Nikon SB-600 : Learn How To Use It
When I first posted about my attempts to learn how to use my Nikon SB-600 I sought out answers on Flickr and on the Strobist Blog. I got some great feedback and tips on how to use it but the bottom line is that these tips and settings do not work in every situation. I, like many others was looking for the simple answer on how to conquer the use of the flash in all situations.
As time has passed, the best tip that I was given was to simply use the thing. Try it out. See what works. Over the past few months (and lots of AA batteries) I have used the SB-600 in various settings with wonderful results. I have abandoned using the Automatic function on the flash and I only use it in Manual Mode. Here are the steps that I take when using my SB-600:
- Set your aperture to your desired setting to get the DOF that you are looking for in the photograph
- Set the power of your flash as a starting point. This will vary based on how far away you are from your subject
- Review the photograph and the histogram on the rear LCD screen of the camera
- Adjust the power up or down depending on what you see
- Keep photographing, checking the LCD, and re-adjusting the power of the flash
This may seem like common sense to some, but for those of us who have bought the SB-600 and have felt totally lost, it is the best place to start. You will find that the flash will be on your camera a lot more and that you will be more comfortable using it.
SB-600 Tests : Indoors
I figured the first attempt that I would make at this would be to shoot indoors with a fairly low amount of natural light. Being home alone with Bailey I figured he would be a great subject for the tests. Judging by the fact that he turned his back on me after the first flash, I got the impression that he wasn’t as into it as I was.
I took a series of shots with my camera in Aperture Priority and in Shutter Priority but since there was such a small amount of natural light in the room, I had to go to shutter speeds less than 1/10 in order for the aperture to move from f/2.8 so I stuck with Aperture Priority as my shooting mode.
Below are the series of shots that I captured labeled with the exposure information listed on each. Some things to know about these shots:
- The maximum shutter speed that I could in this mode was 1/60 because that is the limit of my D90
- These are the RAW files right out of the camera and they have not been edited. Just re-sized.
- Nikon SB-600 was aimed to the ceiling
- Nikon SB-600 was fitted with a Stofen Diffuser
You can easily see the effect of opening the aperture here while leaving everything else alone. Personally, I like the shots at f/5.6 and f/9 the best. In this type of setting, I will stay within that range of apertures in the future.
What do you think?
Back to Basics : Using the SB-600 on Camera
It has recently occurred to me that while I have messed around a little with my Nikon SB-600 and I never leave home without it, I really don’t feel that comfortable putting it to use on camera. Lately, I have been noticing a lot of people using their speed lights in situations that I tend to bump up the ISO or open the aperture a little wider in order to compensate for not really knowing how to use the paperweight that I carry with me.
So, what I am going to do about it? Well, I am going to force myself to use it so that I can get a better grip on the ‘right’ way to use it. I know, I have started into Strobist techniques a bit with the Cactus Triggers that I picked up a few months back but I feel like I should learn how to crawl a bit before I run.
I am hoping to pass on whatever I learn as I make my way through this with some tips and some fun shots along the way.
Stay tuned !!
