Anyone have experience with the Alien Bees lights? I'm pondering getting a two light kit for studio usage. I had considered getting a Nikon sb600 to act as a slave for my sb800, but the power and pricing of the Bees seems too good a deal to pass up.
My main subject is artistic portrait work. Upper torso and head.
http://www.alienbees.com/
I bought a used Norman setup for a shade less than the prices I see on the above web site. But I got 20 year old used stuff. The alienbees stuff looks to have everything you need: Powerful strobe, model light and way to attach light modifiers.
Yes you are right studio lights are the way to go. Not just because these are low priced but because they have so much more power and versatility. But buying a lighting system is like buying an SLR. You are committed to buying all their stuff when you expand the system.
The ONLY reason to use an on-camera strobe like the SB800 is if you need the portability. If you have time to set up lights the results will be much better.
One thing. Buy a hand held flash meter. You can get buy making test shots and looking at the histogram display on the back of the camera but a meter makes it easier.
My setup is older but looks a lot like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...052&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
but paid about 1/3rd that price.
This kind of gear is so durable that it will outlast four camera systems. It can be repaired forever as they used standard parts.
I'd say go with what you found unless you get lucky lie I did and can find an industrial grade outfit at a comparable price
Speedotron is another old brand you can look for.
this made me spill my coffee! But I agree, I expected some sort of mutant bees 