Novatron monolights vs. Alien Bees

[RustySterling]

I'm going to keep using my Westcott TD5s but I want to move up to strobes (or sidewise, or whatever) using them in combination with my continous light Westcotts. I'm looking at either Novatron M500 monolights or Alien Bees B800 monolights. The Novatron are rated a tad higher in w/s than the Alien Bees but the difference is not enough to get the panties in bunch. I plan on using my Pocket Wizard to fire one monolight and use the trigger on the other light to fire.

I recently attended a lighting workshop and we used the Novatrons there. They seem pretty versatile and have variable power settings. They also have speedrings compatible with the Westcott softboxes I already have. Not sure about compatibility of the Alien Bees speedrings with my softboxes (just can't find anything that tells me if they are compatible). The Novatron kit from B&H (comparable accessories with two lights) is $80 more than the Alien Bees digibee kit. But $80 doesn't bother me any.

I know there are a lot of Alien Bees fans here but I can't get my hands on some to make a comparison to the Novatrons. So what are your thoughts between the two?

[ttosifa]

I can't help you too much as I have never used Novatrons. I like my ABs very much though. But one thing you might investigate is

Photoflex | Speed Ring for Balcar, Alien Bees, | SC-B9002BR

which, as I understand it, will let you use even your Westcott softboxes on an AB. Never tried it myself, so I might be very wrong.

[zona5101]

IF you don't already own the pocket wizards the new RadioPopper JrX can independently control the light out put of AB lights from the transmitter/camera. The JrX can remotely manage 3 groups of lights from off to full power including modeling lights. That's pretty cool and the RPs are less expensive than the PWs. As far as the lights themselves I own neither. Certainly alot of AB fans here. But just to muddy the water more...Calumet just came out with some new lower powered travellights(150ws) The travellights are highly regarded.

[RustySterling]

Originally Posted by zona5101

Calumet just came out with some new lower powered travellights(150ws) The travellights are highly regarded.

Yeah, I've looked at those too (also sold as Bowens). The price point is about right and I like that they can be used with battery packs.

I know what I'd really like (Speedotron, Elinchrome) but they are way out of my price range right now.

[RustySterling]

I've found that Novatron is out. The original owner died, his wife sold the company, they moved operations from Texas to Connecticut and can't seem to deliver products. So I'm still exploring. However, I have ruled out Alien Bees. I don't like their modeling lights. I would consider WhiteLightening though (very different modeling light). I'm looking far more seriously at the Calumet 750Rs. They are bit more money but that's is not a worry at the price range. Just wish my price range could extend to some nice Speedotron or Elinchrom.

[zona5101]

Take a look at the Photoflex Starflash. They make several different models. Depending on what you plan on lighting the 300s have a good amount of power, stepless attenuation , 250w modeling, decently fast recycle. plenty of light modifiers & accessories.
Adorama, B&H have the kits on sale once in a while...

[RustySterling]

I finally decided to bite the bullet and up my minimum. I found a Speedotron kit that specs out to my satisfaction and has gotten some good reviews. I also was able to check it out at a local shop so I'm not buying blind. It is the Force 5 monolights and it is a two light kit with stands, umbies, and ATA travel case. Here's the link on Adorama:

11271 Speedotron Force 5 1000 watt second Two Monolight Flash System with Case.

I had to step back and think about it a bit. And I finally followed my own mantra: Buy once, cry once. I'm not crying but my back pocket is a bit lighter.

I'll be able to use my Pocket Wizards to fire one Speedo and use the slave on the other to fire it. It will be a good working set up along with my Westcott TD5s and TD3. I have modified them to fire as strobes (they are slave cells) as well so I'm pretty set for lighting. The other plus is that I can get a speedring for the Speedos to use my Westcott softboxes.

In my search I did find one thing at Alien Bees that I like and will give a try: their Parabolic Umbrellas. I'll probably start with the 64" and if it works like I believe it will I'll get the 86" later along with some of their diffusers and "spill kill" modifiers.