Nikon flash question

jasonstone

Hi everyone,

I've got a Nikon D80 and need to buy a flash for it - I don't use it all the time so I'm thinking the SB-600 is more than sufficient for my needs - err and my budget.

Question is - should I consider say a metz flash or other brand - save some money with just as good results? or should i just go the SB-600 - matching Nikon with Nikon?

Previously I found that on my Canon EOS50E that 380EX flash from Canon always gave better results than 3rd party flash

thanks for all opinions

cheers
Jase

jasonstone

HANG ON!

Just realised that US dollar to Swiss Franc is VERY LOW at the moment

so I can actually afford the SB800 for cheaper than the SB600 here in Switzerland!!


So the question is should I go for the SB600 for 185USD or the SB800 for 320USD from bandhphoto.com

Is the SB800 REALLY worth the extra money?

Keep in mind I'm using it mainly for photos of my kids and will therefore be zooming at bit - using it definitely in the 70+mm range

That's the only time really - indoors with the kids - otherwise I guess maybe some outdoor fill flash or indoors at museums - but then i prefer not to use flash as it drops off so fast and then such nasty dark backgrounds... mind you i've not tried it with the new VR lens - so maybe i can do long exposure but fill flash to help? learning curve here i come

thanks for all opinions and help

Jase

Seymore

There's a bit more range with the SB-800. But if you don't need it... well...
On the other hand if you do need it, and the 600 can't reach out like you need... well...

Don't you like knowing that you have 300mm even if you only ever use 200mm? (bit of anology for you here) If you can afford it, I'd suggest the SB-800.

jasonstone

Seymore wrote:

There's a bit more range with the SB-800. But if you don't need it... well...
On the other hand if you do need it, and the 600 can't reach out like you need... well...

Don't you like knowing that you have 300mm even if you only ever use 200mm? (bit of anology for you here) If you can afford it, I'd suggest the SB-800.

I'm leaning towards the SB-800 - as like you said if I can spring for the extra $$$s then why not just get the better one - gives me some room to grow if required

also i think it supports longer zoom than the SB-600 which i'll probably use with the kids

i realise i posted this in the wrong forum - cameras instead of nikon gear - woops!

ziggy53

jasonstone wrote:

...

i realise i posted this in the wrong forum - cameras instead of nikon gear - woops!

No problem.

Icebear

Sb800
If you hang out here in DGrin long enough, you're going to be tempted to increase the sophistication of your photographic endeavours. When (not if) that happens, you'll be very glad you bought the SB800 because it gives you more flexibility in your lighting setups than the SB600. Oh, and the additional power is a bonus too.

jasonstone

Icebear wrote:

If you hang out here in DGrin long enough, you're going to be tempted to increase the sophistication of your photographic endeavours. When (not if) that happens, you'll be very glad you bought the SB800 because it gives you more flexibility in your lighting setups than the SB600. Oh, and the additional power is a bonus too.

I used to have a backpack full of Canon SLR gear - so not new to SLRs - but new to DSLRs - it's definitely a learning curve! it's not the same but just digital that's for sure

new to Nikon - so it's always good to get someone's opinion who's been using the stuff

the thing is the sb-600 would probably be sufficient - but that 105mm zoom range on the sb-800 and the flash bouncer and diffuser etc. well that stuff could come in handy - the 105mm range definitely with the kid photos

so figuring i'll go the sb-800 rather than sb-600 and a 50mm f1.8 pkg

oh and the off camera flash - hmm that's tempting too

ultimately it's nice to have these choices

cheers
Jase

Joves

Yeah go with the SB800 over the 600. It is a better flash. I have the SB600 and, am going to pick up an 800 later too. I want two flashes for Commander Mode myself.