>From: "John A. Lind" <jlind@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
>Has anyone on the list used Alien Bees monolights?
Haven't used them, but demoed them.
>If so, how would you rate them?
>Any problems with reliability or durability?
I think they'd be great for occasional amateur use, but they're not built like
Brauns or Normans or Speedotrons. If you're looking for day-in, day-out pro
use, I'd go for something a bit heftier.
>Time to get some monolights.
Have you considered packs? They can be had on the used market rather cheaply.
If you only need two, monos may be cheaper, but add a hair-light, and a used
pack with separate lights can break even, and you can then add a fourth light
rather cheaply.
I bought a used Speedotron with seven heads for less than the price of three
Alien Bees monos at our local pro photo shop.
The lights are just the tip of the iceberg. Now you'll need stands, and
brallies, softboxes, scrim, gobos, barn-doors, grip for diffusers, etc. etc.
etc.
Another advantage of packs is you can put more weight on the stand. I have a
lovely 5'x4' softbox that I'm sure would topple over with the added weight of a
mono up on the stand!
And if a stand does go over, you're out a $20 bulb, NOT a $200 electronics
assembly!
--
: Jan Steinman -- nature Transography(TM): <http://www.Bytesmiths.com>
: Bytesmiths -- artists' services: <http://www.Bytesmiths.com/Services>
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