SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

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photomatt88
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p.1 #1 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

SU-800 vs D700 built in commander. Are there any advantages to the SU-800?

Please discuss.

Thanks

Jul 22, 2009 at 02:57 PM

speedtrap
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p.1 #2 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

It helps to lighten your wallet, other than that I can't think of an advantage of adding one to a D700

Jul 22, 2009 at 03:00 PM

photomatt88
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p.1 #3 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

I just have problems sometimes with "line of sight". I was wondering if the SU-800 worked any differently or better.

Jul 22, 2009 at 03:01 PM

bacilonur
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p.1 #4 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

Both are line of sight.

The SU-800 makes you more efficient, as it's right up there and you don't have to dig through your My Menu to get to it. I use RPs most of the time now so IDK about the range differences between them, but I've read in at least a few places that the SU-800 has more range and power than SB-800's and SB-900's in commander mode, so I guess Nikon pimped it out a little to make it more attractive.

Jul 22, 2009 at 04:01 PM

photomatt88
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p.1 #5 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

distance is usually not a problem for me. where I have issues is, sometimes I have my speedlite sitting behind an umbrella, 90 degrees to the right or left of the camera. That doesn't always work too well.

Jul 22, 2009 at 04:04 PM

bacilonur
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p.1 #6 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

The more power you've got, the greater your chances are of getting the signals bounced off a wall or through your umbrella or to be able to use it reliably outdoors at noon.

Jul 22, 2009 at 04:25 PM

dazey
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p.1 #7 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

The inbuilt flash will contribute to the exposure which can be a problem (unless you use a really strong IR filter on it). Shooting in a studio it is less of an issue but if you shoot in a dark environment and are using high ISO then the commander (even if set to --) will be the dominant flash. If you dont believe me, set the camera to iso 1250, f2.8 and try it. Try shooting like this with your main flash off and you will still get a decent exposure. The other advantage of the SU800 is that it is simple to set and that it has an AF assist (a proper one not that dumb white light)

Jul 22, 2009 at 05:36 PM

Neuffy
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p.1 #8 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

It should be noted that the SU-800 can control more groups [A, B and C] than the built-in commander [only groups A and B].

Jul 23, 2009 at 06:03 PM

bourbonnais
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p.1 #9 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

Get the 31-R Panel for the D700 - Costs about $12 and keep your camera lighter.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/410445-REG/Nikon_4905_SG_3IR_IR_Panel.html

Robin

Jul 30, 2009 at 12:47 PM

Gregg Heckler
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p.1 #10 · SU-800 vs D700 built in commander

The SU-800 is so much faster if you need to work quickly and the large auto-focus assist is nice. It's svery light so you hardly know it's there. As far as line of sight goes, that's one of the great things about the SB-900. Since the head swivels 180 you can turn the IR window any direction you want.

Jul 30, 2009 at 03:39 PM


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