Any recommendations on a backup flash for Nikon? I have an SB-900 that I use on and off camera. I really like having the PC port on it to hook up my cybersyncs. My main intention is to use it as a second off camera flash for some more creative ideas I have for senior portraits. However, I would like to be able to mount it on camera in the case of a failure of my SB-900.
I was originally hoping to get an SB-700, but would need a hotshoe for it (one more thing to have around) and its a little more than I want to spend right now. The Yongnuo 560 II looks interesting, but have read about some quality issues with them. The Lumopro 160 could be doable and I happen to live within a couple of hours of mpex so if there was an issue, I could get it taken care of in person.
Another alternative I was looking at was maybe picking up an SB-28 on the B&S forum. They seem to be going for $80-90.
Any other suggestions or experiences with the above lights?
I have a handfull of SB24s i've bought used around 2005 ... and they work and work and work. So yes, if i'd need a replacement, i'd get a used SB over a new cheapo any day.
And i'm a Olympus shooter. Then again, in-camera remote is soooo cool, if only Oly wouldn't charge a kings ransom for those FL-Rs ... and i'd still rather use Nikons.
buckeyeguy1 wrote:
Any recommendations on a backup flash for Nikon? ...I would like to be able to mount it on camera in the case of a failure of my SB-900.
Gregory Edge wrote:
If you don't care about TTL why not go with Vivitar 283 units. They are bullet-proof, cheap and reliable.
I suggest you NOT get Vivitar 283s. Depending on when and where it was made it could have a high sync voltage that could fry your DSLR. The only safe way to use a 283 on a DSLR is to run it through a Wein Safe-Sync or similar device.
A Vivitar 285HV, on the other hand, would be safe; all versions have low sync voltages.
I have used 285HVs for decades, and I still have one (although I don't use it much, now that I have three Canon Speedlites). They do have a few drawbacks, though: slow recycling, a bit of a high-pitched whine that some find objectionable, and no swivel capability.
The Lumo Pro LP-160 you mentioned is about twice the price of a V-285HV, but overcomes the Vivitar's drawbacks. It's considerably less expensive than a Speedlight, so if you don't need Autoflash, it's a great way to go.
Going back to the Vivitar, though, it does have a built-in (non-TTL) auto function in addition to manual, so that's still an option. For mounting on an off-camera stand -- with or without a modifier -- it's about the cheapest way to go.
Thanks for the replies. One of the reasons I have been hesitant thus far on buying non-Nikon flashes is for the reason BrianO brings up. I want to be assured that I could use it on camera without worrying if it was going to fry my DSLR.
TTL is not that important to me. I don't think I have used TTL on my SB-900 but three or four times since I've had it.
The only thing I really need to make sure it can do is high speed sync with PWs (off camera) if I upgrade my triggers later. Am I wrong in thinking that any more current production flashes can be used for HSS in manual mode (non-TTL)?
I don't see myself upgrading from Cybersyncs any time soon. I've had very good luck with them and am not sure if I really need HSS at this time. I would just like to be ready if I do.
I'm sure someone can provide one of the several listings on trigger-voltage of old flashes. This is less a problem then it may appear to be.
I have no clue about HSS, but the msain reason i failed to mention why i suggested Nikon flashes is the interface. At the verry beginning i had a FL25, SB24 and a National. All with different interfaces and output and slightly colortemp, wich, beeing a noob, made things more complicated and confusing.
As for usability my favorit is actualy the very old National. It has a manual zoom-head, a slider to adjust powersettings and no sleep-mode, so you don't have to see the display to change settings. However, it's extremely rare, so i could never find additional ones to put together a set, and they are heavy, bulky and have less power
buckeyeguy1 wrote:
...The only thing I really need to make sure it can do is high speed sync with PWs (off camera) if I upgrade my triggers later. Am I wrong in thinking that any more current production flashes can be used for HSS in manual mode (non-TTL)?
Do you actually mean High Speed Sync (which is Canon's trade name for the pulsating-flash that turns the Speedlite into a short continuous light), or do you mean HyperSync (which is Pocket Wizard's trade name for optimized-timing syncronization)?
HSS does have a Nikon counterpart -- FP Mode (which stands for Focal Plane Mode), but it's not the same as HyperSync.
Brian. My intention was for the hypersync; however, after reading more into it, it looks like it only allows shutter speeds of up to 1/500. If you want to go to a faster shutter speed you need the mini and the flex which use ttl. Although I'm still rather new to flash I think that 1/320 that I get now with my current triggers will be just fine for the forseeable future.
buckeyeguy1 wrote:
...after reading more into it, it looks like [HyperSync] only allows shutter speeds of up to 1/500. If you want to go to a faster shutter speed you need the mini and the flex which use ttl.
Yes, and then only with HSS/FP-capable Speedlites/Speedlights, which adds exponentially to the cost.
If you're getting 1/320 now then you're doing well. I can get 1/250 with my Speedlites, but when I use my 285HV off camera, or when I use monolights, I'm lucky to get 1/200 reliably.
I have "borrowed" the Lumpro when I second shoot weddings and have been tempted by the output equivalent to the 580EXii. mpex is big on them, (I wonder around there quite a bit since I work right down the street)
What I like:
The output controls, it's dead simple.
I have gotten good results with it.
Cheap
What I don't:
The screw on hot-shoe SUCKS, I either can't get it on tight enough, or I get it locked on nice, and I cant get it off easily.
It whines quite loudly on recharge. this is more of a nuisance during wedding ceremonies more than anything. I wouldn't stay away from it based solely on that.
I too have been tempted buy the Yongnuo and I need to buy another flash before the 11th..
Maced,
I think I've decided to get one of the Yongnuo 560II lights on Amazon and try it out. I am shooting a small wedding in October for a friend so I will have a little time to practice with it before. I don't think the guests will enjoy hearing capacitors charging all night if I use it. My main light will be my SB-900. I'll let you know how it looks when I get it.
One other option, if you don't do weddings regularly: rent or borrow another SB-900.
You're already familiar with how it works, it's the most-capable Speedlight available, and it'll work in CLS mode if you want to go that route -- very handy at the reception.
I have 2 Canon 580EX with one going in for service. Purchased a Yonguno 560II ( non ETTL) and it works fine for under $80.00. Just got a 2nd in as extra off camera light and back-up. Only issue I see could be lacking the focus assist in very dark rooms. Have to stick to the higher priced Canon for that. Not sure about the ETTL model options.
