I need a system that is portable and will be capable of taking group shots of 20-50 people. I have been using 2 SB-800s on remote mode TTL together with an old SB-26 as a slave, triggered with the on board flash of the D70 or D200. I wonder if it would be worth it to have another SB-800/600 or get the Falcon Eyes?

Are you pertaining to falcon eyes strobe flash?

I've been using the SB800 at CLS setup for location shoots. This comes in especially handy for cramped spaces and if you're in a very tight schedule. Choosing between this and lugging around at least 2 studio lights makes an easy choice... BUT... you really have to know what you're doing.

Personally, I find that the SB800 set-up is MUCH MUCH MORE CONVENIENT and does the job perfectly. Only difference is in the light modifiers. Others prefer catchlights rendered by softboxes and the like. If this isn't critical for you, then you've got no problems with SB800.

Another factor to consider here is how to diffuse your light. To actually get professional looking shots for groups, you'll need to put together at least 2 SB800 units behind a diffusion panel and another set somewhere else. This then means you'll need clamps, diffusion materials, stands and assistants. Now compare that to the size and time it takes to set up studio lights on location. Go from there.

Click here to check out some samples: http://pocholoignacio.com/gallery/fashion.html

ALL the shots with caucasian models were taken with CLS. D2X/S3 Pro/D70, 2 SB800 units, no diffusion panels other than the "dome" that comes with the flash units. Shoot was done in CSUN, Sunset Blvd. and Hollywood for a publicity stint. Unfortunately I don't have group shots to show you as this site is quite dated.
Hope this helps.

Sorry yes I am pertaining to the Falcon Eyes Studio Strobes

Are you pertaining to the 2 light 110ws portable Falcon Eyes SS-110B set at Watson selling for 13,000 or to other sets? If thats so, thats good only for 5 consecutive shots, then you have to wait before it cools..

Nice color rendition, 2 flash setup is ok, but its not too reliable. I still got mine, used it for small setups, food, products, 2 shot single portraits but i dont think it can cover 50 people..it comes with 2 stands, a small umbrella and 30x30softbox..

bought a 90x90 softbox to expand coverage on one strobe then use the 30x30 softbox on the other strobe

For home studio use its ok, but for pro use like 10 consecutive flashes youll get frustrated..Its a bargain though

Hi Vince,

If you will be buying another SB-800, that wouldn't be enough since it's not going to be balanced to have three remote flashes. The Falcon Eyes studio strobe is not enough as well because it only has a maximum of 110 watts each.
I suggest you try setting up the following:

1. Two (2) red head video lights as your natural light source at 800 watts each. It's available at 24 k Fotohaus at around Php 8k each plus two (2) light stands at Php 1,350.00 each so that would cost you around Php 18,700.00. Slightly higher than your budget of buying one SB800 Speedlite at Php 17.5k available at Henry's Photo Supply. You will still be using your two (2) extra SB800 flash as remote slave and fill flash to remove possible shadows and use to create highlights of your subjects.

2. If you want a portable system and quite limited on your budget. You can try buying the LiteSphere Photojournalist 2 complete with dome at Php 3,850.00 each at JT Photoworld. If you buy two (2) That would only cost you around Php 7,700.00 for your two (2) SB-800 speedlites.

3. Another option is for you to use prime lens like 50mm or 85mm Nikkor lens with an opening of at least f1.8. It depends on your shooting preference actually. You can shift to manual and choose the right setting for your aperture and shutter speed.

Hope this will help you out with your Photo Session. Best Regards.

@pocholo

you mentioned using the s3 - can you use it with CLS with the sb800's?

@pocholo

you mentioned using the s3 - can you use it with CLS with the sb800's?
No the S3 won't work with CLS. You'll have to do the adjustments manually.