Jeff Anderson
Custom Title!
Ok so I'm getting back into photography (took lots of classes in high school and did well and maybe some pretty cool images I'm still proud of, and a few rolls I'm not) as I've been made the historian/documentarian for our local Dalmatian club (yep, I've really hit the big time). Everyone would be happy with some point and shoot historical records but my goal is to make some more artistic images as well to be used for press and the clubs own enjoyment. So I just ordered a used D70 (after reading many of the reviews here) from B&H along with a 18-55mm lens (the cheap, slow one that I think normally comes in kits) to start out. I've got a few more lenses I know I want to get like a faster 50mm for indoor work and probably a prime on the fast and wide side, but not quite fisheye (too much money). The nikon 55-200 with VR also looks handy to have around.
So i've got most of it (i think) figured out except for a fast and portable lighting system. I've got it down to either Nikon's CLS system with an su800 commander and a few (3-4) sb600's to use as slaves - OR - older nikon sb24/26's with a pocket wizard. I dont see line of sight being much of an issue for me, but I hope the IR works well in the sun as I'll be outside in bright sun quite a bit. The pocket wizard seems much more reliable though and would follow me on any upgrades I make in future years in case i-TTL becomes outmoded. Most of my shooting will be pretty spontaneous but in one general location. I will have an assistant to hold the flashes when needed and stands when appropriate as well. Been reading alot of Dave Black's articles (http://www.daveblackphotography.com/workshop/index.htm) which makes it all sound like a no-brainer. Would I be buying into a system destined to be obsolete though? As much of a gear hound I am I really dont *think* I'll be buying a new still camera for a long while (video camera of course!)
My main needs from this setup will be quick adjustments and the ability to shoot on the fly (lots of dogs who dont like to pose). After writing all this I'm leaning heavily towards the Nikon CLS stuff, but anyone with experience with either system (or one that may be more appropriate) want to swing me another direction? Thanks for your help guys - hope to start posting some shots soon (camera comes thursday - yay!)
So i've got most of it (i think) figured out except for a fast and portable lighting system. I've got it down to either Nikon's CLS system with an su800 commander and a few (3-4) sb600's to use as slaves - OR - older nikon sb24/26's with a pocket wizard. I dont see line of sight being much of an issue for me, but I hope the IR works well in the sun as I'll be outside in bright sun quite a bit. The pocket wizard seems much more reliable though and would follow me on any upgrades I make in future years in case i-TTL becomes outmoded. Most of my shooting will be pretty spontaneous but in one general location. I will have an assistant to hold the flashes when needed and stands when appropriate as well. Been reading alot of Dave Black's articles (http://www.daveblackphotography.com/workshop/index.htm) which makes it all sound like a no-brainer. Would I be buying into a system destined to be obsolete though? As much of a gear hound I am I really dont *think* I'll be buying a new still camera for a long while (video camera of course!)
My main needs from this setup will be quick adjustments and the ability to shoot on the fly (lots of dogs who dont like to pose). After writing all this I'm leaning heavily towards the Nikon CLS stuff, but anyone with experience with either system (or one that may be more appropriate) want to swing me another direction? Thanks for your help guys - hope to start posting some shots soon (camera comes thursday - yay!)
