Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

but I really want to make sure I am doing the right thing here. First let me explain my needs. I am simply looking for a single light setup that will be used for pictures of my kids…and they be in our apartment. With that in mind, I have been looking at the The Beginner Bee set up…and if worth it opt for the B1600 upgrade. What I would like to know:

Is the unit variable strength? Can I make the lighting less dramatic?
Is it both a flash type unit and a continous light unit?
I currently own a 5D II camera -- is there anything else I would need to 'fire' the unit?

Again, sorry for the basic questions…but this is all very new to me.

Thanks in advance, Pete

Pete,

I'm very new to Alien Bees, but here's my opinion.

The unit, indeed, has variable power.

It's mainly a flash unit, however, the modeling lights are sort of bright and you may be able to use them as continuous lights in certain, limited conditions, but I wouldn't count on this a lot.

You will not need anything else to fire it with your Canon. These lights come with a 15' cord that will plug into your PC jack.

Good luck and happy new year!

The model lamp is 150W, which is not very bright in terms of a continuous light source, Though some do use it with very fast lenses. For an apartment studio, a B1600 is typically overkill. You would be shooting at a lower power almost exclusively, negating the extra money on the higher powered light. A B400 would likely be enough power for this function.

The "drama" of the light has less to do with the power of the light or it's settings, and more to do with the shadow characteristics. These are defined by the type and placement of the modifiers (umbrellas, softboxes, etc.) as well as the darkness of the shadows.

Given your camera, all you NEED to fire comes with the light, however many users do prefer a remote triggering device, like our Cyber Syncs: http://www.alienbees.com/remotes.html

Hello All, and thank you very much for the responses. Since my 'workspace' will be limited...I will shy away from the 1600 and most likely opt for the 800 that is standard with the Beginning Bee setup just in case things change and move into something bigger. I will also look at the remotes since I see that as being very handy.

Again, that you both for the responses...this is very new to me so I need all the advise I can get!!! Happy New Year to all.

Pete