Quote Originally Posted by freelanceshots


I say skip the EX flashes and go with the one or two Alien Bee 800's ($280 or 560)


I've already got the three 430EXs and ST-E2. I'd like to keep the 430s for portability and ease of use (I know how to set them and don't have to learn a new device.) The ST-E2 will eventually go, one way or the other.A fourth 430EX would be nice but Mark would most likely have no use for one and also not like the imbalance in the trade (ST-E2s are cheaper than a 430EX).



Getting the B800 would just start me in the direction of using mono blocks. I'd like to have at least 3 AB lights (I could always supplement them with my 430s). I'm moving away from my interest in wildlife photography mainly becauseI only get a chance to do that three months out of the year. The money that might have gotten some longer lenses might get me a B1600 and aABR800 ring light. Along with stands and accessories. A battery to get more mobile would come later. (ThenI might go after those longer lenses I wanted.)


Quote Originally Posted by peety3





The ST-E2 might be IR enough that you'll be OK.
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>





I was thinking the same thing but others on Strobist seem to think it would not work. I'm thinking I'll get the B800 and ordersome RF triggers if necessary after I've seen the results firsthand. I'd rather hold out for the RadioPopper JrX than a cheaper setup I'd eventually want to replace.