10 replies to this topic

[Gareth]

Hello all,
As the title says I'm looking for a speed light for my d3000. I'm not big on spending loads of money on gear I'm not going to use that much but would like a to give portraits a go using flash. I've been looking at the 3rd party ones but unsure on which one would be best to go for and work fully with the controls on the d3000

Dan anyone help
Thanks
Gareth

[Adam]

Metz makes good and affordable flashes.  You should take a look at some of their models as they offer great value for your money.

[charles76]

Also, look online for deals on Nikon gear. You can sometimes find great prices on Nikon brand gear.

[scenicsabound]

The Metz 50AF-1 has always worked well for me, however I have recently added the Nikon SB-910 to my arsenal and it it head & shoulders above the Metz. Looks for SB-600, SB-700 or SB-800 in the used market - all are very good flashes. Just make sure the flash you buy is compatible with the Nikon iTTL system which your camera uses. Older Nikon flashes will not support this.

 

You mention doing portraits so whatever flash you buy make sure it has full tilt and swivel capabilities. This is very important as it will allow you to easily 'bounce' your flash off ceilings and walls, producing a much better image and better control of shadows.

[alternative minds]

I use 2 sb 800's.

[onewiththecamera]

I currently use a Yongnuo YN-560 II and love it. The flash is totally manual so it takes a little getting used to, but is only $60 from Amazon. If you want full TTL then you can get the Yongnuo YN-565. I am thinking you might be happer with the YN-565. It will run you about $130 and will be as much flash as a Nikon SB-700. The Yongnuo gear has come a long way over the last few years and IMHO is probably the top non camera brand of flash and wireless trigger equipment.

[Gareth]

Thanks guys I'd heard of the yongnuo before and was thinking of trying that one but unsure if any of them would work on my nikon and would I have to get receivers for it too

[sak632]

The SB-400 is a good starter flash, low cost & good power

[Merco_61]

The SB-400 is a good starter flash, low cost & good power

Yes it is a good flash, but not ideal for portraits, since it does not tilt and swivel. The SB-600 is easy to find used and does most of what you need.

My recommendation is to start with a SB-600, and when you want to go off-camera with the flash get a SB800 that gives CLS master capabilities to the D3000.

[LewisBarker7x]

I bought the Sigma 610 speedlight for my Nikon D7100, its a very powerful flash unit, it doesnt have a full manual mode but if your only going to be using it mounted to the hotshoe then its a solid choice for a flash. i go it for £100 off amazon but you might find it cheaper on ebay.

[asokell]

Check out the tech radar review. Sb 700 seems to rate well overall although I wouldn't say no to the nissin mark ii either. Am currently looking myself