Flash for under 100 bucks?

naaaach · Dec 29, 2010

Hello there TPF, just a quick question. I've been wanting to experiment with a flash for a while but the prices of flashes scare me...some even cost more than the body of my D90.

I'm just looking for something that does the job, nothing too flashy (heh). Anyway, I'm a student on a limited budget so I'm wondering whether there's a 'trial' flash I can get ahold of for under 100 bucks?

Thanks!

zoogirlbc · Dec 29, 2010

I got a YN-560 Flash Speedlite for Nikon D90 from a guy who bought it off Ebay and didn't know how to get it to work. I really like it so far.

YN-560 Flash Speedlite for Nikon D90 D80 D70s D60 D40 on eBay.ca (item 110572906648 end time 09-Jan-11 23:19:47 EST)

naaaach · Dec 30, 2010

I'll look into this, thanks a lot!

Destin · Dec 30, 2010

naaaach said:
Hello there TPF, just a quick question. I've been wanting to experiment with a flash for a while but the prices of flashes scare me...some even cost more than the body of my D90.

I'm just looking for something that does the job, nothing too flashy (heh). Anyway, I'm a student on a limited budget so I'm wondering whether there's a 'trial' flash I can get ahold of for under 100 bucks?

Thanks!

Or else check out used last generation nikon flashes on ebay. Like the sb-28, or sb-26. You can get used sb-600's for as low as $140 if you look too.

Personally, I'm using mostly Yongnuo yn-460 II's in my kit. They are only $40 on ebay, brand new. BUT, they are only manual. No ttl (auto) mode on them, so you have to balance it manually. You want ttl on your first flash!

enzodm · Dec 30, 2010

Yongnuo does also some TTL (Nikon compatible) flash, e.g. YN465 (and perhaps YN467). I have YN465 on Canon, and I'm glad of it.

Light Artisan · Dec 30, 2010

Nissin Di622 should be close as well.

kassad · Dec 30, 2010

zoogirlbc said:
I got a YN-560 Flash Speedlite for Nikon D90 from a guy who bought it off Ebay and didn't know how to get it to work. I really like it so far.

YN-560 Flash Speedlite for Nikon D90 D80 D70s D60 D40 on eBay.ca (item 110572906648 end time 09-Jan-11 23:19:47 EST)

The YN-560 is a manual only flash. I bought one for use off camera. Look at the YN-467. The 467 is designed for the Nikon and will work with the ttl. All for under $100

Yongnuo YN-467 i-TTL Review | Speedlights.net

Edsport · Dec 30, 2010

YN468 (ETTL) and YN460 (Manual) here. Just got them and have only taken a couple shots with them but seem they seem good so far...

Jcampbelll · Dec 30, 2010

kassad said:
The YN-560 is a manual only flash. I bought one for use off camera. Look at the YN-467. The 467 is designed for the Nikon and will work with the ttl. All for under $100

Yongnuo YN-467 i-TTL Review | Speedlights.net

That looks pretty cool... I will do some research and then might go for it. I want to get my feet wet in flashes.

KmH · Dec 30, 2010

What's the job? Nikon's i-TTL has some quirks but in manual mode you're in total control and aren't spending money for stuff you'll hardly ever use.

Vivitar 285HV's (120 GN) are $89.95 new at most online stores, but there is cheaper yet.

If you're not sure what GN is: Guide number - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

vtf · Dec 30, 2010

Got my Bower 328 for $42 through Ebay dealer, not too bad for my use.

djacobox372 · Dec 30, 2010

You can always go with an older manual flash, just try to get something you can twist and tilt. The nikon sb-28 is popular.

naaaach · Dec 30, 2010

Thanks for all the responses! I'm also looking into the Nikon SB-20s series, some models only go for about 30-40 bucks on craigslist in my area. But what's the different with the 20s series and the YN flashes? All I need the flash for is (potentially poor) indoors lighting, so when I take portraits and whatnot, it would be great to have a flash handy. And I don't have a flash at this moment, so...

And is the 20s series any better than my built-in flash [D90]?

Destin · Dec 30, 2010

naaaach said:
Thanks for all the responses! I'm also looking into the Nikon SB-20s series, some models only go for about 30-40 bucks on craigslist in my area. But what's the different with the 20s series and the YN flashes? All I need the flash for is (potentially poor) indoors lighting, so when I take portraits and whatnot, it would be great to have a flash handy. And I don't have a flash at this moment, so...

And is the 20s series any better than my built-in flash [D90]?

Absolutely man. It would make a whole world of difference!! Just the ability to bounce your flash off of the wall or ceiling would help a ton. If you get one with an optical trigger built in (I'm not sure which ones have it) then you can even trigger it remotely using just your pop up flash.