Alien Bees...

[jamiebug]

I just ordered a set of Alien Bees!! 3 800's with the new wireless transmitter. Anyone that owns these have any advice for my first time....EVER...with flash??

I AM SO EXCITED! But wow...what a purchase. It's really too bad they don't have these in any stores...i would have liked to touch them before i bought.

Advice...wisdom...please!

[WsW-WYATT-EARP]

you will enjoy them .... I have 2 ab400's - I suggest as will everyone else ... start with just 1 strobe and learn to work that - then slowly add lights as you get more comfortable with them, otherwise you will get annoyed trying to get what you want.

When you get around to it - please post how well the wireless system works from AB.

Do you have a light meter? it helps in the set up of your lights ....

[adina]

I've got one. The most important thing that I learned (and learned it quick) was that you need to have the slider that tells you how much power really low. I'm usually at like1/16th ( I think, haven't used it in a while).

What'd you get to put on them? I went with a Larson 4x6, which on the rare occasions I use it, I love.

[WsW-WYATT-EARP]

I've got one. The most important thing that I learned (and learned it quick) was that you need to have the slider that tells you how much power really low. I'm usually at like1/16th ( I think, haven't used it in a while).

This all depends on alot of factors .... if your shooting inside and little to no ambient light and shooting close to wide open then yes you can get away with low power setting. Start stopping down your aperture and you may have to start giving it some juice. Or if your outside and your subject is backlit. You may have to jack up the power to get that balance....

Its nice to have the power when you need it .... remember if you do get to use them outside - make sure you weight the stands down - them umbrellas act like sails - not alot of wind will bring them down !

[jamiebug]

I am kind of a light dummy....and these lights have made me look like a pro! I can not believe how effortless it has been learning how to use, and control these lights. AMAZING results.

I can not say enough about the wireless system!!! AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING! We set it up in the back of a brick building...walked to the front of that building...still went off...went to the sidewalk, still worked well...went across the street...yeppers...WENT INTO THE BRICK BUILDING ACROSS THE STREET! You guessed it! I am speechless.

[JTcooper]

The bee is affordable and been work good for me last four years.

Cheer,

[Snapac]

I am kind of a light dummy....and these lights have made me look like a pro! I can not believe how effortless it has been learning how to use, and control these lights. AMAZING results.

I can not say enough about the wireless system!!! AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING! We set it up in the back of a brick building...walked to the front of that building...still went off...went to the sidewalk, still worked well...went across the street...yeppers...WENT INTO THE BRICK BUILDING ACROSS THE STREET! You guessed it! I am speechless.

I'm shooting with the K10D and have been thinking about the setup, after reading this thread. I'm I correct in understanding that the 800's have a built-in wireless on the unit itself? I know my camera does and can trigger it. I have not used that feature not. if not is there an additional device that I should purchase?

[Nats]

I have never heard of these before.
How do you use them? Are they flash only, or can they be set for
continues? What advantage do they offer over a regulat camera flash?