Different flashes for 2 D90s?

[Tbini87]

Hey guys. Here is my situation. My wife and I both love photography, and have been doing some portrait work for family friends, along with some senior portraits. We have been using a 35mm and 50mm 1.8 primes and haven't had any need for a speedlight yet. However, we have been booked to shoot a wedding next year and we plan on upgrading and buying new gear. We plan on having 2 D90s, with my wife as the main shooter and me backing her up. Here is my question:

Do you think it is a good idea to buy 2 different speedlights for our cameras? I would buy an sb-600 for her and something like a vivitar 383 for mine. The reason being that my camera and flash probably wouldn't be getting any use except for the occasional wedding and I think that saving money on the flash would be nice. however, if you guys think that things would be more efficient, less worrysome to simply have 2 sb-600s then i may just shell out the extra cash. Any thoughts, advice and input is appreciated!

 

[tirediron]

My suggestion here would be to buy at least one flash that is capable of acting as a commander for Nikon's CLS (Creative Lighting System), meaning SB-700, 800, or 900. I'm not familiar with the SB-700, and the SB-900 is by all accounts not their best product; look around for a used SB-800.

A Vivitar 283 is a good flash, but you're not going to be able to use TTL flash metering. You might consider a Sigma or Metz flash with a Nikon manual; not CLS capable, but you will get TTL flash metering.

 

[Tbini87]

My suggestion here would be to buy at least one flash that is capable of acting as a commander for Nikon's CLS (Creative Lighting System), meaning SB-700, 800, or 900. I'm not familiar with the SB-700, and the SB-900 is by all accounts not their best product; look around for a used SB-800.

A Vivitar 283 is a good flash, but you're not going to be able to use TTL flash metering. You might consider a Sigma or Metz flash with a Nikon manual; not CLS capable, but you will get TTL flash metering.

i thought the 600 could be the commander. don't really even know what all that means though. I thought i read that the vivitar 383 had TTL flash metering which was the model i was looking at. Also looks like it has a built in diffuser which looked like a nice perk, but the reviews weren't exactly perfect on Amazon.

 

[kundalini]

The SB-600 cannot act as Commander. I agree with tirediron on finding a used SB-800. They are great little units. The SB-900 is overpriced and has heat issues, the SB-600 is good and I'm not familiar with the new SB-700.

 

[David Dvir]

2 SB 700. That's going to be worth it for many things aside from the wedding as well.

 

[ghache]

a vivitar 283 on your d90 and its going to smel like fried chicken in your house on the first shot.

 

[IgsEMT]

My 5 cents:
You booked a wedding, an event that must be captures as is w/o redos, here's a minimal list of gear you must have:
3 bodies - you got to have at least one more body in case one of them goes. D90 is a great camera ( I have it for over a year now) but it isn't a wedding camera. It'll do the job but after 2-3 events as such you'll notice its limitations, therefore start looking into additional body (look into d300 - should be able to get one used in decent condition and not too much $).
Though I'm not a proponent of primes for weddings (been there done that with Bronica), you need AGAIN at least 3 lenses (one to back you up if needs be).
Light:
Personally, and that going by specs, I think sb700 is a piece of S|-|** that should have never made to a production line. An upgrade for sb600 that is weaker then its predecessor with faults of sb900 is a horrible product in my opinion. Therefore you are left with choices
sb400: don't even think about it. Its a cute little toy to take on a family vacation, it isn't an equipment where you have to present your self as a professional.
sb600: is NOT a commander flash, only a slave as well as ttl and M but is a good flash. Again, like D90 as good as it is, it ought to be used as a backup unit and not the primary.
sb900: i have mixed feelings about it. Every time I'm on a job using it, I'm waiting for it to do some weird **** and count my blessings when it doesn't. I did have to readjust my shooting style when began working with this flash.
SB800: by far in my opinion the best darn flash Nikon ever made. Powerful, reliable and just a great piece of equipment. Unfortunately today though, if you are lucky enough to find it in good condition it cost MORE then it did when it was in production.
SB80dx - it was a sb800 equivalent during good old film days. If you can get that - have a great time with it.
Any other units, unless they are ttl compatible (for ex: Sunpac 120J w/ Nikon mudule) I would place on a brakcet either via ttl cord or pc cord and use in M and maybe Auto modes only.
got more specific Qs, don't hesitate to PM
good luck

 

[Tbini87]

^ so much good info from you guys thanks a ton. I actually bought a D200 a few months back and just did not like it at all. my wife and i have only ever used a tiny D40, and a D90 feels sooooo comfortable in our hands compared to the bigger and better models. I think the D90s will be obvious upgrades from our D40, and possibly be stepping stones to better and bigger bodies in the future. I think i am going to go with the sb-600 to start and see how we like it. thanks for all the help!