[SuperAkuma]

I am planning to invest a large sum of money in buying some gears. Currently the only flash that I have is the Sigma 530gt Super. I like the flash because it is easy to use in auto(on camera) and very powerful. I would like to keep the flash and buy another flash to use as a two flash system. I do not have enough money to buy another Sigma 530gt super and I plan to buy one of those cheaper flash recommended by the strobist community. I am looking at the Vivitar 285hv, the lumpro LP120 or one of the older Nikon SB flash.

So would it make sens to use My Sigma 530 at the same time as one of the flash above?

I know the power rating is different, but if I try to offset it by dropping the power of the Sigma would that work? Is this a common practice to use two different flash?

[drerka]

Hi,

I recently started with a two flash strobist setup. One is a Sigma 530 DG Super, the other flash is a Metz 48 AF 1. There is no problem using flashes of different type or make. The only theoretical problem could be that the color temp of the flashes is not exactly the same (i.e. 5600 and 5500 Kelvin). But I don't think this is a field relevant aspect.

Since you will be manually controlling he power of each flash unit, there is no problem in mixing diferent types.

BTW, I'm already thinking about a third flash for more convenience and lighting flexibility. Good luck with your set up.

Roger.

[SOldBear]

SuperAkuma, check you PM.

[Mike Cash]

I'll clue you in on a wonderful cheap flash that you will probably never see mentioned by the strobist crowd: the Pentax AF200T.

And, yes, you can mix-n-match flashes all you want.

[markdesmarais]

I have seen a couple people say that having all the same model makes for a little easier setup- you don't have to remember how to use all the different controls.

[SuperAkuma]

I'll clue you in on a wonderful cheap flash that you will probably never see mentioned by the strobist crowd: the Pentax AF200T.

And, yes, you can mix-n-match flashes all you want.

Thanks for the tip. I think the reason why strobist didn't mention that flash is because it is pretty weak but for about $30, it should do the job for a portrait shot.

That gave me an idea. I looked around and noticed that Pentax made an older flash, the AF500FTZ for about half the price. It has similar power to the new 540 but it does not have p-ttl. I think that flash would be great for strobist who don't need p-ttl.

I just picked up a Nikon SB28. I may look at picking up the AF500ftz as well to play with in the future.

[Mike Cash]

Thanks for the tip. I think the reason why strobist didn't mention that flash is because it is pretty weak

I think the reason is that they all have Nikon on the brain. That and a bad case of human lemming groupthink.

Ever notice how many of those folks are firing their more powerful flashes at 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, etc.? At settings probably well within the output range of the lowly AF200T?

but for about $30, it should do the job for a portrait shot.

It will do the job for a number of things.

[SOldBear]

I'm surprised that noone has mentioned handle mount flashes. A Sunpak 522 can be had for real cheap from eBay or even KEH. A $5 remote sensor (from KEH) makes it even more versatile.

For hard-core strobists, a Sunpak 611 is just awesome. Its guide number is 160 (at 100 ISO) and its power ratio can be set from full to 1/128! KEH has one complete (BGN grade) for about $50 delivered.

[alohadave]

Ever notice how many of those folks are firing their more powerful flashes at 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, etc.? At settings probably well within the output range of the lowly AF200T?

Part of the reason for the lower power is to provide nearly instantaneous recycle time.

What is the recycle time of the AF200T, and is it adjustable?

[SuperAkuma]

I think the reason is that they all have Nikon on the brain. That and a bad case of human lemming groupthink.

Ever notice how many of those folks are firing their more powerful flashes at 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, etc.? At settings probably well within the output range of the lowly AF200T?



It will do the job for a number of things.

Wow thanks for the links. Great photos by the way. I didn't know a small flash was able to output light like that.

I think one of the advantage of having a more powerful unit besides getting the range is to be able to step down the power is to have a faster recycle time.

[markdesmarais]

I'm surprised that noone has mentioned handle mount flashes. A Sunpak 522 can be had for real cheap from eBay or even KEH. A $5 remote sensor (from KEH) makes it even more versatile.

For hard-core strobists, a Sunpak 611 is just awesome. Its guide number is 160 (at 100 ISO) and its power ratio can be set from full to 1/128! KEH has one complete (BGN grade) for about $50 delivered.

I was wondering about handle mounts. . . how do you interface them with umbrellas?

[SOldBear]

I was wondering about handle mounts. . . how do you interface them with umbrellas?

This article is about the Metz but can be apply to the Sunpak handle mount flash units as well:

Pimp my Metz!

A problem with the Metz 45 units is their limited ranges of variable output. The CT1 for example, only has full output unless when equipped with a Mecamat remote sensor, the CT4 has only full, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/40 (W). The Mecamat remote sensors are difficult to find.

The Sunpak units in general can do full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, ...., 1/64. They also have a threaded hole at the bottom of the handle to mount on a tripod (no need for a camera bracket).

[GeneV]

Part of the reason for the lower power is to provide nearly instantaneous recycle time.

What is the recycle time of the AF200T, and is it adjustable?

Exactly. I gang two dialed-down Vivitar 283s up on a bracket I made so that I can fire the output of a single 283 at full power with much less than their usual 8 second full power recycle.

I don't know how their recycle compares to an AF200T, though.

[markdesmarais]

This article is about the Metz but can be apply to the Sunpak handle mount flash units as well:

Pimp my Metz!

A problem with the Metz 45 units is their limited ranges of variable output. The CT1 for example, only has full output unless when equipped with a Mecamat remote sensor, the CT4 has only full, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/40 (W). The Mecamat remote sensors are difficult to find.

The Sunpak units in general can do full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, ...., 1/64. They also have a threaded hole at the bottom of the handle to mount on a tripod (no need for a camera bracket).

Thanks, great link! I was looking at the Sunpaks but wasn't sure about the mechanics of getting them centered in an umbrella.

[dave sz]

promaster 7000m in pentax mount. It has a wireless flash that is set off by flash from other units, great for what you're looking to do. $80 or so...