real? I visited the website, reviewed the information there along with the reviews presented on this website. So, with excellent reviews and a price that was right, I decided it was a go. I purchased two 400 units for my digital studio. All I can say that the units exceeded my expectations. They are an excellent value for the dollars.

Strengths:

-Recycle time -Controls -Build Quality

Weaknesses:

-150 watt limit on the modeling lights

Customer Service:

Haven't needed any



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Rating
Reviewed by: James Garvie
 (Professional)

Review Date
March 10, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
3.50 of 5,
8 votes

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Review 4 of 5

Price Paid:  $200.00 from direct

Summary:

Excellent units which work well in digital photography and our specialty which is dog show photography. Fast recycling, balanced illumination, great stands, durable for location shooting.

Strengths:

Light weight; great, comprehensive kits; very fast and very stable. Tremendous value.

Weaknesses:

None.

Similar Products Used:

Novatron, SP, etc.

Customer Service:

So far, so good. Responsive if not all that informed. Willing to be as helpful as possible.



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Rating
Reviewed by: Dan Tibbetts
 (Intermediate)

Review Date
October 20, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.73 of 5,
15 votes

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Review 5 of 5

Price Paid:  $200.00 from direct

Summary:

outstanding, outstanding, outstanding. you can''t go wrong with thease baby''s. i use them at home,in the studio, and at wedding.

Strengths:

the varible power output is right on the money. light weight and plenty of attachments. price

Weaknesses:

are you kidding, there''s none

Similar Products Used:

excalibur''s, novatron, britek, norman etc...

Customer Service:

paul buff''s assistant is a class act



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