Planning to buy Speedlight for my Nikon D3100

eummagic

New member
As per Nikon Indian site, only Speedlight SB-700 seems to be compatible with Nikon D3100. I don't know if there are other models that will suite my camera.

The other question is can D3100 trigger SB-700 wireless? If not, what are the other options.
 

eummagic

New member
Hello all,

I just noticed in this article about the internal flash of D3100 acting as a trigger for speedlight SB600, 800, 900 units. SB-700 is not mentioned in the article so any member who have seen/experienced can pls advise. Also, what is the difference in performance between SB600 & SB-700. If SB-600 can do the job I would prefer as SB700 is expensive.

Link: Nikon D3100 Announced
(under "Commander Mode" heading)

Your advise in this regard pls...
 

PavementPilot

New member
The SB700 is a new flash, just brought out. I would think the 700 would trigger like the others, as Nikon generally keeps inline with what works.

If you are going to trigger your off camera flash with your popup, then it was suggested to me when I asked this, that you use masking tape over your popup to block 95% of the flash. This allows enough flash to trigger the remote, without adding extra light to the shot.
 

Ranie

Senior Member
If you are going to trigger your off camera flash with your popup, then it was suggested to me when I asked this, that you use masking tape over your popup to block 95% of the flash. This allows enough flash to trigger the remote, without adding extra light to the shot.

Actually, you dont have to tape it. You can adjust the output of the pop-up flash on the commander mode. I usually put it at (--) meaning, no significant flash output, only a small flash to trigger the other remote flashes, but wont affect the subject.
 

fotojack

Senior Member
Ranie is exactly right. That's how you do it......from the menu......commander mode.
And eummagic, get the SB-600. It will do the job for you, believe me. :)
 

Curt

Senior Member
I would go for the SB-600 cheaper now and a very good speed light. I have had one for some time and its great. I think the SB-700 is good too, but more pricey.
 

eummagic

New member
The SB700 is a new flash, just brought out. I would think the 700 would trigger like the others, as Nikon generally keeps inline with what works. If you are going to trigger your off camera flash with your popup, then it was suggested to me when I asked this, that you use masking tape over your popup to block 95% of the flash. This allows enough flash to trigger the remote, without adding extra light to the shot.
Thank you for your suggestion.
Actually, you dont have to tape it. You can adjust the output of the pop-up flash on the commander mode. I usually put it at (--) meaning, no significant flash output, only a small flash to trigger the other remote flashes, but wont affect the subject.
Thanks for your input, do you mean by reducing the pop-flash's "Flash compensation" setting to -3?
Ranie is exactly right. That's how you do it......from the menu......commander mode.
And eummagic, get the SB-600. It will do the job for you, believe me. :)
Do you mean the commander mode in the speedlight menu setting or D3100? I am unable find any commander mode setting under flash options in D3100. Can you pls be elaborate for this newbie...
I would go for the SB-600 cheaper now and a very good speed light. I have had one for some time and its great. I think the SB-700 is good too, but more pricey.
Correct, I know SB-700 is pricey and had no options as I thought SB-600 won't be compatible. Then its SB-600 which I will buy...

Dear Gurus,
Can you pls elaborate the steps of configuring the SB-600 with D3100 in layman's language.

1) Option 1: I would like to use SB-600 mounted onto D3100, so what setting I should set in D3100 & SB-600.
2) Option 2: I would like to place the SB-600 behind or side of the subject and would like to trigger it from my D3100 remotely (wireless). What setting to be used on the D3100 & SB-600?

Sorry for my poor understanding....
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
Along with all the great advice you are getting here, you might want to read some of the reviews online from folks that have owned both the SB600 and SB700. The 700 has more features while the 600 is slightly more powerful. The 700 has 3 light distribution modes which to me is worth the $40-$50 more.
 
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eummagic

New member
You would need an external trigger (like PocketWizards) for remote capability. You can order the flash from MPEX.
Thanks for the info...let me check that out. BTW, Is there any hard & fast rules that one should use Nikon flashes with Nikon SLRs?
I agree with Jack. The SB600 is stronger than the new SB700
Thanks for the info...
Along with all the great advice you are getting here, you might want to read some of the reviews online from folks that have owned both the SB600 and SB700. The 700 has more features while the 600 is slightly more powerful. The 700 has 3 light distribution modes which to me is worth the $40-$50 more.
Thank you for the inputs, but SB-700 is actually exceeding my budget as a starter.
 

eummagic

New member
Sorry if you all have overlooked my post #10 at the end...
Dear Gurus,
Can you pls elaborate the steps of configuring the SB-600 with D3100 in layman's language.

1) Option 1: I would like to use SB-600 mounted onto D3100, so what setting I should set in D3100 & SB-600.
2) Option 2: I would like to place the SB-600 behind or side of the subject and would like to trigger it from my D3100 remotely (wireless). What setting to be used on the D3100 & SB-600?

Iam tight on budget and SB-700 is far away from my reach and SB-600 is the way to go. What is your recommendation on using other brand flash with Nikon?
 

Browncoat

Senior Member
Is there any hard & fast rules that one should use Nikon flashes with Nikon SLRs?

It's all a matter of preference. Flash is designed to do one thing: provide light. That's it. There are flashes that provide a bunch of doodads and features, and those that don't. Personally, I don't need all that. Your choices are not limited a Nikon brand flash.
 

Joseph Bautsch

New member
Anthony is correct, you don't have to use only a Nikon flash. There are other flash brands that will work just fine with your D3100. However if you do use another brand that will mount on the camera flash shoe make sure it is Nikon compatible. Some flash brands use a high voltage to trigger the flash. Nikon uses a low voltage as a trigger. That difference is enough to burn out the flash circuitry in the camera. There is a device that will mount between the flash unit and the body that will correct the voltage so that the two can be used together safely. You can use any flash wireless as long as the two are wireless compatible or made so with an external trigger.
 
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