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Basics of Flash Photography

Beginners Guide to Select a Hot Shoe Flash, Part 2 (Nikon)

Chart features a few speedlight models with Nikon compatibility. Nikon brand flashes are great and reliable, but there are inexpensive and popular alternatives. For more info on most, search Google for Brand/Model and the word Review.

Note: 24 mm FX flash zoom will cover 16 mm lenses on DX sensors. Wider angle lenses can be possible with wide angle diffusers. With flash indoors, you very likely will be using wide angle much more often than telephoto. Also see next page about comparing flash power with guide number. The speedlight flashes use four AA batteries unless otherwise noted.

Notes:

1. Nikon SB-300, SB-400 and SB-500 cannot do remote flash. They have no internal menu to work standalone, so they require connection to the camera menu to work at all. They will work in a hot shoe extension cord (older SC-17 or current SC-28, long enough to work at arms length).
2. Nikon SB-600 and SB-800 are special. They are backwards compatible with film TTL, or D-TTL, or iTTL, whatever the Nikon camera can do. All later models only do current iTTL.
3. The Nikon SB-5000 is the first also with Radio capability, remote or internal controller, 6 groups. This is in addition to the older optical commander and remote modes. Both optical and radio modes can be used simultaneously. The SB-5000 Guide Number chart is only in the free extra Reference Manual.
4. The Yongnuo 565 and 568 can be a remote in either of the Nikon or Canon commander systems. In either one remotely, however, the flash foot is very specific for one or the other Nikon or Canon hot shoes, so buy the one for your camera.
5. Old Nikon SB-24 works as Manual remote, or as auto A mode on hot shoe, but is Not CLS, so has no settings communication with today's CLS iTTL cameras. It offers only full stops, no third stops.

My notions: If money is no issue, IMO, the better Nikon flashes can't be beat (if for the Nikon system). I have used two SB-800 for 15 years, and they do anything and just keep on ticking. I did have their flash tubes replaced awhile back, merely due to age and use. They were still working fine, but the color had warmed a bit, still manageable. (Nikon recommends this flash service every couple of years). I also have a SB-24 30+ years old, its features are dated today, but it still performs to GN specs. Nikon service is available for a number of years, which is likely not possible at all in USA for inexpensive Chinese units. Their price is so low though, replacement is likely lower cost than a service repair. Otherwise, high prices are often a concern, however fortunately, there is good competition today.

Manual flash models Neewer TT560 or Yongnuo YN-560 above sure seem to be a lot of manual flash for the amazing low price. Even more impressive is that both have hundreds of five star user reviews at Amazon. However, point&shoot users will need TTL flash instead, so do be sure you know what manual flash means (top of previous page).

Beginners do need TTL, and if price is very important, then based on mine, and on all the good customer reviews at Amazon, check out the Neewer VK750 II. Neewer flashes are various relabeled imported brands, and the VK-750 II appears to be the Meike MK-951. It is a very well performing and easy to use TTL flash. If undecided if flash is for you, and hesitant to spend $300+ dollars, this $50 certainly seems a really good way to go at first.

Or, maybe the Yongnuo YN-565EX ($84). I also have that one, so I can also recommend it. A little more power (good for bounce flash), and it adds remote mode for the Commander (if your camera is so equipped).

See Reviews:

Neewer VK750 II

Yongnuo YN-565EX

Aperlite YH-700N

Neewer NW985N

Comparing flash power level using Guide Number Ratings

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