My First External Flash

One Moment One Shot

I am searching to purchase my First External Flash for my Nikon D3000. I am not sure what I am looking for in terms of the specs and features being offered. I have looked at the SB-700, 800 and 900.

With being the first time using one and need to get familiar with how they work which would anyone suggest?

Thanks

angevin1

One Moment One Shot wrote: »

I am searching to purchase my First External Flash for my Nikon D3000. I am not sure what I am looking for in terms of the specs and features being offered. I have looked at the SB-700, 800 and 900.

With being the first time using one and need to get familiar with how they work which would anyone suggest?

Thanks

I'd say SB900 if budget allows. The Nikon books, while through can be overdone and confusing. There is a Creative lighting System book out and it is easier to assimilate.

ziggy53

The Nikon SB-800, while a wonderful flash, appears to be in short supply, and, when you can find it new, terribly expensive. B&H and Adorama, for instance, no longer carry it at all. If you can find a good used version, that would be my first recommendation.

Regarding the SB-900 vs SB-700, you may find the following previous discussions valuable:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=194448
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=178490
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=166616 (not a comparison, but interesting information.)

One Moment One Shot

Thanks. I found a SB-800 on Amazon in Like New Condition but then the SB-900 is only a $100 difference. Will the SB-900 be to advance for me to start out with?

ziggy53 wrote: »

The Nikon SB-800, while a wonderful flash, appears to be in short supply, and, when you can find it new, terribly expensive. B&H and Adorama, for instance, no longer carry it at all. If you can find a good used version, that would be my first recommendation.

Regarding the SB-900 vs SB-700, you may find the following previous discussions valuable:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=194448
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=178490
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=166616 (not a comparison, but interesting information.)

ziggy53

One Moment One Shot wrote: »

Thanks. I found a SB-800 on Amazon in Like New Condition but then the SB-900 is only a $100 difference. Will the SB-900 be to advance for me to start out with?

I don't know you and I don't know your capabilities or needs. If you take the time to learn the system, experiment and ask questions when something doesn't make sense, I think you'll be fine.

If you're think it will be intuitive to use all the features of the SB-900, think again. I put myself through a "refresher" course before any serious project, just to make sure I can be efficient on the job. I also have some "crib notes" to use that remind me of the important settings. In the heat of the moment of an event, one cannot be too prepared.

Remember, we're here to help.

angevin1

One Moment One Shot wrote: »

Thanks. I found a SB-800 on Amazon in Like New Condition but then the SB-900 is only a $100 difference. Will the SB-900 be to advance for me to start out with?

I owned an SB 800 and loved it. Lots of folks went to the SB900 when it came out and raved over it's improved menu system. None of these are too advanced for you. If you do the work as Ziggy suggested, you'll be fine and dandy in no time!

ThatCanonGuy

Although I don't use Nikon, I think you would be able to learn the basics of the higher-end flashes pretty easily. As you learn more, you can play with the more advanced features.

One Moment One Shot

Thanks for the assistance.... My SB-900 has been ordered from B&H and on the way.

ThatCanonGuy wrote: »

Although I don't use Nikon, I think you would be able to learn the basics of the higher-end flashes pretty easily. As you learn more, you can play with the more advanced features.

Art Scott

angevin1 wrote: »

I'd say SB900 if budget allows. The Nikon books, while through can be overdone and confusing. There is a Creative lighting System book out and it is easier to assimilate.

This would be my choice also...but then i already own 2 of them...

photogreen

One Moment One Shot wrote: »

Thanks for the assistance.... My SB-900 has been ordered from B&H and on the way.

Good choice. Congrats!
Personally, I would go for SB-700 as a first flash because it offers a lot and much cheaper. However, I'm sure, you won't be disappointed by your new SB-900.

One Moment One Shot

Thank You... As I am patiently waiting for UPS today to deliver my SB-900 and Nikon 50mm lens I see that SB-910 is being reviewed. !

photogreen wrote: »

Good choice. Congrats!
Personally, I would go for SB-700 as a first flash because it offers a lot and much cheaper. However, I'm sure, you won't be disappointed by your new SB-900.