Railfan Technology > Experiences with Alien Bee strobes?

I'm looking into some lighting equipment for night photos more powerful than the usual camera-mounted options. I can get a couple of Alien Bee strobes and their battery unit for about $1,000. Has anyone used these or something similar from another brand? Would this set-up sync with my camera (Canon 1Dx) to allow me to photograph trains in motion, or would it only work for stopped equipment?

Thanks,
Loleta Fernbridge

I have 3 Bees, and use them on a fairly regular basis. Typically on non-moving trains. Be aware, some crews are not amused by these, and some don’t seem to mind. Pick and choose wisely. You may want to consider a third lite. It’ll help for a more complete uniform light look. They aren’t cheap, consider the value gained. Lastly, no crews are being “blinded”. Annoyed, startled, aggravated, whatever, but not blinded.

John R

Posted from iPhone

Loleta, I've used Bees in my studio for 25 years: they're rugged, simple and reliable.; and best of all you can replace the bulbs yourself, unlike a lot of the other studio lights. You will need a power source of course, and triggers.  From a lot of years experience, I keep my gear as simple as possible. With that thought in mind, you will also need triggers, to fire them.  I've got a bag full of the early Pocket Wizards that are stupid simple but absolutely foolproof to use.  PM me, I have a lot of extra stuff.. While I'd not thought about selling any of it, my studio days are numbered and I could sort through and help you out if you're interested.

Jerry Palmer
ATSF5669



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/04/25 04:43 by ATSF5669.

I know people use Alien Bees swear by them.  Are you looking to acquire Alien Bees specifically, or are you looking to gain the capability to shoot trains at night?

If the latter, I use hot shoe flashes.  They don't have the light output of Alien Bees, so you'll need more of them to light a given area - but they're much cheaper, smaller, and lighter, which means they're much easier to lug around and set up in the dark.