Nikon Off Camera Flash Systems

[billkay]

I currently have a couple D2XS' and an SB800 with a couple of Pocket Wizards. I want to add at least 1 more off-cam flash and I'm trying to decide between buying another PW trans. or the Nikon Flash Commander. Any thoughts or opinions on going either way? Price is not really a concern, performance is though.

[PhotoshopAbuser]

Grab another sb800 and PW. You can't go wrong and it is amazing what you can do with 2 speedlights!

[sgjimmy]

can i tag on a query here?

i am using CLS with 2 SB800 on D80 and currently thinking of adding another unit. should i go with another SB800 or will a SB600 will suffice. pricing wise, in singapore dollars, SB800 $630 and SB600 $320.

i shoot weddings primarily as well as still life and products.

[PhotoshopAbuser]

You can use an sb600 with no problems. That is what I use and I'm doing the CLS too. The only thing to think about is that if you do end up going with pocket wizards you will have to buy a shoe for the sb600 so it can accept the pc cord from the PW. No biggy. It would only run you about 20.00 for the shoe.

[d2creative]

Why use PW's if the SB's can talk to each other?

[billkay]

The advantage to staying with the PW's for me are, I already have 2, I believe the range is better, and they can be used with non-Nikon flashes. The ability to control each individual flash from 1 location with the CLS is a huge benefit though.

[PhotoshopAbuser]

You have to have a clear line of sight for CLS to work. If you are hiding the speedlight somewhere it may not pick up the signal. PW's nip that in the bud.

[sgjimmy]

thanks photoshopabuser for the replies but unfortunately we don't have PW here so that removes PW from the equation.

there are third party RF triggers (read china-made) but since my usage have line-of-sight, i would prefer to use CLS as it takes the guess work out during event and wedding work when time is not a luxury. i go full manual on still life and catalog product shots.

i forgot to add that i have a SB26 unit which i use for background or backlight in the 'delay slave' mode.

[PhotoshopAbuser]

Yeah...it's nice to have a line of sight. Most of the time I do too. I shoot manual almost exclusively and it is nice to set the flash power from the back of my camera.

PW's come in real handy when you are doing stuff outside or interior shots when you are trying to fill in the shadows. I know a couple of guys who do interiors and have about a dozen of those things laying around.

Like I say at my day job...gotta have the right tool for the job!