wthomson Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I want to use multiple (manual) Nikon SB-24 flash units with my D610 to freeze hummingbird flight. I have searched UHH for information, and have found much that is useful, but I need guidance as to exactly what kind of connectors I need.

1) It looks like the optimal approach is to use a radio transmitter (Pocket Wizard?, model #?, other?) which will signal with the D610 shutter release and fire the SB-24 slave units (at 1/16 power).

2) Which camera settings would I use in the Commander Mode?

3) The SB-24 slave units need to be mounted on some type of receiver units. Model #?

I have a pretty good idea about the placement of the slave units (total of 5), and background issues, so I don't really need assistance with that. But I do need some straight information on the radio connectors and connections.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

One UHH resident hummer expert wrote this article:
FAQ: How Does David DeBar Capture Those Incredible Hummingbird Images?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-60880-1.html

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

^^^Beat me to it. :thumbup:

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Neener, neener! :mrgreen:

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

HA!

wthomson Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'm actually quite familiar with David's setup and directions--in fact his gorgeous photos played a large part in my trying my hand at this. Unfortunately, however, Dave's instructions don't really answer the questions I posted above, relative to the Nikon equipment that I already have. What I'm requesting is answers to those specific questions. Thanks.

oldie65 Loc: Miamisburg Ohio

I hid behind a tree and stalked my hummers, got some amazing shots with my Nikon 200/2.8 lens..........I will look for them and post them one day when I can find them........

Phocus Loc: Lakeland, Fl

I would look at the pocket wizard TT1 Mini there are cheaper units out there but my experience has been less than stellar with them. Lots of misfire's or not working at all. The camera flash has to be set to master. The transceiver that I use is the TT5. These units are not cheap. You can look at Twin Links and Neewer both cheaper units just depends on what you want to pay. Hope this helps.

wotsmith Loc: Nashville TN

Hello,
I don't know if this is the answer that you want, but I rented the flash gear and I don't remember the brand. I think it was pocket wizard, but not sure. What ever, there was a little transmitter that went on my camera in the hot shoe, then a gizmo on the four flashes mounted on, I would guess the brand does not matter, but it was radio freq not infrared transmitted. All the flashes were set on manual, so that if I needed more or less light from a given flash, then we could just move it closer or further. We used four flash units. One from high above and between the camera and bird to simulate the sun; a fill flash near the camera, a back lighting flash behind the bird to put a glow on the beak and head, and then one on the background. We manually focused on the target flower, and waited for the birds to come. Camera settings were 1/200 at f11 about 400-500 ISO - all manual settings. Since my wife and I were both shooting I alternated between a 300mm f2.8 and a 70-200mm f2.8 lens.
Don't know if that helps, but by going to Costa Rica for a few days of photography for hummingbirds, I have hundreds of photos that are good enough to publish. Density of birds was such that I was shooting about 700 frames per hour! If you need better info, send me a PM and i'll look up my notes from 2013 when I made the photos

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tropics68 Loc: Georgia

Fantabulous pictures. Do you give lessons? :D :lol: :arrow: :thumbup:

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

You can pick up 4 channel radio slaves on ebay for around 40.00.I had for 8 years know and works fine and still have the same batteries in it.

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

wthomson, With or without the answers you're looking for, you'll have fun developing your new techniques. To begin with, I use 4 flashes, 3 on the hummingbird and one on the background. My flashes, brand unknown, are set on the least exposure power in the manual setting. The reason is no recharge time needed or very little and that small amount of sudden flash doesn't bother the birds. Flashes are about 2 feet from the birds and are all on a Cactus 5 radio receiver. Needless to say, the transmitter on my Canon is a Cactus 5 set at the same frequency. I shoot at 1/250th at f/16 - 22 at 640 ISO. I use such an f/stop since my lens (I use a 400mm or a 150-600mm lens) is set in manual focus, I need some depth of field for the birds that didn't listen to me when you told them where to position themselves for the image. Just have fun and don't get too hung up on the details. Best, J. Goffe

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@450mm


@400mm

wthomson Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Thanks, everyone, for the detailed information. Just what I needed.