Off Camera Flash - SB900

DropDead

DropDead

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Jake Lewis
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Hey,

I'm getting my SB900 and I want to get a TTL cable before affording some Pocketwizards just to get me started... But it has to be long enough to reach the camera.. Something like 10-20m longs or can you think of something else to use?

I just dont have the money to spend on the pocket wizards until the next month so i'm really just looking for something to suffice until then :)
 
As Paul says for that distance you will need to use CLS which is easy with the SB900. For a short distance a cable can be used but I bought one and never used it once I had CLS set up.

Do you know how to use CLS? I did a tutorial a while ago, it's on here somewhere.
 
I've never heard of CLS.. But i'll give it a search, cheers!
 
After having a quick read on Google, I have heard of the CLS... So presuming this function would erase the need for Pocket Wizards... BUT from the very quick read i've had that also means I wont be able to reach the higher shutter speeds and higher apertures? Right... ?

I'm beginning to believe i've got to allot of reading to get under my belt in the next few days before I get my SB900!

:D
 
Also what camera do you own?

The more consumer orientated models don't actually have a CLS controller built in.
 
I've got a D90, so i'm pretty sure it has the CLS built in, as I remember being told about this before when I first got my D90.

But i'm more than likely wrong haha
 
DropDead said:
After having a quick read on Google, I have heard of the CLS... So presuming this function would erase the need for Pocket Wizards... BUT from the very quick read i've had that also means I wont be able to reach the higher shutter speeds and higher apertures? Right... ?

I'm beginning to believe i've got to allot of reading to get under my belt in the next few days before I get my SB900!

:D
Click to expand...

No, assuming your camera's pop-up flash acts as a CLS commander, it has the same basic functions as a PW. Within the limitations of IR of course, as opposed to radio, which is basically short range outdoors, and unreliability in bright sun. The longest TTL cord you can get is an Interfit at 10m.

Manual radio triggers are very cheap, like £40 - probably favourite.
 
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HoppyUK said:
No, assuming your camera's pop-up flash acts as a CLS commander, it has the same basic functions as a PW.
Click to expand...

The cheaper models i.e. D40,D40x,D60,D3000,D3100 don't act as CLS commanders despite having a pop up flash. I would guess that the D5x00 range are the same and probably the D7x00 ones too.

I think the D90 does but a quick search via google should clear it up.
 
Right after having a read up on the net and watching a few vids on youtube, the D90 does supports CLS.. Excellent!!

Looks very simple to work with, now im very excited to get to work and try some shots out!

I'm very excited now! Thanks for the help guys, you've cleared allot up!
 
If you have any questions with the SB900 just ask. I have an SB600 and a SB900 plus I did have the SB800. Brilliant flashes :D
 
Will do, i'm really excited about getting my SB900 as now having the flash will open up a whole new ball game of photography and opportunities for 2012! I can see myself getting this flash and then wanting a second one rather quickly!

Gotta look at the getting a stand aswell!

Here's another question, getting a 'shower cap' diffuser will that act as the same as a softbox, or would it actually be better off getting one of those small soft boxes for it?
 
DropDead said:
Will do, i'm really excited about getting my SB900 as now having the flash will open up a whole new ball game of photography and opportunities for 2012! I can see myself getting this flash and then wanting a second one rather quickly!

Gotta look at the getting a stand aswell!

Here's another question, getting a 'shower cap' diffuser will that act as the same as a softbox, or would it actually be better off getting one of those small soft boxes for it?
Click to expand...

They come with a stand included. They also come with a number of diffuser options. The type of diffuser you are looking at is called a lambency diffuser and they can be found on ebay for maybe £5-8. I have a few lying around here but the SB900 has a larger head than most normal flashes so you would need one specifically for that or modify one.
 
I mean an actual lighting stand, not the little platform it comes with.. unless there's a way of just using a tripod.. Because im really not looking to spend much more money until next month.. :)

Ah I see, i shall look into that now!
 
The little stand has a screw fitting on it which fits onto a tripod :D
 
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