Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I recently got the beauty dish (silver HOBD) and I am going to use it with one of the BEEs i have. I was also going to get a Baby Boomer Offset Arm for it, but then noticed this:

Please note: With the location of the mounting block on AlienBees, and the flat rear surface of the new HOBD and HOBD-W, there is not any additional range of motion gained when using these two products together.

So... my question is - what is the best way to attach the HOBD to the stand so that i would have some flexibility with positioning the HOBD at various angles?

Many thanks!
Z

I had the same dilemma... I bought a relatively inexpensive boom stand. IMO you need a boom with the HOBD to get the right angles of light. It's a shame that the old Buff Boom stand was never replaced. I used one recently, it wasn't too bad. Pretty much the same as the one I ended up getting from JTL for the joining bracket, but the stand itself was better. The problem on mine is the crappy joining "friction" bracket... has lots of little teeth and you have to crank the crap outta it to prevent the BD from hittin your model. Balance is key... If I had to do it over again I'd spend the money and get a manfrotto boom arm and stick it on one of the good air cushion stands from Buff.

For the most range of motion, you would need a full on boom arm. This puts the rotation point off to the side instead of underneath. This allows a downward angle positioning.

Thanks for replies. Yes, I was thinking about a boom for the HOBD, but booms are expensive where I live :lol: I was hoping for a DIY suggestion of some sort. But I've been thinking about it and I might have a solution which needs to be checked once I get home. I'll report back with results ;)

Ok, I tested one of my umbrella adapters and surprisingly it worked! Pretty much as much range of dish motion as I needed without purchasing a boom. Cost of adapter was in the range of $12, I believe. :D
Initially I tried using two similar adapters which gave me even more range of motion which I did not really need. So I decided to use one adapter. I also think that using one is more solid..

Great solution.

Alternatively, if you don't require too much reach or flyover from your dish, you could opt for a relatively inexpensive articulating arm bracket - like a magic arm or any knockoffs - it'll have a rock solid bolt to the light stand and provide virtually any angle placement you can think of with about a 2-foot reach from the stand. (use a sandbag!) Typically around $30-$70, depending on mfr. I use knock-off Werners for $30 and they work just as well as the $80 Manfrottos. Just a thought. :)

BTW, Paul... how's about some love for larger 12"x60" griddable stripboxes and a faint possibility of a giant 55"-60" griddable octa? pretty, pretty pleeeease? I'm keepin' my little wishlist under my pillow - I believe, I believe!!! :D 8-)