Whats going on with the R1 and R1C1 backorder?

Snowleopard

I use to have a R1 kit and no longer have it. I am looking to buy a new one and it seems like the USA version of these have been back ordered for about 6 months. Is Nikon releasing an R2 (new version) of the system or is something else going on?

framer

Where are you buying it from. Plenty on Ebay and Adorama on Ebay has a new unit for sale right now.

framer

Snowleopard

B and H or Amazon. I don't use ebay. Not sure about Adorama.

Ironheart

They are in stock at B&H.

Pistnbroke

If you just Google it you will find loads of stock..nothing wrong with ebay

framer

Adorama is as big as B&H, I bought from both. As for Ebay I've bought over 500 things in 15 years with 2 minor issues that were resolved.

spraynpray

Honest question: What great advantage does it give over my system of using my two SB700's either side of the 60mm macro? I get much better light drop-off characteristics from my set-up than from a Sigma ringflash and I suspect than you will get from the R1/R2 kit.

WestEndFoto

I think I would prefer your system Spraynpray to a ring flash. I still have not figured out what I want to do here. However a portable ringflash is on my list for portraits and I can't rule out the R1C1. I love a ring flash's effect in portraiture.

Snowleopard

The R1 and R1C1 have several advantages, the main two are size and weight. I have a SB-800 and SB-900 and they are large, awkward at the end of a lens with out some sort of expensive support system.

I also use the Alienbee's ring flash and that is useless, way to big, certain lenses will not fit through the ring, etc, etc, etc...

The R1 or R1C1 even with all 8 strobes is small, outputs allot of light, is wireless and if one strobe fails, your not out $599 for a SB-910, your only out about $150.

spraynpray

I'd say the only two advantages are size and weight. My 'expensive support system' only cost me less than $50 total. The Sb700's are heavier than the R1/R2, but they are lighter than the 900/910's so on balance, they give me results I am very happy with and I use gear I already have. Probably I'd try the R1/R2 if it were cheaper though, just like I have tried two ringflashes (I re-boxed and re-sold them the same day they arrived) .