Anyone got a SB-R1C1 flash kit?

[Messiah Khan]

Its somewhat expensive, but im very tempted by this. Im coming to the conclusion that I really could do with a flash gun, especially for macro work when its dark and overcast. Ive been looking at ringflashes, but in the back of my mind I want a setup thats as versatile as possible. So does anyone have this kit? How does it perform? Any downsides or comments? Am i also right in believing that you can have up to 8 SB-R200 flashes, controlled across 3 groups all wireless? Does this mean I could have say; 2 attached to the camera, and another 6 attached to trees etc?

 

[DaveW]

I don't have one as I use the only Micro Nikkor it is too heavy to use with, the now withdrawn 70mm-180mm Micro Nikkor because this has plastic filter threads and an extending barrel, so I have to use a twin flash bracket instead.

If you have a Nikon with the built in Commander Unit you can save yourself some money by just getting the R1 because you do not need the Commander Unit of the R1C1. As I understand it the flashguns on the R1/R1C1 can only be used as slaves, I don't think they can be used on the cameras hotshoe.

The cameras pop-up flash acts as Commander unit in the latest Nikon's. In the earlier models you need the Commander unit that comes with the R1C1. With this, or the built in Commander unit, you can control numerous flashguns off camera in Nikon's "wireless mode".

I found Nikon's term "wireless" confusing at first as we in the UK associate that with radio, but Nikon simply mean having no wires because the flashes are controlled by a series of optical pulsed pre flashes.

See:-

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/r1c1.htm

http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dc...&om=15142&forum=DCForumID63&viewmode=threaded

http://www.moosepeterson.com/moosen...nikon-r1c1-close-up-speedlight-commander-kit/

DaveW

 

[Messiah Khan]

Thanks for that Dave. I've already read through a lot of material about it, I was just wondering about users opinions etc. Ive got a D40x, so I don't have an inbuilt commander unit. Even if I did decide on getting this it would have to wait quite a while until I could afford it anyway. Additionally im eying up more lenses which might come first.