Second flash? Already have an SB600

[TPFoster]

As the title says, I'm looking at getting a second flash and was wondering if:
a) Can 3rd party flashes be used off-camera with commander mode and be compatible with the SB600 being used (also off-camera) at the same time
b) Are there any disadvantages to using a 3rd party flash in such a setup?
c) Alternatively is it worth getting an SB910? I assume there will be no issues with using that and the SB600.
d) Which third party flashes perform similarly to the SB910?

Sorry if that's a lot to be asking- I'm just anxious not to make a bad decision!

 

[Sir SR]

As the title says, I'm looking at getting a second flash and was wondering if:
a) Can 3rd party flashes be used off-camera with commander mode and be compatible with the SB600 being used (also off-camera) at the same time
b) Are there any disadvantages to using a 3rd party flash in such a setup?
c) Alternatively is it worth getting an SB910? I assume there will be no issues with using that and the SB600.
d) Which third party flashes perform similarly to the SB910?

Sorry if that's a lot to be asking- I'm just anxious not to make a bad decision!

Hi. What camera are you using? Does it have a commander mode?

My d90 allowed control of three groups whereas the d800 allowed only two. I know some of the lower end nikons don't have a commander mode from the pop up.

I plumped for a couple of nissins, alongside my sb900's.

If I was doing it all again I'd give serious consideration to getting yonugo triggers and manual flashes. Cheaper and more control of light! And maybe a couple of studio heads - don't discount this if portability isn't a major issue.

Spare some money for stands/modifiers/reflectors. I think (IMHO) that flashes are a bit like camera bodies and modifiers a bit like lenses. It's important to work out what you want to do with the light.

S

 

[TPFoster]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I'm using a D7000 so yes, I have commander mode on the body. I think it does two groups too but not 100% sure as I've only experience with using the one off - camera flash. I would be wanting something portable I think.

Also, my SB600 covers something like 24-85mm (and 14mm). Don't have it with me so can't check exactly. I was looking at the SB910 and that covers 17-200mm on FX (12-200 on DX). I've just bought a 70-200 recently so the extra range/power would be nice.

In terms of use, I'm looking for something that I could use on camera but also off camera with the SB600 when required.

I think what I'm trying to say is that the SB910 would to me seem ideal, it's just the cost which is slightly putting me off. I wouldn't mind it if I thought it was by far the best option for me but I was just wondering about alternatives, such as the Metz 58 AF-2 and whether they would play nice with the existing SB600.
I appreciate you could probably get better lighting with more light sources and triggers, etc. but given that I don't tend to do studio photography and that I am looking for convenience, I'm thinking an SB910 (or similar!) would be the sensible choice?

 

[Sir SR]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I'm using a D7000 so yes, I have commander mode on the body. I think it does two groups too but not 100% sure as I've only experience with using the one off - camera flash. I would be wanting something portable I think.

Also, my SB600 covers something like 24-85mm (and 14mm). Don't have it with me so can't check exactly. I was looking at the SB910 and that covers 17-200mm on FX (12-200 on DX). I've just bought a 70-200 recently so the extra range/power would be nice.

In terms of use, I'm looking for something that I could use on camera but also off camera with the SB600 when required.

I think what I'm trying to say is that the SB910 would to me seem ideal, it's just the cost which is slightly putting me off. I wouldn't mind it if I thought it was by far the best option for me but I was just wondering about alternatives, such as the Metz 58 AF-2 and whether they would play nice with the existing SB600.
I appreciate you could probably get better lighting with more light sources and triggers, etc. but given that I don't tend to do studio photography and that I am looking for convenience, I'm thinking an SB910 (or similar!) would be the sensible choice?

Not sure about the others, but the nissin di866 II can be had for under 200 new and I think that is cls compatible. Certainly the di622 II is cls compatible and have used those TTL & CLS.

Having said that, if money is no object the sb900/910 are awesome if not expensive. Is the sb700 not suitable?

I keep toying with the idea of selling my two nissins to help fund studio heads but I like their size/portability!

S

 

[Bumbler]

If you want to try third party instead of Nikon, then you could get a Yongnuo 560EX. This will work as a slave in the CLS system, but manual on camera.
For both master and slave plus on camera TTL, you could try the Oloong SP-690II.
The Yongnuo is about £60, The Oloong £95.