Dano Loc: North Carolina

I've been shooting with speedlights for years now and am looking at adding a monolight or two to my trunk of toys. I am definitely a hobbiest so budget is a huge concern. My main applications would be in the studio (I'm excited about the ease of control and addition of a modeling light), larger venues (larger rooms and open spaces requiring more power), and possibly some outdoor work to overpower strong sunlight (but this one is a very low priority). I've narrowed it down to 3 models and would love to hear any thoughts or experience. These are:

Flashpoint DG600, 300 w/s AC/DC Monolight, $199
http://www.adorama.com/FP600DG.html

Flashpoint II 620M, 300 Watt Second AC / DC Monolight $189
http://www.adorama.com/FP620M.html

AlienBees™ B800 Flash, 320 Watt Second Monolight $279+S&H
http://www.paulcbuff.com/b800.php

Features and reviews seem similar between all 3 models, with the exception that the 620M is larger, and the DG600 has an LED modeling light. I know that Alien Bees have a long standing reputation, but saving a couple hundred dollars on a pair of lights is very appealing. I've also read reviews that say that none of these "budget lights" are worth using due to color temp variation and low quality of build (although their recommendations are definitely out of my price range).

I'm leaning toward the Flashpoint DG600, but have some reservations about the LED modeling light.

Any thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Wendy2 Loc: California

I have the Flashpoint 620M and the 320M. Like them both. Found that the 320M was plenty powerful enough for my indoor studio work.

Dano Loc: North Carolina

Hi Wendy2. Have you had any issues with the 320m overheating since it's not fan cooled? And is the build quality between the two models similar?

Wendy2 Loc: California

No problem with over heating and the build quality is the same. If I were to do it again, I would just bet 2 of the 320's.

Dano Loc: North Carolina

Thanks... but now you're making my decision even tougher! :)

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Elinchrome or Profoto

Wendy2 Loc: California

Well, I guess you could do what I did, I got 1 of each, but as I said, don't feel I really needed the 620. I also got a battery pack for one of them, but can't remember for which one (I thnk you can use it with both, not sure though). I have never used it, but it was so much cheaper to buy it with the strobe!! I know someday I will use it ;)

Dano Loc: North Carolina

Sounds like you took the same path I'm considering. I'm also thinking about a battery based on the savings when purchased together, but really question how often I would use it. My speedlights travel with me all the time and I love their portability, and I've rarely needed more power in the field. AC shouldn't be an issue in most situations where I'd need the punch of a monolight... but that's only based on what I'm currently shooting. Decisions are never easy.