Ab800 vs. SB-800

I have a decent older set of norman lights. However I would like something a

lot easier and "messy" then this to do formals. All the wires are really

dangerous and a bit to set up.

 

Which would you do? Alien Bee's or SB-800? Will a pair SB-800 w/ an umbrella

give me enough power for group shots?

I use a pair of white lightnings for formal group shoots. They are a pain to haul,set up, and take down, but I love the clean crisp images I get at ISO 100 at F8. I have never tried the SB800's for groups.

In my opinion, monolights are also a bit dangerous--top heavy and big consequences if it gets knocked over. However, as for your choice--you are comparing non-similar items. One will output lots of light--the other, not so much. Whether the SB-800s will give you enough power for groups depends on how you photograph groups--ISO, f stop, etc. I'd find out for sure how much light you can get out of the SBs (with umbrellas) and evaluate whether you can do your group shots the way you like them before keeping them on your list. I personally prefer battery powered units like my Norman 200B or maybe Lumedynes, where the head is separate from the pack. These are also easy to set up and break down. I currently use two 120Js for off camera lights just because I had them already. They work fine for what I do. I get f5.6, ISO 400, at ten feet with an umbrella, on half power, and I have the reflector set for wide angle, too, so it isn't even the most power I can get out of the unit.

In all honesty the AB's are not much heavier than the Lumedynes I used to use during my apprenticeship days, they really are super light. A trick I use is to wind the cord around the bottom of the stand, through the feet. That way if the wire is pulled the whole thing is pulled from the bottom and it doesn't topple over. Really does work. That together with clever use of extension cables (i.e. trying not to have wires running between the two lights) and gaffer taping the wire down does help.

 

I know that for weddings where the formals are done very quickly strobes might not be an option, but for Jewish weddings where I'm considered fast because I wrap it up in 45 mins, the better light, consistent and fast recharge and reliability work wonders for me. I also use them in halls where I'm expected to light up the room for the duration of the dinner, a couple of AB's bouncing off the ceiling even in a large hall (assuming the ceiling is high enough), coupled with a wireless TTL flash set to a +2 bouncing off the ceiling at the top table and the on camera flash working as fill does give a great effect.

 

I'm expected to do it and I use an assistant to do the setup fast and the gaffer taping as well as keeping the kids of the stands, etc. If you don't have to, if you are expected to use natural light, go for it!<div></div>

If I were doing a lot of formals, I'd choose an AB-800 with an umbrella any day over a second smaller flash unit. It's easy to set up and take down, and it's versatile. It's extremely effective at lighting small and large groups evenly.

 

Chris

For small group shots I use two SB-800s. I use a shoot-through umberulla for the main light and bounce the fill off a rear wall. Of course this only works if you have a wall behind you to bounce off of. Here's an example:

 

http://www.photo.net/photo/5054644

Great responses. Its amazing on how different we can all be.

The alien bee is light and MUCH more powerful than SB800's. I carry two with me to every

wedding. I don't feel they're dangerout or a burden to set up. Put on a standard reflector,

point it at the ceiling and you'll have great even light. Working with an umbrella will give you

too many shadows to try and avoid.