Flash help needed

ColMofed · February 28, 2007

Hi all, this is my first post here and I am hoping someone can help.

I am planning on buying a flash in the very near future for my Nikon D70 and am undecided between the Nikon SB600 and the Sigma EF 500 DG Super.

I am confused about one of the features that apply to both (I think :dunno ).

The Nikon has an auto zoom of 24 to 85mm whilst the Sigma automatically projects the angle of light to match a lens between 28 & 105mm. Is this basically the same thing?

I plan to use the flash for macro photography using a Sigma 105mm macro lens. If my thinking is right, I probably won’t be able to use the Nikon in auto with my set-up. Or am I totally of the mark here? Also, as I am using it for macro I will probably have it mounted on some sort of bracket in the future, so will the above mean nothing then?

A few questions here, I hope someone can answer at least one of them for me.

Thank you
Rod.

Seymore · February 28, 2007

Rod... a few things after I get something else out of the way... Don't do dark text. Please change this. It's really hard to read if you don't use the standard color. Thanks...

Now, back to your question...
I may be wrong, but I don't think the Sigma EF 500 DG Super flash will even work on your D70. No experience on my part, but Nikon is using i-TTL with the flash on the D70. So, I would really suggest that you want to stick with Nikon, on Nikon. They are made for each other.

And if this is just for macro, specifically, you may want to consider this option:
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=4&productNr=4804

HTH...

ziggy53 · February 28, 2007

Hi Rod, and welcome to the Digital Grin.

I have the Canon version of the Sigma 500 Super flash and only some knowledge of the Nikon version.

The Nikon version of the flash, the Sigma EF-500 DG Super NA i-TTL, supports the Nikon i-TTL specification and operation to regulate the flash output using the camera itself for metering.

If you want to move the flash off the camera, the flash also supports the Wireless Flash function that some cameras have, called "Commander Mode". I believe the Nikon D70 has this functionality.

Alternately, you can use a Nikon SC-28 or SC-29 cable to provide 3 feet of off-camera use with full i-TTL control.

ColMofed · February 28, 2007

Seymor - thanks for your reply (and sorry for the dark text, have fixed it now

). I looked at the dedicated macro flash from both Nikon and Sigma but, apart from being over my budget, I wanted something I could use for other things if the need ever arose. I should have included that in my post, doh!

Ziggy53 - thank you for the welcome and info. Yes, the D70 will function in commander mode. Not that I've ever tried it, but I have read it numerous times recently. I'm sure it will be fun playing with that

. About using the flash off camera. If I was to use the flash in this way would I likely loose some functions if I didn't use a cable?

As for the question about the auto zooming capabilities of each. As I'm mostly going to be using it for macro, either on a bracket or reflected/bounced, do I need to take these numbers into account? I ask as only the Sigma (out of the two) goes to 105mm, which is the focal length I will mostly be using.

Cheers,
Rod.

ziggy53 · February 28, 2007

ColMofed wrote:

...
Ziggy53 - thank you for the welcome and info. Yes, the D70 will function in commander mode. Not that I've ever tried it, but I have read it numerous times recently. I'm sure it will be fun playing with that . About using the flash off camera. If I was to use the flash in this way would I likely loose some functions if I didn't use a cable?...

Well, yes, you would loose some function by shooting flash in Commander mode, and some functions would be "affected", but not lost.

For a better explanation of how it would work:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/ittlslave.htm

ColMofed wrote:

...

As for the question about the auto zooming capabilities of each. As I'm mostly going to be using it for macro, either on a bracket or reflected/bounced, do I need to take these numbers into account? I ask as only the Sigma (out of the two) goes to 105mm, which is the focal length I will mostly be using.

Cheers,
Rod.

The flashes we have talked about so far have a built-in zoom function to control the spread of light with respect to the zoom of the lens. As long as you have enough spread to cover a given lens, you are OK for exposure, unless you are shooting subjects at a distance.

The longer zoom of the flash allows a tighter "beam" of light, which means less light wasted on subject not covered by the lens. This gives the flash a longer working range, or requires less flash power at closer range, either way a benefit.

Shooting macro, you are often better with a light diffusor when working at close range. The zoom doesn't matter so much, but the light usually looks better softened by the diffusor. In other words, don't worry about matching the flash zoom to the lens for macro work.

The Nikon R1 system that Seymore mentioned earlier is a rather novel, and expensive, macro light source. It contains two flash heads, mounted on seperate positionable arms.

You can read a rather nice description here:

http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=15861&forum=DCForumID7&viewmode=all

The other device that is often used for macro work is called a "ring flash" and sometimes a "ring light" is used as well.

I suggest that a good place to start is with a single flash with a diffusor and maybe a reflector on the other side for fill.

Read some great macro tips and tricks here:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=25164

(That should keep you busy for a bit.

)

After you read through that thread, I'm sure you'll have more questions. Do a search for "Lord Vetinari" and "macro" and I bet you will find many of your questions have previously been answered.

ColMofed · March 1, 2007

Thank you, that was very helpful. I will do a little more reading but I am now leaning heavily towards the Nikon, and as Seymore said, "stick with Nikon, on Nikon. They are made for each other."

Thank you again. From what I've seen so far, dgrin seems to be a great place to visit.

Rod.

pathfinder · March 1, 2007

Rod,

For the stated use for macro photgraphy, you can use a flash in strictly manual mode since you will usually know the distance from the flash to the subject, and shoot the camera in manual mode also then.

This allows you to use almost any manual flash that is made. The little flat panel SunPac flash FP-38 ( if memory serves ) will work fine for macro - I use one myself sometimes. It is cheap too. Do not use it on the camera, but on a bracket with a PC cord, off to the side, to get lovely sidelighting.

I talked more about it in this thread.

ColMofed · March 1, 2007

pathfinder wrote:

Rod,

For the stated use for macro photgraphy, you can use a flash in strictly manual mode since you will usually know the distance from the flash to the subject, and shoot the camera in manual mode also then.

This allows you to use almost any manual flash that is made. The little flat panel SunPac flash FP-38 ( if memory serves ) will work fine for macro - I use one myself sometimes. It is cheap too. Do not use it on the camera, but on a bracket with a PC cord, off to the side, to get lovely sidelighting.

I talked more about it in this thread.

Thanks pathfinder, that's really helpful, I think

I think you may have cleared up a little confusion I've had since deciding to get, and learn about, flash. When you say that I'll usually know the distance from the flash to the subject, does this mean I will set the distance manually on the flash? I haven't bought a flash yet so sorry if that is a real simple question

Rod.

pathfinder · March 1, 2007

Not exactly...

A manual flash has no adjustment to alter the flash output to control exposure. The light output is always the same. Control of the exposure is entirely up to you. The good new is that if the flash to subject distance never changes, the exposure is always the same.

You will set the exposure by your choice of ISO and aperture with the camera set to complete manual mode. The shutter speed can be set at 1/160th or 1/200th sec. It won't make much difference for shooting macros because you will be using very small apertures like f11 or f16 for more depth of field.

I just measured the light output of the SunPac FP-38 at 6 inches at ISO 100 with a Sekonic incident flash exposure meter. It suggests an aperture of f32 at 1/200th of a sec. SO, to increase the light, move it closure, to decrease it move it further away to the subject.

Your camera distance from the subject does not matter, only the flash to subject distance... At 12 inches from the flash I get f22. This should give you a good starting point for working out an exposure table.

You can then also control how ambient light affects your image, by altering your shutter speed. You will not be able to use a shutter speed faster than the synch speed of your camera - it is probably about 1/200 or 1/250th but I am not certain for Nikon. Some Nikons go to 1/500th I think. As you lengthen the shutter speed, you will gradually increase the role of the ambient light.

The flat panel flash gives a nice large light source for macro with a nice soft light. About $75 from B&H.

It will not replace an automatic strobe from Nikon, but it will allow nice macro shooting.

ColMofed · March 2, 2007

Thank's pathfinder for all the info. I have just bought the Nikon SB600 and started looking through the manual, as well as reading what you said above.

I'm sure I will have a load of questions over the following days and weeks about this subject (as well as a load of new links in my favourites). For now though I'm waiting for my batteries to charge so I can have a play and see if things start to make any sense.

Hopefully, in the near future, I will be here and using this:

Thank you all for you help.
Rod.

Flash help needed

Comments