Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I purchased 2 Alien B400 but just sent on back for a B1600. I was told I could use the B1600 out side so I wanted to have that option. I do about half my shoots in doors and half outdoors. I was also looking at the ABR 800 Ring Flash and was wondering if I should just go with that instead of the B1600 for now. I do portrait photography. I hear good things about the ring flash but have never used one. Could this one be used out door or will it not have enough power? Any advise would be very helpful! Thanks

From a watt-second standpoint it is equivalent to a B800 (320 Ws). IMHO it works outdoors but so much depends on what you are trying to do with it - full sun, shade, modifier, etc. AB1600 OR ABR800 is a tough call but I might be inclined to lean towards the 1600 since it gets you more power, is compatible with more modifiers, and you haven't typically used a ring anyway. Then save up for the ABR to add another light source later.

Having said all that, if you think you'll have that deep down "I really want to give that ring a try", then go for it :-)