I don't do a whole lot of indoor photog but found out the built-in pop-up is pretty much useless. I don't want to spend a whole lot of money for the Nikon speedlites with swivel heads. What are some alternatives (Nissin, Metz, Vivitar)? Thank you.
the 285 is not bad, but, will not dedicate to the camera, i would seriously think about at the minimum getting a lower end speedlight, and, when you can afford it purchase a dedicated unit, you will not regret it
I surfed around and found some good info on flashes. Is the '285' a Nissin model?
no, its a vivitar, you might be able to find a module, not sure, havent used one for several years, after buying the 580 for the canon
A friend of mine, whom also has a D300, got a SB 700 and loves it. I don't have the money for that right now so I use a leftover from my film days... It's a Sunpak 522, it's a little imposing but it does a great job and has a heck of a guide number. I just set the camera to manual use the aperture that the flash indicates and let the flash do the rest. It's kind of old but it works good for me. Sometimes I also use one of my old Nikon SB-16 speedlights. The SB-16 was TTL with my FE2 film camera, but even though the connections look the same it's not TTL with my D300. So again I use the flash on auto and the camera on manual. Actually it's kind of fun using my old stuff again. :) :)
Sunpak 522 on my D300
One thing you must consider when using old flashes is how much trigger current is required to operate these things. Too much current draw from your flash may exceed what the newer cameras are designed for, possibly frying the camera's trigger electronics.
All is not lost however, there are buffers for sale that fit between the hot shoe and the old flash unit that allow you to use them safely.
T used the nikon SB400 ($100) for several years until saving enough for a high end nikon. Works well and priced right for the time used.
I would suggest to buy Nikon SB-600 - 700 - 800 or 900. SB-600 is top & afforadable choice you may find it on amazon between $280-300 or look for used one on craigslist you may find it for $200-250 its an excellent speedlight. Also it is ideal to keep gear within same brand as they will interact with each well, which means you will have no miss fires when you need it. I own 600, 700 & 900 and love them I can fire all of the them via camera (D90, D40 & D700) at once remotely.
MarkH
Loc: Cape Coral, FL
dnaylor48 wrote:
T used the nikon SB400 ($100) for several years until saving enough for a high end nikon. Works well and priced right for the time used.
Agreed, the sb400 is a great, inexpensive little flash. Only downside is it has no command mode, if that matters.
PipesCJ7
Loc: Cordova, Alaska/Shoreline, WA/ Merritt, BC
silveragemarvel wrote:
I don't do a whole lot of indoor photog but found out the built-in pop-up is pretty much useless. I don't want to spend a whole lot of money for the Nikon speedlites with swivel heads. What are some alternatives (Nissin, Metz, Vivitar)? Thank you.
Save your pennies. The Nikon SB800 or SB900 the only way to go. You won't be happy with any other.
Thanks for all the replies. The SB400 does not tilt and the other Nikons are a bit beyond my budget for now. I am considering a Nissin Di622.
silveragemarvel wrote:
Thanks for all the replies. The SB400 does not tilt and the other Nikons are a bit beyond my budget for now. I am considering a Nissin Di622.
Its my understanding that the SB400 flash does tilt for bounce flash.
MarkH
Loc: Cape Coral, FL
mrkellyparker wrote:
silveragemarvel wrote:
Thanks for all the replies. The SB400 does not tilt and the other Nikons are a bit beyond my budget for now. I am considering a Nissin Di622.
Its my understanding that the SB400 flash does tilt for bounce flash.
Yes it does but only vertically
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