White Lightning vs Alien Bees

[onsightpics]

Up to now I have just used my 550EX manually & wireless shot into an umbrella when I wanted added light. Everything else has been available light. But I like the effect and creative potential of the added light so I want to get a couple of strobes.

Can someone who has experience with one or both of these give me an opinion?
I am wondering if the AB B800 is as good as a WL X-800.
I know they both are very popular but if the AB is really very good then I might save some cash and skip the WL.
But if the WL is really much better I would shell out the extra cash.

Also, have there been any issues with using them with a D60?

Thanks,

donovan
onsightpics.com

[JaysonFromMaine]

both are made by same company...both are good...white lightning is a step up in quality over the bees..lots of people on GG use the bees...as for the camera issue ...I use nikons

[mvpphoto]

Donovan,

I have used both the White Lightning and Alien Bees with my Canon cameras and have not noticed any difference in final results. They are both made by the same company and share the same accessories. The only difference is that the White Lightning lights have a metal casing where the Bees are high impact plastic. Due to the plastic, the Bees are much lighter and a easier to adjust and get to location shoots.

Joe

The image below was shot with a Canon D60 and a single Alien Bee B800 into an umbrella



The second image was taken with a Canon D60 and four White Lightning X800s

...with their Vagabond battery pack. I've had great results on location, and they have blown over many times, and really take a licking, even with their plastic case. Hope this helps.

Here's an image taken with one (1) Bee 1600, with a 20x30 softbox.




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[Clint]

I thought that the AB's were the same units as the white lightning...both are from Paul Buff aren't they? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

or is one considered more professional [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[onsightpics]

Thanks! And great shots too !
I was aware that the Bees and the Lightnings were from the same company and that's why I was wondering if one was better than the other.
Thanks to you guys I now realize that one is metal and the other high impact plastic.
I think I'll go with the bees [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Have a GREAT Holiday!

donovan