Nikon R1 Wireless CloseUp Speedlight Flash System

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

12/23/2007 11:42:38 PM · #1

I probably already have my mind made up, but can anyone think of a reason not to get this flash kit?

Nikon R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Flash System (Macro Kit B)

I'll probably get the SB-600 in a few months. I don't see a need for the SB-800 in my case. At least not yet.

Thoughts? Alternatives for macro flashes?

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

12/23/2007 11:50:31 PM · #2

If you like Macro work this probably a great flash system. I looked at it and figured I would only be happy if I added another SB-R200 light to get a more circular effect. I'm still likely to make it my next flash.

Pipe_Dream

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

12/24/2007 12:06:08 AM · #3

Honestly, If you are just using it for macro work where your flashes will be relatively close to the camera, you will be very satisfied. If you are using it for anything else that would require longer range, then you will be disappointed. As im sure you're aware, IR has a short working range, and for the most part requires line of sight. If you're ever looking to expand the use of your flashes into other off camera work, pocket wizards are the way to go.

In my opinion, if the su-800 was a radio transmitter, it would be the ultimate kit.

The great thing about the su-800 is that it allows you to adjust all of the flash settings remotely, which makes "on the fly" (no pun intended)adjustments very easy.

12/24/2007 02:24:56 AM · #4

I just noticed that the kit doesn't come with a 58mm attachment ring, which is the size of my Sigma 105mm. I'm not even seeing that they make one. Is this right?

Can I not use this mounted on my Sigma 105mm? Can you use a step-up ring to make the kit rings work? Is there a better way?

12/24/2007 07:58:24 AM · #5

Originally posted by Pipe_Dream:

I use the Nikon SU-800 with three SB-800 strobes and it works well for me. I do agree that an RF solution would be preferred to an IR solution. But, all in all, I am pleased with it for remote lighting control. In addition, I also own the Pocket Wizard solution which is an RF system, but it is simply a remote trigger, not a remote monitor, control, and trigger - like the SU-800. At a maximum range of 66 feet, the distance has not been a problem for me. What is a challenge is the limitation on the angle of view for the SU-800, which is just +/- 30Â°. whereas an RF solution is or can be omnidirectional which is much better.

Food for thought...

Cheers, Michael

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

12/24/2007 08:03:39 AM · #6

Originally posted by aliqui:

I use the Sigma EM-140 DG Ring Flash. It works very well. There are many features of the Nikon solution that are also attractive, but it was not available when I bought my macro lighting solution. It is unlikely I will change due to the minimal use of macro work that I do, but I already own the SU-800 for remote SB-800 flashgun control, so I may consider it. Either way, you can not go wrong. Do you have the right macro lenses? Nikon has a limited selection of optics that this R1 system will operate with in an automated mode, so check this restriction before you buy to ensure the best overall solution.

Pipe_Dream

Nikon D700

12/24/2007 08:20:30 AM · #7

Originally posted by Morgan:

At a maximum range of 66 feet, the distance has not been a problem for me. What is a challenge is the limitation on the angle of view for the SU-800, which is just +/- 30Â°. whereas an RF solution is or can be omnidirectional which is much better.

Food for thought...

Cheers, Michael

Wow, 66 feet? I must have a bad copy or something then. I have serious issues with misfires at anything over say 20 feet, even when there is direct line of sight. I typically use it with an sb-800 and 2 600's

12/24/2007 08:30:49 AM · #8

Originally posted by Pipe_Dream:

Originally posted by Morgan:
At a maximum range of 66 feet, the distance has not been a problem for me. What is a challenge is the limitation on the angle of view for the SU-800, which is just +/- 30Â°. whereas an RF solution is or can be omnidirectional which is much better.

Food for thought...

Cheers, Michael

Wow, 66 feet? I must have a bad copy or something then. I have serious issues with misfires at anything over say 20 feet, even when there is direct line of sight. I typically use it with an sb-800 and 2 600's

My guess is that the "maximum" range is subjective to the amount of infrared (IR) light already in the area where you are taking a picture.

For example, the more IR (800nm to 1,000nm) in the area, the more confused the Nikon SU / SB-800 system will become and the lower the range. In a studio (10-20m) I get much better range than outdoors (5-10m). So, what are the other lights sources that could be throwing off IR. Sometimes, reducing the other ambient light sources can extend your range significantly.

Also, my sense is that it works best with a direct line of sight trigger (+/- 5Â°) rather than an off-axis line of sight trigger (+/- 20Â° t0 30Â°).

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

12/24/2007 08:51:44 AM · #9

Originally posted by aliqui:

A high quality 58 to 62mm step ring is all you need, and it can be had for less than $10 at B&H.

12/24/2007 02:27:36 PM · #10

Originally posted by Morgan:

I was originally looking at something more like the Sigma Ring Flash, but when I learned the SB-200's can be put up on their own cute little stands and moved around, I was sold.

As far as compatible lenses, I'm going to use it with my Sigma 105mm mostly. I've read about other people using the combination, but I can't find anything about what features I lose doing that.

That's assuring knowing that I can just use step-rings to make it work with my Sigma. Without getting my hands on that little adapter ring, I couldn't tell how specialized it was.

Thanks for everyone's help so far. Being new to the flash world, I'm still learning what questions I should be asking!

12/24/2007 03:15:11 PM · #11

Originally posted by aliqui:

Originally posted by Morgan:
I use the Sigma EM-140 DG Ring Flash. It works very well. There are many features of the Nikon solution that are also attractive, but it was not available when I bought my macro lighting solution. It is unlikely I will change due to the minimal use of macro work that I do, but I already own the SU-800 for remote SB-800 flashgun control, so I may consider it. Either way, you can not go wrong. Do you have the right macro lenses? Nikon has a limited selection of optics that this R1 system will operate with in an automated mode, so check this restriction before you buy to ensure the best overall solution.

I was originally looking at something more like the Sigma Ring Flash, but when I learned the SB-200's can be put up on their own cute little stands and moved around, I was sold.

As far as compatible lenses, I'm going to use it with my Sigma 105mm mostly. I've read about other people using the combination, but I can't find anything about what features I lose doing that.

That's assuring knowing that I can just use step-rings to make it work with my Sigma. Without getting my hands on that little adapter ring, I couldn't tell how specialized it was.

Thanks for everyone's help so far. Being new to the flash world, I'm still learning what questions I should be asking!

The SB-R200 flash units mount on the SX-1 ring. The SX-1 then attaches to the filter mounting rings. It is unlikely that you will find a suitable direct attachment ring unless Nikon has one themselves, so ask them. Otherwise, the step ring idea is the smartest strategy. You would buy a step ring from 58mm to 62mm and then connect the SX-1 to the Nikon 62mm adaptor mount ring. The only challenge with this strategy with wide angle lenses, but I do not think it will be a problem with the Sigma 105mm on your D80 since the viewable angle from this lens is fairly narrow compared to a wide angle. So, it should be out of the shot.

It is a very nice package, albeit twice the price of the Sigma ring flash at street prices. You will have far more control over the light, which is what it is all about anyway. so it is likely the smartest strategy. If I was buying today, I would go with the Nikon package too, just for the flexibility and the control of the light sources.

Have fun and please share your results when you get it all working.

12/26/2007 07:02:37 AM · #12

Okay. I finally got the balls to click the confirm button on B+H. I'll post some photos once I get it in a week or so.

Thanks for the help guys!

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

01/04/2008 02:44:28 PM · #13

UPS website shows it finally "out for delivery." I think I just wet myself.

_eug

Nikon D50

01/04/2008 03:03:48 PM · #14

Originally posted by aliqui:

UPS website shows it finally "out for delivery." I think I just wet myself.

Can I come over and play?

ralph

Nikon Z9

01/04/2008 03:32:33 PM · #15

my biggest complaint about the system .. it eats batteries /
rechargable cr123's don't work well enough ..
otherwise really fun to work with !!

01/04/2008 03:37:36 PM · #16

Originally posted by ralph:

my biggest complaint about the system .. it eats batteries /
rechargable cr123's don't work well enough ..
otherwise really fun to work with !!

I thought about going the rechargeable route, but figured it probably wouldn't be worth it for me. You're supposed to get about 290 fires out of a battery according to specs. Does that seem accurate from your experience?