Nikon D850 and flash
Apr 2, 2019 06:03:08 #
Quite a few queries are posted from Hoggers thinking about getting this camera or upgrading.
I bought one and whilst I really like it I feel a bit conned in respect of its incamera flash capability.
My expensive high end NIKON SB910 flashguns cannot be controlled within the camera, unlike my previous D610, so rear sync flash is out of the question unless I buy the radio controlled Nikon SB5000 and also buy the radio transmitter from Nikon. The only other alternative appears to be to use third party triggers like the Pocket Wizard Multimax.
Would it really have been impossible for the D850 to support the flash or have we been done.
I bought one and whilst I really like it I feel a bit conned in respect of its incamera flash capability.
My expensive high end NIKON SB910 flashguns cannot be controlled within the camera, unlike my previous D610, so rear sync flash is out of the question unless I buy the radio controlled Nikon SB5000 and also buy the radio transmitter from Nikon. The only other alternative appears to be to use third party triggers like the Pocket Wizard Multimax.
Would it really have been impossible for the D850 to support the flash or have we been done.
Apr 2, 2019 06:32:27 #
I understand they left out a built-in flash so that the body is a little stronger and also to make it more rain proof. My D500 is the same - no built in flash. I have a PocketWizard Mini-TT1 and Flex-TT5 that I use. Those units support TTL metering.
BTW, Nikon made the BS-3 hot shoe cover for the D5, D500, and D850 to make the top of the camera even more rain proof. It's made of two pieces. The lower part that slides into the hot shoe is a hard plastic just like the standard covers. The upper part is rubber completely covers the hot shoe to keep rain out. I purchased one for my D500. I was actually out with my D500 recently when it was drizzling. Maybe it was good to have it on the camera.
BTW, Nikon made the BS-3 hot shoe cover for the D5, D500, and D850 to make the top of the camera even more rain proof. It's made of two pieces. The lower part that slides into the hot shoe is a hard plastic just like the standard covers. The upper part is rubber completely covers the hot shoe to keep rain out. I purchased one for my D500. I was actually out with my D500 recently when it was drizzling. Maybe it was good to have it on the camera.
Apr 2, 2019 06:37:08 #
CO wrote:
I understand they left out a built-in flash so tha... (show quote)
Hi, this issue is not about the built in flash but the incamera software to control external flash. The D850 give very little options and there are some flash functions that are controlled in camera, like the rear sync. Why would Nikon do this , other than to generate more flash sales?
Apr 2, 2019 06:40:37 #
Hammer wrote:
Hi, this issue is not about the built in flash but the incamera software to control external flash. The D850 give very little options and there are some flash functions that are controlled in camera, like the rear sync. Why would Nikon do this , other than to generate more flash sales?
The built-in flash on a D610 can be used as a commander. You have to go into the menus and activate commander mode.
Nikon eliminates the built-in flash on their pro camera to make the body a little stronger and more rain proof. Cameras that have a built-in flash have gaps where rain water could seep in.
They sell their radio transmitter to be used with the SB-5000 flash. It's for the D5, D500, and D850.
Apr 2, 2019 06:47:19 #
Hammer wrote:
Hi, this issue is not about the built in flash but the in camera software to control external flash. The D850 give very little options and there are some flash functions that are controlled in camera, like the rear sync. Why would Nikon do this , other than to generate more flash sales?
That's surprising. What kind of flash do you have. Nikon flashes have a very good reputation for the way they coordinate with their cameras. I'll be interested in seeing the answers you get.
It always surprises me to see an expensive camera without a built-in flash. It's one thing to push a button and have more light available, but it's quite another to get out a flash, attach it to the camera, change settings, etc.
Apr 2, 2019 07:01:29 #
Apr 2, 2019 07:59:17 #
You could get the SU-800 Commander unit.
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Flashes/SU-800-Wireless-Speedlight-Commander.html
Will work with just about any newer Nikon SB flash with remote capability.
It works better and easier than the in camera flash anyway.
I hated digging into the camera menu to adjust the remote functions. The SU-800 does it on its dedicated screen.
Many of those Nikon SB speedlights also work as commanders.
If you feel conned, it’s because you didn’t research the camera enough.
The information is out there.
Personally, I use radio for remote flash control.
Though they are very good, you aren’t limited to PocketWizard transceivers.
I use Godox transmitters with their respective receivers for my Nikon speedlights.
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Flashes/SU-800-Wireless-Speedlight-Commander.html
Will work with just about any newer Nikon SB flash with remote capability.
It works better and easier than the in camera flash anyway.
I hated digging into the camera menu to adjust the remote functions. The SU-800 does it on its dedicated screen.
Many of those Nikon SB speedlights also work as commanders.
If you feel conned, it’s because you didn’t research the camera enough.
The information is out there.
Personally, I use radio for remote flash control.
Though they are very good, you aren’t limited to PocketWizard transceivers.
I use Godox transmitters with their respective receivers for my Nikon speedlights.
Apr 2, 2019 08:56:46 #
Hammer wrote:
Quite a few queries are posted from Hoggers thinki... (show quote)
As Goofie suggests, an SU-800 is a Nikon solution, but it is infrared - short on range (max of 66 ft) and difficult in bright outdoor light. You can get RF units with Pocket Wizard, but you'd have to buy two devices - to send and receive signal - they are good up to 300 ft.
Or you can get a third party device that has the same functionality as the Nikon but is RF which provides 328 ft range from Yongnuo - for $78 for the kit that includes the transceiver and the master controller.
https://www.photo-store.net/photography/yongnuo-flash-triggers/yongnuo-yn622n-kit/
I have gotten excellent service from their other products, and they really do stand behind what they make.
Apr 2, 2019 09:04:58 #
To use the flash remotely one do have to have the SU-800 or the Pocket Wizard. However, I believe second curtain sync is a camera function and the flash doesn't have to know about this. I can do second curtain sync with my Df and with a non Nikon flash.
Apr 2, 2019 16:17:34 #
jerryc41 wrote:
That's surprising. What kind of flash do you have. Nikon flashes have a very good reputation for the way they coordinate with their cameras. I'll be interested in seeing the answers you get.
It always surprises me to see an expensive camera without a built-in flash. It's one thing to push a button and have more light available, but it's quite another to get out a flash, attach it to the camera, change settings, etc.
It always surprises me to see an expensive camera without a built-in flash. It's one thing to push a button and have more light available, but it's quite another to get out a flash, attach it to the camera, change settings, etc.
I am totally with you Jerry - I am very tempted to buy the 850, but the absence of the flash, easily to be used for fill-in functions, has stopped me from acquiring one yet. The other thing is the dual slots for different cards. I do mainly travel photography and use the second card as an overflow - why would I want to carry two different types of cards - just can't get that into my mind!
Apr 2, 2019 17:49:54 #
I see that nobody really answered your question. To set flash modes with the SB 700, SB 900. SB 910 on the D850, press the info button and then hold down the flash button on the left side of the camera, and turn the rear command dial. It will cycle through the flash modes.
John D
John D
Apr 2, 2019 22:10:29 #
delraypiper wrote:
I see that nobody really answered your question. To set flash modes with the SB 700, SB 900. SB 910 on the D850, press the info button and then hold down the flash button on the left side of the camera, and turn the rear command dial. It will cycle through the flash modes.
John D
John D
Nikon didn't take it out, they just changed the method to control it.
It's in the manual, but not very prominent.
It is the same for the D500
--
Apr 3, 2019 00:55:12 #
jerryc41 wrote:
That's surprising. What kind of flash do you have. Nikon flashes have a very good reputation for the way they coordinate with their cameras. I'll be interested in seeing the answers you get.
It always surprises me to see an expensive camera without a built-in flash. It's one thing to push a button and have more light available, but it's quite another to get out a flash, attach it to the camera, change settings, etc.
It always surprises me to see an expensive camera without a built-in flash. It's one thing to push a button and have more light available, but it's quite another to get out a flash, attach it to the camera, change settings, etc.
Hi Jerry,
Surprising does not even come into it. Most of the flash control can be done from the flash itself or with commander units or triggers. However, certain flash functions, like rear curtain sync and stroboscopic , can only be commanded from the incamera software. The D850 has incamera flash control for only very few flashguns. So my SB910s cannot be used for their in camera functions. To add insult to injury the Nikon SB5000 can be controlled from in camera but is radio controlled. Guess what ? The radio transmitter is an add on that has to be purchased. I have been done !
Apr 3, 2019 05:37:33 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
You could get the SU-800 Commander unit. br https:... (show quote)
Hi,
Yes the SU800 will work but does not enable rear sync or stroboscopic flash . I agree that I did not research that feature but just did not expect it to be a problem . The SB910 was the Nikon top end flash before the SB5000. Its reasonable to assume that most people upgrading to the D850 will have this or an earlier flash , so why disenfranchise them ? I just cant com to terms with that.
I do use Pocket Wizards and will probably purchase their Multimax, which promises the availability of rear syncs etc.
Apr 3, 2019 05:46:10 #
rdubreuil
Loc: Dummer, NH USA
Hammer wrote:
Quite a few queries are posted from Hoggers thinki... (show quote)
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