So Nik, almost 5 months later what do think of the Bees now? How is the Vagabond II working out?
Also, why no AB1600?
David,
here's the gist of it.
What do I own:
Profoto CompPact-R: 1x600w, 1x300w
AlienBees: 4x800w, 2x300w
Thus far I like the setup a lot. I use Profotos as main lights, since they can "hold" larger modifiers (7' octabox and 3'x4' softbox, which I often use as 4'x5" striplight by applying the fabric shades). ABs are rims, hair, bg and any special effects, since all the modifiers are *much* cheaper. I would not be able to afford ProFoto stuff. Besides, ABs are much lighter, which makes them ideal for hanging up in the air, which again means that I can use slimier - and *much* cheaper - support (c-stands and such).
Vagabond provides a nice way to use any AC-based device on location. However, hauling it and ABs require much
Why not AB1600: After using Profotos (which are, again, 600 and 300) it was fairly clear that this is pretty much ideal range for what I do. Since my preferred DOF is f/4 or faster I'm more often struggling to get less power than more. Both PF600 and AB800 seem to operate great in what I do, at a 1/4..1/2 of max power, thus providing relatively fast reload time. And PF300 and AB400 are used for auxiliary purposes, so they are great there too.
I must say that while it seems like an overkill to have 8 different studio lights for an amateur (who I am) studio, it does make a tremendous difference in versatility and possibility, allowing me to change the mood/pattern in 5-10 minutes, without breaking the groove of the shoot.
What do I own:
Profoto CompPact-R: 1x600w, 1x300w
AlienBees: 4x800w, 2x300w
Thus far I like the setup a lot. I use Profotos as main lights, since they can "hold" larger modifiers (7' octabox and 3'x4' softbox, which I often use as 4'x5" striplight by applying the fabric shades). ABs are rims, hair, bg and any special effects, since all the modifiers are *much* cheaper. I would not be able to afford ProFoto stuff. Besides, ABs are much lighter, which makes them ideal for hanging up in the air, which again means that I can use slimier - and *much* cheaper - support (c-stands and such).
Thanks Nik. I knew you had Profotos but didn't realize they were the ComPact-R. I have used and like their modifiers, but they do get expensive fast.
Vagabond provides a nice way to use any AC-based device on location. However, hauling it and ABs require much
There are lotsa DIY Vagabond threads out there. That isn't my goal (actually boosting it would be), but I saw that some folks swapped out the 20Ah battery they come with for a 10Ah. Much lighter, but the trade-off is a longer recycle time and much fewer shots per battery charge. It might be an option for situations you are shooting less than full power anyway.
Why not AB1600: After using Profotos (which are, again, 600 and 300) it was fairly clear that this is pretty much ideal range for what I do. Since my preferred DOF is f/4 or faster I'm more often struggling to get less power than more.
I was hoping that was the case. I've seen a lot of what you have posted, and I figured you were dialing it down. Thanks for confirming it.
I must say that while it seems like an overkill to have 8 different studio lights for an amateur (who I am) studio, it does make a tremendous difference in versatility and possibility, allowing me to change the mood/pattern in 5-10 minutes, without breaking the groove of the shoot.
Not at all. I have followed the threads over time you have posted and it seems you methodically added to it. Seems to give you choices. Having options is good - if you can afford it. That why we have more than one lens, more than one bag, more than one camera body.
OK, OK. Maybe I am self justifying on that last one:lol .
And you are a gearhead. But it does make sense to me.
"Don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to. Oh well."
-Fleetwood Mac
Comments
So Nik, almost 5 months later what do think of the Bees now? How is the Vagabond II working out?
Also, why no AB1600?
-Fleetwood Mac
David,
here's the gist of it.
What do I own:
Profoto CompPact-R: 1x600w, 1x300w
AlienBees: 4x800w, 2x300w
Thus far I like the setup a lot. I use Profotos as main lights, since they can "hold" larger modifiers (7' octabox and 3'x4' softbox, which I often use as 4'x5" striplight by applying the fabric shades). ABs are rims, hair, bg and any special effects, since all the modifiers are *much* cheaper. I would not be able to afford ProFoto stuff. Besides, ABs are much lighter, which makes them ideal for hanging up in the air, which again means that I can use slimier - and *much* cheaper - support (c-stands and such).
Vagabond provides a nice way to use any AC-based device on location. However, hauling it and ABs require much
Why not AB1600: After using Profotos (which are, again, 600 and 300) it was fairly clear that this is pretty much ideal range for what I do. Since my preferred DOF is f/4 or faster I'm more often struggling to get less power than more. Both PF600 and AB800 seem to operate great in what I do, at a 1/4..1/2 of max power, thus providing relatively fast reload time. And PF300 and AB400 are used for auxiliary purposes, so they are great there too.
I must say that while it seems like an overkill to have 8 different studio lights for an amateur (who I am) studio, it does make a tremendous difference in versatility and possibility, allowing me to change the mood/pattern in 5-10 minutes, without breaking the groove of the shoot.
HTH
OK, OK. Maybe I am self justifying on that last one:lol .
And you are a gearhead. But it does make sense to me.
-Fleetwood Mac