What flashes to use alongside a Nikon SB-800

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I currently have a Nikon SB-800 as my only flash to use with my Nikon D300 and I'd like to invest in another flash (maybe 2) partly to use with my D80 but mainly to experiment with off camera flash to boost the lighting on portraits.

I know the SB-800 can be used as the commander in the CLS system but I want to be able to have some control over the additional flashes. The ability to use all the flashes in iTTL mode would be great but also want to be able to adjust each of them manually to get the right level I'm after at the time.

So what options are open to me? I know the SB-600, SB-800 and SB-900 all work like this in the CLS system but to be honest I don't really have the money to be investing in expensive flashes. Are there any cheaper ones that are compatible? Do Sigma or Jessops do any flashes that will do the job?

Lighting experts, help me out here!!
 
You should save and buy flashes that work with Nikon's CLS - much easier to use.
 
awp said:
You should save and buy flashes that work with Nikon's CLS - much easier to use.
Click to expand...

That was part of my question. Are there any flashes other than the Nikon SB600/800/900 that work with CLS or are they my only options? If they are then I will start saving because I don't want to buy anything that's not compatible.
 
600/800/900 are the only CLS options as far as I know - and you won't get an SB-800 new any longer as they have discontinued it. :(
 
happy to help - good luck with your search!
 
Yes, it's the 600/800/900 series that can do CLS.

Although the '900 is the dog's bits, it's pricey (but very good) so I'd go for a used 600 or 800. The 800 has more power but will be more expensive - I reckon you'll pay at least £150 used – whereas the 600 is less powerful (but not by that much really) and you could possibly get a used one for around the £120 mark. You'll have to look hard for those prices but I have seen them. If you're not trying to light huge areas then the 600 might be the best option as it's cheaper. If you want mega-power then the 800 is the key.

Although CLS is something that surely offers the most convenient and user-friendly system because it's all camera controlled, it can be expensive to buy into because of the flash prices. Of course, the other option is the wireless, off-camera setup using triggers and older flashes like SB24/26/28 etc. You can get old SBs for £40 or £50 and a set of fleabay triggers for £20, which makes for a cheap setup but of course you have to do everything manually, which isn't a hardship but does add an extra element to working exposure.

Personally, the trigger route will teach you a lot about exposure (and keep you fit walking between flashes :D) but the CLS is maybe a good future-proof route. If I had the cash I'd go CLS :)
 
awp said:
You should save and buy flashes that work with Nikon's CLS - much easier to use.
Click to expand...

:agree:

The Nikon flashguns will a) work seamlessly with CLS and b) retain their value far better than any of the off-brand ones
 
what FITP said. CLS is an amazing system to use, and when you need radio reliability / instant firing, all CLS guns work great in manual too.

I wouldn't bother with second hand sb600s at the moment tbh, theyre £166 on OSD shipped, with a 1 year OSD warranty.... and I've seen second hand ones going for the same amount or so on ebay!
 
Go for a couple of sb 600's. I use 2 alongside an 800 and it all works like a dream. Get some 'stofen like' diffusers too for them from ebay - only about £2 each! No point paying over the odds for a bit of cloudy plastic.
 
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