Photo Gear For The Traveler
Nikon SB 500 Strobe
I have owned several strobes as part of my general photography kit – namely a Nikon SB 600 and a Nikon SB 900. Both work well, individually or in multi-strobe applications. But honestly, I have never really gotten into doing much in the way of strobe photography. My strobes have been parked on the shelf for quite some time.
Recently, however, my interest in strobe photography was reawakened after attending a meeting of our Kansas City photography group – Digital Dimensions And Beyond. Reed Hoffman gave a great presentation on the use of strobes at the August 18, 2016 meeting.
Reed, a resident of Kansas City, is an extremely accomplished photographer with an extensive list of credits. His client list includes the likes of USA Today, The New York Times, The Associated Press, NBC, EPA, Reuters, Nikon, Lexar, and Lowepro, He has also taught photojournalism and photography with various programs including the Nikon School of Photography where he developed and taught daylong programs as well as supervising other instructors. Honors include being named Nikon Legend Behind the Lens and a Microsoft Icon of Imaging.
Reed’s presentation was truly inspirational. He demonstrated ways in which a simple, single strobe can be used to produce unique and creative images. His off camera strobe images were amazing. He travels frequently and uses a Nikon SB 500 to light subjects in a dynamic fashion. The Nikon SB 500 is one of several strobes in the current Nikon line. Compared to it’s bigger brothers like the SB 5000, the SB 700 and the SB910, the SB 500 is somewhat smaller, but this is a plus for the traveler who wants his or her gear to be light weight and portable. Given it’s smaller form factor, it packs considerable punch with stats as follows:
Lightweight i-TTL Speedlight. Guide number of 24 m/78.7 ft. (at ISO 100) with 24mm coverage in FX-format and 16mm coverage in DX-format.
The SB 500 is a versatile piece of photo gear. The flash swivels180° and tilts 90° for bounce lighting. But the really neat features, making the SB 500 even more attractive is the incorporated LED video light. How cool is that? Use the SB 500 for still image strobe photos or switch to the LED function and use it to light your videos.
I was impressed. I figured, if the SB 500 is good for Reed, it is good for me. I added one to my travel kit. So now I have the same gear that Reed uses. That’s the easy part. Next I have to start working on developing the skill part – not so easy.
Breaking News Update: Announced on Sept 2, 2016 – Reed Hoffman, in collaboration with Digital Dimensions and Beyond, will be presenting two photography workshops in the Kansas City area in October, 2016. For more information visit:
Reed Hoffman / DD&B Photo Workshops
Get the Photo Gear …………….And Enjoy The Adventure!
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