Trying to set up multi-flash for Hummingbirds. Using an SU-800 controller and either SB600’s or 800’s. I can get the remote function set properly but I cannot reduce the flash duration to 1/64 or 1/128 and vice versa. I can reduce duration but am unable to set up remote triggering. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Problem with multi-flash
- Thread starter DGC1
- Start date
Clovishound
Senior Member
Sorry, I can't help you with your Nikon flash setup, I use a Godox for my macro work. I would be interested in your experience and images when you get this worked out. I started taking hummingbird pictures last year, and really enjoyed it. I didn't use flash. I was able to get fast enough shutter speeds to stop the wings, although it did result in high ISOs. Those seemed to clean up very well in post processing.
I suspect that the flash may startle the birds. Also with flash, you will not get a string of images to make it easy to get the optimum wing angle or pose. Still, low ISOs would be very much a plus. Also, I don't know the conditions you are shooting in. I was able to use either full sun, or open shade, which normally gave me shutter speeds equal to my ISO. If you are shooting in heavy shade, or low light near sunrise or sunset, a flash may be a necessity.
I look forward to seeing some of your work. Hummingbirds are challenging, but a lot of fun.
I suspect that the flash may startle the birds. Also with flash, you will not get a string of images to make it easy to get the optimum wing angle or pose. Still, low ISOs would be very much a plus. Also, I don't know the conditions you are shooting in. I was able to use either full sun, or open shade, which normally gave me shutter speeds equal to my ISO. If you are shooting in heavy shade, or low light near sunrise or sunset, a flash may be a necessity.
I look forward to seeing some of your work. Hummingbirds are challenging, but a lot of fun.
Clovishound
Senior Member
Very nice! Good to know the flash doesn't spook them.
Thanks but unfortunately this won’t do what I am trying to accomplish.
In an effort to assist (I do not have your controller) I think you need to set one flash in each bank (should have written groups) to have their output different. Flash control can be complex for sure. Please have a look at this Ken Rockwell link where he gives some explanations he says "are not in the manual"
https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/ittlslave.htm
Hope you get there
https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/ittlslave.htm
Hope you get there
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Do not have a SU-800 but if it works like the in SB-800 and in camera commander.
Set the flashes to remote an the same channel and one to group A and the other to group B.
Set the SU-800 to the same channel as the flashes then set to Manual for the group A and set appropriate output, repeat the same for group B.
Both flash should fires at the chosen power settings. This assumes you want both to fire if not set each to a different channel and chose the appropriate channel for the flash you want to fire.
If you are shooting outside in sun light you would probably be better served using wireless radio controllers and receivers. The commander system is light based and can be interfered with by stray light . Also the receiver on the flash must be pointed toward the commander.
Set the flashes to remote an the same channel and one to group A and the other to group B.
Set the SU-800 to the same channel as the flashes then set to Manual for the group A and set appropriate output, repeat the same for group B.
Both flash should fires at the chosen power settings. This assumes you want both to fire if not set each to a different channel and chose the appropriate channel for the flash you want to fire.
If you are shooting outside in sun light you would probably be better served using wireless radio controllers and receivers. The commander system is light based and can be interfered with by stray light . Also the receiver on the flash must be pointed toward the commander.