Problem with sb-800 on bracket using new flash cord (Vello ittl cord for nikon)

[Big Mike]

I have a flip bracket...I used it for wedding photography for a couple seasons.

I found that it wasn't worth the benefits. They are really great when you are shooting a subject who is standing close to a wall (behind them) because it causes the shadow to fall behind them, and avoid the dreaded 'side shadow'.

But other than that, it really doesn't offer much of a benefit. Having the flash a few inches higher, really doesn't make a difference unless the subject is really close to you. I found that, most of the time, I was tilting the flash for bounce anyway...and I can do that without the bracket.

Plus, when shooting a wedding, I don't have time to disconnect the bracket/flash all the time, so I basically had a dedicated camera bag that would hold one camera/lens/bracket/flash all assembled. This meant that I still needed one or even two other gear bags...it was just too much.

 

[baturn]

I have a flip bracket...I used it for wedding photography for a couple seasons.

I found that it wasn't worth the benefits. They are really great when you are shooting a subject who is standing close to a wall (behind them) because it causes the shadow to fall behind them, and avoid the dreaded 'side shadow'.

But other than that, it really doesn't offer much of a benefit. Having the flash a few inches higher, really doesn't make a difference unless the subject is really close to you. I found that, most of the time, I was tilting the flash for bounce anyway...and I can do that without the bracket.

Plus, when shooting a wedding, I don't have time to disconnect the bracket/flash all the time, so I basically had a dedicated camera bag that would hold one camera/lens/bracket/flash all assembled. This meant that I still needed one or even two other gear bags...it was just too much.

Yep, tried it yesterday. I still get red eye if the subject is more than 10ft. away. That's why I went cheap - to see what the benefit might be, if any. Now I know, but will still experiment a bit with different settings, lenses, etc. Thanks again for your helpful comments.

 

[astroNikon]

just to throw something else out there
Rather than directly pointing the flash at the subject
my setup uses a reflector like this ==> Flash Pocket Bouncer for Nikon SB910 SB900 SB700 SB400 SB300 SB600 SB28 SB24 ++

to diffuse in-Direct flash rather than direct flash
with the flash on the bracket or on the camera.

 

[baturn]

just to throw something else out there
Rather than directly pointing the flash at the subject
my setup uses a reflector like this ==> Flash Pocket Bouncer for Nikon SB910 SB900 SB700 SB400 SB300 SB600 SB28 SB24 ++

to diffuse in-Direct flash rather than direct flash
with the flash on the bracket or on the camera.

Thanks for the suggestion. If I was shooting within 10 - 12 ft. I think This could work, but my subjects are 15 to 30 or more feet away (backyard song birds) and I don't think the flash would be near powerful enough.

 

[tirediron]

SB-800, GN 125, at 30' - ISO 400, f5.6, 1/2 power. Assuming a 1 stop loss for the reflector, that still gives you f4...

 

[baturn]

John, The lens is a Sigma 150 -500. Largest aperture at 400-500 is f 6.3. but if you were to expand a bit I might be able to do the math myself. f8, 400ISO = full power?

 

[tirediron]

John, The lens is a Sigma 150 -500. Largest aperture at 400-500 is f 6.3. but if you were to expand a bit I might be able to do the math myself. f8, 400ISO = full power?

Yep, somewhere in between full power and 1/2 + 2/3, or bump up to ISO 800.

 

[baturn]

John, The lens is a Sigma 150 -500. Largest aperture at 400-500 is f 6.3. but if you were to expand a bit I might be able to do the math myself. f8, 400ISO = full power?

Yep, somewhere in between full power and 1/2 + 2/3, or bump up to ISO 800.

Thanks. If it's not pouring rain ,'Il try some of this today.

 

[astroNikon]

Is this just for a bird feeder ?
You could set the flash up on a tripod and a remote trigger
and you can shoot from further away.