flash for Nikon D500: opinions on generic units that will have full functionality, but, be less expensive than Nikon units ? just looking for on-camera unit...

Ed Chu Loc: Las Vegas NV

opinions on generic units that will have full functionality, but, be less expensive than Nikon units ? just looking for on-camera unit

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

Yongnuo YN685 is a great generic speed light for a lot less than Nikon.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1247484-REG/yongnuo_yn685_n_yn685_wireless_ttl_speedlite.html

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Ed Chu wrote:

opinions on generic units that will have full functionality, but, be less expensive than Nikon units ? just looking for on-camera unit

At work, I have only Nikon flashes and I love, love, love them.
My current favorite is the SB 910....but it doesn't come cheap.
I am looking at other (read: less expensive) options for when I retire.
I shoot a lot of off-camera flash and like using radio transmission.
Nikon still isn't there yet- I also have 2 of the the SB 5000 units and it's not as easy to use as the 910 with the Phottix Odin radios.
Adororma's Flashpoint R2 system looks pretty interesting with a built in radio receiver.
The same transmitter works with the monolights.
I think Godox is the same thing, but from what I've read, the warranty may be better through Adorama.
Looking forward to other responses.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

Ed Chu wrote:

opinions on generic units that will have full functionality, but, be less expensive than Nikon units ? just looking for on-camera unit

got with the best and you will never regret it - nikon sb-600

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

There are some who may say, why do you want to put a generic (third party) lens on a now $1800 Nikon D500? Most probably will say buy a Nikon SB-700, or a B-910, which has been superseded by the SB-5000. I, owning a Nikon, have never bought a Nikon flash unit. I own two third party flashes. An 8 year old Sunpak, and most currently, a Yongnuo. Nissin makes good flash units too. But, I would recommend either a Yongnuo 568ex or 685. The 685 is Yongnuo's current model. They are going for about $105 each from B&H Photo. No, it is not a Nikon SB-910, but close enough. Check the Guide Number of the Yongnuo 685 vs the Nikon SB-910. Comparable it is.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Ed Chu wrote:

opinions on generic units that will have full functionality, but, be less expensive than Nikon units ? just looking for on-camera unit

I recently purchased the new Metz M4000 flash (shoe flash) but it is not cheap.

It works well... With all the inherent problems associated with this type of flash.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Yongnuo and Nissin make excellent speedlights, most comparable to Nikon, Canon, Metz, etc., quality. The problem is determining how one compares with another.
Here is a thread dedicated to comparing speedlight Guide Numbers (light output), both advertised GNs and tested GNs:
FAQ: How do Popular Speedlights Compare for GN? at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-91636-1.html

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

Ed Chu wrote:

opinions on generic units that will have full functionality, but, be less expensive than Nikon units ? just looking for on-camera unit

Don't worry about the folks saying anything about "3rd party" or "Generic" "off brands" of gear. They have their biases and they are entitled to them. But most of those people have no experience with anything other than the name on their camera.

I have used the item in the link below with out ANY glitches or problems whatsoever. (Actually I have 2 of these and a manual version of the same flash. Plus 3 other of the same brand lights and their off camera triggering system.)

https://www.adorama.com/fplfsmzl2nk.html

It is sold by Adorama so you can count on reliable customer service and repair/replacement if needed. The flash is made by Godox and is rebranded for Adorama. The flash itself has a lithium-ion battery that allows up to 650 full power pops. It also contains a 2.4ghz radio receiver which, if you wish, will allow you to later enter into a VERY large ecosystem of off camera lighting.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

ptcanon3ti wrote:

Don't worry about the folks saying anything about ... (show quote)

Good to hear!
I think I remember you posting a good review about this flash before.
According to another review I read, the lithium-ion battery is like having an auxiliary battery pack in the flash.

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Good to hear!
I think I remember you posting a good review about this flash before.
According to another review I read, the lithium-ion battery is like having an auxiliary battery pack in the flash.

Yep. Its fantastic! I'm so impressed with the whole system.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

ptcanon3ti wrote:

I have used (a Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 TTL Speedlight) . . .

According to the Adorama advertisement page (under SPECS tab), this speedlight GN is listed as "127 Ft, 34 Meters @ISO 100< 200mm zoom. This is NOT a standard method of measuring GN. Industry standard is speedlight set to ISO 100, 35mm coverage, measured in meters. Measuring GN at 200mm zoom setting concentrates the light, dramatically raising the GN. This is 'apples to oranges' comparison. What is the true GN of this speedlight at 35mm coverage?

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Nikonian72 wrote:

According to the Adorama advertisement page (under SPECS tab), this speedlight GN is listed as "127 Ft, 34 Meters @ISO 100< 200mm zoom. This is NOT a standard method of measuring GN. Industry standard is speedlight set to ISO 100, 35mm coverage, measured in meters. Measuring GN at 200mm zoom setting concentrates the light, dramatically raising the GN. This is 'apples to oranges' comparison. What is the true GN of this speedlight at 35mm coverage?

That is quite misleading!
Paul, what's your real-world experience with this flash?

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

GoofyNewfie wrote:

That is quite misleading!
Paul, what's your real-world experience with this flash?

My experience with it is its fantastic.

You see I'm different than most of you guys. I don't get all involved in specs and claims. I'm a member on another forum where I was introduced to the Godox/Flashpoint line. All I can say is...it fires without fail and lights my subjects from inside of softboxes. I don't shoot people with bare flash.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Yackers wrote:

I use the Godox Ving 860 (I shoot a Canon but they are also available in Nikon fit) and I highly recommend it. This flash is powerful, it has TTL/HSS/manual modes, it very user friendly and it is also very affordable. Here's a quick review you may find useful http://www.photography-tips-and-tricks.net/photography-ramblings-blog/a-quick-review-of-the-godox-ving-860

I think that's the flash Adorama rebadges as the FlashPoint mentioned above.
Thanks!

Yackers Loc: Norfolk, UK

GoofyNewfie wrote:

I think that's the flash Adorama rebadges as the FlashPoint mentioned above.
Thanks!

If that's the case - go for it. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.