Qns and confirmations W.R.T nikon CLS

[XC Pictorial]

1. Instead of using the SU800 commander, i can use the inbuilt one in the D200.. technically that is.

a) Is the commander program limited to only grps A and B compared to A,B,C on the SB800 and SU800? - My own exp so far is yes.

b) If i want to use the D200 commander instead of SU800, and i do not want interference from built in flash, can i just block it off? - My own exp so far is yes.

c) What are the difference btw using either of which, and what would tempt me to get an additional SU800?

2. SB600. Does it have commander functions (sorry for such a questions, i only bought and own SB800s so far)

3. D70 commander mode. Assuming that the flash commander mode in D70 is for CLS and functional, but there is no settings for groups and channel, do i assume that commander on D70 automatically controls all group A on channel 1?

4. Any kind souls to share more experience and ideas/tips on CLS?

thanks in advance.

[RtOaNn]

Originally Posted by XC Pictorial 2. SB600. Does it have commander functions (sorry for such a questions, i only bought and own SB800s so far) 3. D70 commander mode. Assuming that the flash commander mode in D70 is for CLS and functional, but there is no settings for groups and channel, do i assume that commander on D70 automatically controls all group A on channel 1? thanks in advance.

XC, SB600 don't have commander function. Only SB800 has it.

For D70/s commander mode, it can only control 1 group of speedlights. That's group A, channel 3 if i'm not wrong.

[XC Pictorial]

Originally Posted by RtOaNn XC, SB600 don't have commander function. Only SB800 has it. For D70/s commander mode, it can only control 1 group of speedlights. That's group A, channel 3 if i'm not wrong.

Right. Just verified it.

Any idea why would someone wants a SB800 commander mounted on the camera? For the same reasons as mounting a SU800?

Or it is used off the camera mount.

Just added a new qns as well, what are the light diffusing methods to be used with the SB800? any diff from normal, using bouncecard, LS etc.. Anyone here tried softboxes and umbrellas?

[RtOaNn]

Originally Posted by XC Pictorial Right. Just verified it. Any idea why would someone wants a SB800 commander mounted on the camera? For the same reasons as mounting a SU800? Or it is used off the camera mount. Just added a new qns as well, what are the light diffusing methods to be used with the SB800? any diff from normal, using bouncecard, LS etc.. Anyone here tried softboxes and umbrellas?

Usually, those people are using bodies which can't be commander like D50. With the SB800, you have Master & Commander modes.

Umbrellas & softboxes should still work with the SB800,seen people try it before.

[madmacs]

Originally Posted by XC Pictorial Right. Just verified it. Any idea why would someone wants a SB800 commander mounted on the camera? For the same reasons as mounting a SU800? Or it is used off the camera mount. Just added a new qns as well, what are the light diffusing methods to be used with the SB800? any diff from normal, using bouncecard, LS etc.. Anyone here tried softboxes and umbrellas?

i havent tried using sb800 mounted as commander. i guess you would do that if you dont have an su800.

sb800 and translucent umbrella gives pretty good results. complement that with 2 sb-r200 with color filter makes it even more interesting. you can also try the silver reflective umbrella for a more harsh effect.

[zac08]

A SB-800 is more versatile than a SU-800. Since it can be converted from Commander mode to normal mode in a few secs, you can have a unit which can switch from either functions in a short while as opposed to having to change the SU-800 to a different flash or removing it to allow for the pop-up to work.

Also, the SB-800 can allow for SU-4 functionability when using with older cameras which does not support CLS.

Currently, I'm experimenting with some bottles of Lay's as snoots and light modifiers... softboxes are available commercially from some names I believe. But setup would be meant for indoors as I dun think it's strong enuff to hold up to the winds and elements...

[XC Pictorial]

Originally Posted by RtOaNn Usually, those people are using bodies which can't be commander like D50. With the SB800, you have Master & Commander modes. Umbrellas & softboxes should still work with the SB800,seen people try it before.

I see.. almost forgotten the existence of D50

Thanks for the reminder. However... If a D50/D40 user has the spare greenbacks to play CLS, he would probably gain more with a body upgrade.

Those accessories my HK supplier mentioned to me before.. Might bring in some to try.

[XC Pictorial]

Originally Posted by madmacs i havent tried using sb800 mounted as commander. i guess you would do that if you dont have an su800. sb800 and translucent umbrella gives pretty good results. complement that with 2 sb-r200 with color filter makes it even more interesting. you can also try the silver reflective umbrella for a more harsh effect.

Have got 4 SB800.. think i will work around them for the time being before considering more flash. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[XC Pictorial]

Originally Posted by zac08 A SB-800 is more versatile than a SU-800. Since it can be converted from Commander mode to normal mode in a few secs, you can have a unit which can switch from either functions in a short while as opposed to having to change the SU-800 to a different flash or removing it to allow for the pop-up to work. Also, the SB-800 can allow for SU-4 functionability when using with older cameras which does not support CLS. Currently, I'm experimenting with some bottles of Lay's as snoots and light modifiers... softboxes are available commercially from some names I believe. But setup would be meant for indoors as I dun think it's strong enuff to hold up to the winds and elements...

I see.. My intention for CLS not so much of product shots as i have already gotten a full set of such equipment from different sizes light tents to tables, together with a set of trusty Elinchroms..

I was looking at it more for a lighter and backup solution to carrying large outdoor strobes for outdoor shoots.

[Yatlapball]

In your settings just make sure the on-camera flash is -- and it will be solely for triggering your remote strobes.

Run a search on "The Strobist". It has a very detailed list of information which answers all your questions on how to deploy speedlights in place of your traditional studio lights.

[itsybitsyspidy]

Hi TS,

I've been experimenting with CLS myself. One of the sites i frequent is the Strobist blog. They teach you everything you can achieve with CLS, and i'm very impressed by the effects you can achieve, which can be similar to the high end expensive strobe lights. I myself shoot food photography using an SB-600, a photoflex umbrella mounted on a tripod, and a DIY reflector, triggered by D200 onboard flash. Pretty much does the job for me.

The blog also teaches you how to work with cheap items, like the older SB-26. It's cheap and good, and most importantly, gets the job done.

HTH.

[Yatlapball]

ah. thanks itsy. that was exactly the site I was talking about. heh. but i don't remember the URL

[XC Pictorial]

Originally Posted by itsybitsyspidy Hi TS, I've been experimenting with CLS myself. One of the sites i frequent is the Strobist blog. They teach you everything you can achieve with CLS, and i'm very impressed by the effects you can achieve, which can be similar to the high end expensive strobe lights. I myself shoot food photography using an SB-600, a photoflex umbrella mounted on a tripod, and a DIY reflector, triggered by D200 onboard flash. Pretty much does the job for me. The blog also teaches you how to work with cheap items, like the older SB-26. It's cheap and good, and most importantly, gets the job done. HTH.

Good stuff. Thanks.

[Scaglietti]

SU800 is also target for cameras without built-in flash like the D2 series and also those who does not want to use the on board flash.

BC