Mixing Stobes - Can we talk about this?

[GeorgieGirl]

Idea:

I'd like to buy two Alien Bees specifially for lighting up a white background and to use along with the three RX300's that I currently have for high key on the white background.

Thought:

I am challenged with the white background and think I can get the effect that I want if I have two dedicated lights as a norm. I am thinking I'd like to avoid adding two new RX's at this time just to hold down costs let alone the extras since they come without reflectors. I keep reading about not mixing lights but need to know more.

Question 1:

If I mix the two lighting mfg's as described, and I think there is a close AB match for wattage, what is the liklihood that I will have color temperature issues in the photo?

Question 2:

What about in any other set up use with the mixture?

 

[Village Idiot]

Color temperature sounds like it would be the biggest problem for you. If you're using the bees bare you won't necessarily need modifiers past the reflectors they're sold with.

Flash power consistency may be a possible issue. You'd have to compare between the two brands.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

No idea what RX300s are but your case is exactly why I keep telling people that ABs are a good deal to start with.

They may not be the best strobes but they can be used very nicely for what you have in mind. Blowing out the white background.

Color temp should not be a problem unless you use them at too low a setting, if I remember correctly. And that would not be the case if you just want to get a white background.

 

[GeneralBenson]

I would think that as long as subject and background are each lit with the same brand light, any slight change in color temperature wouldn't be noticeable. As in, if you only had AB's on the background, and RX's on the subject, then if there does turn out to be a slight WB difference, it wouldn't be nearly as noticeable as it would be if you had one AB and one RX on the background. Plus, this way, if it does turn out to be a big different in WB, it wouldn't be terribly difficult to just make a background selection and WB adjustment. I think as long as you keep one brand to each 'layer' of the image, then you will be fine.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

No idea what RX300s are but your case is exactly why I keep telling people that ABs are a good deal to start with.

They may not be the best strobes but they can be used very nicely for what you have in mind. Blowing out the white background.

Color temp should not be a problem unless you use them at too low a setting, if I remember correctly. And that would not be the case if you just want to get a white background.

RX300=Elinchrom

Thanks for the thoughts, I am feeling like I might get the nerve up.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

I would think that as long as subject and background are each lit with the same brand light, any slight change in color temperature wouldn't be noticeable. As in, if you only had AB's on the background, and RX's on the subject, then if there does turn out to be a slight WB difference, it wouldn't be nearly as noticeable as it would be if you had one AB and one RX on the background. Plus, this way, if it does turn out to be a big different in WB, it wouldn't be terribly difficult to just make a background selection and WB adjustment. I think as long as you keep one brand to each 'layer' of the image, then you will be fine.

Cool, that's logical thinking and I like that!

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Did a bit more research. There is a difference in recycle times so I will consider that too.

 

[gsgary]

I had a bit of a play today with a 580EX and studio flash but on a black background, white could make a difference but i think you are always better having the same make of flash, in the UK the you get free sky port whenyou buy a set of lights

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Thats a WOW from me. :thumbup:

 

[gsgary]

Thats a WOW from me. :thumbup:

It was only a quick snap shot, bit of a bodge job here's the set up