Portable flash and fluorescent sources still dominate the market for lighting equipment, perhaps a reflection of digital's increased mobility and improved high-ISO performance. While small-scale product photography is (thanks perhaps to eBay) still the driving force behind fluorescent, at least one of this year's winners brings new power to that cool-burning category.
Nikon R1C1 Wireless Close-up Speedlight System
Macro lighting is akin to casting a spell. Start with a cauldron of hot light or strobe and mix in reflectors, gobos, and other magical ingredients. Think of Nikon's new R1C1 Speedlight System as a new, simplified spell- book. It includes a ring to mount on your lens, two SB-R200 wireless Speedlights to mount on the ring, one SU-800 wireless commander (mounted on the hotshoe) to power them, and some dedicated modifiers. When you need a more powerful spell you can mount up to six more SB-R200s on the lens, grouping them for ratio lighting. About $680.
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