Need a new light..input?

[m_mphotography]

Should I invest in a second Nikon SB flash, or get a Vivitar 285HV with some triggers...and if so, I'm wondering how many triggers I would need....!

I shoot Nikon, a D80 and have 1 SB600 that I use right now. But I'm in search of a second light, and am debating on what to get. I could get a second SB600, for $215, or I could get a Vivitar 285HV with some triggers. The only prob is, I think the second option maybe more expensive. The Vivitar runs $89 and PWs are $169 a pop. I currently use my on camera flash to trigger my SB600 OFF CAMERA, and I'm wondering how this would work if I were to get a non-nikon flash. If I put a PW on my camera to trigger the Vivitar, would I need a third PW (or trigger) on my Nikon flash as well, to receive the signal?? in which case, I'd have to purchase 3 PWs, and a non-nikon flash....$169*3 plus $89 for the flash?? What are your thoughts?? As of now, I've only been using my light OCF indoor, but I want to also be able to shoot outdoor...in which case I assume PWs would be the best way to go...but that's down the road. Your input is much appreciated.

Anyone have an SB600 or Nikon flash they want to part with?? or Triggers and a Vivitar?

[Daniel W.]

This probably fits better in the Lighting forum.

If you get the 285, 1 transmitter for the camera end, 1 receiver for the flash end (two pieces). Ideally a back up receiver, so...3 pieces.

The PW+Vivitar is a plan for expansion. You can trigger any flash, be it an SB, Vivitar, schmoobitar, Studio flash. Heck if you wire it up right you can fire off some magnesium powder. The Vivitar is cheaper to replace should it break, so you shan't fear sticking it in risky places (behind rocks, etc). Also you've transitioned to a radio system rather than IR light, so you can actually place it "behind" things. You can always trigger the SB in manual power mode with a PW but not vice versa.

The SB600 is a plan for convenience. You'll have two identical flashes that you can control CLS with. (I'm not a Nikon guy, can you adjust manual power levels with the pop up commander too?) Here you'll be limited to the IR beam, but Nikon does a pretty good job of this as far as transmission distance. Both are great flashes.

If you're in a controlled situation (i.e. indoors and you're the only flasher - not like that!) then you could cheap it out, put the 285 on PW and put the SB on optical slave (built in? again, I don't know) on manual power.

Again, where will you be shooting? If this isn't the income earner and you're just toying (and there's no problem with that), maybe cheaper triggers, i.e. eBay units?

[ronocnikral]

i got my pw's plus ii's off of ebay. like $140 shipped after the bing cash back deal. they hold their value (at least they have been). just something to consider if you are going the expensive route....