Alienbees Strobes

[Big Mike]

Yes, shipping (especially across the border) can be expensive.

If you are going to order from them, I'd recommend the UPS Expedited shipping option, and not the UPS ground. It is more expensive, but if you ship via ground, you will get dinged with additional 'brokerage' charges to cross the border. When you choose Expedited, the brokerage is built into the price.
And besides that, it gets here fast. More than once, I've had my new gear in my hands about 24 hours after placing the order.

 

[mwcfarms]

Bram, I bought a 400, an 800, large softbox, heavy duty stand, barn doors, gels, gel holders, and the mainframe thingy and it was 900 and a bit. Got here in two days. I also went with the UPS Ex.

 

[mrshaleyberg]

I was actually looking at the package, and really, I don't need everything it comes with. I planned on getting studier light stands, and instead of umbrellas, I want to get soft boxes. So mainly I'm just wanting the strobe lights themselves. Either way, I'm going to be spending some money..which is fine. I want to invest in some good lights. Along with my lights that I'm planning on purchasing, I'm going to be getting a 24-70mm!

 

[Bram]

Bram, I bought a 400, an 800, large softbox, heavy duty stand, barn doors, gels, gel holders, and the mainframe thingy and it was 900 and a bit. Got here in two days. I also went with the UPS Ex.

Woah that's fast. Well I can't really justify spending 900 dollars right now. I mean school has to be paid for by the 25th of next month. Then also I was looking at buying another lens or body for that matter. Kind of just dreaming right now lol. I was however thinking of turning my basement into a studio and my mom was all for it. :thumbup:
Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[Big Mike]

I was actually looking at the package, and really, I don't need everything it comes with. I planned on getting studier light stands, and instead of umbrellas, I want to get soft boxes. So mainly I'm just wanting the strobe lights themselves. Either way, I'm going to be spending some money..which is fine. I want to invest in some good lights. Along with my lights that I'm planning on purchasing, I'm going to be getting a 24-70mm!

Like I mentioned before, you don't need to worry too much about their packages. You can add to, or take from their packages, or just get what you want. You won't be paying more by not getting the 'package'.

If you are not getting softboxes from them (you don't have to), just make sure that what you do get, has the correct speed ring. Different brands of strobes have different types of connections on the front (for reflector dishes, softboxes etc) and you need to makes sure they are compatible.

Lastly, if you truly want to 'invest in some good lights', you may want to look around a bit more. Alienbee lights are better than most/all of those cheap 'kits' you see...but I'd still consider them to be 'entry level' in the world of studio strobes.
From that same company (Paul C. Buff), you could look at the Einstein or White Lightning lights.

There are several other brands of lights that you might also consider, that might be a better 'investment', in terms of quality & performance.

 

[Bram]

Another thing I got an issue with is peolpe said they got discounts if they ordered online for alienbees. I set up my own setup and my discount was 5 bucks.... What is the point of that? My total is $408.11.

 

[kundalini]

From the AB website.....

Here’s how it works:

[SIZE=-2]If you buy one light, you will get 5% off all of the accessories in your package.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-2]If you buy two lights, you will get 10% off all of the accessories in your package.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2]If you buy three lights, you will get 15% off all of the accessories in your package.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-2]If you buy four or more lights, you will get 20% off all of the accessories in your package[/SIZE]​

......

So what is considered an accessory? This includes our CyberSync™ system, light stands, PLM™ system, softboxes and octaboxes, umbrellas, the reflectors and light modifiers, the travelware, and hardware! Some items excluded such as our Vagabond Mini™ Lithium System and replacement parts.​

​

 

[Bram]

Thank you Kundalini that makes sense now.

 

[mrshaleyberg]

Well basically I just want something legit rather than my ghetto make-shift lighting. I need something real. I guess getting something cheaper won't be too bad considering this will be my first strobe purchase.

 

[Big Mike]

What are your long term goals? Are you, or do you plan to be, a full time professional photographer? In other words, are you ever going to rely on these lights to help put food on your table?

Do you, or do you plan to have your own studio? Informal home studio or more professional?

Would you be willing to pay more for something that looks more professional? Or how about something that is built to take the rigors of professional use (to and from locations etc.)?

Like I said, the AB lights are decent units. I don't even mind their plastic (lexan) bodies...but I've used higher end lights and there is a difference.

 

[mrshaleyberg]

I do plan on doing this long term, but not necessarily to put food on the table so to speak. If I get to that point, then great, but as of right now, I'm doing it for enjoyment. I'm not sure if I plan to have my own studio. Right now I just have everything set up in my house. Maybe one day.

 

[Patrice]

I do plan on doing this long term, but not necessarily to put food on the table so to speak. If I get to that point, then great, but as of right now, I'm doing it for enjoyment. I'm not sure if I plan to have my own studio. Right now I just have everything set up in my house. Maybe one day.

Sounds like you already made up your mind about what to get. The AB800's re not a bad choice really. Next comes the actual purchase and then the fun starts. Maybe later you will decide to upgrade the lights well at that point you should be able to sell your bees for a decent price to a young person starting out or to simply keep them. These things are like routers and drill to woodworkers, you can't have too many.