Just ordered a Nikon SB-600 flash... any tips?

[Krioni]

Like the title says... I just ordered an SB-600 flash to use with my Nikon D50. Do any of you have experience with this flash? Can you provide any tips for getting the best of it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[soydios]

get some rechargeable NiMH batteries. buy a Sto-fen diffusion dome for it as well. learn how to bounce flash. play with it: exposures are free.

 

[Krioni]

Originally posted by: soydios
get some rechargeable NiMH batteries. buy a Sto-fen diffusion dome for it as well. learn how to bounce flash. play with it: exposures are free.

I've got some rechargeable batteries already... I'll take a look at the diffusor too.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[Krioni]

Originally posted by: soydios
get some rechargeable NiMH batteries. buy a Sto-fen diffusion dome for it as well. learn how to bounce flash. play with it: exposures are free.

Is this the diffuser you're talking about?

 

[IronWing]

Do you have a wireless commander for it (SU-800 or SB 800/900)? The flash is great off camera. If you don't have a wireless commander, consider getting a sync cable for it.

 

[Krioni]

Originally posted by: ironwing
Do you have a wireless commander for it (SU-800 or SB 800/900)? The flash is great off camera. If you don't have a wireless commander, consider getting a sync cable for it.

No, I don't have a wireless commander. I'm using a D50... do you know what cable I would need to get? Is this one of those things where I must get the Nikon brand or will knock-offs work just as good? I ask because I kind of blew my budget on getting the SB-600 instead of the SB-400 like I was supposed to... my wife isn't so happy with me

Thanks for the tips.

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: Krioni

Originally posted by: soydios
get some rechargeable NiMH batteries. buy a Sto-fen diffusion dome for it as well. learn how to bounce flash. play with it: exposures are free.

Is this the diffuser you're talking about?

yes, that's it.

for wireless off-camera flash, I wouldn't worry about that just yet. get some experience under your belt using the flash on-camera before worrying about off-camera flash. bounce flashing kinda leads into off-camera flash in terms of creative thinking.

 

[virtuamike]

Light: Science & Magic
Matters of Light & Depth
Light is light. These two are excellent resources on lighting theory and they compliment each other. Definitely give these a read first so that you have a basic understanding of lighting.

www.strobist.com
Great resource for application and general speedlight tips and techniques. Just don't fall into the trap of being formulaic.

As far as your gear specifically, I do recommend getting the flash off camera, because separating flash position from camera position is a pretty fundamental thing to do with lighting. I'm pretty sure you're stuck using SC-28 or SC-29 if you want to maintain TTL functionality with your SB-600. You should be able to use an older cord if you tape off the TTL contacts though you'll be in manual. Other option for TTL is to use SB-800/900 or SU-800 as a controller for CLS. Personally I shy away from TTL metering when using flashes because results can be spotty and inconsistent, even if you start locking flash exposure.

If you'd like to go manual, you can also try radio slaves & transmitters. For the SB-600, you'll need a hotshoe adapter (since it doesn't have a sync port), but they're cheap and widely available. Radio setups themselves range in price and quality from the cheapy ebay generics to the industry standard Pocket Wizards. There are quite a few newer options within that range now too (Elinchrom Skyports, AB Cyber Syncs, etc).

Regarding the huge plethora of diffusers out there, my advice is don't get caught up in the hype. It's like a contest to see how many possible ways everyone can reinvent the stupid thing, though objectively looking at it I seriously doubt you'll be able to see any critical differences in actual usage. Gearheads can scrutinize these things to death in side by side comparisons, but ultimately a little piece of plastic isn't going to affect your lighting anywhere near as much as placement, coverage, technique, exposure balance, etc.

In short, start with those books first. Learn how to see light and work it. Don't worry so much about the gear.

 

[Krioni]

Wow... all great advice... I'm excited to get the flash to start trying things out. I will definitely check out a lighting book too.

Thanks to all of you for your input and comments!

 

[Deleted member 4644]

Originally posted by: soydios
get some rechargeable NiMH batteries. buy a Sto-fen diffusion dome for it as well. learn how to bounce flash. play with it: exposures are free.

THIS.

 

[Krioni]

Originally posted by: Deleted member 4644

Originally posted by: soydios
get some rechargeable NiMH batteries. buy a Sto-fen diffusion dome for it as well. learn how to bounce flash. play with it: exposures are free.

THIS.

Is "THIS" supposed to be a link or something?

 

[Deleted member 4644]

No sorry, just that the Sto-fen diffusion dome is great and so are rechargeables. I was in a rush in the morning.

I might also add that you can buy a cheap softbox on ebay which will add options for you.

 

[Krioni]

Originally posted by: Deleted member 4644
No sorry, just that the Sto-fen diffusion dome is great and so are rechargeables. I was in a rush in the morning.

I might also add that you can buy a cheap softbox on ebay which will add options for you.

Hhahaha... your post makes total sense once I look at it again. Sorry for the slow moment

 

[twistedlogic]

Cheap diffuser

Two sheets of foam only run a couple of bucks.

 

[Jeff H]

Krioni, if you don't have a lot invested in your rechargeables, consider the low discharge rechargeables, such as the Sanyo Eneloops or the Maha Imedions. I got so tired of my AA rechargeables draining down I ended up getting eight of the Maha Imedions. Best $$ I've spent on batteries.

Jeff

 

[Krioni]

Originally posted by: Jeff H
Krioni, if you don't have a lot invested in your rechargeables, consider the low discharge rechargeables, such as the Sanyo Eneloops or the Maha Imedions. I got so tired of my AA rechargeables draining down I ended up getting eight of the Maha Imedions. Best $$ I've spent on batteries.

Jeff

I only have 8 rechargeables right now... I was actually thinking of getting the eneloops. I haven't heard to the Maha Imedions before. Are they as good as eneloops? Does anyone know of a good place to pic up 8 or so of this type of battery for a reasonable price.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Krioni]

Originally posted by: twistedlogic
Cheap diffuser

Two sheets of foam only run a couple of bucks.

Interesting!

I love tricks like this. I've actually been using an old film cannister over my pop-up flash since I got my camera as a cheap diffuser. I helps a tremendous amount!!

 

[Jeff H]

Krioni, FWIW I made a "Gary Fong" type diffuser from an isopropyl bottle, some cabinet door bumpers, and a piece of aluminum foil tape. It fits perfectly over my Nikon SB800. Amazing what it does for color rendition, especially indoors.

I picke up my Maha Imedions at Thomas Distributing. I also had (from a previous purchase) the Maha MH-C204W charger which is a good charger for AA and AAA.

Jeff

 

[twistedlogic]

Originally posted by: Krioni

Originally posted by: twistedlogic
Cheap diffuser

Two sheets of foam only run a couple of bucks.

Interesting!

I love tricks like this. I've actually been using an old film cannister over my pop-up flash since I got my camera as a cheap diffuser. I helps a tremendous amount!!

Here is a modified version.

I used the same template, but instead of the fold down top I just rounded it off. Something like this. You can even get away with reducing the 2.5" bottom part by an inch, giving you an more surface area up top. I even made the "remove this" part more of an angle to wrap around the SB-600 better.

My newest trial was using a black sheet of foam with a white sheet of sticky felt, which takes away a step of gluing the white foam and makes it slightly thinner. I'm thinking of trying one with orange felt to work like a gel to balance with incandescent lights, just not sure the results will be worth it.

Another neat little DIY project I found was this little thing. Results have been nice when I'm real close to the subject, a lot better than just direct flash. I've been pondering over making a much larger softbox using this template, but I'm too busy just shooting, .

 

[Krioni]

Originally posted by: soydios
get some rechargeable NiMH batteries. buy a Sto-fen diffusion dome for it as well. learn how to bounce flash. play with it: exposures are free.

Well, I got the Sto-fen diffuser in the mail today, but still haven't gotten the stupid flash! This is the longest Amazon has ever taken to ship something... it's saying 2/3/09 for estimated delivery.


Thanks again to all who have responded.