[andy5452]

It`s been a while since my last post/plea for help... Now, I`ve been offered a set of lights from two photographers I know .. (yes I`m very lucky)... I`m not at that level of piccie taking yet. But, they seem excellent value (I`ve used these guys for work and they used this kit). And... if I hadn`t bought my actual camera from one of these guys a few months ago I wouldn`t even be taking any photos. So i`m thinking if I`m lucky enough to get a decent system for rock bottom money (which it is, I`ve checked) Even if it`s 6 months before I get any decent use.. it`s still worth having ..?

Does anybody know any thing about "Alien Bees" systems and Elichrom ones?? All they have said is that both are "better than the Porta Flash systems" that I would normally get for this kinda money.

Andy

[danpen]

They are definitely both better than portaflash, the Alien Bees are very popular amongst keen amateurs in the states and elinchrom are one of the more popular (along with bowens) over here. If the gear is in good nick (and it sounds like you can trust these guys) and you're happy with the price then go for it.

Try it out, don't expect great things immediately as getting lighting right is a skill you'll have to learn, if, eventually you decide the kit is not for you sell it on. Both makes are likely to keep their value pretty well.

Good Luck and I hope you enjoy them.

[andy5452]

Yeah he said teh Alien stuff was from the states, needs a step up/down transformer. Any wherehere in the uk for spares though??

Andy

[Steve]

I have done a little web searching for you and stumbled across these posts elsewhere…

Guys, just came across a gem. I purchased a pair of Alien Bee's B800 lights. They are cheap, light and effective. They aren't the best around, but they are the best for the money! I had mine converted to UK power 230 VAC for £10 by Alien Bee's. Now work off mains! Only problem is the modified versions will not work with the Alien Bees Vagabond battery system.

and a reply from another guy…

I have no personal experience of Alien Bees, but know a bit about them from my work on a lighting forum.

They have a very good reputation for quality and customer care, they are not actually a cheap manufacturer, they are cut-downs of the White Lightening range with cheaper cases and no cooling fans, so they may not be OK for continuous use.
Not only are the specs very good, but the guide numbers are realistic and Paul Buff, who runs the firm, has a very good reputation.

Because they only sell direct (not through dealers) they are virtually unknown in this country but from what I've heard you've made a good choice

So from that it looks like you can get the system converted for very little money directly from the manufacturer and that the system is very good overall but may not be that good for continuous use. Providing that’s ok by you and the above is correct it seems that you may just be getting yourself a bargain.

HTH