Flash Recommendations
Discussion
I am looking at picking up a relatively cheap speedlight flash for my Nikon D5100. Given that it wouldn't get used all that often, I can't really justify forking out on soemthing like a Nikon SB910, so am wondering if anyone can recommend a decent flash gun from the cheaper end of the market?
Main use would be people shots at occasional gatherings. Main requirement would be that it can be angled as required for less direct lighting.
Does anyone have any recommendations of models or brands to consider?
Main use would be people shots at occasional gatherings. Main requirement would be that it can be angled as required for less direct lighting.
Does anyone have any recommendations of models or brands to consider?
Simpo Two said:
How about a s/h SB-800?
Look for 'bounce and swivel' head.
Good shout. It will be able to take advantage of CLS. Look for 'bounce and swivel' head.
http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/understa...
I've got a basic Yonguno 460 which I've had no issues with at all. However it is completely manual so probably not what you want. Not tried any of their other offerings.
Mate has a Meike MK900 which pretty much looks identical to my Nikon SB-900. He's never had any problems with it and has probably taken more abuse than my SB-900. The MK900 or MK910 can be found for £79 on ebay which is an absolute bargin for a big TTL flash.
Mate has a Meike MK900 which pretty much looks identical to my Nikon SB-900. He's never had any problems with it and has probably taken more abuse than my SB-900. The MK900 or MK910 can be found for £79 on ebay which is an absolute bargin for a big TTL flash.
Do any of the third party brands work with Nikon's creative lighting system, or have their own similar system? Though I'm only looking for a cheap flash to start with, it could be useful to buy something that can act as a slave device to a better flash should I buy another in the future.
A second hand SB800 is a nice idea, but looks like it's still a bit more than I'd ideally want to pay right now, given how little I will be using it at this stage.
A second hand SB800 is a nice idea, but looks like it's still a bit more than I'd ideally want to pay right now, given how little I will be using it at this stage.
The Meike should work fine with Nikon CLS. Some people have reported that it can be hit and miss when running as a master and the the flash colour is somewhat different to the equivalent Nikon (can't say we ever say this when testing).
To be honest once you get into multiple lights then it's much easier to run them as standard optical slaves in manual mode anyway.
To be honest once you get into multiple lights then it's much easier to run them as standard optical slaves in manual mode anyway.
http://thephotogadget.com/products/yongnuo-yn568ex...
I recently got one of these, works flawlessly as an off camera flash in Optical Slave mode ( manual only ) triggered by the on camera flash at lowest power.
Compatible with Nikon CLS mode.
Works great as a on camera flash bounced of a wall/ceiling, and on the camera supports TTL mode. Works very well, put it into full manual mode on the camera, set shutter for 1/200, aperture for f5.6, and in TTL mode the flash will work out how much power you need to expose the scene properly and fire at that power.
I would spend money on one of these over a new lens every time, makes a much bigger difference.
It won't sync in 1/8000 mode as your camera does not support it ( need the D7100 ) but if you plan to upgrade the camera body in the future its worth getting over the 560 which will only sync up to 1/200
I recently got one of these, works flawlessly as an off camera flash in Optical Slave mode ( manual only ) triggered by the on camera flash at lowest power.
Compatible with Nikon CLS mode.
Works great as a on camera flash bounced of a wall/ceiling, and on the camera supports TTL mode. Works very well, put it into full manual mode on the camera, set shutter for 1/200, aperture for f5.6, and in TTL mode the flash will work out how much power you need to expose the scene properly and fire at that power.
I would spend money on one of these over a new lens every time, makes a much bigger difference.
It won't sync in 1/8000 mode as your camera does not support it ( need the D7100 ) but if you plan to upgrade the camera body in the future its worth getting over the 560 which will only sync up to 1/200
I've used a few over the years but if you want something simple and inexpensive that will just work, the Nissin Di622 MK2 is hard to beat. The MK2 version (but not the MK1) has iTTL so can be wirelessly triggered using Nikon CLS but... please bear in mind that your D5100 doesn't have flash commander built in so you would need some other means of triggering the flash off camera regardless (built in flash as mentioned above is an option though it will then appear in shot if you don't do something to cover it).
The Meike 910 seems ridiculously good value as well and I'm quite tempted to take a punt on one. Interesting comparison with Nikon equivalent (and vastly more expensive) SB910 here:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3646397
If you would rather have a Nikon manufactured one, the SB700 is hard to beat. I've had an SB800 and although its a very capable flash, the menu system is horrendous. I found the SB700 miles better in that regard though it is less powerful.
The Meike 910 seems ridiculously good value as well and I'm quite tempted to take a punt on one. Interesting comparison with Nikon equivalent (and vastly more expensive) SB910 here:
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3646397
If you would rather have a Nikon manufactured one, the SB700 is hard to beat. I've had an SB800 and although its a very capable flash, the menu system is horrendous. I found the SB700 miles better in that regard though it is less powerful.
Edited by Gad-Westy on Wednesday 3rd September 07:55
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