Looking for my next purchase

JulieLawsonPhotography

Tomorrow I'm finally going to buy a Sigma 18-200 lens. I would like for my next purchase to be some flashes to use off camera. I'm very green to all this so bear with me. I have an external flash but it can't be used off camera. I'm looking to go as inexpensive as possible but not so inexpensive that it is a waste of money. So recommendations on that and then what do you recommend I get to trigger them. Like I said, I'm clueless and need your advice. I have 1 shoot through umbrella but I would need two stands.

Thanks in advance

Julie

ziggy53

Julie,

Your D90 has a "Commander Mode" so that you can use an external Nikon flash like the SD600, SD800 or SD 900 as an automated slave flash. (The D40x lacks a Commander mode however.) An SD800/SD900 may also be mounted onto the hot shoe to allow it to serve as a Commander flash for either camera.

The Sigma EF DG 530 Super flash for Nikon i-TTL may also work for your application.

ziggy53

For umbrellas I use several, but I tend to use a convertible white 60" Photoflex for key light and a cheaper 45" reflector umbrella for fill. (Sometimes I'll use several umbrellas or a softbox or 2.)

For light stands I recommend at least 10 foot models with air cushioned feature. Less than 10 foot and I have difficulty getting the lights high enough for a church situation.

For mounting the external, light stand flashes you will need something like:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html

These umbrella brackets allow you to mount both the speedlight and the umbrella to a light stand (or tripod in a pinch) as well as a standard photographic umbrella. They allow you to tilt the flash and umbrella to the required angles as well.

For more distance, or to avoid flash interference from other photographers at an event, you might consider a radio master/slave set. This requires a flash to be used in either auto or manual operation but that gives you better ultimate control over the light.

I use units very similar to the "Cactus" 16 channel units and they have worked fine for my application. They are the least expensive radio units I can recommend.

thoth

Ziggy's accessory recommendations are good but I tend to go another direction when it comes to beginner flashes. Some old Nikon SB-20s have served me very well and can be had for $30 - $40 each from ebay or craigslist. They won't work with the iTTL system but they are great if you're looking to start at the bottom with manual controls. They don't rotate like new flashes but you can direct the flash output vertically from -7 to 90 degrees.

I fire my flashes with Cybersync radios. They are a good balance between cost and reliability. I've never had a misfire with them and you won't find a better company to buy from.

That is not to say that it isn't great to have a modern flash like an SB-600 or SB-800 to take advantage of CLS, but if you're looking for a portable studio setup to learn lighting they are more than one needs.

angevin1

ziggy53 wrote:

Julie,

Your D90 has a "Commander Mode" so that you can use an external Nikon flash like the SD600, SD800 or SD 900 as an automated slave flash. (The D40x lacks a Commander mode however.) An SD800/SD900 may also be mounted onto the hot shoe to allow it to serve as a Commander flash for either camera.

The Sigma EF DG 530 Super flash for Nikon i-TTL may also work for your application.

I have and use the SB600 and SB800 and will assuredly get a SB900 when I next buy a new off camera flash. The SB600 was my first and it along with the SB800 are so very simple to use off camera. As Ziggy suggested you can use the cameras ( D90) commander mode to fire them remotely, or mount the SB800 ( on either) to act as commander to fire other off camera flashes...iTTL is just incredible and even with its simplicity, it easily allows us to further adjust intensity of flash.

kensington

I've got the SB-600, 800 & 900 and can easily say while I love my 800 the 900 is my favorite. It is HUGE but so much quieter and the menus are easier to use than the 800. Once you disable the thermal cutoff you are good to go. Go for one commander flash (800 or 900) then add 600's to your hearts content.

If you can, check out the Nikon Hands on Guide to Creative Lighting DVD to see what can be done, granted Joe and Bob are pros so they make it look easy but with some practice so could you. I on the other hand need lots and lots of practice I like Bob's travel kit a lot too.

My off camera experience is minimal, pretty much beginning of the year, and limited, mostly indoors and a few outdoors of my son skateboarding or family group shots but the CLS has worked ok.

I picked up my SB-600 used for $175 and I am trying to find another, it gets kind of addicting!