flash for nikon?

Giphsub

OK, so I am looking at getting a flash for my d70, which I will soon be upgrading to a d300. I have been looking at the sb600, but was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for any other alterantive brands such as the sunpak. What would you reccommend if I was to go for something other than the sb600? What are the cons? The price differs significantly, which is what is making me look a bit. Thanks in advance for any advice.

ian408

I have used Sunpak in the past (Nikon film days) and been quite happy
with their products.

Sigma also makes a fairly good flash as well.

Icebear

System
I dunno . . . I'm pretty impressed with the capability of the Nikon CLS and have an SB800 and three SB600s. I now use a D200, but like you, started out with a D70. I don't think I'd consider anything other than Nikon for speedlights because of the whole system. If you're thinking "studio" maybe something beefier like monolights, but for speedlights . . . I'd stick with Nikon. Research the Creative Lighting System thoroughly before you go with something different. The ability to independently set three different outputs for your speedlights without leaving your camera is pretty handy.

Giphsub

Thanks to both of you for your replies.
Right now I don't need those capabilites, but I may well wish I had them in the future. That's what is making me hum and hah here...

Mitchell

Mike, I'll throw in my vote for going Nikon here as well. I am most impressed with how my Nikons handle flash photography. They clearly have done something right with the present CLS system using the SB600 and SB800.

I just don't know if you will be getting the same results with a third party flash.

jimmayor007

Mitchell wrote:

Mike, I'll throw in my vote for going Nikon here as well. I am most impressed with how my Nikons handle flash photography. They clearly have done something right with the present CLS system using the SB600 and SB800.

I just don't know if you will be getting the same results with a third party flash.

I like my SB600 also, the prices aren't too bad for the SB600 here on ebay.

dangin

if you're considering a sb-600; you're probably not going to consider my suggestions but i'll toss 'em in anyway.

1) nikon sb-800



pros: more powerful, 5th battery option, built-in bounce card, pc-sync connector, compatible w/ external battery packs w/o modification
cons: a little bit more expensive than the sb-600

2) metz 58



pros: 2 flashes, iTTL support, more powerful, pc sync connector, crem de la crem of on camera flash units. it's even got a usb port!
cons: around the same price as the sb-800

greenpea

Found this article about the Nikon Creative Lighting System that might help you in your descion to go Nikon or 3rd party.

z_28

Giphsub wrote:

OK, so I am looking at getting a flash for my d70, which I will soon be upgrading to a d300.

So maybe SB800 will be the best choice anyway ?!
It's good, it's Nikon and you will be hot ready when D300 will arrive.

Icebear

Philosophy 101
The most expensive flash you'll ever buy is the one that you buy now 'cause it's cheaper, that ends up at the bottom of your bag after you end up buying the one you shoulda bought in the first place.

Giphsub

Glad I just took that class ICebear! Thanks.

Thanks for the comments guys. I'll check out that link Andrew. Thanks everyone.

dangin

Icebear wrote:

The most expensive flash you'll ever buy is the one that you buy now 'cause it's cheaper, that ends up at the bottom of your bag after you end up buying the one you shoulda bought in the first place.

yup. you won't regret buying the best you can afford.

Giphsub

Thanks for the alternative on the metz model dan.


After reading that article, I reckon I'll just go with the Nikon speedlights. I think I'll go for the sb600 for now. If I find I want th800 later, then I can still use the 600 off camera right? So it won't be relegated to the bottom of my bag.

dangin

Giphsub wrote:

Thanks for the alternative on the metz model dan.


After reading that article, I reckon I'll just go with the Nikon speedlights. I think I'll go for the sb600 for now. If I find I want th800 later, then I can still use the 600 off camera right? So it won't be relegated to the bottom of my bag.

i have 3 sb-800s that i use off camera via pocketwizards. if you ever see a need to use your flashes off camera and triggered via a remote (not CLS), then i'd really suggest looking at the sb-800. otherwise, you'll need some sort of hotshoe adapter w/ a pc sync connector; wein makes one of these, they're about ~$35.

Giphsub

Cheers Dan. Right now I rarely even use a flash though, so buying the sb600 and a hot shoe later makes more sense to me for the time being.

Joves

Giphsub wrote:

Thanks for the alternative on the metz model dan.


After reading that article, I reckon I'll just go with the Nikon speedlights. I think I'll go for the sb600 for now. If I find I want th800 later, then I can still use the 600 off camera right? So it won't be relegated to the bottom of my bag.

Good idea. I have the SB600 and, it is a great little flash. On one of my other forum even some of the Canon owners are jealous of the Nikon Sppedlights. What brought it up was someone asking when they would make an upgrade to the SB800 and, some of the Canon guys said he was nuts for even suggesting it.

Giphsub

well I ordered the sb600 from B&H along with a few other things. Thanks for the input everyone.