Can I use my SB800 to command an R1 setup for macro photography or do I have to buy the whole R1C1 setup to get the SU800?

I don't do nearly enough flash photography to have a need for the SU800; no studio work whatever.

OK, 2nd stupid question --> If I an control the R1 from the SB800, are there any known issues that I should be aware of?

tia,
Mike

Are you using the D2x or the D200 for macro work?

If the D200, then the R1 should be enough (without the SB800) because the built-in would act as commander and the SG-3IR included with the R1 kit would block the visible light from the built-in so that only the IR portion of the built-in would do the "commanding".

If you're using the D2X, I would assume that you could use the SB800 to command the R1, but as I understand it, the SU800 has some extra functionality specific to close range photography that the SB800 does not. I don't know much about this, specifically, because I don't own an SU800, but perhaps someone else here does.

Ben Shugart - Atlanta, GA

my wife's camera. She won't use my gear and while she will let me use hers, but I prefer not to.

Anyway, I've got this SB800 with commander mode and would like to take advantage of it if the compatibility is there.

Thanks again.

I don't know that I'd say it has extra functionality as much as it has a more friendly user interface. With a few button taps I can modify the ratio of light between groups A and B, something I'd have to dig in the menus for on the D200 or SB-800.

The SU-800 is just a CLS commander and the SB-R200 are just CLS slaves, the SB-800 can be both. As long as you've got one commander the R1 kit will work, but I'm happy I spent the extra for the R1C1 even with a D200 and SB-800 commander.

Jeff Bower
I wish my D200 body was a significant portion of my NAS-related expenses...
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Jeff Bower
I wish my D200 body was a significant portion of my NAS-related expenses...
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I appreciate the information and the opinion.

Thanks again,
Mike

Ahh...thanks for the clarification, Jeff.

Ben Shugart - Atlanta, GA

Mike,

I doubt you will miss this feature so I point it out only for completeness.
The SU-800 has a unique Close-up mode that you can't duplicate easily with any other Commander.
The Close-up mode greatly simplifies controlling the power ratios for Groups A and B.


Bill

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That's very important and I didn't know it. It may alter my choice which is based on frugality due to the fact that there will be limited use.

Thanks again,
Mike

"OK, Here it is. The SB800 stupid question of the year "

-- just asking... is this a challenge?

Sam

Cheers

Sam

:-)
Mike

Sam,

For further research I suggest Speedlight R1C1, R1, SU-800, SB-R200 Instruction Manual.
The SU-800 is also quite light and would allow you to use your SB-800 more easily off-camera when using the SB-R200s.
So it's a question of R1 versus R1C1 knowning that the SU-800 in the R1C1 is usually cheaper than getting one later.


Bill

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Hi, I just looked at the back o f my SB800 and have it set to control it self and then 3 groups of slaves and it seems to do this well.

I think the SU800 has remote control of the R-200 flashes which is slick.

I have purchased a Wimberley bracket and am now using the SB800 as a slave or as the main flash with an SC17 for close up ( I have been scolded for saying I shoot macro, I shoot close ups)

After a few weeks of testing I feel that for me the R1 was a poor purchase and the SB800 a more versitile flash.

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