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Archive 2012 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800

  
 
deepbluejh
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p.1 #1 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800


I'm looking to use an Alien Bee ABR800 ring light for a photobooth setup and was really wondering if the moon unit light modifiers were necessary. I'll be lighting groups of 2-6 people against a 7' wide background about 5 feet away. I don't need technically perfect light falloff, just an effect that looks cool and fun.

Does anyone have any comparison photos with this ring light used with and without a modifier? Anyone care to comment on the quality of light when using only the ring light + diffuser?

Thanks!



Jan 27, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Jon Uhler
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p.1 #2 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800



328101211_0001-3 by battlefloydflyer, on Flickr

No mod used here. This is the straight flash.



Jan 27, 2012 at 04:34 PM
mikethevilla
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p.1 #3 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800


I haven't ever really used it without the moon unit (I use the small one), but it definitely gives fun effects with the moon unit on!

http://www.blog.mikevillavisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Swagtac-1102.jpg

http://www.blog.mikevillavisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Swagtac-038.jpg

http://www.blog.mikevillavisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Swagtac-420.jpg



Jan 27, 2012 at 04:40 PM
deepbluejh
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p.1 #4 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800


haha... those catch lights are trippy.

I hear the moon units are a PITA to set up. Do you find this to be the case? Simple is always better.



Jan 27, 2012 at 04:54 PM
mikethevilla
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p.1 #5 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800


deepbluejh wrote:
haha... those catch lights are trippy.

I hear the moon units are a PITA to set up. Do you find this to be the case? Simple is always better.


The first couple times I put it together I almost sent it back. At first it was a huge pain and took about 15 minutes of trial and error, so I can see why people would complain about it. Now I can have it up and rolling in a couple minutes - hardly any longer than a normal softbox.

Certainly not as easy as an umbrella, but not a big deal anymore and I think it's worth it.



Jan 28, 2012 at 12:07 AM
SloPhoto
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p.1 #6 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800


I have both the big and little moon units.

Both are a royal PITA, but the big one is ridiculous fun.




Jan 30, 2012 at 01:30 AM
onetrack
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p.1 #7 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800


I use the ringlight with just the modifier that it comes with. Works well but I only shoot individuals (high school seniors) with it.

I've set it up with a RRS quick release so that I can get in and the camera on/off the camera stand quickly.



Jan 30, 2012 at 08:54 AM
deepbluejh
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p.1 #8 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800


It comes with a diffuser that slips over the flash tube, but not a modifier (softbox) per-se. Do you have any samples?


Jan 30, 2012 at 08:56 AM
MNPNW
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p.1 #9 · Ring light without modifier? Alien bee ABR800


I had similar experience. On my 30" MU unit, I found it easier to attach the ring to the ABR800 and assemble the ribs and fabric after, rather than assemble the entire thing and then install it on the ABR.


deepbluejh wrote:
haha... those catch lights are trippy.

I hear the moon units are a PITA to set up. Do you find this to be the case? Simple is always better.




Jan 30, 2012 at 11:21 AM





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