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the right flash

Started by Sarasocke, March 05, 2010, 06:21:21 PM

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Sarasocke

I would like to buy an external flash for my D700, but I have no flash experience whatsoever.
Up to now I have rarely needed a flash, but I think I will do so more in the future.

I can't give any examples of where I would use it, except maybe inside buildings   ::)

I've been looking at the Nikon SB900, but I'm not 100% sure if another manufacturer wouldn't do the job at least almost as well. Or an SB600 ....

Any advice ?
Carol aka Sarasocke 
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picsfor

wait til you come to Cornwall and ask Eileen.
She has a D700 and a wealth of flash experience (and a flash to demonstrate with) - if Eileen can't answer the question - probably not the right question  :tup:

Hinfrance

You may well decide to stick to the brand, but check out Nissin and Metz alternatives - both have been making flash systems since before Cankon ever thought of making cameras.

Also you might want to check out strobist.com for a wealth of information on all things flash related.
Howard  My CC Gallery
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The theory seems to be that as long as a man is a failure he is one of God's children, but that as soon as he succeeds he is taken over by the Devil. H.L Mencken.

Sarasocke

Actually I need to buy the flash within the next two weeks as I have booked to take part in a workshop on flash photography on the 21st March. Maybe Eileen will look on in here .....
Carol aka Sarasocke 
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picsfor

Send her a PM Carol. May not answer today or tomorrow but you will have answer by Monday or Tuesday.
Eileen has a Nikon 800 or 900 if memory serves.
Flash work shop as in general use of flash or targeted at a specific area? Need to include that in your PM for best advice.

I've done the Canon equivalent on a couple of areas and found them extremely worth while and seem to recall Eileen has also done one or two.

Sarasocke

The flash workshop is general, studio and outside.

When I look at the Nissin DI866 at 199 euros, it would be a saving of over 160 euros which is quite a lot. But then I don't know if I'd want to chuck it after 6 months.

As I work at the moment it would be spending a fair amount of money for something I don't use much. On the other hand once I have one, I shall probably use it more.

I'll drop Eileen a pm.
Carol aka Sarasocke 
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picsfor

never looked back after getting my 580ExII.
The on board flashes were handy on the 30D and 40D but the external flash gave more options and greater control.
Now with 5DMkII i don't have any choice - no on board flash - don't really miss the on board flash...

irv_b

Carol I have the cheaper sb600 model and I find its more than adequate for the little strobe work I do. Another good site I often look at is http://neilvn.com/tangents/ which I find is more about, on camera flash and what you can do with that
Irv
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Trickee

I have the SB800 and it's like having the sun attached to the top of your camera  :)

anglefire

Quote from: Tringle WP on March 05, 2010, 06:46:07 PM
You may well decide to stick to the brand, but check out Nissin and Metz alternatives - both have been making flash systems since before Cankon ever thought of making cameras.


Um, not quiet true! Canon's first camera was the Kwanon camera in 1934, though actually a prototype by Canon's predecessor "Precision Optical Instruments Laboratory". The Canon company was formed in 1947, after being a trademark since 1935.

1952, Canon introduced the first speed-light synchronised flash camera, the Canon IVSb.

The same year Metz started production of a flash for Agfa and Carl-Braun. (Metz was founded in 1938).

So, wrong on many levels!  ;D
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Sarasocke

I've heard from Eileen - if you look in here, Eileen, thanks again!

I think I may go for the SB600. I really don't think that I shall be doing soooo much flash work. I don't use it for my dog photography, that's one of the reasons I went for D700 - it's performance under high ISOs.

If I get loads and loads or work in the future, it may merit the purchase of a second flash, but somehow I doubt it  :P

Thanks for your help, guys !
Carol aka Sarasocke 
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picsfor

just got the latest edition of DC Mag - must be my last edition under subscription.
It has done a review of flash guns and rates the SB900 as best due to its additional features and compatibility with the newer Nikon bodies.

But as has been said - really is horses for courses.

jinky

Carol - you`ve probably decided now but just seen this. I made the mistake of buying the SB600 first and it was OK. Even bought another 2nd hand on the basis of 2 must be better than 1 for off camera flash work and again was OK for a while. When I came to help out at my first wedding I realised they were more underpowered than I needed - enter a 2nd hand SB800 and it blew the other two away in quality of light. Then again I was doing a park based shoot an hour before and after sunset last night and I was bemoaning the fact i did not have another SB800 to light up a castle behind the model. As said above depends what you`ll use it for but if you just buy one I`d make it the SB800 or the Nissin Di866 Pro which might well be a future buy for me.

picsfor

oddly enough the Nissin Di866 Pro was given the overall prize by DC Mag just ahead of the SB 900.

Sarasocke

#14
It's a similar question to the one at the end of last year - the D300 or the D700. I opted for the D700 as I thought I might continue to yearn for it later ....

oh heck ...  :beer:
Carol aka Sarasocke 
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