Hi guys! Sorry if this is the wrong section for this, but I didn't really see an appropriate group. Anyhow, I am looking into beginning my beauty photography journey with an Alien Bee or two. I was originally going to order the stands and beauty dishes all from Paul C. Buff as well, but I've heard that their light stands and dishes are not the best for the price. Also, their shipping costs to Canada are outrageous. Anyone have any suggestions for some good beauty dishes (as well as honeycomb grids) & light stands/booms that are compatible with Alien Bee strobes and won't break the bank?
I feel like I'm talking to myself in the past lol. I went with 9.5' Impact heavy duty air-cushioned stands as they weren't *too* expensive. You'd definitely want to get a sandbag (or some other weight, get creative) to keep it secure, especially if you start using a boom arm (I use the Avenger D600) and hanging the weight away from center.
I do notice the upright giving a bit towards the modifier/light when I use it with the boom arm and heavier modifier like my 47" PCB octa. Haven't 'had any ACTUAL accidents yet, but close calls and some. I feel like a steel stand would fair better. C-stands look great to me now, but they're pricey. But, maybe you only need to buy them once :). I'm looking to upgrade my stand at some point.
Also, depending on how much you want to look ahead and your flooring, I feel like wheels would've been very helpful :). Better than trying to strongarm the whole thing around or scooting it inprecisely...
OH, and there may be alternatives but I felt like I had to get a drop-down pin (Avenger E700) in order to make my stand/boom/modifier/strobe all work together *well*. Look into those, they're nifty :).
Grip is honestly one of the coolest, priciest, but also least sexy thing you can get yourself into lol. Hope that helps again!
https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Beauty-Honeycomb-Speedring-Strobe/dp/B00...
and http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/850444-REG/Impact_ls_ct40mbk_Turtl...
or http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898306-REG/impact_ls_cb6_combo_boo...