Aftermarket flash vs. Nikon for my D200

frons · March 27, 2011

I need to get a new(er) flash that can take advantage of the ttl capabilities of my D200. Is there any recommendation for non-Nikon flashes that work well with Nikon DSLRs? Or should I just stick with finding a SB-600? I plan to do close-up/macro work outdoors, probably with an SC-28. My old Vivitars won't even do automatic at less than 2 ft., so I need to get something new. Thanks in advance.

Cygnus Studios · March 27, 2011

My first recommendation would of course be the Sb900, but I have heard many good things about the Sb700. The Sb600 is nice, but very limited compared to the newer models. It is great as a back up or when used primarily in slave mode.

MDalby · March 28, 2011

Nikon SB-28 would work wouldn't it and they are cheap! $126 for excellent+ grade used.

http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Autofocus-Shoe-Mount-Flashes/1/sku-NA219990276770?r=FE

angevin1 · March 28, 2011

MDalby wrote: »

Nikon SB-28 would work wouldn't it

no. Just the SB series and the SU800 and SBR-200

angevin1 · March 28, 2011

Sigma makes a DG Super flash that will ttl with Nik/Can

jziegler · March 28, 2011

MDalby wrote: »

Nikon SB-28 would work wouldn't it and they are cheap! $126 for excellent+ grade used.

http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Autofocus-Shoe-Mount-Flashes/1/sku-NA219990276770?r=FE

That would work in manual mode only on any of the digital bodies newer than the D1 series. Since the request was for a TTL capable flash, the only Nikon units that will work are the SB 400 and SB 600 through 900.

For non-nikon flashes, I have a Nissin Di-622 and it works well, but has several downsides compared to a Nikon unit. First, it does not support CLS, so you can't control it from the pop-up flash like a Nikon unit. It does have a manual slave mode, but it only works when there is a pre-flash (IE TTL modes), and no control over teh zoom setting. Build quality is lower than Nikon flashes. It can not be triggered by the center-pin on the hotshoe alone, so it does not work with the cheap wireless triggers (haven't tried it myself, I don't have triggers, and newer firmware is said to have fixed this.) The more powerful Di-866 has many of these features (I think).

MDalby · March 28, 2011

I thought the SB-28 was a TTL flash... Is this incorrect?

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/NikonF5/SB28Manual/index.htm

angevin1 · March 28, 2011

MDalby wrote: »

I thought the SB-28 was a TTL flash... Is this incorrect?

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/NikonF5/SB28Manual/index.htm

Your gonna have to forgive me here, yes, I see that it is TTL, I always tend to think commander mode so that a person can use off cam...I forget to even think about on-cam flash! So yes, TTL on this flash, just no off cam Commanding of this flash! Which for me, would be a HUGE deal breaker, nor would I suggest this flash unless using wireless triggers!:D

frons · March 28, 2011

I checked my user's manual and the mir.com site, and the D200 can only be used in non-TTL auto with the SB28. SB-600 is probably the lowest iTTL-compatible model.

I was aware of the Sigma flash line, but had not heard of the Nissin. The Sunpak PZ42X has a near range of 1.5m, not acceptable for macro. The Promaster also has a 2' limit

Any others?

angevin1 · March 28, 2011

frons wrote: »

I checked my user's manual and the mir.com site, and the D200 can only be used in non-TTL auto with the SB28. SB-600 is probably the lowest iTTL-compatible model.

I was aware of the Sigma flash line, but had not heard of the Nissin. The Sunpak PZ42X has a near range of 1.5m, not acceptable for macro. The Promaster also has a 2' limit Any others?

Whats the prob with the Sb600? cost? if you plan to shoot off cam, AND want to stay with Commander, then it is simply the bestest and Cheapest!

What is your intended use?

jziegler · March 28, 2011

MDalby wrote: »

I thought the SB-28 was a TTL flash... Is this incorrect?

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/NikonF5/SB28Manual/index.htm

It's TTL, but that's the old TTL system for film cameras. The digital cameras only work with iTTL flashes. That's teh SB-400 and up.

See the following chart:
http://bythom.com/flashcompare.htm

frons · March 28, 2011

angevin1 wrote: »

Whats the prob with the Sb600? cost? if you plan to shoot off cam, AND want to stay with Commander, then it is simply the bestest and Cheapest!

What is your intended use?

As stated, closeup/macro is my plan with an SC-28 cord. Since the SB-700 was released and the SB-600 discontinued, new SB-600s are almost gone and prices almost equal the SB-700 (~$300+). Used ones are hard to snap up and prices keep increasing. Just trying to investigate my options. Thanks for any help.

angevin1 · March 29, 2011

frons wrote: »

As stated, closeup/macro is my plan with an SC-28 cord. Since the SB-700 was released and the SB-600 discontinued, new SB-600s are almost gone and prices almost equal the SB-700 (~$300+). Used ones are hard to snap up and prices keep increasing. Just trying to investigate my options. Thanks for any help.

I know! I find that price creep odd! I saw two SB800's on KEH the other day for approaching what a SB900 costs. I do love the SB600 and SB800 but I wouldn't even consider paying more for them now than I did before, esp. since being replaced with newer tech! Have you searched about in the Macro forum? Or asked any of the macro shooters over there? I've seen some wild macro flash set ups mostly having to do with how DIY you are!

time2smile · April 1, 2011

frons wrote: »

As stated, closeup/macro is my plan with an SC-28 cord. Since the SB-700 was released and the SB-600 discontinued, new SB-600s are almost gone and prices almost equal the SB-700 (~$300+). Used ones are hard to snap up and prices keep increasing. Just trying to investigate my options. Thanks for any help.

Try this
http://shop.nikonusa.com/store/nikonusa/en_US/list/parentCategoryID.43896400/categoryID.43898300

Aftermarket flash vs. Nikon for my D200

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