Photogenics vs. Alien Bees

davidweaver · June 24, 2008

I'm posting this after reading about 300 pages of comments on other sites.

Photogenic Studio Max III vs. Alien Bees
:dunno
Have you shot either one? Commments?

Which one would you get and why? I already have some SB-800s stands, umbrellas, etc., and Pocket wizards for doing some light studio stuff but I need to get something more robust for large copy projects I'm taking on.

This will be dark studio work.

also interested in comments about the remote luggable power solutions for these systems.

Thanks!!!!!!!
David

ziggy53 · June 25, 2008

Sorry, I don't have any direct experience with either of the two brands you mention, but I believe both have benefits and problems. I would like to point out that Paul Buff support (Alien Bee and White Lightning brands) is legendary for being good.

I would also like to throw another name in the mix; FlashPoint II monolights. I bought 2 of the 1820 kits and I use them for wedding work and they have proven to be durable and consistant.

Do be aware that you are buying into a sytem and that parts of one system rarely fit parts of another system except maybe for light stands and umbrellas. Pretty much all other modifiers and accessories use a particular system fitting so make sure that the accessories available to the system you choose meet your needs.

I hesitate recommending any system for DC/remote use. They seem mostly for "occasional" DC use as opposed to continuous use.

When I don't know if a site has AC available I bring along handle-mount flashes with enough power to do much of what I need. I improvised much of the fittings etc. and honestly haven't had to use them except for testing.

(I did purchase a small generator last year and I intend to test that for remote use also (well ... someday.)

Art Scott · June 25, 2008

As Ziggy53 stated, I cannot actually recommend that AB's however i will atest without hesitation to Palu Buff's integrity, as I have used His first generation of studio flash units since around 1988 (and they were born in 1982) so Ihave excellent luck with mine........I thought I was havoing major problems with mine as they were not metering as high all of a sudden back in early 1993 and I sent them in along with a mo for $255 + shipping by UPS.....I got a check back for $180....and note that the only thing wrong was the lamps had died earlier than they should have but were out of warranty (no warranty on lamps and that is understandable).......Ihave 5 of them hey have went on several wedding shoots....I could now run them off his battery packs if I wanted to but when I need DC powered strobes I dig out the sunpak 622's and the quantum batteries....much smaller package than studio strobes and large battery packs................

davidweaver · June 25, 2008

Thanks Art and Ziggy,

There is a LOT to be said for excellent customer service as that is what I try to provide to all my customers. There is also something to say about buying american goods too.

I don't want a lot of weight to haul around as I do see myself taking them on remote gigs once in a while. I'lll prolly have more weight in good extension cords than in monolight heads.

.

The local shop I like poo-pooed them in favor of photogenics (they sell them). Okay, I see that bias.

The plus for photogenics is the extensive accessories they provide, but again, I'm more a strobist.com guy and like to use the least possible lighting for the maximum result.

I've done big bron and Elic stuff in years past, but think that technology has improved to the point that I dont need big power packs to do most lighting work.

Comments?! Please!!!!!!!

Shane422 · June 25, 2008

I have an Alienbee and like it quite a bit. I think Photogenics are probably better, but usually significantly more money as well. One advantage of the AB system is that they are releasing a trigger system soon that will allow you to change the power of each strobe wirelessly from the hotshoe reciever. Theere will be a couple of version of their triggers, and the version that is just now coming out cannot do this. I think the 2nd version will ship in teh fall. I believe Elinchrom (Skyport triggers/RX lights) is the only other system that has the ability to do that.

Art Scott · June 25, 2008

davidweaver wrote:

Thanks Art and Ziggy,

There is a LOT to be said for excellent customer service as that is what I try to provide to all my customers. There is also something to say about buying american goods too.

I don't want a lot of weight to haul around as I do see myself taking them on remote gigs once in a while. I'lll prolly have more weight in good extension cords than in monolight heads. .

The local shop I like poo-pooed them in favor of photogenics (they sell them). Okay, I see that bias.

The plus for photogenics is the extensive accessories they provide, but again, I'm more a strobist.com guy and like to use the least possible lighting for the maximum result.

I've done big bron and Elic stuff in years past, but think that technology has improved to the point that I dont need big power packs to do most lighting work.

Comments?! Please!!!!!!!

Photogenics might have been around a bit longer and as you said your camera store is a DEALER......the one thing Paul Buff has not done is to create dealerships......he wants all sales to come directly to/ from him....no one is commission paid no dealer mark ups.....he has sales once in a while but his prices are really much lower for comparable name brand lighting.....so his unwillingness to have dealers has caused some to talk him down (poo-poo as you said).....they do not want to recommend soemthing that will not put $ in their pockets...........:D

I have no affiliation with Paul Buff, White Lightning, Zuess or Alien Bees other than having OWNED White Lightning 5000's since around 1985..........

WingsOfLovePhoto · June 25, 2008

As a photographer new to the studio concept I just bought a ton of equipment. I looked into photogenics but decided on White lightning due to their better value. Paul Buff inc has been nothing but professional, fast shipping etc. The output on the x1600's I bought is excellent. I also just purchased their cyber sync remotes (better value than pocket wizards) and bought Larson Softboxes too. Lots of Master photographers use white lighting and alien bees. So I say go with what is within your budget.