Nikon Flash -> Which For D2X?

Tom Vervaeke

I have to admit that I am the world's worst flash shooter. Even on my old D100 I just tried not to use it indoors too much and used my P&S instead. I forgot which Nikon flash I had but it was complex.

This time, with my new D2X, I want to take the time to learn.

What flash would you recommend for this camera? Does it have to be Nikon? If Nikon, are there > 1 that will work with the beast? Looks like the SB-800 Speedlight or perhaps the 600 are the correct ones.

Thanks,

Tom

Cliff Photo

Can't go wrong with the 800. I've been using one for some time. I'd like to buy a couple more to take advantage of the wireless TTL.

Mitchell

Tom,
I have the D2X also. I also own both an SB600 and SB800. The most versatile and powerful of the two is the SB800. If you want to use the wireless controller mode, only the SB800 will serve this purpose. If you just want to use a single on camera flash and take good photos, the SB600 will do the trick.
One thing I will say is the SB800 is unduly complicated to use. Both of these flashes have the worst supporting documentation I have EVER seen! The manuals are totally worthless. After over a year, I still have not fully figured out the SB800! Truly an embarassment to Nikon.

Marta Moore

Thank You!

Mitchell wrote:

Tom,
One thing I will say is the SB800 is unduly complicated to use. Both of these flashes have the worst supporting documentation I have EVER seen! The manuals are totally worthless.

I was so glad to read your reply that I had to register so I could reply! About every 3 months or so I decide to give that manual another try--to no avail.

ziggy53

Tom Vervaeke wrote:

I have to admit that I am the world's worst flash shooter. Even on my old D100 I just tried not to use it indoors too much and used my P&S instead. I forgot which Nikon flash I had but it was complex.

This time, with my new D2X, I want to take the time to learn.

What flash would you recommend for this camera? Does it have to be Nikon? If Nikon, are there > 1 that will work with the beast? Looks like the SB-800 Speedlight or perhaps the 600 are the correct ones.

Thanks,

Tom

Tom,

Also look at the Sigma ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-500 DG SUPER (NA-iTTL Nikon)

It has many of the same features, most of the power, and costs less. I have the Canon version, and I'm very pleased.

I used to use a Nikon SB-800 at work, with an old Kodak dSLR and the Sony F828, and I had the opportunity to compare the two flashes, side-by-side.

The Nikon flash is excellent, no doubt about it, but the Sigma is a great flash, with it's own merits.

Best,

ziggy53

DoctorIt

If you can spring for a D2X, why on earth would you opt for anything less than the SB-800? They're meant for each other.


***edit: uh, Tom, weren't you just looking to perhaps buy a 10D? I suggested perhaps a D70 might be better... and now you have a D2X? Damn, I'm good!

Tom Vervaeke

DoctorIt wrote:

If you can spring for a D2X, why on earth would you opt for anything less than the SB-800? They're meant for each other.


***edit: uh, Tom, weren't you just looking to perhaps buy a 10D? I suggested perhaps a D70 might be better... and now you have a D2X? Damn, I'm good!

Yeah, I kind of went whole hog last week.

Haven't picked up a flash yet as my brain is full of information from reading the D2X manual, a couple of digital photography books (Right now it's a book by Bryan Peterson) and playing with the camera and 17-55. I haven't even taken the other lens out of the box yet.

And bought a new Crumpler December Quarter from a member here. Someone wrote a good review of it...

I think this may be my mid-life crisis I've been waiting for.

T.

DoctorIt

well, congrats, Tom! And I guess, you're welcome?

(That's a heck of a load for your moto-trip though!)

Tom Vervaeke

DoctorIt wrote:

well, congrats, Tom! And I guess, you're welcome?

(That's a heck of a load for your moto-trip though!)

Dr: My moto-trip to AK is via Toyota Tacoma. I don't think that big bag would fit well in my Jesse cases.

Thanks for all of your help so far....

T.

Mitchell

Marta Moore wrote:

I was so glad to read your reply that I had to register so I could reply! About every 3 months or so I decide to give that manual another try--to no avail.

Welcome to Digital Grin!

I'm reminded of the expression "Misery loves company". I'm relieved that others have difficulty with the SB800 manual. I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I can usually figure out electronic things. That manual is incomprehensible!

DoctorIt

Tom Vervaeke wrote:

Dr: My moto-trip to AK is via Toyota Tacoma. I don't think that big bag would fit well in my Jesse cases.

Thanks for all of your help so far....

T.

Aaaah, yes, in that case, you need a 500/4 and some other goodies too!

And you're very welcome.