Let's Talk About The Importance of a Good Flash

Zillah

I've been shooting with ambient for years but I've recently decided to get a decent external flash. I'm mostly thinking about getting a shot where you'd otherwise have to crank it to ISO-stupid, or for fill flash for portraits in the sun/other harsh lighting - I'm not really concerned about studio work at this point.

As a Nikon user it would seem that my two choice are:
SB-700 (~250 quid)
or
SB-400 (~ 90 quid)

Both have rock solid reviews, but obviously the 700 has a ton more functionality and specific controls, while the 400 is much closer to the sort of price-range I was hoping for. I don't know what the Canon equivalents are, but if you have an opinion on the topic I'm sure you can tell me.

Under what circumstances do ye find yourselves using your flash most, and what functions do you rely on? Or I suppose the most important question for me is: Under what circumstances am I likely to be kicking myself saying "Why oh why didn't I get the more expensive flash"? Or, the other side of the coin, is an expensive flash like that wasted on a non-professional?

colblimp

I have an SB800 and an SB600, both great flashes. Interestingly, I bought both 2nd hand for good prices, the SB800 only a few weeks ago. I would give the SB400 a miss as it won't 'bounce'. If I was in your position, I'd look for a 2nd hand SB600.

The great thing with Nikon flashes for fill flash is, you put them on your camera, turn them on and they just work - no maths required!

Kenny Logins

Try a Yongnuo YN-467 (TTL) for around €75, I find mine works really well and at that price it's not much of a gamble.


http://speedlights.net/2010/09/10/yongnuo-yn-467-speedlite-review/

pixbyjohn

I use SB600s and an SB900. I would highly recommend going for the 900 or even the newer model SB910. Saying that, I am very happy with the SB600. I use a Nikon D700 camera and sometimes I use these flashes off camera. The camera and flashes have a built in wireless system to allow remote triggering of the flash. Mostly when I use the SB900 on camera I bounce the flash up and use the 900s white card reflector to throw some light forward.
I also use other wireless triggers if I am using the flashes remotely in places where the Nikon system does not trigger due to distance etc.
As the other poster says forget the SB400.
Hope this helps

CabanSail

...... but but but the SB400 is Ken Rockwell's favourite flash. He must like direct flash.

colblimp

CabanSail wrote: »

...... but but but the SB400 is Ken Rockwell's favourite flash. He must like direct flash.

Hmmm, are you Rockwell in disguise...?!

Yongnuo's YN460-II is a fine flash for the price (in and around €50 as far as I know). It's all manual, and make sure you buy it from Amazon or a reputable seller with a decent returns policy (just incase).


Out from that I use Canon 430EX-II and Metz 48 AF-1 flashguns (not sure what the Nikon equivalent to either, is, though I do know that Metz is made in a Nikon mount). Both of these have TTL (Auto mode, essentially).

I couldn't live without flash. I love it and use it for 90% of my photos (though that said, majority of what I do is either event coverage/party/portrait shots, so flash is kinda mandatory for them (except events where you're photographing any action or such, of course).


I've had the Metz 48's for a while, and I find that they'd rarely be on full power. Sometimes when bouncing directly upward I might flick them over to full power, but most of the time they'd usually see 1/2 power at most. The reason I ultimately went with the Canon 430 instead of the 580 is because I couldn't justify the price difference for a more powerful flash unit (I don't think I'd ever really need a flash that's that powerful).

If you want something with TTL then I recommend the Metz 48 AF-1. I think it was in and around €200 online when I bought it my last one a year or so ago, so I'm sure it must've come down a bit since.

If you're interested in a manual-only flash gun (means you have to learn as you go and won't be popping off photographs as easily/quickly, but you'll learn the different power settings and the effect they have quickly enough using a manual-only flashgun). Manual works easiest if you're bouncing indoors and the roof stays at the same height (as you don't need to adjust the flash) or if you'll be using the flash unit stationary for some portraiture or such (on a light stand, for example).


I definitely recommend a flash though. There are times when it just doesn't need to be used, but for a lot of the time, it helps and can be greatly beneficial for, not only helping your photos, but giving you something to occupy yourself with, too (when I first got mine, I spent hours bouncing it off different walls and using gels and umbrellas and buying softboxes and such and seeing the different results from placing it in different places, etc. etc.).


That said, unfortunately, I don't know anything about those particular two brands you mention (I shoot Canon).

Trotter

Can anyone recommend a simple to use flash for a Nikon D60?
Im just getting the hang of my camera and Ive noticed I always struggle in low light situations. I tried out a friend's flash for a couple of mins at the weekend and it made a huge difference. I think his is an expensive piece of kit and really Id be happy with something basic or even second hand!

Kenny Logins

Trotter wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a simple to use flash for a Nikon D60?
Im just getting the hang of my camera and Ive noticed I always struggle in low light situations. I tried out a friend's flash for a couple of mins at the weekend and it made a huge difference. I think his is an expensive piece of kit and really Id be happy with something basic or even second hand!

Seriously, check out the Yongnuo range, they are very cheap but great for getting started with.

CabanSail

Mate of mine swears by the 2nd Generation Nissin Flashes for his Nikon Kit. I know the first Gen may have had issues but apparently the new ones work well.

Personally I am happy with 2 SB900's