Nikon sb 600 when used for insects? what output would be a good starting point?

[Tommyk]

I just picked up a used Nikon sb-600 for off camera flash to be used with a mini lumiquest mini softbox. The output on the flash is from 1/1 to 1/64. Can anyone using this flash for insects give me a starting point for what might be a decent output setting? All photos will be with the softbox attached to the flash.I realize distance to subject will be a factor. I will be using a 105mm 2.8 with an extension tube . I'll probably set aperture priority and I guess I would set ISO at 100,200,or 400 depending on aperture/conditions but was wondering if any of you guys could give me a starting point to set that output level to for an assortment of insect shots. Please excuse the beginner questions Thank you.

 

[scorpion_tyr]

If you're shooting insects, you're probably going to want a low ISO, and a pretty small aperture to get a deep DOF. I usually start at 1/2 to 1/1 on my flash for macro work and adjust from there. You'll probably end up with 1/1 if you're shooting through a softbox. Shooting insects with a flash can be really challenging, especially if you're shooting them while they're alive. It can take a LOT of practice and experimentation, but it can also be highly rewarding.

 

[TheFantasticG]

What body are you using and does the extension tubes have electrical contacts? I asked because iTTL works pretty good much of the time. If you have a newer body like the D7000 i would say give it a try on iTTL as long as the extension tube has electrical contacts.

 

[danielklaer]

As said try and see what the automatic system comes up with. I imagine you will end up using full power though as you will be shooting around f/18 or maybe even smaller for insects.

 

[TheFantasticG]

F18? Maybe if shooing a nat. I normally shoot between f9-14. And if I need more than that I shoot at f14 and stack.

 

[danielklaer]

Meh op says he wants to shoot insects so can't really stack unless they are dead/cold. I often find myself at f18 or more on small insects (especially with tubes) if I want the whole/most of the insect in focus. Might be overkill?

 

[JoeW27 1]

I just picked up a used Nikon sb-600 for off camera flash to be used with a mini lumiquest mini softbox. The output on the flash is from 1/1 to 1/64. Can anyone using this flash for insects give me a starting point for what might be a decent output setting? All photos will be with the softbox attached to the flash.I realize distance to subject will be a factor. I will be using a 105mm 2.8 with an extension tube . I'll probably set aperture priority and I guess I would set ISO at 100,200,or 400 depending on aperture/conditions but was wondering if any of you guys could give me a starting point to set that output level to for an assortment of insect shots. Please excuse the beginner questions Thank you.

Not sure what you're shooting with and what the lighting situation is you're working with (outdoors under the sun, kitchen table with nice indirect light, shaded forest, dark basement with only artificial light) but my first instinct would be to use the speed light to blast the heck out of the background. If you've got a nikon body like a D5200 or D7000, set it on commander mode, be sure the popup flash is set only to communicate, not to fire/flash, set the D600 to wireless, then set it up so it's lighting the background, not the insect. You'll get a nice white blur that will place all of the viewer's emphasis on your macro target. And in that case, you don't need to worry about settings--the more light the better.

If you do want to light your bug, I agree that iTTL works well with the Nikon speed lights and I'd start by giving that a try if your body allows for that.

 

[sm4him]

Meh op says he wants to shoot insects so can't really stack unless they are dead/cold. I often find myself at f18 or more on small insects (especially with tubes) if I want the whole/most of the insect in focus. Might be overkill?

^ +1
f/14 on even a small insect is often not enough, and stacking isn't really an option when the thing is likely to move long before you get enough shots. For example, THIS was a tiny little insect, shot at f/22 and I *still* barely even got its front end in focus.
insect_0621small by sm4him, on Flickr

OP: If the TTL doesn't work, just experiment. I use a Yongnuo flash that doesn't have TTL, and I find my flash power varies just depending on where I am, what time of day it is, etc. but generally it's at 1/2 power or less.

 

[TheFantasticG]

Meh op says he wants to shoot insects so can't really stack unless they are dead/cold. I often find myself at f18 or more on small insects (especially with tubes) if I want the whole/most of the insect in focus. Might be overkill?

I set my D7000 on CH and holding down the shutter release while slowly moving forward or backward over the subject with or without tripod. The results are good enough for me.