External Flash equipment question

[gippu]

Hi there. I'm looking into buying some gear to do some better portrait photography. I have been reading mainly about using external flash as a light source and have some questions about the gear and terminology around the subject I hope someone can help me with.

So first off. I have a Nikon d700 with a couple of lenses, two tripods and a Nikon speed light sb600. I'm still a bit confused with all the various terminologies and such , but basically I'm looking into buying a remote flash triggering device (radio/infrared) (slave) a umbrella/sofbox and a mount for the umbrella / softbox. Basically, i'm looking into setting up an external flash and trigger it. My question is which sort equipment do I go for, I know there are many types of flash triggers and sofbox types and such. So I'm looking for some recommendations.

From what I've been reading, the new pocket wizard min tt1 and flex tt5 for nikon seems to be very good in terms of remote flash. That coupled with an basic umbrella and a mount which I can put on my old tripod ? Any thoughts ? Links and articles are very appreciated ^^

Thanks!

[autofocus]

Just so I understand..are you planning on using your SB600 as your light source?

[gippu]

Ah yes, I'd figured that it is a good flash no ?

[autofocus]

OK, here's what you could consider in lieu of radios. A cable, although it may not give you quite the flexibility and the distance of radio triggers, it'll probably be more cost effective. I own this one personally, and it supports off camera TTL.:
Nikon SC-29 TTL Off-Camera Shoe Cord with AF Assist - 4766 B&H

I'd also recommend you getting a lightstand instead of using your tripod. They're not expensive..Flashpoint makes decent ones sold at Adorama. I'd also recommend a Flashpoint, small softbox to be used on your SB600. Both items can be had for under 100 bucks. The above cable, the lightstand, and the softbox will probably set you back $150 - $180 bucks. You'll then be good to go.

[inkista]

Forgive, but just to make sure all the bases have been covered--what is it about CLS (i.e., using your D700's pop-up flash to remotely trigger the SB-600 off-camera) you do and don't like? And why do you feel the push to go to radio triggers? I know that the Strobist way is to go with radio triggers, but if you're shooting mostly indoors or in studio situations, CLS could be just fine for what you want, and give you some decided advantages.

CLS over radio can become a very costly proposition.

I'd also second the lightstand suggestion (just for the height--lighting from overhead is a pretty typical thing), but if you have to make do, all you really need is a stud and a swivel and you could mount your SB-600 and an umbrella on a tripod (or anything where you can mount a 20x1/4" bolt) if you want. The LP633 swivel comes with a stud.

[autofocus]

...good call on that Inkista. I wasn't sure if the SB600 had the capability built in to do that. I found this article that may be of value to the OP

How to Use the New Nikon Strobes as Wireless Slaves