12 replies to this topic

[Eckleysp]

Can I have the SB 910 in Master Mode but not on the camera (D750)?  If I have to have it camera mounted, I normally would not actually have it fire, but use remotes to light the subject (studio work).  It seems like a waste of a very good flash to just have it sit and top of the camera and be a "master" when the camera can do that. I prefer to use Remotes set on manual so I can control everything.  Right now I'm using the 910 as a remote - which also seems like a waste of a good flash.  I must be missing something. 

[Ron]

Whatever you want to call it, by all means get the SB910 off the camera. Trigger it with either with the onboard flash or (preferably) with a radio trigger.

 

--Ron

[Merco_61]

The main reasons for using the SB-910 as a master are:

• You are using a camera that doesn't have a pop-up flash to use as a Master.
• You need more than two channels to control your remotes for either remotely controlled power levels or AWL. In this case, a set of TTL capable radio links make much more sense.
• You use the SB-910 off-camera with a SC-29 cord, which will make it possible to control 4 levels of CLS capable flashes.

Remember that you can set manual power levels remotely with the speedlites as long as you have a channel free for it. An SU-800 or SB-800, 900 or 910 as a Master can control three slaves independently.

 

A radio trigger system is preferable to AWL, even if AWL usually works well, as the radio signal isn't line of sight and works just as well in the sun as it does indoors.

[dcbear78]

That's a really, really expensive radio trigger.

[Eckleysp]

Thank you all for the info.  Merco hit it correctly with number 2.  With studio work, I would like control over more than two groups.  Sounds like an SU 800 (or the like) would be what I need.  I have an opportunity to buy another SB 910, but if I do, I would want both off camera.  

 

S

[dcbear78]

Get some radio triggers like a Yongnuo 622rx/tx kit and solve all your problems for a fraction of the costs.

Also third party lights like Godox are cheaper, more featured and just as good for much less money.

[Ron]

Well, I use my speedlights off camera with radio triggers... tho not the really, really expensive ones Darryl is talking about. Works for me even when I use iTTL. 

 

I've never been crazy about Nikon's AWL or whatever they're calling it this week.

 

--Ron

[dcbear78]

Well, I use my speedlights off camera with radio triggers... tho not the really, really expensive ones Darryl is talking about. Works for me even when I use iTTL.

I've never been crazy about Nikon's AWL or whatever they're calling it this week.

--Ron

You can buy 2 or 3 Godox speed lights for the price of one Nikon unit. Unless the really, really expensive one you are talking about is the battery powered strobe (AD600) which is approximately a third the price of anything else with similar specs.

[Ron]

You can buy 2 or 3 Godox speed lights for the price of one Nikon unit. Unless the really, really expensive one you are talking about is the battery powered strobe (AD600) which is approximately a third the price of anything else with similar specs.

 

I was referring to the radio triggers but your point is well taken. Currently my two Nikon speedlights are serving me well but when the time comes to replace either or both of them, I'll be taking a hard look at non-Nikon options. Nikon speedlights have never been cheap but what they're charging nowadays is simply ridiculous.

 

--Ron

[dcbear78]

I was referring to the radio triggers but your point is well taken. Currently my two Nikon speedlights are serving me well but when the time comes to replace either or both of them, I'll be taking a hard look at non-Nikon options. Nikon speedlights have never been cheap but what they're charging nowadays is simply ridiculous.

 

--Ron

 

I didn't think about the radio triggers. They go for about $50.

[Ron]

I didn't think about the radio triggers. They go for about $50.

 

And, I was thinking Pocket Wizards... which don't go for $50. LOL.

 

--Ron

[dcbear78]

And, I was thinking Pocket Wizards... which don't go for $50. LOL.

--Ron

I've honestly no idea how they are still in business?

[Ron]

I've honestly no idea how they are still in business?

 

Probably because they're something of a status symbol among jet set photographers. Nikon Ambassadors, etc. That's generally where I mostly see them. In those Nikon promo videos.

 

Personally, I use a set of B&H Vello flash triggers which have so far been great. They're iTTL but I mostly use them in manual because I have a mix of iTTL and older (pre-digital) TTL Speedlights.  

 

--Ron