Buying a SB-600 for a D90.. anything I need to know?

[arcooke]

I'm new to all of this. I want to get a flash, and at some point in the near future would like to be able to use it off-camera for more control.

Right now in my shopping cart I have:
- SB-600
- Sto-Fen OMNI-BOUNCE OM-600 Flash diffuser
- 8x Eneloop rechargeable AA batteries
- Battery charger

Just the basics.

Now, if I want to do any off-camera shooting, I'll need another tripod I guess. Something cheap with a low maximum payload would probably suffice? And if I were to get a diffuser/reflector umbrella, I would need some kind of bracket to attach the umbrella to the tripod, right? And some kind of remote release for the flash, or is that controlled by my camera? Or is this a "commander" mode thing? Do I need to donate any organs to Nikon for authorization to take photographs?



So many questions, I know. Basically here's where I'm at. I'm fine with one speedlight for now. I want to start doing some portraits, but I also want to be able to get a little control on my lighting, inside or out. And I also want to do it on the cheap.. because this hobby is draining my bank account.

Whatever you folks have for me, I'm listening. Thanks!

 

[peanut170]

when i bought my umbrellas they came with stands, so dont need to buy another tripod. and no remotes needed cause it triggers the ocf with your built in flash.

 

[IgsEMT]

No need for a tripod...
a light stand would suffice for the speedlight. Get the stand on ebay (its cheaper) and it'll do basic job

 

[phiya]

You can trigger your flash remotely with commander mode on your D90 flash.

 

[Derrel]

Flash slides in with you pushing it forward, comes out with you pulling it backward...easy-peasey! Check out David Hobby's blog, called Strobist, as well as some of the other on-line flash resources.

 

[Geaux]

45 degree and straight up bounce is your frieeeeeeeeeeeeend

 

[kundalini]

Although the Eneloop keep their charges longer, the burst needed for a flash is not as responsive from what I've read. I use the Eneloops in my grip, but use higher rated batteries for my flash units. Check out the Powerex 2700 NiMH rechargeables and battery charger from Thomas Distributing. A slower charge keeps battery life longer.

You can use Nikon's CLS right out of the box for OCF while deciding on a remote triggering system.

 

[arcooke]

I did read about those Powerex batteries actually. I read a lot of reviews stating that the batteries have a lifespan of about 1 year. The 2700mAh rating is attractive, but if they die after a year of moderate use, I'm not so sure it's worth it. I did some searching after I read your post and I couldn't find anything particularly negative about using the Eneloops with a flash.

I went ahead with the Eneloops.

 

[KmH]

Then plan for the longer flash recycle times with the Eneloops.

How quickly high mAh NiMH batteries get charged has a large bearing on their life span. Quick charging kills them way faster than slow charging them does.

Frankly, using the Powerex's often, the shorter flash recycle times is more than enough to justify buying the Powerex's once a year.