Nikon R1C1 or Godox MF12?

Nikon’s R1C1 revisited - better than the MF12s?

The first part of this video is a quick summery of the state Nikon’s flash offerings. I talk about all the current flashes and tell you which ones I like and which ones have “issues”. Then we get into a head to head with the MF12s by Godox. My conclusions may surprise you!

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[andrewlamberson]

Great video and review. I have been using the Godox MF 12 systemsince their introduction on both my Z6 II with the Z Macro lens and now my Sony a7R V with the macro lens, the 70-200 and the 100-400 and have been 100% pleased. I shoot them in manual mode and most of the time at a low power as a fill-in flash. One of the BIG advantages of the Godox system is that you can buy one set of lights and use them on multiple camera platforms. I have had no issues with the durability of the mounting system. I purchased extra mounting rings and adapters for each of my lenses OR I would use a series of step-up/down rings. I don't think I have ever used them at full power. Often at 1/64th or 1/32. The have never missed a flash in very large stacks. I think the price point for the electronics and the adapters is competitively priced and you can find everything you need on B&H. If I was shooting strickly Nikon I would probably go with the Nikon system, but I am shooting both Nikon and Sony macro. Thanks again for the great review.

[realnikonlover]

As an R1C1 owner and also own a couple of other cheap ring lights, I can happily say your conclusion is spot on... I also choose the R1C1 kit. It just works. I used it very successfully on my D810, D850 and now exploring its handshake with the Z9. Thanks Allan for your thorough and clear review of this special Nikon accessory. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 - Jim

[blueyhanson]

Allan,
Thanks for your views.
I have Nikon D70, D90, D300S plus D610 & D810.
I have 1x SB900, 1x SB800 & 4x SB600 speedlights and use them in a variety of configurations without any drama.
Recently added Godox MF-R76 ring flash (non TTL version).
So far all working well.

[Crispy_Bee]

If money permits I can absolutely recommend the Godox AD200 Pro for macro studio use with the flash head extension cables. It's insanely small and yet powerful with modelling lights, loads of power (200Ws) and a substantial removable battery.

[donbergeron]

Really like your channel. I'm new at Macro, but wondering if you had any tips or if you had any experience using the Godox ring flash MF-R76 with the Z MC 105mm? Thanks again, Don B

[andyvan]

one further tip, I add the flash control menu and the group settings sub-menu to the MY MENU screen, helps out alot for quick access to this system.

[andyvan]

that's what I found out when I bought my z6 the sb-800 that I was using for the D610 I had previously used as a mainstay, was that in the 800's case the "basic" flash menu of the z6 is activated when this speedlight is attached, aka only ev comp. and red-eye options are available; cutting a long story short, you NEED the sb-5000 flash, not just for radio capabillities, but to use the cls system functions on the z cameras!! and also you Don't need the controller C1 for this camera, this ratio menu is in the on-board cls system menu, just switch off group mode, and to ratio mode, this gives the same menu options, but via the commander system, Ps the shoe on the sb-5000 is a lot less durable, unlike the older flashes, which have a metal thread insert for tripod mounting, and seem to be sturdier in construction than the sb-5000 shoe; like the flash case though!, good material.

[hhingle]

I use SU-800 mounted on top of my Z6II (no problem with it turning on when turning on camera, and 2 SB-R200 flash base provided with flashes attached to articulate arms. I use rechargeable Watson cr123 batteries... love it...

[andyvan]

Allan, at 7:11 there is another step you need to do to enguage cls funtionallity, you "arm" it in the menu, under camera, set" flash control", wireless flash options to optical AWL THEN and ONLY then, does the 'Group flash options' {commander mode, in dslr speak} control enguage, to use R1C1 go to "remote flash control" and select "A:B quick wireless control"
done ( Ps if you NOW hit the display button three times, this control menu screen appears quicker, for on the go changes, PS the sb-5000 flash is switched to ON, NOT remote, this remote mode is for optical and radio slave use, to set up, you need plain ON mode).

[khanscombe]

Blooming brilliant kit. I love mine. After 15 yrs still going. I misplaced the SG-31R If showld for pop up flash but i used the SU-800 anyway or SB-900/800 commander. Is that flash shield actuality ir or just block & slit direct light down for trigger? I like that the D810 can command 3 flash groups it can be any CLS type. I trigger 3 more SB-800 & 600.

[josephwisniewski]

You're still using the R1C1 when the new Nikon macro lighting system is out? The R2D2 does things that no other flash can do: it's got a lot of tech Nikon licenses from Industrial Lights and Magic, and it's fully THX1138 certified.

[DavidBrown-ifvn]

@Allan Walls Photography if you want Allan, I have 3 of the SB-700s, and I could loan you one to test.
I love them, they are quite excellent.
- Dave from Maine

[MarcelloBranca]

I own the r1c1 with 2 additional flashes myself, and they are indeed fantastic, had to replace one of the sb r200 cause it once took a hit and doesnt seeem to be working as perfectlyvas before

[jonathanhall]

I bought my R1C1 and two additional flashes second hand, I too have the 105 z Macro and the Z9. it doesn't turn on the SB-800 commander. My Nikon D7100, does though. Nikon really need to sort out this flash mess

[magpiemarc]

I think the main advantage of the Godox flash is completely with different camera systems, I myself use both Nikon and Fujifilm I only need to buy a trigger different systems.

[thomastuorto]

I thought Nikon said it is abandoning flash units & was partnering or recomending with one of the flash manufactures.

[khanscombe]

I used mine in ots most compact form in archival & forensic close up. 2 SB-R200 on ring of a Nikkor 60mm f2.8D Micro on a D810 in slim mode using integrated flash commander. It does well in portrait fill or ro add glimmer in eyes. I fimd many uses for the Nikon SB-R1C1 kit. The bix has room ro store 3 but i don't use it. Its so big.

[gordonmcintosh]

Interesting as usual Allan. However, do you think you could back your main camera off so we can see more of what you are doing & talking about instead of your "baby blues"

[anaphylaxis]

@Allan, I have used my SB700 with my Z cameras.

[OG.Mikentosh]

Did you have the Z8 on silent mode (shutter) --- the flash doesn't work on silent mode.