@JM3Gs You can dial the strobe down and it shouldn't be a problem unless you're trying to shoot wide apertures. Even if you are, you can use an ND filter. Personally, I'd get the Einstein for the wider range of strobe output. But if price is an issue and you're going single light, get the B1600. It'll work indoors and outdoors. Use an ND filter to manage too much power indoors.
@JM3Gs TTL as in pre-flashing before the actual photo to let the flash automatically adjust the power output? That doesn't exist for an Alien Bee, even with the PocketWizard TT1/TT5/AC9 combination. If you want actual TTL, you'd need to get a Speedlite.
@ocabj no TTL is Through The Lens metering, so I was wondering what the difference between the 1/8" sync jack and the RJ11 jack was... it seems the RJ11 that the AC9 connects through would send the TTL info to the flash vs just sync'ing the timing.
to clarify I understand that 1/8" jack only is sending a signal to fire the flash at whatever it's set at, whereas the AC9 will allow the power output level to also be transmitted via the RJ11 jack so that the TTL metering info gets sent to the flash also.
@JM3Gs Yes, TTL metering works based a pre-flash. No, you will not get TTL metering with an Alien Bees. The RJ11 jack was originally designed for use with the Paul C Buff Cybersync triggers and has nothing to do with TTL.
@ocabj TTL doesn't work based on pre-flash, I think you may be confusing that with the CLS system which uses the pop-up to trigger the slave flash units. TTL is just the in camera meter. Hence the 'TT" in the Pocketwizards sends the metering info to whatever is attached to the tranceiver end, so it should work with the AB's. That's where the AC9 comes in because it is actually sending/receiving TTL info vs just the kicker that the 1/8" jack reads. Smart jack vs. dumb jack, if you will.
@JM3Gs I stand corrected... the AC9 just allows for remote power adjustment.... but I was correct with my statement that TTL is completely independent of flash triggering.... thanks for replying, so many people post videos on youtube and never engage with their commenters. Thanks for posting your stuff and doing such a thorough job with it.
@JM3Gs I understand what through the lens metering is. I don't want to argue the pre-flash, so I'll skip it. But you're confusing TTL (E-TTL for Canon, I-TTL for Nikon) and "Control-TL" which is the PocketWizard technology. Control-TL is the language PW wrote to allow the extra communication over the radio between the camera and the flash. TTL is FLASH specific. If the flash doesn't support TTL, you can't use TTL. Alien Bees are not TTL capable, nor any other studio strobe I know about.
@JM3Gs As far as the AC9, what that allows you to do with an Alien Bees is 1) the ability to control the power output from the camera wireless using the AC3 zone controller or FEC on camera, 2) zone designations using the AC3, 3) 'powertracking' (PW tech), 4) HyperSync (PW tech), and High Speed Sync. Note that I have not had luck with HSS and the Paul C Buff strobes.
I use alien bees at my high school, but they dont produce constant light like this one does, it this just a setting or a capability that is unique to this model?
@cosuin0122 If you're referring to the modeling lamp, all Alien Bees have one. You just need to toggle it on. Sometimes people remove the modeling lamp for times when they run off a portable battery power system and don't want to run the battery dead by accidentally leaving the modeling lamp on.
sorry but as a photog, you should realize that you can't demonstrate detail in a single video shot. so all of the accessories and parts you talked about were useless because i never saw them. you should take the time to create an actual instructional video instead of just standing in front of the cam.
with that said, you have a great voice and presence in video.
@SoL2Squiz No, I don't have the CyberSync / Commander system(s). I have the Einsteins with the new PocketWizard PowerMC2 receivers. I plan on doing a video on those soon.
@antropoloscar Complete set? The B1600 and Octabox? Whatever the price is right now at the alienbees website. Price hasn't changed since I bought mine. B1600 for $380 and $170 for the octabox. Add $50 for a stand, and another $300 for the Vagabond II if you need portable power. The new Vagabond Mini Lithium is $240. PWs are $170 for the Plus II or $200-$220 for the TT1/TT5.
@ocabj I enjoyed your video. Are you on flickr or have a website with photographs that you have taken using the setup with the alien bees b1600 and octabox together? Please send me a link, I'd like to see how your setup performs.
Nice video. I have been thinking about getting some Alien Bees for over 2 years now. My photo instructor at college got a set just before I graduated (2 years ago). He likes them and recommends them. They will be my first lighting gear, if I ever get a chance to get them. I saved some money back and then use it all for other things. I'm saving again and hoping to get my lights early spring.
@xlovergirl If you don't have wireless triggers (e.g. PocketWizards), all Alien Bees come with a 15 foot sync cord. Just plug one end into the sync port on the B1600, the other end on the sync port of your camera, and you're good to go. Sometimes if I'm at home taking still life / product photos, I'll just use a sync cord instead of breaking out the PocketWizards.
You answered a lot of my questions. I am in the market for lights but I need to be mobile. Do you think it is best to have the Canon 580EX and the Alien B?
Ocabj or anyone, is the 1600 to powerful to shoot portraits in the house? with/ without the octabox. I'm on the fence about picking up the 1600. I love the power, but I need the flexability of being able to shoot in the house without the light being to powerful.
@ShantiG100 The B1600 can dial down low enough to shoot indoors with the box. I've done it. Don't worry about the claims of color inconsistency at lower power on the B1600. If you even notice it, you can correct it easily.
I purchased the Einstein 640 with a large octabox. However I was actually looking for a light stand. I think Alien Bees' is a bit expensive for my budget as I am looking for three of them. You gave me a heads up on the Giottos. They are sturdy with a 50 inch base at $43.00. Exactly what I was looking for. Again, thanks for the video.
@baldheadguy You're welcome. FYI regarding the Giottos stands: I have all three models. The LC244-1 and LC325-1 have the same base diameter. The only difference is max height (325-1 can go taller). I have been using the B1600+octabox on the stand and hang the Vagabond II on the stand as a weight. I carry around the whole thing assembled around with no issues (other than the whole thing is heavy)."
why are you wearing formal ?
fpsanders123 6 days ago in playlist Alien Bees B800
Are you finding the B1600 power to be manageable? I've heard that the B1600 is too powerful for smaller studio spaces.
JM3Gs 1 month ago
@JM3Gs You can dial the strobe down and it shouldn't be a problem unless you're trying to shoot wide apertures. Even if you are, you can use an ND filter. Personally, I'd get the Einstein for the wider range of strobe output. But if price is an issue and you're going single light, get the B1600. It'll work indoors and outdoors. Use an ND filter to manage too much power indoors.
ocabj 1 month ago
@ocabj the sync cable just sync's the flash, right? In order to get TTL to work you'd have to get the special adapter to the RJ11 jack, correct?
JM3Gs 1 month ago
@JM3Gs TTL as in pre-flashing before the actual photo to let the flash automatically adjust the power output? That doesn't exist for an Alien Bee, even with the PocketWizard TT1/TT5/AC9 combination. If you want actual TTL, you'd need to get a Speedlite.
ocabj 1 month ago
@ocabj no TTL is Through The Lens metering, so I was wondering what the difference between the 1/8" sync jack and the RJ11 jack was... it seems the RJ11 that the AC9 connects through would send the TTL info to the flash vs just sync'ing the timing.
JM3Gs 1 month ago
to clarify I understand that 1/8" jack only is sending a signal to fire the flash at whatever it's set at, whereas the AC9 will allow the power output level to also be transmitted via the RJ11 jack so that the TTL metering info gets sent to the flash also.
JM3Gs 1 month ago
@JM3Gs Yes, TTL metering works based a pre-flash. No, you will not get TTL metering with an Alien Bees. The RJ11 jack was originally designed for use with the Paul C Buff Cybersync triggers and has nothing to do with TTL.
ocabj 1 month ago
@ocabj TTL doesn't work based on pre-flash, I think you may be confusing that with the CLS system which uses the pop-up to trigger the slave flash units. TTL is just the in camera meter. Hence the 'TT" in the Pocketwizards sends the metering info to whatever is attached to the tranceiver end, so it should work with the AB's. That's where the AC9 comes in because it is actually sending/receiving TTL info vs just the kicker that the 1/8" jack reads. Smart jack vs. dumb jack, if you will.
JM3Gs 1 month ago
@JM3Gs I stand corrected... the AC9 just allows for remote power adjustment.... but I was correct with my statement that TTL is completely independent of flash triggering.... thanks for replying, so many people post videos on youtube and never engage with their commenters. Thanks for posting your stuff and doing such a thorough job with it.
JM3Gs 1 month ago
@JM3Gs I understand what through the lens metering is. I don't want to argue the pre-flash, so I'll skip it. But you're confusing TTL (E-TTL for Canon, I-TTL for Nikon) and "Control-TL" which is the PocketWizard technology. Control-TL is the language PW wrote to allow the extra communication over the radio between the camera and the flash. TTL is FLASH specific. If the flash doesn't support TTL, you can't use TTL. Alien Bees are not TTL capable, nor any other studio strobe I know about.
ocabj 1 month ago
@JM3Gs As far as the AC9, what that allows you to do with an Alien Bees is 1) the ability to control the power output from the camera wireless using the AC3 zone controller or FEC on camera, 2) zone designations using the AC3, 3) 'powertracking' (PW tech), 4) HyperSync (PW tech), and High Speed Sync. Note that I have not had luck with HSS and the Paul C Buff strobes.
ocabj 1 month ago
@JM3Gs Simply put, even with TT1/TT5/AC9/AC3, the Alien Bees strobe will not automatically adjust itself based on your camera's metering information.
ocabj 1 month ago
knows all about photography lighting, doesn't know about audio echo
jvssmith 4 months ago
Hi! Thanks for the review! Could you tell me whats the website you bought the cable? Couldn't understand and cant find it... THANKS
elbob2583 4 months ago
@elbob2583 FlashZebra
ocabj 4 months ago
@ocabj Thanks!
elbob2583 4 months ago
I use alien bees at my high school, but they dont produce constant light like this one does, it this just a setting or a capability that is unique to this model?
cosuin0122 8 months ago
@cosuin0122 If you're referring to the modeling lamp, all Alien Bees have one. You just need to toggle it on. Sometimes people remove the modeling lamp for times when they run off a portable battery power system and don't want to run the battery dead by accidentally leaving the modeling lamp on.
ocabj 8 months ago
sorry but as a photog, you should realize that you can't demonstrate detail in a single video shot. so all of the accessories and parts you talked about were useless because i never saw them. you should take the time to create an actual instructional video instead of just standing in front of the cam.
with that said, you have a great voice and presence in video.
iwasfixin2 9 months ago
Nice.
CrazyHeliDude 9 months ago
awesome setup dude! i hope to see more videos from you :) would you happen to have the CYBER COMMANDER and the EINSTEIN?
SoL2Squiz 10 months ago
@SoL2Squiz No, I don't have the CyberSync / Commander system(s). I have the Einsteins with the new PocketWizard PowerMC2 receivers. I plan on doing a video on those soon.
ocabj 10 months ago
Ocabj - can you tell me the how long the octabox is when it's folded down? Curious to know if it'll fit in the carrying case I have.
SmartPDOnline 11 months ago
@SmartPDOnline 29-30". I just tape measured it now.
ocabj 11 months ago
@ocabj Thanks!
SmartPDOnline 11 months ago
can you tell how much was the complete set ?
antropoloscar 11 months ago
@antropoloscar Complete set? The B1600 and Octabox? Whatever the price is right now at the alienbees website. Price hasn't changed since I bought mine. B1600 for $380 and $170 for the octabox. Add $50 for a stand, and another $300 for the Vagabond II if you need portable power. The new Vagabond Mini Lithium is $240. PWs are $170 for the Plus II or $200-$220 for the TT1/TT5.
ocabj 11 months ago
This is one of the best photo gear videos that I've seen on YouTube.
creightonholub 1 year ago
The sync cord it your best bet.
WomackPhotoKCMO 1 year ago
Really great post. It was well done. Do you have any photo examples of the work you've done with thus set up?
mjohn196 1 year ago
@mjohn196 I'll have to private message them to you since I can't put URLs in youtube comments.
ocabj 1 year ago
@ocabj I enjoyed your video. Are you on flickr or have a website with photographs that you have taken using the setup with the alien bees b1600 and octabox together? Please send me a link, I'd like to see how your setup performs.
eha1990 11 months ago
@eha1990 I'll send you links via PM.
ocabj 11 months ago
@ocabj Thanks. Your photographs on your website are excellent!
eha1990 11 months ago
Thanks for the great information regarding flash zebra.. I have just bought the same set up;-))
julianhurrell 1 year ago
Nice video. I have been thinking about getting some Alien Bees for over 2 years now. My photo instructor at college got a set just before I graduated (2 years ago). He likes them and recommends them. They will be my first lighting gear, if I ever get a chance to get them. I saved some money back and then use it all for other things. I'm saving again and hoping to get my lights early spring.
Thanks for the info!
IndianaMatt85 1 year ago
At 2:44 you had concerns about RF noise for the Flexx. Have you had any problems to date?
Sons0fJustice 1 year ago
@Sons0fJustice Nope. None. I haven't tried to trigger the FlexTT5 on the AB from long distance though (beyond 15 yards).
ocabj 1 year ago
Do I need to buy any extra stuff to let it communicate/sync with my camera? Or I can just buy the B1600 and octabox and I'm ready to start shooting?
xlovergirl 1 year ago
@xlovergirl If you don't have wireless triggers (e.g. PocketWizards), all Alien Bees come with a 15 foot sync cord. Just plug one end into the sync port on the B1600, the other end on the sync port of your camera, and you're good to go. Sometimes if I'm at home taking still life / product photos, I'll just use a sync cord instead of breaking out the PocketWizards.
ocabj 1 year ago
@ocabj Thank you for the advice and prompt response! I'll look into those pocketwizards!
xlovergirl 1 year ago
You answered a lot of my questions. I am in the market for lights but I need to be mobile. Do you think it is best to have the Canon 580EX and the Alien B?
saygoodie01 1 year ago
Ocabj or anyone, is the 1600 to powerful to shoot portraits in the house? with/ without the octabox. I'm on the fence about picking up the 1600. I love the power, but I need the flexability of being able to shoot in the house without the light being to powerful.
Thanks for any help
ShantiG100 1 year ago
@ShantiG100 The B1600 can dial down low enough to shoot indoors with the box. I've done it. Don't worry about the claims of color inconsistency at lower power on the B1600. If you even notice it, you can correct it easily.
ocabj 1 year ago
awesome video Ocabj! I am buying the Alien Bees Tomorrow! I wish most tutorials were like yours. thanks a lot!
tk375 1 year ago
I purchased the Einstein 640 with a large octabox. However I was actually looking for a light stand. I think Alien Bees' is a bit expensive for my budget as I am looking for three of them. You gave me a heads up on the Giottos. They are sturdy with a 50 inch base at $43.00. Exactly what I was looking for. Again, thanks for the video.
baldheadguy 1 year ago
@baldheadguy You're welcome. FYI regarding the Giottos stands: I have all three models. The LC244-1 and LC325-1 have the same base diameter. The only difference is max height (325-1 can go taller). I have been using the B1600+octabox on the stand and hang the Vagabond II on the stand as a weight. I carry around the whole thing assembled around with no issues (other than the whole thing is heavy)."
ocabj 1 year ago
Thank you for posting this video. I found the information very helpful.
baldheadguy 1 year ago
@baldheadguy I'm glad it actually helped you out a little. You shopping for some studio strobes?
ocabj 1 year ago
Nice video
ProPhotoHouston02 1 year ago