Posted by Dan Borzynski on January 3, 2012 at 12:19 AM
Okay, here is the set up for the questions I need to ask. Later this week, I will be giving a 30 minute introduct to using basic flash gear to do some basic studio shooting. I'm very familar with Canon gear, but once I leave that for third party brands or Nikon gear my knowledge comes to a grinding halt.
I'm planning to demonstrate off-camera flash and bouncing light off of white surfaces and reflectors. I have the 7D and plan to use its wireless capabilities and using a cord to connect the camera with the flash.
I'll mention that some basic studio gear like softboxes and umbrellas can be set up with hot shoe flashes (of course on their own stands - Strobist.com will get a big plug).
Due to cost considerations, the Alien Bees will only get a mention. I love my set but I'm trying to keep the recommended gear I'm playing with under $200 max.
Here my questions:
What Nikons bodies and flashes have the wireless capabilities, and approximate price ranges? I more need to know if it is all the recent bodies or some combination the pro bodies (Canon equivalent 1 series), mid range bodies (Canon equivalent 5, 7 and D60 level) and/or low end (Canon equivalent of the Rebels). Does it work well?
What are good, reliable and recommended third party flashes at a reasonable cost, preferable under $175? I'm fine with all manual operation. Also, is there a good light trigger to recommend for those who may want to trigger the flash remotely with the popup flash at low power? I don't think the Canon Rebels and maybe the Nikon 40D's have a PC synch.
Given the make-up of the group I am speaking to, cost is definitely a factor here.
I'm looking at the Strobist and MPEX sites for their recommendations as well, but I am open to suggestions.
The Vivitar 285hv runs about $90. I haven't used the HV myself but got many years of reliable service out of the 285. I would make mention to your students that they buy the unit designated for their brand of camera. With digital third party flash needs be brand matched. I use a remote trigger recommended to me by Speedotron manufactured by the Morris Company. About $60 from transmitter and receiver. Doesn't have the range of the more expensive models but is reliable.
Discussion
2 repliesI'm planning to demonstrate off-camera flash and bouncing light off of white surfaces and reflectors. I have the 7D and plan to use its wireless capabilities and using a cord to connect the camera with the flash.
I'll mention that some basic studio gear like softboxes and umbrellas can be set up with hot shoe flashes (of course on their own stands - Strobist.com will get a big plug).
Due to cost considerations, the Alien Bees will only get a mention. I love my set but I'm trying to keep the recommended gear I'm playing with under $200 max.
Here my questions:
What Nikons bodies and flashes have the wireless capabilities, and approximate price ranges? I more need to know if it is all the recent bodies or some combination the pro bodies (Canon equivalent 1 series), mid range bodies (Canon equivalent 5, 7 and D60 level) and/or low end (Canon equivalent of the Rebels). Does it work well?
What are good, reliable and recommended third party flashes at a reasonable cost, preferable under $175? I'm fine with all manual operation. Also, is there a good light trigger to recommend for those who may want to trigger the flash remotely with the popup flash at low power? I don't think the Canon Rebels and maybe the Nikon 40D's have a PC synch.
Given the make-up of the group I am speaking to, cost is definitely a factor here.
I'm looking at the Strobist and MPEX sites for their recommendations as well, but I am open to suggestions.
Thanks for your help.
The Vivitar 285hv runs about $90. I haven't used the HV myself but got many years of reliable service out of the 285. I would make mention to your students that they buy the unit designated for their brand of camera. With digital third party flash needs be brand matched. I use a remote trigger recommended to me by Speedotron manufactured by the Morris Company. About $60 from transmitter and receiver. Doesn't have the range of the more expensive models but is reliable.
ME