Nikon speedlight?

[WDWAurora]

Anybody think they are worth it? We just added a new lens to the collection (should be here tomorrow). It's the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens (yes, I copied and pasted). We are far from professionals, but could definitely use a better flash indoors at times. We don't want to break the bank on our family photos, but definitely want to take some decent shots. A friend just got one, and I like her results, but wasn't sure if they were the norm. Anywhere to get a used one for a discount?

 

[ssanders79]

Most bigtime online camera retailers offer used merchandise. I've also received emails from Nikon offering refurbs. Try Nikon's store for refurbs then compare with places like B&H or Amazon. eBay is also an option.

 

[DVC Mike]

Anybody think they are worth it?

Yes, the onboard flash on most cameras is not optimal. It's better to get an external flash and use a diffuser or bounce the flash off the ceiling.

I'm eyeing the Nikon SB-700 myself.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I just picked up a Sigma EF-530 DG Super for my D5000 from B&H and like it so far. I'm dying to take it out and try it during the day as a fill but so far have only bounced it off of the ceiling in my house and loved what I saw. For $175 I can see this being a wise investment, especially witht the indoor activities and my kids schools.

 

[Suburbanmom]

I have never regretted getting a speedlight. I have the SB-800 and have had it for many years. Just bouncing it off the ceiling will do wonders for indoor family snapshots. Look around for used offers and you won't be sorry. Good luck!

 

[spinetnglr]

I have the SB-600 and while I don't do alot of flash photography, I do like the results when I do use it.

 

[handicap18]

I bought the SB-600 a few months after I got my D50 back in '06. One of the best things I've bought. Not long after I upgraded to the D300 in '08 I bought a 2nd SB-600 and use them in my portrait set up.

You can't beat Nikon's Creative Light System!!

I'm now eyeing the SB-900 as my main flash, but our pool just collapsed so I don't think I'll have the funds for a new flash this year.

 

[YesDear]

I have an SB-900 and an SB-800. Nikon's flash system with the integration with their cameras are considered some of the best in the business. Just watch a Joe McNally video and see what you can do with one or multiple flashes! I highly highly recommend all except for the SB-400.

I have not seen the SB-700 but have read some great reviews about it.

 

[gruZ]

I would recommend getting an external flash - they can make a tremendous difference in the quality of your lighting. McNally has some great stuff - so does www.strobist.com in terms of learning how to use external (and off the camera) strobes.

 

[LordAthens]

Another vote for "yes, absolutely!". Nikon makes some great speedlites, the new SB-700 is fantastic! Sure, it lacks external power options as well as PC sync, but it doesn't sound like you would be using either of them. What you gain with it over the SB-600 is a nicer UI and way more options. It's a tiny bit less powerful than the SB-600 though and considerably less powerful than the SB-900. The SB-700 also includes a diffuser and more importantly, snap on filters. Even cooler yet is when you snap on the filter, it will automatically change the WB settings on the cam. It's about as easy as it gets.

Speaking of the SB-900, it is HUGE, I would recommend looking at one to see if you'll be willing to use it before you buy, the thing is just gigantic. I use it if I have to, but otherwise it's just to big for most things.

Depending on what you intended uses are, the SB-400 is not a bad little flash. It's tiny and will still bounce. If you're planning on shooting weddings with high ceilings, it definitely won't be very helpful. But if you're just going to use it around the house to bounce off of the ceiling, it's a great little inexpensive light.

 

[WDWAurora]

I think I'm eyeing the SB-600. It's the one my friend just got, and I did like her results. The actual Nikon website does have some refurbs that make it a little more budget friendly. Our lens came today and I'm still feeling some sticker shock over its pricetag, but definitely happy with the results.

Another improvement for us will be when DH finishes painting downstairs. We're going lighter. Right now, the darker tones tend to turn everything yellow (reflection of the paint). It's still a warm tone, so it should be flattering without giving us jaundice.

I'm definitely searching for a speedlight. I'm loving all of the input!!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Another improvement for us will be when DH finishes painting downstairs. We're going lighter. Right now, the darker tones tend to turn everything yellow (reflection of the paint). It's still a warm tone, so it should be flattering without giving us jaundice

Could that be more of a white balance-ing issue?

 

[WDWAurora]

Could that be more of a white balance-ing issue?

I don't think it is, since in the green room (open floor plan, but somebody did a great job taping off the walls and one room is green, the others are yellowy-taupe) which is connected, you don't get that. Could be, I guess. I need to take a class and get better with all of my settings. I love my camera and am able to get some good shots, but we have the equipment already to do great basic shots. I just need a class on the basics, or to find someone around here to sit down with me for a couple of hours.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I don't think it is, since in the green room (open floor plan, but somebody did a great job taping off the walls and one room is green, the others are yellowy-taupe) which is connected, you don't get that. Could be, I guess. I need to take a class and get better with all of my settings. I love my camera and am able to get some good shots, but we have the equipment already to do great basic shots. I just need a class on the basics, or to find someone around here to sit down with me for a couple of hours.

I am no expert and I really don't claim to know what I'm doing but this will give you a rough idea. Open the manual for your camera and turn to where it tells you how to program in a preset white balance. Go to the room you are having issues with. Grab a piece of white paper from your printer and aim your camera at it. Follow the instructions for your camera to set the white balance.
After that try to take a picture in the room but instead of using the auto white balance setting, use the one that says PRE. Take your picture and see how it looks.

That is the extremely over simplified way of doing it. If that makes any difference, there are many people here who can tell you the right way to do it. Just make sure the lighting stays the same from the time you set the WB and the time you take the picture.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

I have both a SB600 and SB900, both are indispensable. But just having them is not really the solution but really learning how to use them. I have never been to a class but have found Neil Van Niekirk's Site is really amazing. He published a book on On-Camera Flash and another coming out in April-May on Off-Camera Flash. His writing style is very understandable with many lightbulb/AhHa moments when you finally get it. If you are having color issues from the walls then use a gray/white card for the test shot to correct for WB in post.

 

[LordAthens]

Something else to think about, if you shoot in RAW, you can always fix the white balance later in post processing. It adds another step, but it's well worth it. Another option would be to shoot RAW+JPEG if your body supports it.

 

[suebedo]

I have an SB600 and an SB800.. Love them both. The 600 is a little more primitive and ahs some limitations. {There is no connector to plug in a trigger (ie. pocketwizard) for OCF use.}

The SB800 is awesome! If you can find a used one at a decent price BUY IT! The SB900 does have some issues with overehating so the demand for used SB800 is high. But they can still be found for a good used price if you look for it. ( I just bought a used SB800 with 5th cell and external battery pack for $300).

Good luck and happy shooting!

 

[WDWAurora]

I ordered a refurb sb600 last night from nikon. The savings ended up being about $100. I can't wait!