Ordering equipment for macro setup -- please critique before I order!

[cgipson1]

So, I ended up buying the flashes, but I'm not sure how to trigger them with my D3000. Anyone know how to do this?

All those flashes can be optically triggered by his on board flash.. or by one flash on a sync cord. Post #11 in this thread! Or can buy the wireless triggers.. much less frustration!

I did read your post, but I wasn't sure what you meant by "optically triggered." I tried taking pictures with the camera and the external flash did not go off. I also tried connecting the flash directly to the camera (just for kicks, since I don't intend to use it that way) and the camera kept trying to pop up it's own flash (so it didn't realize the external one was attached, I guess).

Regardless, you think a wireless trigger would be better? Do you know if the one I linked to will work with a D3000 and three Yongnuo YN-560 II's? I emailed the Amazon seller to confirm, but who knows if they'll ever respond

There are three settings on the back of the flash (M, S1, S2)... YN 560's right? One setting sets it to ignore TTL preflash.... and only flash on the main flash. The other setting sets it to go off on any other flash it sees. My 560's are upstairs.. and I don't remember which setting is which. But IT is in the crappy manual they send out with it!

A quick Google finds :

Photography Tips: Yong Nuo YN-560 Manual Flash

YN-560 Instruction Manual | Speedlights.net

http://www.yongnuoebay.com/sm/yn5601.pdf

When the flash is in S1 mode, it will work with the first work of the master flash synchronously, with the result
consistent with the use of radio slave. To use this mode correctly, the master flash should be set at manual flash and
the TTL flash system with preflight function and the red-reduction function with multiple flashes should not be used.
S2 mode: It is also called “pre-flash cancel mode”. This mode is similar with S1 mode, but it can neglect the pre-flash
given by TTL flash. Therefore, it can support the main flash working in TTL mode. In particular, if S1 mode cannot
flash correctly and synchronically with your internal flash, you can try to use S2 mode.

 

[phnoob]

Well, I went ahead and ordered one of these: Amazon.com: Yongnuo 2.4GHz Wireless Remote Control RF-602 N1 for Nikon D1/D2/D3/D200/D300/D700: Camera & Photo

And two of these: Amazon.com: Cowboystudio 16 Channel 3 in 1 Combo Receiver for Canon SLR Cameras, Compatible with Canon 580EX 430EX Flash, Remote Trigger for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XSi, XS, T1i, T2i , EOS 5D 7D 50D 40D 1D, and Monolight Wireless Receiver: C

A seller emailed me back and said they should work "except for the remote shutter release." So hopefully they will be OK!