Need feedback on new home studio.

jrollins

I know this topic has floated around here before, but I THINK I have a different need...

My wife and I are setting up a new home studio and I'm pretty sure I know what I want, I just need to know where you guys get the best deals on this stuff. This is my equipment list:

White backdrop
Black backdrop
Brownish backdrop (wife's requirement)
Backdrop support
Alien Bees (AB) B400 (2)
AB B800 (2)
AB Boom Arm
AB backlight stand
AB 13ft Heavy Duty Stand (3)
AB 48 inch Shoot-Thru Umbrella
AB SB3240 Large Softbox (2 or 1??)
AB 32 inch Silver/White Reversible Umbrella
AB Honeycomb Grid set (thinking about this one - worth $99???)

Okay, I know where to get the Alien Bees stuff, but where can I get awesome deals on high quality backdrops and a support? Also, the room I plan on setting this equipment up in is basically 11x14 - is that enough room, or do I need to look elsewhere?

Oh, yeah, and I remember seeing a post somewhere that said to forgo the AB Softboxes and pick up some Photoflex boxes from B&H. Anyone have any comments on that one?

Thanks in advance!

ScottMcLeod

jrollins wrote:

I know this topic has floated around here before, but I THINK I have a different need...

My wife and I are setting up a new home studio and I'm pretty sure I know what I want, I just need to know where you guys get the best deals on this stuff. This is my equipment list:

White backdrop
Black backdrop
Brownish backdrop (wife's requirement)
Backdrop support
Alien Bees (AB) B400 (2)
AB B800 (2)
AB Boom Arm
AB backlight stand
AB 13ft Heavy Duty Stand (3)
AB 48 inch Shoot-Thru Umbrella
AB SB3240 Large Softbox (2 or 1??)
AB 32 inch Silver/White Reversible Umbrella
AB Honeycomb Grid set (thinking about this one - worth $99???)

Okay, I know where to get the Alien Bees stuff, but where can I get awesome deals on high quality backdrops and a support? Also, the room I plan on setting this equipment up in is basically 11x14 - is that enough room, or do I need to look elsewhere?

Oh, yeah, and I remember seeing a post somewhere that said to forgo the AB Softboxes and pick up some Photoflex boxes from B&H. Anyone have any comments on that one?

Thanks in advance!

My studio is roughly 11' x 20', but it also houses my bed, and all of my computers, so the shooting space is about 11' x 11', and it's about the least I'd *ever* want to work in.

Okay for single models, but it's hard getting the lights where I want them...

jrollins

ScottMcLeod wrote:

My studio is roughly 11' x 20', but it also houses my bed, and all of my computers, so the shooting space is about 11' x 11', and it's about the least I'd *ever* want to work in.

Okay for single models, but it's hard getting the lights where I want them...

Which lens do you typically shoot with in that environment?

I have the 50mm f/1.8, but I'm afraid I won't have enough room. Darn, I'll just have to buy a new lens...

chrisjlee

Whoa. Crazy setup. With so many things to buy you should probably find someone who is a student who could purchase them for you. You could save 10%. You'd save big.

Other than that deal I can't think of anything else. AB's aren't easy to find on Ebay. I don't think anyone usually wants to get rid of AB's often.

HeldDown

My immediete recommendation is to shop around B&H to get your modifiers and stands. I've heard that AB's prices are absolutely ridiculous, when B&H offers better quality products for a lower price.
I'd say buy AB's lights, and leave the barndoors, softboxes, stands, etc to B&H or Adorama -- just make sure you check compatibility!

EDIT: You'll find a zoom like the Tamron 28-75 2.8 more versatile in a studio setup -- especially a small one -- than a prime. Despite the prime's slight legup on image quality, you'll be kicking yourself when you're trying to shoot that wider shot through the window from your front lawn with a 50mm.

ScottMcLeod

HeldDown wrote:

My immediete recommendation is to shop around B&H to get your modifiers and stands. I've heard that AB's prices are absolutely ridiculous, when B&H offers better quality products for a lower price.
I'd say buy AB's lights, and leave the barndoors, softboxes, stands, etc to B&H or Adorama -- just make sure you check compatibility!

EDIT: You'll find a zoom like the Tamron 28-75 2.8 more versatile in a studio setup -- especially a small one -- than a prime. Despite the prime's slight legup on image quality, you'll be kicking yourself when you're trying to shoot that wider shot through the window from your front lawn with a 50mm.

I second the Tamron 28-75 comment. I keep grabbing it off of my shelf to do shoots in here, and my 50 and 85 f/1.8's barely get any play.