Nikon speedlight help - DPChallenge Forums

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

05/13/2009 07:54:23 AM · #1

Probably a darn stupid question, but I use the -- in commander mode to trigger my SB-800 from my pop-up flash. Now, the questions...

1) Can I trigger multiple flashes from my pop-up? I think I can if I set them into groups and channels in commander mode, etc.

BUT

2) Am I limited to use only sb-800s, or can sb-600 and sb-900 work alongside each other in the same group or channel.

I am not sure what the channels and groups mean, but I need to buy one more flash and the sb-800 is discounted or something. No one sells them around here anymore.

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/13/2009 08:56:33 AM · #2

Yes, you can. Keep in mind the IR transmission of Nikon's CLS (Creative Lighting System)might show its weaknesses in bright outdoors light. Also keep in mind that you will need "sorta" line of sight. In my experience, it isn't necessary to be perfectly direct, but the more direct the more consistent your results will be. Some people find them really finicky, but I've found that even behind and right of camera my SB900 will fire consistently (admittedly this was at dusk). You will set your speed lights into remote mode and your D300 into Commander mode. From there, you can control ratios on the fly by altering the settings on the D300. Keep in mind also that you can control and set the onboard flash to either add light to the scene or add nothing. SB600's and 900's can work alongside each other with no problems. The channels and groups are utilized for different ratios. Say you want Group A to be the left side and B the right side, so you can set A to be the hard light to define features and B to do some fill from another axis.
Channels are utilized if somebody else near you is CLS as well... then you would use the channel they are not.

ETA: The SB800 is dropping in price and availability because the SB900 came out, and is now the flagship strobe for Nikon.

Message edited by author 2009-05-13 09:26:08.

dassilem

Nikon D90

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

05/13/2009 10:06:27 AM · #3

YEP...what he said...
I use sb800 and sb600 together...on separate groups. I haven't had to change the channel yet as I haven't been in that circumstance.

digital_knight

05/13/2009 10:59:54 AM · #4

I have a 900, 800, and 600 that all work together just fine.

May I recommend Joe McNally's new book "Hot Shoe Diaries" - I have been shooting with Nikon wireless for years now, but this book is an eye opener to be sure. I'm reading it for the third time.

He specifically talks about how to set up your camera and your flashes for many many different scenarios, from his real life experience as a pro photog. Great stuff

Hot Shoe Diaries

05/13/2009 12:34:49 PM · #5

Gotta love ol' McNally! I'm very fond of that guy. Thank you for helping me out. I'll buy a 900 ASAP, 800 is no where to be found. I will also check out that book, see if I can order it to Norway.

digital_knight

05/13/2009 12:40:10 PM · #6

oh, one more thing...

If you go to a stage lighting store and ask for a sample pack of gels - they will give you about 8 of them, at least my store did, one for each manufacturer they represent.

They are little pieces of gel clipped into a little booklet (about 100 gels per sample pack) that are meant to be a reference when purchasing large gels for stage work later, however they happen to be the exact perfect size to tape over the end of a Speedlight! So you can get all of your gels for free when you shoot the McNally way. :-)

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

05/13/2009 02:12:48 PM · #7

Originally posted by digital_knight:

I actually have a few of them!

This picture is taken with a blue one over my sb-800 fixed on a shiny background. But I had no idea where to get more. Thanks! They come in handy sometimes.

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/13/2009 02:15:19 PM · #8

Originally posted by digital_knight:

Yeah, good call on the HotShoe Diaries. Excellent reading. It's sorta like a lot of strobist stuff condensed into a book. Includes lighting diagrams and everything. The nice thing is that it isn't totally crazy Mcnally stuff (with 30 SB800's which no normal person would own), but starts out with simple single light lighting and then progresses. Last I knew, Amazon was backordered several weeks for it. It's got wide release, so you should hopefully be able to find one. I got mine through Barnes & Noble so if there's a big bookstore chain over there there's a chance they'd have it.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

05/13/2009 02:21:16 PM · #9

Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

I ordered it an hour ago or so, along with The Moment it Clicks (for the fun of it). I live in Norway, so it costs me around 60$ only to ship it to me with the 2-4 days delivery. Norway don't sell them anywhere, at least I haven't seen them. But anyway, hopefully I will have it by Saturday or Monday (if I'm lucky), and probably a new strobe Friday, so that will be great. Thanks a bunch! Can always count on DPC for help!

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

05/13/2009 02:37:18 PM · #10

Originally posted by BJamy:

I ordered it an hour ago or so, along with The Moment it Clicks (for the fun of it). I live in Norway, so it costs me around 60$ only to ship it to me with the 2-4 days delivery. Norway don't sell them anywhere, at least I haven't seen them. But anyway, hopefully I will have it by Saturday or Monday (if I'm lucky), and probably a new strobe Friday, so that will be great. Thanks a bunch! Can always count on DPC for help!

60 US? That's pretty damn pricey. I'll never complain about shipping fees again...

Message edited by author 2009-05-13 14:37:43.