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Nikon R1 macro speedlight


vivek iyer

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This thing with two flash heads is really HUGE. I checked it out

today at my local shop. The boxes (R1 and the R1C1) are even more

impressive and humongous!

 

These are definitely not a direct replacement for the compact SB-29s.

Even the Canon MT-24 looks timid in front of an imposing R1!

 

Any users find them to be too big and cumbersome?

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I haven't seen a setup yet. Do you think they could be used in fashion photography in place of the super expensive Broncolor ringlight?

 

The additional heads are pretty affordable. It would be tempting to buy if it didn't require that stupid transmitter/control module. I was also concerned about trying to fit it to so many different lens filter sizes.

 

I'd like to see what a ringlight setup looks like for non-macro work.

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<em>I haven't seen a setup yet. Do you think they could be used in fashion photography

in place of the super expensive Broncolor ringlight?</em>

<p>

I've tried this but the flashes simply don't have the power to replicate a ringlight. They are

however, effective fill lights if you want to throw a few around the set to add highlights.

<p>

<em>

The additional heads are pretty affordable. It would be tempting to buy if it didn't require

that stupid transmitter/control module. </em>

<p>I believe the D70 allows you to control the remote flashes from the pop up flash. At

least I found a device in the bag that attaches on the hot shoe and drops a filter over the

pop-up flash to let the IR light through.

<p>

<em>

I was also concerned about trying to fit it to so many different lens filter sizes. </em>

<p> The bag comes with a large set of step up filter rings, so this should not be an issue

(assuming most of your lenses have standard 77mm diameters).

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<p>I've always wanted one of these specialized flashes for macro and studio work. It makes taking close-ups a lot easier without having to carry a tripod around, plus works nicely for close-up portraits and studio type shooting. When Nikon announed the R1C1 late 2005, I knew it would find it's way into my camera bag.</p>

<p>This is one of the most advanced flash system available today and it's suprisingly a breeze to operate. It's not that much bigger than the Canon MT24, the commander unit is actually much smaller and there are no wires which lightens the package even more. The flash units themselves maybe a little bigger but the overall system is not that heavy. If you need to get the shots and have more control over lighting, then it's not too big and cumbersome. The SB-29s is great for macros but it's not as versitile for studio shooting, where as I can place the SB-200's anywhere I want then trigger it from a distance with a tele-lens. Surprisingly it works great even with a 12mm lens.</p>

<p>The R1C1 package comes with 5 filter rings - 52mm, 62m, 67mm, 72mm, and 77mm. It probably isn't powerful enough for catwalk fashion shows or for subjects 15ft away(iso100), but I've only tested it with two flash units. Mounting a few more units might improve the coverage.</p>

 

<p align="center"><img src=http://www.bhophoto.com/images/camera-gear/r1c1.jpg></p>

<p align="center"><img src=http://www.bhophoto.com/photographs/2006%20Abstract/abstact-20.jpg></p>

<p align="center"><img src=http://www.bhophoto.com/photographs/2006%20Abstract/abstact-18.jpg></p>

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Michael - look a t the spec sheet - that may answer your question about the range already. In close distance regular flashes are too powerful and often not fast enough to cut off power to the desired small level of output. Even the small built-in flashes like the one in the D70 can not shut down fast enough - so i dim the output and it works fine in close range. The obviously simplest choice for a macro flash is to use faster electronics and lower power to start with. The new macro flash system has very low power for the distance range of regular shooting. I will get one kit sooner or later but like to compare a setup with two sb800 (+gray filters) and two macro brackets that hook on the body and not on the lens. That might be a better choice or a more versatile one for the same money.
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