Nikon Flash backups

[rkee]

I need some input . I am working with Nikon Bodys and have an sb-900 and Sb-800 . but need a few more flash units for back up when these guys get over heated and need a rest at weddings . I have been looking at the sb-700 or a third party flash .

Now also I do have a set of pocket wizards for nikon that I know I wont be able to use if I go third party . Really looking for back up flash units for reception shots and just to have around .

Feedback Please ............

[Nikonfan]

You can't go wrong with the SB-800 or SB-900 if you have the $ for extras. If you are on a budget the SB-600 is very capable. Also, if you use alkaline batteries instead of rechargables your flash is less likely to overheat.

[rkee]

Thanks , But I already have sb -900 and sb-800 I am needing two more back up flash units for me and my second shooter

[KenJulio]

are you using with the battery pack? if not, you may want to consider those as that will reduce the amount of heat built up inside the flash as the batteries do get warmer as they are discharged.

[rkee]

thanks , I have heard two schools of thought on that some say that it works and others dont , but I dont see where having them would hurt. I would still like to have some back up units in the case to have it covered .

[SergeiR]

Originally Posted by rkee

Thanks , But I already have sb -900 and sb-800 I am needing two more back up flash units for me and my second shooter

So why wont you repeat same setup as you got already?

[Nikonfan]

Originally Posted by SergeiR

So why wont you repeat same setup as you got already?

That's what I was wondering. I prefer my backups to be the same if possible so I will be familiar with them when it is time to use them.

[rkee]

was thinking cost that is why I was looking at the Sb -700's they are nice units for what I am wanting . And will give that 900 a rest with it needs it

I would like more of the feed back on the external batterys helping to keep that 900 cooler and from shuting down

[KenJulio]

What mode are you shooting in? If manual, you can lower the power to get more shots before overheating, if shooting in TTL, I believe you're at the mercy of what it determines what is best on the situation.

Also, depending on the type of batteries used, they can run hotter than hotter based on the core of the battery.

[rkee]

we do both manual and TTL but prob a bit more on the TTL during the wedding , I pick up some of the Sanyo rechargables eneloop and I really like how they hold a charge

[clbryant1981]

For 3rd party flashes I like Metz, very capable, and hold up well

[texxter]

Sb600 is a good choice for on- or off-camera flash with TTL.

[SergeiR]

Originally Posted by rkee

was thinking cost that is why I was looking at the Sb -700's they are nice units for what I am wanting . And will give that 900 a rest with it needs it

I would like more of the feed back on the external batterys helping to keep that 900 cooler and from shuting down

If you shooting to overheat 900 - you will have problems with anything, lets put it this way.

As of "backups" then you would be better asking for "cheap alternative".

YN or Nissin or Sigma. All might come with iTTL. You will need to use triggers that work remotely with iTTL of course, since you want it. Which is not cheap. At all.

[TXAvi8tor]

Originally Posted by clbryant1981

For 3rd party flashes I like Metz, very capable, and hold up well

X2. Personal experience: The Metz 48/50 (50 is a newer version of the 48) and 58 AF-1 & 2 operate very well in the Nikon i-TTL mode - 100% compatible in my testing and use.

While not cheap, they are less expensive than the equivalent Nikon, high quality (made in Germany) and more powerful than the respective Nikon units, i.e. the Metz 48/50 models are brighter than the SB-600/700 and the 58 is more powerful than the SB-800/900. The only thing 'wrong' with the Metz units is that you may find yourself relegating your existing Nikon strobes to backup status and using the Metz units as your primary - particularly the model 58. I've previously referred to it as "an SB-800 on steroids."

I also highly recommend Al Jacobs' external power packs. Each will power two flashes, which can be different models - just select the appropriate cable for each flash.

Where batteries are concerned, energy storage is still a function of mass. The Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries in Al's packs store 5-10X the energy of fully charged NiMH AA batts. You can shoot 3-400 full power shots with no change in recycle time, and removing the AA batteries from the strobe does indeed remove a heat source, lessening the chance of overheating. Although if you're shooting at close to full power for extended sequences you can still overheat the flash tube itself.

hth,

Larry