TTL cord for Nikon

[Fortkentdad]

I have a D5100, an SB 700 and Metz 58 AF2. I use Nikon's Commander CLS system to trigger the off camera flash.

I'm thinking of getting a TTL Cord so that my on-camera flash could be positioned off the camera probably on extension arm attached to the camera - just want a little distance away from the camera - could also be on a nearby stand.

Few questions

First and most important, these cords are TTL carry through - does this include the CLS wireless trigger for the master to communicate to the slave?

Second, I need to decide between the convenience of a shorter cord that would work when the flash is just on an arm attached to the camera or do I want to put up with a long cord so that sometimes I could get even more distance away from the camera. Anyone regret getting a short cord? Regret getting a long one? Cost's about $10-15 more for a longer cord.

And finally, I'm looking at ordering from Ebay probably (maybe Amazon.ca if the price is right but it seldom is). I recognize a couple of the brands, Yongnuo for example and Pixel. But there are several other brands, and there seem to be some no-name one's too. Any one recommend a particular brand - or warn against another? Prices seem to range from under 10 to up to $30 (although you can pay more). Nikon and Metz cords are $75+ ~ not going there.

Eventually I may go to a TTL wireless trigger like the Yongnuo 622 or just stay with the CLS system. Looking at adding a Yongnuo 565ex flash at some point, but not for a while, just bought the Metz so not until I get the hang of two flashes. Lots to learn about flash lighting.

 

[Steve Smith]

I have a Nissin SC-01 extension lead which is quite a bit cheaper than the Nikon SC-17.

I haven't used one with a radio trigger but I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be the same as a direct connection.


Steve.

 

[Phil V]

The TTL cord is invisible to the camera, so whatever you have mounted appears to the camera to be in the hot shoe.

I have 2 short Canon ones I daisy chain sometimes, but tbh, considering the cost of wireless triggers, the triggers are a no-brainer.

When we start shooting with remote lights, we consider the distance of camera to light to be fairly fixed and important for practical decisions. But you don't shoot like that, you'll want to move to your subject, help them pose, create poses to copy etc. Then move back into position to shoot, the cable will quickly become something you have to 'manage'.

The simple point is that I bought radio triggers after I pulled a camera and lens onto the floor walking through a cable. That lens service cost more than my current triggers.

 

[HoppyUK]

Agree with Phil. YN 622 triggers have rather changed the game re the cost of TTL radio triggers. If you go down the 622 route, check full compatibility with Metz guns first.

 

[Fortkentdad]

I'm thinking of this cord to give a little range to my on camera flash more so than more distant remote flashes.
The 622n seems to come in at about $100 for the pair, $175 for a set of four. My thinking is that I will use those when I get a third flash unit (YN 560 ex or 565 ex). Appreciate the warning about the dangers of cords and pulling flashes/cameras over. I think if I do this I'll get a short cord and keep the flash on an arm on the camera.

I am trying to find out if the Metz 58 Af-2 is compatible with the 622-N - will post link when I find out.

But this of course begs the question; is a flash a few inches above or beside the camera on a flash arm going to make much of a difference to the picture. Both my flashes swivel and can bounce and I have on flash soft boxes for them and just "won" a Gary Fong diffuser set on ebay

 

[Fortkentdad]

I'll make the Metz 58 & 622N a separate post

 

[Kris]

I'm thinking of this cord to give a little range to my on camera flash more

and just "won" a Gary Fong diffuser set on ebay

The best TTL cord bar none is the Pixel Componor, as it utilises Cat5 cable to lengthen/shorten at will:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pixel-Com...-Cord-for-Nikon-with-0-3M-Cable-/160791048672

But you would be better served by a pair of 622s, beleive me.

You have my sympathies. The gary fong stuff is the 'beginners tax' you have to pay before learning to light properly. He does need a new yacht though.

 

[Kris]

oops

 

[Fortkentdad]

Well Mr Fong won't be sailing his Yacht too far on my $19. I like my new Metz but it did not include any diffusers or coloured filters or any other light modifiers so I thought this one would give me options for adding colour to my shots. I do wonder how come some products like Gary Fong stuff and others are so outrageously priced, now I know - its to fund yachts.

Still checking out the compatibility of my Metz 58 AF-2 and the 662-N on a D5100.