I have a query for you guys who use flashguns a lot in low light situations. I consider myself a total newb when it comes to using my flashgun as I don't really use too often, however when I do use it (low light situations) I'm finding it not fast enough between shots. Would it be advisable to upgrade to a 800 or 900?
Flashgun question (SB600)
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tailo said:
What ISO are you using, I usually go straight to 800 ISO if flash is main light source. Quicker recycles and batteries last longer. Of course dependant on hour camera but most dslrs are fine at ISO 800 if you don't underexpose.
Alternative is an external battery pack.
Off the top of my head i don't think the 800/900s are especially faster than the 600s, maybe a little. You can get high voltage packs which will bring the cycle times down a bit (just watch for the flash melting!). Oh, also NiMH rechargeable batteries tend to give better cycle times than alkaline if you aren't using them already
But really the best way to improve cycle time is to reduce the power needed, higher iso, larger aperture are your options there.
Oh, just a random thought, your not trying to fire it at 8fps or something are you? Your into a whole other world of packs and heads if you want a meaningful amount of light at that pace
[YOUTUBE]UwzTRAfwqo8[/YOUTUBE]
(love the bit where you hear the genny strain under the load, thats a lot of juice!)
But really the best way to improve cycle time is to reduce the power needed, higher iso, larger aperture are your options there.
Oh, just a random thought, your not trying to fire it at 8fps or something are you? Your into a whole other world of packs and heads if you want a meaningful amount of light at that pace
[YOUTUBE]UwzTRAfwqo8[/YOUTUBE]
(love the bit where you hear the genny strain under the load, thats a lot of juice!)
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Batteries - get a set of decent rechargeables, Eneloops or a set of 2700mAh or better NiMH will help no end...
lensflair said:
Oops didn't see the SB600 bit.
So basically high ISO will reduce the amount of light you need. As mentioned above large aperture and NiMH rechargeables are good as they tend not to heat up as fast.
Last option is external power pack, I use the sd-9 packs with my SB900s and get a full dump every second without any overheating. I also have a quantum turbo 3 pack and that puppy will have the flash recycling very fast but you can easily melt down the flash if you crazy and they are pricey packs.
Thanks for all the replies guys 
I'll try a set of NiMH batteries as yes I have been using alkalines! (much cheaper than a new flashgun
) ISO speedwise, I've tried bumping it up with varying results but might be due to aperture not being big enough.
Hopefully with all the advice and suggestions, I should be able to get some better shots! So thanks again much appreciated!!
I'll try a set of NiMH batteries as yes I have been using alkalines! (much cheaper than a new flashgun
) ISO speedwise, I've tried bumping it up with varying results but might be due to aperture not being big enough.Hopefully with all the advice and suggestions, I should be able to get some better shots! So thanks again much appreciated!!
There's not much difference between the three guns with internal batteries. Nikon quote these minumum recyclying times:
- SB-600: 2.5 seconds (4 x 2000mAh rechargeable Ni-MH)
- SB-800: 2.9 seconds (5 x 2000mAh rechargeable Ni-MH)
- SB-900: 2.3 seconds (4 x 2600mAh rechargeable Ni-MH)
The SB-600's minimum recycling time with Alkalines is 3.5 seconds (page 19 of manual) so changing to Ni-MH should gain you a second.
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