Help please with low-cost flash for Nikon DSLR: I am almost universally an outdoor picture taker and thus have limited need for a flash unit. Nikon Speedlights are expensive and...

Nikonista Loc: England

I am almost universally an outdoor picture taker and thus have limited need for a flash unit. Nikon Speedlights are expensive and overkill for my twice-a- year requirements. Could anyone please recommend a third-party solution that would work?

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

Nikonista wrote:

I am almost universally an outdoor picture taker and thus have limited need for a flash unit. Nikon Speedlights are expensive and overkill for my twice-a- year requirements. Could anyone please recommend a third-party solution that would work?

I'm guessin' you're female, Nikonista - here's a good flash that might well fit your bill - Nissin are well-regarded world wide - and if you don't have a high use for flash it might well be right up your street !

http://www.nissindigital.com/i40.html

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

Look at the Altura Units. Outstanding. See Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Professional-Auto-Focus-Protective/dp/B00KEYPTO4

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

The sb400 is a tiny little unit, not expensive and will give you just the fill in flash you sometimes need in outdoor shots.Here is a shot made with fill flash with the sb400.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

I will assume that the U.K. has Walmarts, you might try a Sunpak. I have a completely manual Vivitar flash that was used twice and has since stopped working so I'll shut up now except to say that my original idea involved an SB-700. I will always regret that decision.

Anything that will talk to the camera (iTTL) and fits your budgetary requirements should suffice.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

CatMarley wrote:

The sb400 is a tiny little unit, not expensive and will give you just the fill in flash you sometimes need in outdoor shots.Here is a shot made with fill flash with the sb400.

I was going to suggest the Nikon SB-400 as well. I don't use flash much for general picture taking and the SB-400 works well for me.

Dennis

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

CatMarley wrote:

The sb400 is a tiny little unit, not expensive and will give you just the fill in flash you sometimes need in outdoor shots.Here is a shot made with fill flash with the sb400.

I found an ad for the Nikon sb400 for $105. Is that cheap enough?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Nikonista wrote:

I am almost universally an outdoor picture taker and thus have limited need for a flash unit. Nikon Speedlights are expensive and overkill for my twice-a- year requirements. Could anyone please recommend a third-party solution that would work?

I recently acquired a Meike SB-910 (copy of the Nikon SB-910) and found it a VERY impressive substitute at less than 1/3 the cost!

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

As an FYI: Nikon has replaced the SB-400 with the SB-500... as their "low-end" flash unit. The Yongnuo is also an option-- just be aware that not all are ttl.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

Nikonista wrote:

I am almost universally an outdoor picture taker and thus have limited need for a flash unit. Nikon Speedlights are expensive and overkill for my twice-a- year requirements. Could anyone please recommend a third-party solution that would work?

i tried a $120 Sunpak PZ42X.
The 3 second cycle times made it useless.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

MT Shooter wrote:

I recently acquired a Meike SB-910 (copy of the Nikon SB-910) and found it a VERY impressive substitute at less than 1/3 the cost!

Way less, $106 on Ebay with free shipping from California. Wow!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

As an FYI: Nikon has replaced the SB-400 with the SB-500... as their "low-end" flash unit. The Yongnuo is also an option-- just be aware that not all are ttl.

Actually the SB 300 is the replacement for the SB 400. The SB 500 is a whole new class of flash that adds a video light to the unit.

Nikonista Loc: England

craggycrossers wrote:

I'm guessin' you're female, Nikonista - here's a good flash that might well fit your bill

Thank you kind sir - but if I had been a 6' 4" rugby forward, would this have affected your suggestion? If so, why?

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

MT Shooter wrote:

Actually the SB 300 is the replacement for the SB 400. The SB 500 is a whole new class of flash that adds a video light to the unit.

I stand corrected. Thank you.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

MT Shooter wrote:

Actually the SB 300 is the replacement for the SB 400. The SB 500 is a whole new class of flash that adds a video light to the unit.

Video isn't necessarily something I intend to pursue but I also hate being limited if the need arises. In your opinion, would it be better to save a few bucks and get the Meike SB-910 or the Nikon SB-500. Thoughts? Primary use would be the D7100.