Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I'm looking at picking up some LED bulbs for my AB800s (better power efficiency and they run cooler), I found some Sylvania 75W equivalents (highest output I can find that fits and still allows the travel cover) that fit but cut it pretty close to the flash tube. If the light gets bumped it might barely touch the plastic part of the LED casing. Is this an issue? My guess is that the only problem would be if I fired off a bunch of shots it might melt the LED casing but is there anything else I should worry about?

without testing the actual bulb in question, it would be hard to say how resistant to heat it is. There is potential for heat damage (melting) to occur from even one flash.

Even if the bulb doesn't directly touch the tube, there is still potential for melting. This is increased as the bulb and tube get closer, and with increase in flash power.

LED bulbs can be used, but care should be taken as you familiarize yourself with them, and monitor any damage potential that may occur during use.