Which flash to go with my new D5100

Just bought a D5100, got a bargain from the London Camera Exchange came with 18mm-55 lens and 55-200mm lens +strap and bag for £449.

After years of being a Pentax SLR (film) man this is my first digital camera.

I would like some advice on which flash to buy the problem is I'm on a pretty tight budget so I'm wondering about the possibility of rather than buying say a SB-400 if I might get more flash for money by buying something like a metz

That said I am wary of "mix and match" equipment

Advice from more knowledgeable people than I would be very much appreciated.

for what it's worth, I bought a nissin di466 and that was excellent, however, I took it back and bought a metz 44 af-1 as I found myself wanting a swivel head. It's even better, a GN of 44 (that's all I need) and the photos come out very evenly lit. Quick recharge time and full TTL.

I paid £118 for the metz.

SB400
Nice neat compact....I carry mine all the time. A great flash


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Patrick Molloy said:

SB400
Nice neat compact....I carry mine all the time. A great flash

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I know it is a great little flash Patrick my son has one, but the one thing you can't do is "swivel the head" it can only be pointed upwards.

That's the main reason I'm still undecided.

Look at YN 468ii for nikon. It's only 100$ on amazon. I heard good things about it. I am about to pick one up too.

Thanks Damian I'll check it out

No problem. Friend just picked one up for his canon t2i. And he loves it. Just make sure you get one for nikon if you decide.

I've been considering flash possibilities as well.

Looks like I'll have to see if Amazon (Canada) offers the same great option.

Thanks again, Damian.

SB-400 is a great little flash (with it's limitations), but worth keeping in your arsenal for when you want to travel light and think you might need a flash.

Other then that, not sure about non-Nikon brands, but the SB-700 is next in line (if you want new), and with current cashback offer in the UK, you could pick one up for £185 end cost.
Course that depends if you're willing to stretch that tight budget just a little bit more.

Alternatively, ride out the next 4-5 weeks, and see if you can pick up a bargain at the Focus on Imaging show

Thanks SS381,

Already decided after many hours researching, SB700. Ordered it yesterday £209 less £25 cash back = £184 +postage

Was that from UK Digital Cameras?

Glad you went with the SB700.

For others: Someone on the board had said in another thread that using third party flashes on camera you run the risk of the flash back feeding into your cameras flash circuit and it could damage it.

Figure the cost of repair on a flash circuit, you might as well spend the money on a Nikon brand flash for on camera for piece of mind.

As for "mix and matching" third party speedlights, personally I don't have a problem PROVIDED they are used off camera.

Just make sure your camera has Commander Mode and the speedlight(s) your buying take advantage of Nikons TTL system.

If your camera does not support Commander Mode your going to need radio triggers to fire any off camera speedlight, and if the speedlight does not support TTL your going to have to adjust your speedlight(s) output by hand.

I have two third party speedlights I use off camera that I have to fire with radio triggers and the speedlights do not support TTL.

My two cent worth, but what do I know.

I also just grabbed a sb-700. I think you will be pleased.

Pat in NH

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SS381 said:

Was that from UK Digital Cameras?

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Yes it was, just got email it has been shipped by express

Let me know when you get it please - they said they were 99% sure it was UK stock so I didn't order off them, but if it is, then I'll be placing an order with them. (Should have a Europe/UK warranty card).
Otherwise I'll have to wait for Amazon to come back down to £212 (hopefully before Monday's final day to get cashback).

Just this minute got word from carrier it will be delivered monday 21st, I'll post info as soon as it arrives.

SS381 said:

Let me know when you get it please - they said they were 99% sure it was UK stock so I didn't order off them, but if it is, then I'll be placing an order with them. (Should have a Europe/UK warranty card).
Otherwise I'll have to wait for Amazon to come back down to £212 (hopefully before Monday's final day to get cashback).

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Just got delivered SB700 warranty says Europe BV. I don't know what that means exactly is it good or bad?

I think that should be fine - check with Nikon direct, but looks like £25 cashback will be all yours