I use 2 AB 800s in a very tight studio (8x20 feet). I shoot at f/8 & f/11. Could shoot at f/5.6. I meter at ISO 100 & shoot 160 Porta. I use a medium photoflex soft box with white walls and diffuser pannel, about 2 or 3 feet from subject for main light. This works well for me. With all that said, The Alien Bee company told me that the bottum end of the 400 & 800 lights were the same. So I went with the 800s because the price was only a little more.
I have never tried the 400s so I can't comment on their performance. I have used my AB 800 on location and they are fine, but I do have two old Multiblitz lights that will give me a little more power. The AB 800 is a great light and is low voltage for digital cameras flash sinc. That's all I have to say about that. Ken.
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