Posted by Nathan Buck on March 28, 2007 at 7:43 PM
Hi all.
I still have not purchased my lighting upgrades, and have been thinking about other options, especially after looking at The Strobist for a while.
Here are my options as I see them:
1. AB-1600 now and another AB mono light later (most likely an AB-800).
2. AB-1600 now and an SB-800 down the road (or another strobe such as an older SB-28 - like the strobist group does).
3. Get only smaller strobes.
Option one would cost the most (though not much more than option 2), and would give me the most horsepower and the quickest cycle times. Option 2 would be the most diverse lighting package, and would cost close to what option 1 would cost. Option 3 would be the most flexible kit (for portability) but I would be buying AA's like crazy, and my cycle times would be longer. Portability would be very nice with it though.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Nathan
Posted by Dan Borzynski on March 28, 2007 at 9:07 PM
The Strobist is a great source of information. It pretty much demonstrates that the photographer is far more important that the equipment.
Going for the AB route does have the advantage that if you ae doing location shoots for hire, you'll look a lot more professional. In theory, it shouldn't matter if you understand how to use the equipment you have (and given the images you post here, that won't be an issue), but in practice, impressions setting up do make a difference. Recycle times on the smaller strobes also won't impress a client, especially if time is an issue.
Nathan, send me a note in about two weeks. I purchased some of the AB1600's this afternoon and I should have them in my possession next week.
(edit - I just remembered that you have experience with your neighbor's Alien Bees. You are still welcome to send me a note about using them, but I suspect a lot of your questions in that regard may already be answered.)
Posted by Lee Robinson on March 28, 2007 at 9:16 PM
Too, another approach is to buy a couple SB-800's, a couple white umbrellas, a couple light stands and do the wireless thing from your camera. Simple, light weight, and more than effective. Ask Joe McNally.
Discussion
2 repliesI still have not purchased my lighting upgrades, and have been thinking about other options, especially after looking at The Strobist for a while.
Here are my options as I see them:
1. AB-1600 now and another AB mono light later (most likely an AB-800).
2. AB-1600 now and an SB-800 down the road (or another strobe such as an older SB-28 - like the strobist group does).
3. Get only smaller strobes.
Option one would cost the most (though not much more than option 2), and would give me the most horsepower and the quickest cycle times. Option 2 would be the most diverse lighting package, and would cost close to what option 1 would cost. Option 3 would be the most flexible kit (for portability) but I would be buying AA's like crazy, and my cycle times would be longer. Portability would be very nice with it though.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Nathan
Going for the AB route does have the advantage that if you ae doing location shoots for hire, you'll look a lot more professional. In theory, it shouldn't matter if you understand how to use the equipment you have (and given the images you post here, that won't be an issue), but in practice, impressions setting up do make a difference. Recycle times on the smaller strobes also won't impress a client, especially if time is an issue.
Nathan, send me a note in about two weeks. I purchased some of the AB1600's this afternoon and I should have them in my possession next week.
(edit - I just remembered that you have experience with your neighbor's Alien Bees. You are still welcome to send me a note about using them, but I suspect a lot of your questions in that regard may already be answered.)