Flash for Nikon

[EchoingWhisper]

I need some help in the flash department. I am a complete noob on which flash to buy. My gear is as below. Which flash should I buy? Should I buy a fake one?

 

[JaronRH]

I found this link very helpful when I was looking: Flash Units for Nikon | DPanswers

I currently have 2xSB-600's and a SB-700. I would probably recommend the SB-700 as it is a very flexible and useful flash. Plus, you can then get more flashes in the future and use the SB-700 to control them remotely.

Just as a word of caution though, I bought a cheap, generic TTL flash for my D90 initially. While it did work, there was an issue where when the D90 went into low-power mode (which was after just a few seconds of non-use), the flash would stop working till I cycled the power on the camera. So, don't go to cheap or you'll run into some interesting issues!

 

[Big Mike]

Nikon SB-910 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash 4809 B&H Photo

 

[shadowlands]

I've been using a SB-600 for years and I adore it. If I were starting over today, I'd hope on the SB-800 since it's been replaced.
Deals to be had for either the SB-600 or SB-800, since the masses want the latest/greatest.

 

[fjrabon]

I love my Metz AF 50

Amazon.com: Metz 50 AF-1 MZ 50314N Digital Flash for Nikon Cameras: Camera & Photo

Has all the capabilities that the top of the line Nikons do, is cheaper, and can have its' firmware updated via USB if/when Nikon adds new features. It can do HSS, TTL, has both slave and commander modes, etc.

LOVE that thing to death.

 

[gardy]

i own a SB-700 it is very easy to get the hang of right off the bat. with that being said if you want to use a small umbrella on a stand or softbox with it outdoors for people photos you almost need more power. most times im at +3 comp on the flash to get the power i need, but for getting your feet wet without breaking the bank the 700 is a good choice, as well as picking up a used 600. in my opinion

 

[NE-KID]

I own the SB-700 flash from Nikon and never had any problems with it..It's well worth it.

 

[trizzo]

If you have enough money - go for SB910. Great flashgun.

 

[KmH]

Should I buy a fake one?

WTF is a fake one?

Do you mean an aftermarket/3rd party flash unit?

 

[manicmike]

YN 560. Excellent flash. Awesome price. You can only use it in manual though, but ttl is over hyped in my opinion.

 

[MOREGONE]

I need some help in the flash department. I am a complete noob on which flash to buy. My gear is as below. Which flash should I buy? Should I buy a fake one?

Flashes are a lot of fun and help with taking good pictures. Unless you're going pro I wouldn't worry about getting the SB910. There is nothing wrong IMO about going third party. I have a SB600 and a Yongnuo 560II, both great flashes. Seeing as you might be newer, TTL is something you likely would appreciate. The YN-468 is about $100 and offers TTL and slave modes so you could even use it off camera. I bought one of these as a gift for a buddy and it seems pretty good too.

 

[LowdownJT]

So like Michael, I am a complete Noob with my Nikon 5100, and I have the same lens setup as him as well. It only took a few photos to realize I needed to have better control over my flash, so I started to look around. I am overwhelmed with all the options out there and more than a little unsure of exactly what I need to do what I want. I have no immediate ambition to become a professional photographer, and would not insult professionals by expecting to be as good as they are overnight. I want to take great shots of my kids (indoor and out), their sporting events, plays, and I am sure I will expand as time goes on. I don't fully understand the difference between automatic and manual flashes, although I have a pretty good idea what the differences are. I am just looking for a good, cost effective, shoe mount flash that will allow me to bounce the light more effectively.

The 3 I have been focused on are the Yongnuo YN560 II, the Neewer TT560, and the Bower SFD728N. Since I am VERY NEW to the SLR world, I am trying to keep my cost down until I get more comfortable with my camera and lenses, but feel a better flash is an immediate need. I have also considered the SB-400, but think the 3rd party flashes offer a bit more bang for my Christmas weakened buck

I have been searching the threads on here to find some answers because I am sure this is not the first time this question has been asked, so if I could be pointed in the right direction it would be a huge help.

Thanks!!!

 

[Tee]

Just my own personal opinion: your first flash should be Nikon and if you have the Benji's, get the SB-910 (amazing flash). Then go with a 3rd party flashes.

 

[JaronRH]

So like Michael, I am a complete Noob with my Nikon 5100, and I have the same lens setup as him as well. It only took a few photos to realize I needed to have better control over my flash, so I started to look around. I am overwhelmed with all the options out there and more than a little unsure of exactly what I need to do what I want. I have no immediate ambition to become a professional photographer, and would not insult professionals by expecting to be as good as they are overnight. I want to take great shots of my kids (indoor and out), their sporting events, plays, and I am sure I will expand as time goes on. I don't fully understand the difference between automatic and manual flashes, although I have a pretty good idea what the differences are. I am just looking for a good, cost effective, shoe mount flash that will allow me to bounce the light more effectively.

The 3 I have been focused on are the Yongnuo YN560 II, the Neewer TT560, and the Bower SFD728N. Since I am VERY NEW to the SLR world, I am trying to keep my cost down until I get more comfortable with my camera and lenses, but feel a better flash is an immediate need. I have also considered the SB-400, but think the 3rd party flashes offer a bit more bang for my Christmas weakened buck

I have been searching the threads on here to find some answers because I am sure this is not the first time this question has been asked, so if I could be pointed in the right direction it would be a huge help.

Thanks!!!

TTL means that the flash knows how to "talk" to the camera to find out information about what/how you're shooting such as the ISO, aperture, shutter-speed, and the distance the camera is from the subject. Then, using a pre-flash, the flash can automatically adjust it's power to get the right exposure for you. Manual on the other hand requires you to do all of that work. i.e. You have to tell the flash how much power to use to light up the picture.

Therefore, of the flashes you listed, I would probably go with the Bower flash as it has TTL functionality which should make it easier for you. I would still HIGHY recommend saving up for a SB700 though as it is a great flash and I have personally had issues with the Bower flashes in the past!

 

[LowdownJT]

Tee,

Thanks for the insight on the SB-910. I would like to eventually step up my game once I am a little more confident in my ability, but struggle to justify the cost up front being so new to the SLR game. Right now I am doing a lot of research on the many settings on the 5100, and spending time on the Nikon site looking at picture samples and seeing how people achieved such great shots. I have a lot to learn, but plan on taking some baby steps