Flash suggestions?

Daddy0

I have a D90 and I am slowly picking up pieces of equipment that will be beneficial for several years to come. I am in need of an external flash and would like to know what everybodies c&c's would be on manufacturer vs non-mfg flashes? Also, if I stick with Nikon, is it really worth the extra money to get the 900 over the 800? I will be using the flash for portraits and weddings, on and off camera. Hopefully in a few years, I will be stepping up to a full frame.

Thanks in advance,

photogreen

Daddy0 wrote:

I have a D90 and I am slowly picking up pieces of equipment that will be beneficial for several years to come. I am in need of an external flash and would like to know what everybodies c&c's would be on manufacturer vs non-mfg flashes? Also, if I stick with Nikon, is it really worth the extra money to get the 900 over the 800? I will be using the flash for portraits and weddings, on and off camera. Hopefully in a few years, I will be stepping up to a full frame.

Thanks in advance,

You might want to consider Metz flashes. They have great reputation. Very well built.
You could get either dedicated Metz flash for Nikon, or get a non-dedicated one and make your switch to another platform easier.

EOS_JD

Daddy0 wrote:

I have a D90 and I am slowly picking up pieces of equipment that will be beneficial for several years to come. I am in need of an external flash and would like to know what everybodies c&c's would be on manufacturer vs non-mfg flashes? Also, if I stick with Nikon, is it really worth the extra money to get the 900 over the 800? I will be using the flash for portraits and weddings, on and off camera. Hopefully in a few years, I will be stepping up to a full frame.

Thanks in advance,

If you are going to use a flash for weddings, get 2. If you are there and something happens to it you really do need a backup. Get the best you can afford. Don't skimp - especially if you have clients relying on you providing their wedding images!

THe SB800 is a fine flash and you could go for an 800/600 combo with the 600 as a backup.

Jeremy Winterberg

The SB900 is a VERY nice flash. I would definitely get the 900 over the 800. I personally only have the SB600 right now, because I usually use my Alien Bee studio strobes.

If you have the cash get the 900, if not go with the 800. I got the 600 because I didn't have any cash at the time, and just needed something to get me by.

Alternatives... Vivitar 285HV <- best non dedicated flash (and most affordable flash can be purchased new for around $80) available IMHO Check out the www.strobist.com blog... start there to learn flash technique.