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Hi there, it seems they are the go for me, I've been looking and hunting and their prices are fair.

The only thing is, an Australian distributor. Is there one? Seems mad if there isn't, but I can't find one.... (business opportunity anyone?)


Rob

Alien Bees? What are you rambling about Rob?
Col

Colcam wrote:Alien Bees? What are you rambling about Rob?
Col

Lighting...

http://www.alienbees.com/

I like the look of these as well but could not find them in Oz, might have to order from the US?

Alien Bees don't have distributers they sell direct. Just go to their website and send them an email, they have always responded quickly to me. Their freight costs are reasonable and they have 240 volt units available.

If all else fails give Scully and Muldar a call

They used to sell 240V units but they don't seem to offer them anymore. They now recommend buying step down transformers to run their heads. They have also added a +10% charge for international buyers..

Another thing to consider is how lighting modifiers are attached. Alien Bees have their own method. If you are using their modifiers it will just work, if you want to buy something else you will need an adaptor - at least that is my understanding, I haven't used them before.

eugh... non standard attachments... shudder... Sounds like the software industry of a few years back (and still today)

Alienbees appear to be popular in the US. They are on the cheaper end of the scale, and as such have less options in the incremental power increases then other models.

The downside is they don't support 240V power. Kind of a big gotcha.

Have you ever used studio equipment before? If not, I'd recommend approaching a hire place and trying some gear. Some of the studio stuff is complex and some is straight forward. Even if you pick the hire places brain on different types of studio gear.

I own an Elinchrom kit and find them very simple to use. But these can be a bit pricey. If you lived in Sydney, I'd give you a quick demo and let you have a play with them for a weekend.

this place sells lighting kits.........

http://www.cameras.net.au/

Alien Bees definately have a 240 volt option, it may not be listed on the website but it is available

I had a pro friend recommend these. I would be interested in a group buy of the digibees upgraded to the B800 if others were interested, and we could get 240v power units. The website offers some advice on powering them from 240v but it is a little over my head at present.

tbgphoto wrote:Alien Bees definately have a 240 volt option, it may not be listed on the website but it is available

I remember that 240V used to be available. However their website now suggests that it isn't available anymore:
http://www.alienbees.com/nonus.html

Some further information on international sales:
http://www.alienbees.com/intsales.html

tbgphoto wrote:Alien Bees definately have a 240 volt option, it may not be listed on the website but it is available

I asked them to quote me with 240V AC and upgrading the lights to the 800's and they responded with the 240V option in their quote...

2 x 800's
1 x intl surcharge
2 x cary bags
2 x stands
1 x 48" umbrella
1 x 48" transparent umbrella
1 x shipping
$1026 (USD)

padey wrote:I own an Elinchrom kit and find them very simple to use. But these can be a bit pricey. If you lived in Sydney, I'd give you a quick demo and let you have a play with them for a weekend.

Thanks for the offer, but I live on the Sunshine Coast of QLD.. Rob

skyva wrote:I would be interested in a group buy of the digibees upgraded to the B800 if others were interested

I'm interested Anybody else?

robster wrote:

skyva wrote:I would be interested in a group buy of the digibees upgraded to the B800 if others were interested

I'm interested Anybody else?

Potentially

A VERY big potential at the moment though.

I did some digging and found some forum threads which discuss the changes to Alien Bee international ordering:

http://www.brisbanephotography.com/viewtopic.php?t=578
http://www.brisbanephotography.com/viewtopic.php?t=1763

It's good to hear that they are offering the 220V option. I'm still trying to wade through the budget, feature, and quality choices at the moment. The above Alien Bee quote is cheaper than I was expecting, so they are back on the list. Argh.. too much to choose from .

I suspect there will be little saving with a group order. It's unlikely any purchase will be under $1k, hence orders will probably attract import duties and taxes. Maybe Alien Bees will mark the packages as Gift?

I would possibly be interested as well

robster wrote:

skyva wrote:I would be interested in a group buy of the digibees upgraded to the B800 if others were interested

I'm interested Anybody else?

I'm also interested.

So everyone is interested but AB don't sell internationally anymore unless you are a prior customer. Have you got that sorted yet?

Also postage is going to get pretty astronomical once you start adding more lights.

petal666 wrote:So everyone is interested but AB don't sell internationally anymore unless you are a prior customer. Have you got that sorted yet?

Also postage is going to get pretty astronomical once you start adding more lights.

No no, they were happy to sell to me. New customer. We'll see what they can do as a group package, it might be worth seeing what the local dealers of other brands can do with a group purchase also.


Rob

robster wrote:No no, they were happy to sell to me. New customer. We'll see what they can do as a group package, it might be worth seeing what the local dealers of other brands can do with a group purchase also.

Sweet. I just read their international shipping policy and it has indeed changed (again)

I am still keen and go to the US whenever I cannot get out of it. I have just looked at the Bowens stuff (expensive) and might try contacting the people at Alien bees to see what we can do. I am put off by the power conversionstuff but I work with lots of engineers who can help me do this properly. I will keep you informed.

I recently ordered a couple of B400s with the 220V conversion - no problems. You will probably want to buy some Australian 5m IEC power cables tho' (I did).

Also, a correction to what I wrote above. Alien Bees use the Balcar mount, maybe not as common as Bowens, but you shouldn't have much trouble getting modifiers for them online.