Flash Recommendations

jen_storm

Senior Member
Hello

I was given the D5100 as a present so that I could learn photography.

I would like to upgrade from the standard flash.

Can you please recommend a good reasonably priced flash attachment?

Thanks
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I'm a huge fan of the Yongnuo stuff, particularly if you're just learning. Works really well with the Nikons and it'll save you some significant $$ starting out. The Nikon strobes are world class, but you pay for it. My take is, why pay for it before you need 'em?

I use a pair of Yongnuo YN468-II's and they work great.
 

SteveH

Senior Member
Hello

I was given the D5100 as a present so that I could learn photography.

I would like to upgrade from the standard flash.

Can you please recommend a good reasonably priced flash attachment?

Thanks

I was in the same position a month ago, just wanting better than the inbuilt flash - I got the Yongnuo 565 and love it. Its easy to learn, reasonably powerful and cheaper than the Nikon SB's.
 

WayneF

Senior Member
I'm a huge fan of the Yongnuo stuff, particularly if you're just learning. Works really well with the Nikons and it'll save you some significant $$ starting out. The Nikon strobes are world class, but you pay for it. My take is, why pay for it before you need 'em?

I use a pair of Yongnuo YN468-II's and they work great.


Jake, I am unable to access the 468II manual online. A question about the Guide Number in the manual chart.

YN468 II page at Yongnou says GN 33 (meters) and says zoom to 85mm. YN468 (non-II) says GN 58 at 105mm (which matches YN565EX).

Which is it? And what is GN at 24mm zoom?
 

jen_storm

Senior Member
I am new to using this camera so I am not looking to spend a fortune. Hoping to get one around £60-80, max £100.

Once I have learnt how to use my camera, as currently using auto mode majority of the time but I am fed up of the "pop up flash" and want something brighter.

I eventually want to specialise in baby and toddler photos.
 

SteveH

Senior Member
My 565EX came in at ~£75 delivered, from that well known online retailer named after a rainforest. Don't forget batteries too (4xAA).
 

jen_storm

Senior Member
it took me a moment to guess the retail u were talking about, but I think i have it now! :-D

thank you I will take a look into that brand. I have not heard of it before.
 

WayneF

Senior Member
Re SB-910: A flash that costs well more than the camera body does not seem a necessary choice. :)

Regarding TTL, the camera meters and controls the flash exposure. The flash just flashes (hopefully consistently).
 
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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
If you never owned one, how do you know what you're missing?????
Well, because I'm the office manager for the Fine Arts department at a college, and have been for the last fifteen years, which gives me access to numerous professional photographers every day I'm at work. I've seen, handled and used plenty of Nikon flashes and, based on my experience, I have arrived at the conclusion I am not missing anything with my Yongnuo.

....
 

WayneF

Senior Member
My own opinion is that the SB-800 is the best flash Nikon ever made, and I've had a couple of them for nearly ten years. I love them.

But for $99, the Yongnuo YN565EX is extremely impressive. Yes, there are some rough edges (features not quite right), but all are relatively minor things, easy to handle. The basic performance is awesome, and the equal of the SB-800.

I do regret that the USA has given away all their economic and manufacturing advantages, to Japan and now China, but that is another story.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
Jake, I am unable to access the 468II manual online. A question about the Guide Number in the manual chart.

YN468 II page at Yongnou says GN 33 (meters) and says zoom to 85mm. YN468 (non-II) says GN 58 at 105mm (which matches YN565EX).

Which is it? And what is GN at 24mm zoom?

Zoom range is 24-85mm and with GN 33. That's the only guide number on any of the packaging, so I'm guessing that's what you need.
 

WayneF

Senior Member
The 468 II manual download finally finished from China, glacially slow, I had given up. :) And you're right, for unknown reason, there is no usual guide number chart in it.

So it just says GN 33 (meters), which is GN 108 (feet), so GN 33/108 (m/ft). We are not told for which zoom this applies, so we still do not know anything. The modern trend is to advertise the maximum number for longest zoom. We do need the chart. :)

The YN565EX manual chart shows GN 53/174 for 80 mm zoom (zooms to 105 mm),
and the SB-700 shows GN 35/116 for 85 mm zoom (zooms to 120 mm).

So if assuming GN 33 is for maximum 85mm zoom, then for FX, that implies the 468 II is 1.37 stops weaker than the 565, and barely weaker than SB-700 (at least at 85mm zoom). One stop less is half power, so that is a lot, and it would seem noticeable for most bounce. I am just guessing about the meaning disclosed however... they did not say.



The http://hkyongnuo.com site does say of the YN565:

2), TTL Flash with very powerful guide number

GN58 @ ISO100, 105mm, support TTL, M, Multi mode


I think that would influence me today. It is powerful. The YN565 GN at 24mm is 28/92, which in tests, performs essentially same as (as good as) the SB-800 which says 30/98, and which is saying a lot.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
I have the YN565EX and the YN560 III. Both work flawlessly, and are used in conjunction with a couple of RF-603n II's as triggers. Personally, I'll never go back to the Nikon SB's. I'm even thinking of picking up another YN560 III. These units are awesome!
 
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