WillInMke

I'm new to the board after buying a Nikon D3300. Very happy with the camera and 18-105 lens but want to pick up a "Cheap" (less than $100) flash. I'm an old Nikon FE owner who had a Vivitar flash back in the day.
Looking for good advice from the group.
Thanks in advance.
Will in MKE.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Hello Mike. You have several options. If you want to stay with Nikon consider a used SB-600 or the larger SB-800. I've found several of each used within your budget. If you prefer new gear there are now several competent 3rd party flashes within your limit.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

The SB-600 & 800 are excellent flash units.

agillot

a few year ago wall mart sold a dedicated flash for 2 type of camera , canon and nikon .around $ 60 .it was either a sun pack or a vivitar .not super powerful , but work fine .

ronichas Loc: Long Island

I had posted an Altura pro flash. I got it for my Nikon 750 but never really used it.

I have an Altura Pro series Digital SLR Auto-Focus TTL Flash for Nikon. I have never used it. All that came with it are in the box. It sells for $59.99. I will sell for $50. PM me if interested.
See post for photos.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-657555-1.html

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I routinely peruse eBay for used Sunpak 444D, 383, 36, etc - they are all the same speedlight with different interfaces the 444D has a "personality" module that adapted the unit to a variety of cameras. These all have low trigger voltage, use a three range autothyristor circuit for somewhat auto exposure within a given distance range, and some models even have a simplistic but useful FOV adjustment. They have 5 or 6 power settings, depending on model. They have a GN of 36M or roughly 118 ft, consistent with the popular top of the line speedlights. The best part is that you can get them for between $5 and $25 each. These are manual flash units, which means you will learn how to do flash the old-fashioned way, with lighting ratios, measuring tapes, etc. It will be a rewarding experience and you will learn flash in the best way possible. These units are rock-solid, and when they stop working you can either open them up and cannibalize parts, or just toss them. I've been using these since the 70s and have only had 2 fail me. I currently have 14, and can illuminate a venue like a small restaurant or meeting hall using remote radio triggers, augmenting the ambient lighting with carefully positioned bounce lighting, either with umbrellas in corners up high near the ceilings, or in fixtures like chandeliers and wall sconces.

These all use a pre-aged tube for slightly warm color, which is very complementary to flesh tones. I've toyed with the more expensive units and found them to be excellent, but for the number of times I actually use speedlights, not worth the price. For a fraction of the cost of a single SB500, I was able to buy all 14 of my current units (about $150).

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

You might consider a Godox TT350N flash for around $85 from B&H or Adorama. Good luck.

uhaas2009

If you know that you don’t use more than one flash I would stick with Nikon. If you plan to use more speed light than I would invest in flashpoint -Adorama warranty (godox)

Quixdraw Loc: x

Have several Flash attachments, but a very handy small one is the Metz 24 AF 1 for Nikon.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

Yongnu is inexpensive and, I find, very good.

truckster Loc: Tampa Bay Area

There are a few choices you can make for a "cheap" flash as listed here.

If you end up going further by stepping up to a better grade Nikon (D7XXX or D500) you will regret that cheap flash. Inexpensive is another choice. My first Flash was a Flashpoint (rebranded Godox) from Adorama (under $200) mainly because of the Li-on battery. I found this group on Facebook (Speedlight and Strobe Fundamentals) that is run by a guy who sells Godox equipment (Tim Payne ... Flashgear.net). My second light was the Godox v860 with the Godox Pro controller). Love them both even though I hardly use them. Good luck in your search, I recommend the Godox brand.

zaidy

Hi Will,
Look for a Neewer flash for Nikon at B&H. Several years ago I've bought Neewer Speedlite 750II for my D5100 and I like it.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

While I agree with Gene51 wholeheartedly that having manual flashes will teach you MUCH more, these days having a flash unit that does some of your thinking (aka - more automatic) will also allow some experimentation. Like Gene, I have a slew of flashes and I've actually used all (and more) upon occasion. Given your circumstances, I agree with the purchased of a used or reconditioned flash such as the SB-600 or SB-800 (a bit over budget, but really worth it IMHO). B&H, and KEH are only a couple of the reliable sources and sometimes Nikon has deals as well. Best of luck.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I have an SB400 that is in your price range used. Nice and light with bounce.