Nikon vs alternative flash
Feb 10, 2018 11:44:01 #
appealnow
Loc: Dallas, Texas
One other thing not mentioned. It will be easier to read and understand the manuals as to settings, etc. when the camera and flash are both Nikon.
Feb 10, 2018 12:06:46 #
appealnow wrote:
One other thing not mentioned. It will be easier to read and understand the manuals as to settings, etc. when the camera and flash are both Nikon.
LOL. Yongnuo + Youtube = deciphered Chinglese.
Feb 10, 2018 12:08:58 #
Make sure to compare guide numbers and build quality of the "other" brands to the Nikon/Canon/Sony units.
JMCPHD wrote:
I am new to digital photography. I have a D7100 and wonder about adding a flash. The manual discusses possible Nikon flash that I could use. I see ads for other brands that claim to do everything the Nikon flash would do for a much lower price. Is there some significant advantage to the Nikon product or am I only paying for the name if I go with the brand name vs aftermarket alternative?
Feb 10, 2018 12:10:34 #
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
I hear about Yougouno (sp?) all the time.
I do, too, and would buy them for 2nd and 3rd flashes. However, I have found my SB-910 to be an engineering marvel.
Feb 10, 2018 12:45:27 #
I have had very good experience with Nissin Di866 over the years, such that I recently purchased a i60 A and the Air Commander System. I did have an issue with the recent system; however, the Nissin distributor was outstanding in their support and assistance.
As an aside I would say that I recently picked up a used Nikon SB400 to use for those situations where I need more than the built in offers, but don't care to carry around a full size flash. It offers about twice the light of the built in and I have found it to be very handy in crowded situations (such as the State Fair, parties, Halloween Parade, etc.) where I need some fill flash while taking photos of our grand sons. I based my purchase of this unit on a review by Ken Rockwell http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb400.htm. At any rate it has proven to be an excellent flash unit and filled a gap in my usage needs.
As an aside I would say that I recently picked up a used Nikon SB400 to use for those situations where I need more than the built in offers, but don't care to carry around a full size flash. It offers about twice the light of the built in and I have found it to be very handy in crowded situations (such as the State Fair, parties, Halloween Parade, etc.) where I need some fill flash while taking photos of our grand sons. I based my purchase of this unit on a review by Ken Rockwell http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb400.htm. At any rate it has proven to be an excellent flash unit and filled a gap in my usage needs.
Feb 10, 2018 13:10:22 #
BebuLamar wrote:
I can't fault the fit and finish of the Metz flashes though.
Agreed! Do they work with the CLS?
Feb 10, 2018 13:15:31 #
JohnD3 wrote:
I have had very good experience with Nissin Di866 over the years...
Note that there are two versions of the Di866. I bought the older one way back. Haven't tried the newer one.
Feb 10, 2018 14:03:54 #
latebloomer
Loc: Topeka, KS
tomcat wrote:
They are cheaper for a good reason. They don't last as long before they burn out or start giving problems. "The joy of a great price is short-lived once the quality of the product becomes apparent"
OEM is best for a pro because of inherent reliability. For the rest of us, there are options. You can buy several to many extra flashes, Godox or Yongnuo, for the price of one Nikon flash. If you do not use a flash really often, consider Yongnuo or Godox. My Yongnuo has lasted several years and still performs at a top level.
Feb 10, 2018 14:32:59 #
cjc2 wrote:
Agreed! Do they work with the CLS?
I think this chart shows that they do with the right firmware.
http://www.greatgearyouneed.com/metz/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Metz_camera_compatibility_April_2015.pdf
Might dig out our old Metz speedlights.....
Feb 10, 2018 15:02:36 #
cjc2 wrote:
Agreed! Do they work with the CLS?
I think some of them do but really if you want to use all the functions available on the Nikon cameras I agree that the best best is Nikon flashes. I found third party flashes never fully compatible. Since I wouldn't use CLS (I don't even use TTL) so I am better off with a totally incompatible flash.
Feb 10, 2018 15:23:13 #
CAUTION...Again just as with 3rd party lenses if the 3rd party flash causes damage (rare) your warranty is void and you will pay for the expense of the damages if Nikon agrees to fix it.
Feb 10, 2018 15:43:55 #
I have had outstanding results from my SB 700. Bought it used for $225. I also have several SB 600s, an SB 400, and 2 Yongnuos (cannot remember the model #). All perform well, however the Yongnuos are occasionally quirky. Mainly sync issues. The real sleeper is the SB 400. Terrific if you are looking for an on-flash, walk around, fill in the shadows, inexpensive option. Used it's about $100. Built really well. Easy on the batteries. Good luck.
Feb 10, 2018 19:33:47 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Modern flashes (IMO) function as well as the brand names. Lately, I find myself using flashes in manual mode rather than TTL. More features mean higher prices. If you are not sure quite yet, suggest purchasing the cheapest manual flash and go from there. Sunpak and Yongnuo offer several manual models in the $50-$60 range. Yongnuo makes a model that is compatible with Nikon or Canon with TTL, HSS, and more than ample power for most tasks for under $100. Have found the Yongnuo to be fully compatible with Canon. I have managed to break part of the latch on the battery door of my Yongnuo ring flash after short drop to my desk top. Since it is the only ring flash I own I cannot compare it to Canon other than it was about 1/4 the cost of the Canon. Replacement doors are a couple of bucks each.
Have read a lot of good reviews on Godox flashes, but have never owned or used one.
Have read a lot of good reviews on Godox flashes, but have never owned or used one.
Feb 10, 2018 19:43:07 #
I have yongnuo YN568ex's they work great, i'venever had a problem with them, they do everything I need even flash 1/8000 of a sec. ( I use it to shoot balloons asI pop them)
I cant complain. if one breaks I could buy 3 more and still have spent less than buying a NIkon flash
I cant complain. if one breaks I could buy 3 more and still have spent less than buying a NIkon flash
Feb 10, 2018 20:16:56 #
walmart has a dedicated flash for nikon and another for canon , around $ 65 , not super powerful , but work well .
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