| Author | Thread |
|
|
08/07/2009 12:14:52 PM · #1 |
I would like to add a third flash for a hair light or to light a backdrop.
I really like my SB-600s, but given the SB-600 has gone up in price by 20% or more in the last year and a half since I bought mine, I am looking at alternatives.
The SB-R200 is about $149 versus $218 for the SB-600. Though from the pictures whether it looks like it has a non-standard base--does it fit on a standard light stand or do you need a special adapter?
What about third party flash triggered slaves? Can they be used with the SB-600's even when CLR is being used (with the third party flash in manual mode?)
|
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:01:01 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
What about third party flash triggered slaves? Can they be used with the SB-600's even when CLR is being used (with the third party flash in manual mode?) |
No, not when CLS is in use. The preflash would likely trigger the slave. For third party flash you'd have to go manual all the way (or buy the SU-800 commander).
I have an SB-600 and an SB-900 and I find it difficult to make them output the same amount of light. Usually not a problem, but some times it would be nice to have the same amount of light from each flash.
If someone know how to calculate the correct settings for the SB-900 (GN 34@ISO 100) for a given power on the SB-600 (GN 30 @ISO 100), please speak up :) |
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:05:47 PM · #3 |
As for third party flashes, I have had difficulties using my optical slave with Olympus flashes in concert with my nikon speedlights in CLS setups--the command preflash will trigger the optical slaves ahead of the actual shutter/flash from the camera/speedlights. I remember fussing with it for quite some time, trying to find a commander mode option that worked--I think the only thing I got to work was full manual mode on everything, but it has been a long time since I tried that, so I can't remember for sure. I just went with radio triggers for my speedlights, and then the optical slave stuff works great on the other flashes.
I suppose if you got that commander unit (SU800) then the preflash issue would go away--but at that price you might as well just get another speedlight. They do have this SU4 Remote Controller for other flashes, to bring them "into" CLS (manual) control, for about 85 bucks. I just saw this for the first time when I searched amazon--can't say if it is good or not. They only claim it works with nikon units, so might or might not work with some other brand. It looks interesting though. :-) |
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:14:07 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
The SB-R200 is about $149 versus $218 for the SB-600. Though from the pictures whether it looks like it has a non-standard base--does it fit on a standard light stand or do you need a special adapter |
I have four SB-R200s and find them quite acceptable in cases I don't need to punch of a 600 or 800 (I have one of each also), or to supplement my 600/800. You can pick them up used on ebay for around 100 each (that's where I bought all of mine). I haven't used them for hair light specifically, but I would imagine they could get the job done. Work very well with CLS (I usually put them into a separate group (or two) so I can set their power accordingly to balance whatever key light I use in a different group), and since they are so small and light, you can stick them almost anywhere without a lot of complex rigging.
They come with a standard tripod adapter. I don't believe I've seen a hotshoe adapter for them, but would not be surprised. When you say "standard base" do you mean tripod or hotshoe?
ETA - I see you mentioned lighting backdrops, too -- I've done that with two SB-R200s (one in each corner). If you want even, full lighting across a bg, I don't think a single SB-R200 is going to cut it -- their output pattern is not very wide. However, that can be used itself with great creative effect; almost like snooting a wider light.
Message edited by author 2009-08-07 14:20:12. |
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:19:37 PM · #5 |
| Actually, the SB 400 seems cheaper and more versatile, and works with the CLS system apparently. $114 bucks. This looks like the ticket! Remote, in the CLS system, standard shoe mount so more flexible. |
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:23:37 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by chromeydome:
Actually, the SB 400 seems cheaper and more versatile, and works with the CLS system apparently. $114 bucks. This looks like the ticket! Remote, in the CLS system, standard shoe mount so more flexible. |
I looked at the 400 a while back, also, and found some pretty serious limitations when using it with CLS. I'd have to dig up a spec sheet or manual, but I think it didn't support groups or something really dumb, and was a very crippled light for CLS use. |
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:28:23 PM · #7 |
bhphoto.com has refurbed sb-600's for $179
They had sb-800's at a good price this morning but those went fast, these may go quickly as well. |
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:31:18 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by cdrice:
Originally posted by chromeydome:
Actually, the SB 400 seems cheaper and more versatile, and works with the CLS system apparently. $114 bucks. This looks like the ticket! Remote, in the CLS system, standard shoe mount so more flexible. |
I looked at the 400 a while back, also, and found some pretty serious limitations when using it with CLS. I'd have to dig up a spec sheet or manual, but I think it didn't support groups or something really dumb, and was a very crippled light for CLS use. |
Wow, I mis-interpreted the description big-time. One reviewer down below on the amazon page makes it very clear that it cannot be used as a remote in the system. Thanks for the correction, sir! |
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:36:29 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by alfresco:
bhphoto.com has refurbed sb-600's for $179
They had sb-800's at a good price this morning but those went fast, these may go quickly as well. |
LOL, already gone before I even looked! Thx anyway--I'll watch that page.
And yes, per the discussion below, it's unfortunate that the SB-400's don't support CLS at all!
Message edited by author 2009-08-07 14:37:07.
|
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:42:19 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by alfresco:
bhphoto.com has refurbed sb-600's for $179
They had sb-800's at a good price this morning but those went fast, these may go quickly as well. |
Wow, good catch! I'll have to start watching that page myself.
I've been watching my searches on ebay for months trying to get "a deal" on another 600 or 800, and there just haven't been ANY deals to be found. I tell you -- if you want to *get rid* of a 600 or 800, ebay is the place to dump them. I hardly ever see them sold for below what you'd pay at B&H, Adorama, amazon, etc. -- and sometimes for even *more* money (and those are used units!). Crazy crazy stuff.
Originally posted by chromeydome:
Wow, I mis-interpreted the description big-time. One reviewer down below on the amazon page makes it very clear that it cannot be used as a remote in the system. Thanks for the correction, sir! |
Heh heh -- well, that would definitely fit the bill of "crippled" for CLS use -- I knew there was some reason I didn't consider those for long. ;) I think, from the research I did a while back, the SB-R200 is really the only other "poor man's" speedlight that works with CLS. (I believe) you've got the R200, 600, 800 and now the 900, and that's it, if you want full CLS support.
Message edited by author 2009-08-07 14:45:47. |
|
|
|
08/07/2009 02:51:26 PM · #11 |
If you want my SB-600, I'll sell it to you. I haven't used it in over a year.
Send me a PM if you're interested, and we can discuss a price. I'll be out from now until Saturday night with a wedding, but I WILL get back to you. |
|
|
|
08/07/2009 03:04:47 PM · #12 |
Pooo - I wished I'd seen this thread earlier, they were there all morning and I checked before I posted the link. They do go fast.
I heard tell Adorama had a batch of refurbs in the past couple of days, sounds like Nikon shipped out to dealers recently.
It might not hurt to check other dealers sites to see if they have refurbs right now. |
|
|
|
08/08/2009 10:58:59 AM · #13 |
Eh, I just bit the bullet and bought a new one.
I found the lowest price using Bing at Walmart, believe it or not. $213 for a new SB-600, plus 2-4% cash back. I think it's only 2% though, and I haven't gotten credit on my account for it yet--seems that's the weakspot of Bing...you begin to suspect they won't do it!
It's amazing that my older two are just a bit over a year old, and back then they sold for $179 and $189 new (bought just a week apart). Nikon has really jacked up prices recently.
Message edited by author 2009-08-08 11:00:49.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 12/25/2025 04:21:30 PM EST.
