Single Flash Setup for Nikon D50?

Knuckles_McGee · Nov 30, 2011

Hi Everyone,

I just quit smoking and am using all the extra time I seem to have to get back into photography. I never did much with a flash and would like to start playing with one. What I'm hoping you can help me out this is what to buy.

I'm using a Nikon D50 and would like not only a mountable flash but one that could be used remotely. Preferably the same flash. I'm trying to do my own research but I'm getting stuck on trying to figure out what is compatible with the D50 and what isn't.

Thanks!
-Knucks

tirediron · Nov 30, 2011

Unfortunately, the Nikon D50 doesn't support 'Commander Mode' for Nikon's CLS, therefore you can choose pretty much anything. My suggestion would be an SB600 or SB700 (What is your budget?) and an inexpensive radio trigger such as the Cactus Trigger for off-camera use. It will work flawlessly on the hot-shoe, and since most off-camera flash work is done with manual exposure, you're not really losing anything.

kundalini · Nov 30, 2011

+1 to tirediron.

Where abouts in NC are you? I'm in Raleigh, but I bleed Carolina Blue.

Knuckles_McGee · Nov 30, 2011

I figure I'll go fairly cheap for starters. How is the SB400 or SB-R200? Do I need a particular Cactus Trigger or is it fairly standard? Thanks a lot for the info by the way.

I'm in Sanford kundalini. Since I helped pay for the arena I have to say Wolfpack all the way.

edit: Any opinion on the CowboyStudio equipment?

tirediron · Dec 1, 2011

The SB400 is pretty much useless for OCF, lacking manual control and having a relatively low output. It's really one step above the pop-up flash your camera has now. The SBR200 is part of a specialized system for close-up/macro work and also not suited for OCF.

AFAIK, there is only style of Cactus trigger (There are several versions, each an improvement over the last).

Calling Cowboy Studio gear junk is insulting junk the world over.