Alien Bee Users???

[Jen D]

I already have umbrellas that I bought off of someone on craigslist... and I hate them. I really want to get a softbox and better lighting.

My question is this... can I buy this light

http://www.alienbees.com/b400.html

and use my same light stands... or does it only work with there light stands? I have never seen the hardware or tried to take any of these things apart. I would also like to purchase one of their softboxes... will that work with the above light?

http://www.alienbees.com/foldable_detail.html

I just finished a class in lighting... but I am lost when it comes to the hardware part.

I know several of you are lucky enough to have alien bees = ) Thanks so much!

[SAHMom]

You are really going to want a heavy duty stand if you are going to put an AB and a large softbox on it. But basically, the AB goes over the top part of the light stand that extends up... there is a "female" part on the AB and then you just tighten it over. Not technical at all, but if it's just a normal light stand, it will attach... I would just caution that it's probably worth it to buy one if the ones you have are cheap or light weight.

And yes, I've heard lots of folks love those fold-able softboxes! Very easy to transport too! I use a Westcott Apollo 50x50 (no speedring required) and love it. The only difference in the AB400 and the AB800 is the power.

[Jen D]

Thank you so much that helps... at least that gives me a place to start. I can always replace the light stands next = )

Love your little smiley loving on the apple. Too cute!

[jatomzmom]

I just wanted to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Alien Bee. It's an 800. I just use the umbrella.

http://www.thecreativeclick.blogspot.com/