Nikon Speedlights/3rd party flashguns. Advice pls

[TheCaseAce]

Hi all

About to spend around £200 on a Nikon Speedlight SB600. However, I've noticed there are several 'third party' flashgun manufacturers... e.g. Metz, Sunpak etc

Does anyone know whether there's any advantage to buying the Nikon? Anyone have experience with using 3rd party flashes with Nikon bodies? All I really need is a flash with a proper swivel head.

Thanks in advance.

[recalluk]

Depending on you Camera, you can control a Nikon speedlight off camera, do a quick google for Nikon Creative Lighting System.

I have an SB600 on my D80 and love it. Although when do a bounce flash I have to dial in +1 flash comp.

[beano500]

Not had experience of any of the third parties' offerings, but certainly the Nikon Speedlights have a good reputation and are closely designed with the cameras and D-series lenses for best results.

If you buy Nikon for the combination of best optics and the technology, it seems logical to go with the Nikon "Creative Lighting System" - you'll find all the details on Nikon's website.

What I would add is that I was advised to go for the extra power of the '800 as it's a bit better for more demanding work and has a better "reach".

The only downside I have ever heard about with Nikon's SBs is that, if you push them too hard, they are prone to overheating - so fire up at multi-frames-per second at your peril!

[CivicMan]

I use the SB600 and it's plenty strong enough but for absolute best results, use it with a Stofen diffuser about £16. Transforms it so no ugly shadows!
www.parkcameras.com have the 600 at £180 at the moment.

Sample here shot with the 600 plus Stofen:

[chris.mapey]

I was going to buy an SB-600 but got distracted by a Sigma EF-500 DG Super. On a Jessop's price match I paid about £110 (ish, IIRC!)

It does everything that I needed from the SB-600, and much cheaper.

Bounce head, use off camera, etc - no worries.

HTH

Chris

[MotorFocus]

I picked up an SB600 recently for £125 delivered. I know some folk slate eBay but the seller I bought from has a pretty substantial feedback reputation and the item was as described so don't feel like you have to pay over-the-odds.

I'm pleased with mine alongside my D80 (although I've got a slight post-purchase envy of the SB-800). Have used it inside and outside on completely different assignments and it's seeming pretty versatile so far. Don't have any comparison with other brands but if you're running a Nikon camera there appear to be whole-system benefits to sticking with the same manufacturer.

[_dobbo_]

I got my SB600 from purely gadgets who are far cheaper than anyone other than ebay

http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/prodinfo2.php?prodi...

[TheCaseAce]

Wow, great responses.

Lovely pic of the rather cute lady in the car. Can't tell what the car is though - doesn't look like an Aston... seats are too squidgy looking for a BMW. Is it a VW Eos?

I know I need a diffuser too - I assume it's a little translucent plastic thing that just slides over the flash head?

Thanks for the links as well. I have no probs buying off ebay - good to find a reputable seller.

[Major Bloodnok]

_dobbo_ said:

I got my SB600 from purely gadgets who are far cheaper than anyone other than ebay

http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/prodinfo2.php?prodi...

Cheers, just ordered one. I was going to go for a Sigma 530, but the SB 600 at £100 less than most places was just too good to miss. Now for a Sto-fen diffuser...

[TheCaseAce]

I got mine a few mins ago off the eBay link for £125 inc p+p. So thanks from me too!

[TheCaseAce]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/STO-FEN-OMNI-BOUNCE-FOR-NIKO...

[thinfourth2]

Major Bloodnok said:

_dobbo_ said:

I got my SB600 from purely gadgets who are far cheaper than anyone other than ebay

http://www.purelygadgets.co.uk/prodinfo2.php?prodi...

Cheers, just ordered one. I was going to go for a Sigma 530, but the SB 600 at £100 less than most places was just too good to miss. Now for a Sto-fen diffuser...

Got one two

[Major Bloodnok]

SB-600 arrived from purely gadgets on Friday, along with a Sto-fen from Warehouse Express (despite them saying it was out of stock). Highly chuffed.

[CivicMan]

Just take a note Major, with the Stofen in place, make sure the swivel head is at least 75 degrees, or upright to get max diffused light.

Just in time for Xmas pics!!

[TheCaseAce]

Yeah, really enjoying using the flash. I instantly have crisp indoor pics.

Putting it in commander mode and using it off-camera is also quite fun.