Flash recommendations for D7100 (Page 2): I gathered that from the rest of the comments as regards the GN. Yes, all should be rated at the same 35mm. What it is at 105 or 120 can be...

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Nikonian72 wrote:

Your six battery SunPac 555 grip speedlight is more powerful than any hotshoe speedlight on the market.
Here is a review of the Metz 48, which is a step above the Metz 44: http://speedlights.net/2010/11/10/metz-48-af-1-flash-review . Note: "The 48 AF-1 is an alternative to the Canon 430EX (II) and the Nikon SB-700 (SB-600)", so the Metz 44 is less powerful.

I gathered that from the rest of the comments as regards the GN. Yes, all should be rated at the same 35mm. What it is at 105 or 120 can be figured out.

When you say the 555 is more powerful than any hotshoe on the market, Ive seen some claiming as high as 198.

For the time being, Ill keep the 555. Not only was its GN of 150 based on 35mm, but at ASA/ISO 100. Changing that to 200 or 400 will have the obvious effect, yes?

Again, Ill keep it, even if just to use with my film camera. I may get a fully compatible Speedlight in the future, but for the time being, the 555 will suit my needs.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

kb6kgx wrote:

When you say the 555 is more powerful than any hotshoe on the market, Ive seen some claiming as high as 198.

To my knowledge, the Nissin Di866 has the highest Guide Number of all hotshoe speedlights.
If you have a legitimate reference about a more powerful hotshoe speedlight, please post it here.

Nissin Di866 speedlight
Nissin Di866 speedlight...

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

Macronaut wrote:

Yongnou flashes are becoming fairly popular. I bought one and liked it enough to buy another. Then decided to try their wireless flash triggers...no complaints there either. Very good quality and great prices. I personally know of more than a few people that use them with no complaints at all. Nissin is another brand to look into.

Bill, I REALLY Enjoyed All of your Great Photos on Flickr!!! Thanks for posting that link! That's the very best macro stuff that I've seen! Also, shopping for a flash, and was considering a Yongnou YN-586II; so I appreciate your positive opinion and comments re them.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

I purchased a used Nikon SB-800 a couple of years ago for $200 and find that it meets all of my flash needs. Just last week, I purchased an Altura flash with remote trigger to give me me more flexibility for my lighting needs. I can't wait to read how to set it up with the SB-800.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

kb6kgx wrote:

Presently, Im using my old Sunpak 555, however it will work only in Manual mode. What I like about the Sunpak, and why I still have it, is its GN of 150 and the ability to light something up at a fairly good distance.

I used to use that flash on a Pentax film camera - amazing power. It came with a module that made it automatic by reading the light.

I would stick with Nikon, something below the SB910. Nikon is tops in flash units, especially when used on Nikon cameras. I have an SB600 that's been doing a fine job for me for years.

CO

I just saw that NPhoto (Nikon) magazine issue 55 February 2016 is going to have test reviews of eight Nikon-fit flashguns. You might go to your local Barnes & Noble or other book store and pick up that issue. It may not be in bookstores yet but will be soon.

They did that in issue 17 March 2003. I still have that issue. The top rated flash was the Nikon SB-910. The three runner-ups were the Nikon SB-700, Metz 58 AF-2, and Nissin Di866 Mark II.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

kb6kgx wrote:

At some point I will want to get a flash unit that... (show quote)

You can save some money on the Nikon USA web site this weekend on a refurbished SB-700. I bought one over a year ago and I love it, and have had absolutely no problems with it. All refurbished equipment is 10% off.

CO

Nikonian72 wrote:

To my knowledge, the Nissin Di866 has the highest Guide Number of all hotshoe speedlights.
If you have a legitimate reference about a more powerful hotshoe speedlight, please post it here.

Issue 17, March 2013 issue of NPhoto (Nikon) magazine did test reviews of eight Nikon-fit flashguns. The Nissin Di866 Mk II virtually tied with the Sigma EF-610 for the highest power of all eight flashguns. The Nissin had a theoretical GN of 60 and measured was 44. The Sigma had a theoretical GN of 61 and measured was 44.

The latest issue 55 February 2016 is going to have another test of eight flashguns.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I have 2 of the Yongnuo YN-568EX units and I really like the fact that they are full I-TTL and will work in full i-TTL with the Yongnuo YN-622N-TX i-TTL Wireless Flash Controllers. They can also be used as manual units if needed. Great combination and very versatile. The best part is I can buy 5 Yongnuo YN-568TX units for the price of one SB-910. I've stated before that I really love my Nikon equipment but I really feel that Nikon is way over priced on their flash units. I'm using these flashes with a d7200.

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

Yongnuo makes excellent flash units that are very reasonably priced. I have three of them and have been very pleased with them. :thumbup: :thumbup:

Nukepr Loc: Citrus County, FL

kb6kgx wrote:

At some point I will want to get a flash unit that... (show quote)

I have a D7100 and use the SB700. I find it has all the power and recycle time I need, and it works seamlessly with my camera. I also strongly recommend using Panasonic Enelooop rechargeable batteries in any flash. They last a long time and over time represent a real savings in battery cost.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

kb6kgx wrote:

At some point I will want to get a flash unit that... (show quote)

Don't care about wireless off-camera flash? If you want decent flash pictures, that is the only way to go!!

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

CO wrote:

I just saw that NPhoto (Nikon) magazine issue 55 February 2016 is going to have test reviews of eight Nikon-fit flashguns. You might go to your local Barnes & Noble or other book store and pick up that issue. It may not be in bookstores yet but will be soon.

They did that in issue 17 March 2003. I still have that issue. The top rated flash was the Nikon SB-910. The three runner-ups were the Nikon SB-700, Metz 58 AF-2, and Nissin Di866 Mark II.

What model Manfrotto tripod was it that you had purchased? I'm in the market for one. I want the "tall," aluminum model, of the four similar models. Do you still have that great link that you had put up on it's review?

BIG ROB Loc: Princeton, NJ 08540

speters wrote:

Don't care about wireless off-camera flash? If you want decent flash pictures, that is the only way to go!!

Come on...you mean to say that you can't take decent flash pictures using a good bounce, on-camera flash, with a great DSLR, and proper techniques?

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

speters wrote:

Don't care about wireless off-camera flash? If you want decent flash pictures, that is the only way to go!!

My primary use for a flash is for nighttime photojournalism type stuff where I might need to light something up 150 ft away. But I'd also like one for all the other normal things, too, nothing elaborate. But primarily for the night stuff.