ocf

jovialjester

jovialjester

Suspended / Banned
Messages
420
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi, can anyone suggest a decent off camera flash?
I've got a couple of 500W flash heads and I'm looking for a small flash for highlights etc.
It needs to sync off the other flash and be very cheap.... possible for under 40 quid?
 
Probably one of the Yongnuo ones that has an unbuilt optical slave, or an old SB26 if you can find one for that price (might have to be a bit battered for that money).

Alternatively, get a really, really cheap flash without built-in optical slave, and then just fit a hotshoe optical unit for a few quid off eBay - should do the same job
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the suggestions, 2nd hand and battered would be fine by me, the key is the optical slave. Would cheap units have similar power to More expensive ones?
 
Guide No. of SB26 is 36m @ ISO 100m(35mm zoom)
Guide No. of SB600 is 30m @ ISO 100 (35mm zoom)
Guide No. of SB800 is 38m @ ISO 100 (35mm zoom)

On paper some of the old SBs are good at full power, although they couldn't be dialled down to the low power levels (1/64th, 1/128th) that the newer flashguns like the SB800 can.

I use SB800s, which are powerful enough for my outdoor work, and I have an SB24 and SB28 that both seem to punch above their weight when put alongside. The newer digital flashes like the SB800/900/700/600 are easier to use but the old ones are bulletproof and just work fine for general shooting.

I picked my SB24 up for about £45 off TP and I bought a battered SB26 for £35 off ebay. There are bargains to be had :)
 
I would go with the Yongnuo YN460 or YN460mk2 slaves. This is what they were designed for. They are so easy to operate and adjust in seven steps between full and 1/64 power. I have two and when combined together and set at reduced power I get anywhere up to full output with instant recycle. I find them easier to use than my speedlight for OCF.

I picked both of mine up on ebay s/h for around £20 each.
 
Last edited:
18%grey said:
I would go with the Yongnuo YN460 or YN460mk2 slaves. This is what they were designed for. They are so easy to operate and adjust in seven steps between full and 1/64 power. I have two and when combined together and set at reduced power I get anywhere up to full output with instant recycle. I find them easier to use than my speedlight for OCF.

I picked both of mine up on ebay s/h for around £20 each.
Click to expand...

What's the battery usage like?
 
If you want a reliable slave then go for a YN560. A touch over budget but with a 1.5 sec full power recycle and awesome optical slave it's worth it.
 
The23rdman said:
If you want a reliable slave then go for a YN560. A touch over budget but with a 1.5 sec full power recycle and awesome optical slave it's worth it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, definitely consider that one, my biggest negative with the 460 was cycle time

Same question, what's the battery usage like?

hopefully supply will still be ok with the earthquake
 
jovialjester said:
Thanks, definitely consider that one, my biggest negative with the 460 was cycle time

Same question, what's the battery usage like?

hopefully supply will still be ok with the earthquake
Click to expand...

Battery usage is fine.

The earthquake comment was in pretty poor taste though.
 
The23rdman said:
The earthquake comment was in pretty poor taste though.
Click to expand...

My comment was definitely not meant in poor taste, purely a generalisation on the world markets.

I am a purchasing manager and I source heavily from the far east and have many friends over there who I have not heard from. My thoughts are with them and their families.

If I offended anyone by my comment, I apologise, it was not meant disrespectfuly
 
ref to the YN460 the battery usage is pretty good, and recycle time only comes into question using full power, any other setting is instant.
You mentioned needing them for highlights etc so I don't think the full power setting would be used for this. As I mentioned before if I need full power instant recycle, I just pair two up and set them both on 1/2 power.
 
jovialjester said:
Ok, slave flash sorted, any mounting suggestions? How to quick it onto a tripod?
Click to expand...

Nikon AS-19 (or fleabay copy) - features a brass thread in the base for attaching to a tripod and the flash just slits in. Plus it can be taken off to use as a table stand. Think you can get copies for a few quid or the real thing for a tenner.

Alternatively, to give you the option of using a brolly, you can get brolly tilt heads that fit a tripod screw. Usual cost is about a tenner or so - most places like WEX, speedgraphic and premierink sell them :)
 
specialman said:
Nikon AS-19 (or fleabay copy) - features a brass thread in the base for attaching to a tripod and the flash just slits in. Plus it can be taken off to use as a table stand. Think you can get copies for a few quid or the real thing for a tenner.

Alternatively, to give you the option of using a brolly, you can get brolly tilt heads that fit a tripod screw. Usual cost is about a tenner or so - most places like WEX, speedgraphic and premierink sell them :)
Click to expand...

Perfect, thank you
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top