larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I am still using two SB-800 flashes that I bought probably 10 years ago. They include all important functionality except RF remote operation, and are quite powerful. They also have a zoom feature that works with Nikkor lenses (not sure about others) to substantially increase useful range when using longer focal lengths. My only complaint is that the user interface is kind of clunky compared to newer units. Unlike my cameras, I don't frequently use the advanced flash functions, so they are not well-imprinted on my brain. If you buy a used one, make sure that you get the Nikon diffusion dome with it. I bought a 3rd party one to replace one of my originals when it cracked, and it does not reliably activate the small switch on the side of the flash announcing that it is in place. This is a big deal, and will result in wrong exposure (by quite a bit) if you are using the TTL function. The diffusion dome reduces operating distance, but much improves the quality of the light, and will provide full frame coverage for a 14mm lens (24mm coverage without the dome).

I still use NiMH rechargeable batteries to power mine, because that is what it was originally designed for. I would expect Lithium Ion cells to work fine, but they might get warm if you are shooting quickly. Alkaline cells work fine also. There should be an attachment that mounts in place of the battery door which allows the use of 5 cells instead of 4. This will significantly reduce recycle time if you are using the flash at or near full power. Otherwise recycle time is quite fast with only four cells.

Be sure to get the manual, or else download it from the NikonUSA site. This flash is very versatile and can do balanced fill flash, optical remote control, and a number of other very cool functions. There should also be a small set of colored gels (for color temperature correction) that came with the flash, and a larger set of colored gels, which duplicated those and added various colors for special effects was available as an accessory. There should also be a "foot" for positioning the flash off-camera. Those are still available from Nikon last time I looked, but the cost is several dollars. I'm not sure whether the D3300 can control the SB-800 with its pop-up flash or not. Check your manual, or perhaps archived SB-800 information on the Nikon site.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

We all know that the Nikon SB-800 is a very good speedlight. We also know that there are other flashes sold by companies like Altura, Godox and Yongnuo that are pretty reliable and do an excellent job for a fraction of the price of a new Nikon.
For manual flash use any speedlight will do and the flashes I mentioned they all do TTL.

I use a Nikon SB-600 and I am more than satisfied with it. In the second hand market the prices are ridiculously low. Independent speedlights for amateur use are fine but I have no experience with them when used professionally.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

I have the SB800 and it is an excellent speedlight, however, during a wedding once, I did have it fail and had to have it repaired. I also had my Metz blow up during a wedding. I always carried three speedlights and a larger Metz potato masher when doing weddings.

I then purchased the Yongnuo equivalent for less than half the price of the SB800. It was a TTL version and did tests in the studio, it performed just as well as my SB800 and the Metz speedlight. There was an almost imperceptible colour difference between the three flashes but that was well within my tolerance level.

Therefore, you may well want to consider the latest TTL Yongnuo model, instead of the Nikon SB800, as good as it is. That way you will have a new speedlight and not a used one that you never know, when it may fail, of course it may not fail. However, it may be better to get new than a used one, especially at a much better price point. I have to say, I was amazed at the performance and very pleased with the low cost of the Yongnuo models.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

You can use the flash on D3300 to trigger off camera flash. Nikon has a little cover to go over on camera flash so it does not affect image but triggers off camera flash.

The D3300 doesn’t have “commander” mode but it works fine without it.

I use and like SB 700.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Just curious, do not all flashes of the camera mounted types overheat if rapidly used?
So I just wonder.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I own the Nikon SB-26, SB-800, SB-900, SB-5000 and an SB-500 flash. I have two SB-900 and have never had any overheating issues as I was careful about that, and I've used them for sports such as wrestling. I do prefer the SB-5000 units over the rest, but for your camera I think it would be overkill. A decent, used SB-800 should be a great addition to you gear as would a used SB-900 or SB-910. Best of luck.

daiqngo Loc: San Diego, CA

I just bought a Nikon SB-22 in excellent condition for $29.00 upon recommendation from the "angry photographer": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs6KiGPmr-0

russraman Loc: New York City

I suppose the answer to your question depends on how you are going to use the flash and what you need it for. I have a Nikon Df camera which does not have a built-in flash, so I purchased a used Nikon SB-400 primarily because of it's small size and good reviews. The SB-400 is no longer sold by Nikon, but I purchased three on eBay for $100, $131 and $151, respectively over the years. Each has continued working extremely well, and their compact size and light weight are great -- either mounted on my Df or hand-held with a cable -- compared to my much larger SB-700 Speedlight. While I use my SB-400's as a substitute for the built-in flash mainly for flash fill-ins, they also work fine for most general photography at small events and interior shooting.

daiqngo Loc: San Diego, CA

I also have this mini size SB-400. Works great over the years. Extremely portable and lasting forever.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Don't see a slave mode with it for off-camera use.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

The SB-400 is a great compact flash, but it is very basic. The only control is the On/Off switch. It depends on the camera for all control. I have two of them, and always carry at least one. BUT...the SB-400 sits very low on the camera and will create a vignette with almost any lens wider than 40mm or so. I bought a couple of adaptors from Pixel. They are brand-specific and are intended to provide a PC connection for cameras that do not have one. But they also raise the flash by about an inch and move it forward slightly. I sometimes use two of the adaptors together with a large wide angle lens

Race Raccoon Loc: Yankton, South Dakota

I also use the SB-700 and find it a very good & easily managed flash. Also own two SB-400s, one of which I use on my backup camera & the other my wife uses on her D-3300. I can recommend both. In general, I believe Nikon flashes will work best on Nikon cameras because Nikon unwisely, I believe, does not share either their flash/I-TTL specs or lens specs w/OEM manufacturers. I believe @ least for their DSLR lines, they should do so as they are now pretty clearly targeting upper end mirrorless markets and I believe allowing OEMs to produce great & clearly compatible flashes and lenses would actually help Nikon sell camera bodies.

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

The 800 is/was the most powerful flash made by/for Nikon.

BebuLamar

I don't know as I do not use the hot shoe mounted flashes when ever I need to shoot rapidly. I guess that most of them do if they are designed to recycle fast. They are just too small to dissipate all the heat.
I use the Metz 60-CT4 whenever I need to shoot a lot. The big Metz only has about a stop or so more flash power and it's a lot bigger and split in two separate units with the flash and the power units separately. I never had problem with overheating with it.
I like the SB-800 because it's compatible with all my cameras.

Tom Shelburne Loc: Roaring Gap NC

Like Godox-works well -price is right