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I previously asked this question and I understand as well I can use a flash to use as a master to command the SB-R200 units.

I know the SB-800 or the alternative Debao can command 4 channels and three different groups of flashes (A, B & C).

I saw the Nikon SB-910 have exactly the same settings (4 channels + 3 groups) but it is quite expensive. On the other side, the SB-700 seems it can only controls 2 groups (A,B) instead three (I am not 100% sure, but this page seems to confirm it).

Is there any other cheaper flash alternative with these settings:

  • A flash (any brand but Nikon iTTl compatible)
  • Compatible with Nikon CLS
  • Can be Master(commander) with
    • 4 channels
    • 3 groups

I did like the Metz brand as well but did not find clear information about that specific Master setting on the models I have checked.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ I don't understand the close vote. I need facts not opinions and this is not going to change (or if a new model comes later a new answer can always be added) \$\endgroup\$
    – рüффп
    Commented Oct 13, 2016 at 21:58
  • \$\begingroup\$ The rub is definitely in "or if a new model comes later a new answer can always be added" — experience shows that that kind of maintenance is extremely unlikely to happen, which means that six months from now, this might be the right answer and it might be misdirection with wrong advice. We're looking for questions with longer value than that. \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Commented Oct 13, 2016 at 22:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ Plus, this doesn't really require expertise — just the ability to look at online stores. \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Commented Oct 13, 2016 at 22:56
  • \$\begingroup\$ Maybe Why is there so much hostility to 'what should I buy' and 'shopping' questions? in our meta and Why are “shopping list” questions bad? on meta.SE and Q&A is Hard, Let's Go Shopping! on the stackoverflow blog can explain why any question that's basically just asking, "what should I buy?" tends to be off topic on SE. dpreview forums might be a better fit for this. \$\endgroup\$
    – inkista
    Commented Oct 14, 2016 at 7:59
  • \$\begingroup\$ > "Plus, this doesn't really require expertise — just the ability to look at online stores." Sorry but I am not finding such features in the e-shop I was looking. I had to read all manuals of the flashes... then does not require expertise, yes in fact just experiences of other users with same needs and found the right device. \$\endgroup\$
    – рüффп
    Commented Oct 14, 2016 at 22:48

2 Answers 2

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For the SB-R200 units, the SU-800 will be the least expensive Nikon ($250). It is not a flash, but it is a commander. It also has a special switch in the battery compartment for the SB-R200 use. Manual here: http://download.nikonimglib.com/archive2/fjsSS00dnTJB02EH9Pd005z9n144/SB-R200_EU(En)10.pdf

There are one or two third party flashes with commander capability. I have an Aperlite YH-700N that does, for $90. It works, however its menu for this seems very awkward compared to Nikons.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ I know the SB-800 commander is probably the best match but I want to now if there is a flash that can do the same job as the flash can be also used alone (e.g. for the D500 owners). \$\endgroup\$
    – рüффп
    Commented Oct 13, 2016 at 21:57
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I have a Sigma EF-500 DG Super NA-iTTL here (I assume that this flash had a firmware upgrade while Sigma still offered this) and it supports the Nikon CLS protocols.

With caveats. The biggest problem to get going is that it defaults to its own proprietary master/slave implementation which is easily confused for the real thing but does not interact with Nikon. It takes a bit of practice to recognize this big red herring and not spend time on it.

It is only when the camera is active (namely for a short time after shutter half-press) with the flash in the hotshoe that the flash offers either master as well as slave mode for CLS (they are different modes while its own master/slave mode uses a different setting to distinguish master/slave). Which means that to use the flash as a slave, you have to put it on the camera, activate the camera, switch the flash to the Nikon slave mode (fortunately it sticks around even when switching the flash off) and then get the flash off again and put it where you want, possibly after changing channel/group settings and zoom. If you hit the mode button and get the flash out of Nikon slave mode, you need to put it back on-camera for getting back into CLS mode.

In addition, the light sensor for slave mode is not really great, so the flash may fire not at all or with full power even when the placement seems good.

As master, it works reasonably. Setting up the groups takes a bit of practice but is comparatively straightforward once you get the knack. It only supports TTL, no auto/manual modes even for slaves it controls.

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