Off Camera Lighting

[bruce282]

So I've decided to explore OCL. I've checked out Lighting 101 on the strobist site, and have The Hot Shoe Diaries which I am 1/3 finished with.

My equipment is:

Nikon D90
SB-25
SB-80DX
2 SB-16A for my F3.

Please check my understanding of the CLS system.

I can use my built in flash as a commander for the CLS system. It uses radio waves to talk with SB-600, 700, 800, and 900. All but the 600 can be used as a commander when mounted on my D90.

I'm guessing I would do this if I wanted to use the SB on my D90 to help with the lighting, or do I have more control over the remote units (600-thru 900)?

Now the 80DX has an optical sensor so I can use my built in flash to trigger it. The 16's and 25 will need either optical sensors or radio poppers (on order) to work as remote flashes. I'm discounting sync cords right now.

The 16's have no manual adjustments, but they do have a 'motor drive' setting which fires the flash at 10% power.

I'm trying to decide if I want to get a 600 to use on camera when I need iTTL, get a used 800 for the same reason, and to use it in commander mode (which means I need additional 600's or above), or get a used SB26 ~ $100 (has an optical slave built in) or SB80DX ~ 175. In addition to the optical sensor the 80DX has a wider manual power range.

Hope all this makes sense. I like shooting sports (not a big call for OCL outside during the day), candids, and now still life and perhaps portraits later on.

I plan on putting together a stand/head/ umbrella kit or looking at the kits at Midwest Photo Exchange.

Thanks folks,

Bruce

 

[Big Mike]

I can use my built in flash as a commander for the CLS system. It uses radio waves to talk with SB-600, 700, 800, and 900.

It does not use radio waves, it just pulses the flash (or possibly uses Infrared light)...and that is the one down side to using CLS. When using it outdoors, or in a large indoor space, you may require line-of-sight between 'master' and 'slave' for them to work. And the brighter the ambient light is, the less effective the communication will be.
That is why many photographers use separate radio triggers, because radio waves are better form of communication.

One thing to consider/figure out, is whether you are going to stay with the CLS system or if you are going to use manual flash. You can go either way, but your decision will likely influence the gear that you buy & use.

 

[KmH]

Carry on.

 

[SpeedTrap]

One major thing to remember is that in the CLS system, the on camera flash gives a quick pre-flash to meter, if you have flashes set on an optical slave, the per flash will trigger them and they will not fire for the image.

If you are working with optical triggers you need to set everything to manual including your flashes so no CLS.

 

[bruce282]

Thanks for the info. I have decided to go with a SB-600 for on camera TTL work, and get an SB-26 to use off camera. That way I can use optical with 2 adjustable flashes, and radio with all 5 if needed.


Bruce

 

[Destin]

Nice. CLS is good, most of the time. But it's always good to have a backup system in case you cant get line of sight. You can get ebay trigger kits with 3 recievers and a transmitter for about $50. go on ebay and search ctr-301p

 

[ghache]

I have 2 sb-600 and rarelly used CLS off camera. Its a really nice feature to have when used on camera for fast action. Off camera, I always end up using my ctr-301p (the one destin mentionned) since i can also use my vivitar 285hv with the speedlights.

 

[KmH]

In the vernacular it's known as off-camera-flash or OCF.

The ctr-301p triggers use the same frequency as cordless home telephones.

Some prefer the PT-04C radio triggers because they use a different frequency.

I like these radio triggers, because I can put 2 speedlights on one receiver and double the amount of light if I need to.

ISHOOT, PT-04 C Wireless Remote Radio Flash Trigger w/3 receivers