firing multiple flash units with single receiver

Did you know that you can fire multiple flashes with one little receiver? In this video I show you how to use a Nikon SB-600 as a master flash that will trigger a Nikon SB-800 and an Alien Bee B1600.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• flash
• unit
• photo
• nikon
• alien
• bee
• speedlight
• trigger
• receiver
• strobe
• pocket
• wizard
• wireless
• light

[paoiedude]

hi! i have a nikon d60 and sb600 with flash trigger.how come the pop up flash still goes up even tho the flash trigger is attach to the camera hot shoe???.please help!

[ChicoEdge]

@paoiedude What mode are you shooting in? Possibly an automatic mode?

[canalenes]

Oh, yes, you're absolutely right about on-camera flash being horrid for portraits----I forgot to say with it set to no real flash output, just as the commander. I'll work with incorporating the alien this weekend (I just got it recently) and see what happens. Investing in the Cactus set up might prove to be more reliable. thanks very much for your quick answer!!

[ChicoEdge]

@canalenes The Cactus triggers work but are notorious for misfires and limited range. You'll be having to retake some shots when your flashes don't fire. If you don't mind that, then Cactus triggers will be okay but you'll eventually want to upgrade.

[kwanyinx]

@paoiedude Goto any mode other than auto. Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority or Manual mode.

[ChicoEdge]

@enygma3000 Oh yes, the B1600 has a slider on the back that you can use to power it down. I very rarely fire off B1600s at full power. You can also fit neutral density filters to the flash in order to lower the output. Finally, grids softboxes and umbrellas will also diffuse the light.

The B1600s weren't intended for smaller indoor spaces but that doesn't mean they can't be made to work.

[enygma3000]

@ChicoEdge can you power down the B1600 to not be so over powerful for indoor shooting? Like can they be powered down to mimic the 800's or the 400's?

[ChicoEdge]

@canalenes My pleasure. Your D300s has a wireless commander mode and will fire off the SB800 and SB600 in both TTL and manual modes. It *could* theoretically fire the Alien Bee but there are a couple of problems. The Alien Bee's slave cell is in the back and may not always "see" the flash of light, especially in large, open areas. The other problem is that on camera flash is the worst when photographing people (at least in my opinion).

[canalenes]

Is it possible to use the in-camera flash on my D300s as a trigger to wirelessly fire off the Alien, the SB800 and the SB600 (my exact set up here)?  Your video is very helpful! Thank you!!