We have investigated the low frequency (30-350 cm(-1)) spectra of solvated MnCl2, MnBr2, NiCl2, and NiBr2. Using a chemical equilibrium model in combination with principal component analysis, we were able to dissect the spectra into molar extinction coefficients due to the solvated ions and - for MnCl2, MnBr2, and NiCl2- to extract information on the ion pair spectra. The deduced anion spectra (calculated as MnCl2-MnBr2 and NiCl2-NiBr2) are very similar and nearly identical to the anion spectra observed for LaCl3-LaBr3. The differences between the cationic contributions MnCl2-NiCl2 and MnBr2-NiBr2 indicate that the solvated cation spectra can be understood in terms of distinct resonances of the octahedrally solvated cation complex that are red-shifted for Mn(2+) compared to Ni(2+). The description of the full extinction spectra requires the introduction of an additional resonance at a center frequency of around 130 cm(-1) that we tentatively assign to hydration water. Cooperative effects are small and are reflected in a change in the band intensity. However, the center frequencies of the observed modes remain unchanged when exchanging the counter ion. Analysis of the ion pair extinction spectra supports contact ion pair formation for MnBr2 and NiCl2 and MnCl2.