First flash

[kluisi]

So...at some point in the near future I would like to buy a flash to replace the D7000's pop-up. I have kind of narrowed it down to the SB-700 ($327) and the Yongnuo YN-565EX ($113).

The features that I am struggling with are HSS and external power. I get HSS with the Nikon, but not with the Yongnuo. Likewise, I get external power with the Yongnuo, but not the Nikon. I can upgrade to the Yongnuo YN-568EX ($185) to get HSS but then it looks like I would lose the external power. Seems that the only way to get both is to upgrade to the SB-910 ($547) which seems like a pretty substantial jump.

Are there other options out there that offer iTTL, HSS, and external power? If not, which feature would be best to sacrifice? Which flash would everyone suggest for a complete flash (and lighting in general) newbie?

Thanks.

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[Pretzel]

Are you going to be running marathon photoshoots with hundreds of flashes needed? The Eneloop rechargeables handle a mess load of flash cycles before needing recharged, and are easy to swap out fairly quickly. The reason I ask is: You label yourself as a newbie. If I had to give up one feature, it would easily be chosen as the external power, but that's just my opinion.

Of course, I love my SB-700, so I might be biased.

 

[Mike150]

Like Pretzel, I'm biased
I've never run out of battery power with my SB-700. Four spare AAs don't take much room in my carry bag either

 

[WayneF]

So...at some point in the near future I would like to buy a flash to replace the D7000's pop-up. I have kind of narrowed it down to the SB-700 ($327) and the Yongnuo YN-565EX ($113).

The features that I am struggling with are HSS and external power. I get HSS with the Nikon, but not with the Yongnuo. Likewise, I get external power with the Yongnuo, but not the Nikon. I can upgrade to the Yongnuo YN-568EX ($185) to get HSS but then it looks like I would lose the external power. Seems that the only way to get both is to upgrade to the SB-910 ($547) which seems like a pretty substantial jump.

Are there other options out there that offer iTTL, HSS, and external power? If not, which feature would be best to sacrifice? Which flash would everyone suggest for a complete flash (and lighting in general) newbie?

There are wants, and there are needs. I'm wondering what a "newbie" seeking a "first flash" needs with either HSS or an external power port? You have many more things to learn about using flash first.

HSS has very limited use. It runs at only about 20% power capability, and the only use is for wide aperture in sunlight (for bokeh in outdoor portraits, etc). How necessary is that? You would never consider using HSS indoors. Speedlight mode runs circles around HSS, power, range, speed...

And (assuming maybe not every flash uses maximum power), it ought to do a few hundred flashes on one AA battery charge. You can't spend $10 to carry a second set of batteries? (you probably will never use them)

Either mentioned flash can do remote wireless flash with the D7000 commander, so you're in the right ball park.

My own experience is that I have had two SB-800 for nine years. These do HSS and accept external battery pack. I have never done either (other than non-meaningful playing with HSS to learn its capabilities). So I think you can get along great without either.

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

I am another SB-700 user. Using iTTL takes very little battery power most of the time. You would have to shoot a lot of flash photos in the dark to run out very fast and 4 spare AA batteries don't cost much or take up much room.

I have heard a lot of good things about Yongnuo flashes but I really like the Nikon name on mine.

 

[weebee]

I was thinking about spending $$$$ on a flash, but bought a simpler, lower price flash that works very well for my needs and I used my saved funds for other items. And, as already stated, you can buy good rechargable batteries and keep spares in your bag. I bought a 60.00 SunPak flash. It's TTL, not a speed flash, but recycles in a few seconds. Some day I'll run with the big dogs. But for now I'm happy to stay on the porch and take baby steps on getting used to this stuff.

 

[Mfrankfort]

I have a 565 and a 568. 1 has HSS, 1 has external. I've used High speed sync plenty of times outside in the sun, but never once have I had the need for a battery pack. I carry 2 extra sets of batteries, just in case. I love both flashes. For just 1, I'd recommend the 568.

 

[kluisi]

There are wants, and there are needs. I'm wondering what a "newbie" seeking a "first flash" needs with either HSS or an external power port? You have many more things to learn about using flash first.

Im definitely aware that HSS is an advanced feature and that therevare more basic things that I'll have to learn first, but I don't want to buy equipment that matches what I know now (very little) then quickly out grow it because it didn't have a feature I would need down the road.

Thanks everyone for the info on how long the rechargeables last in the SB-700. It sounds like the external power really isn't as necessary as I thought it might be. I was thinking I'd be burning through batteries left and right. Definitely sounds like if I'm going to sacrifice a feature to make it the power and get the HSS, which means the SB-700 or the Yongnuo YN-568EX. Any opinions on whether the Nikon is worth the extra $150 (almost)?

Also, just a couple of follow-ups on the batteries...eneloop are the best for these flashes right? And I will get a couple hundred iTTL shots from each fully charged set under normal conditions right? How long does a set take to charge? How long do they last when not taking pictures (and is there a difference in storing charged eneloops in flash or out of flash)?

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[Pretzel]

YES. The Eneloop Ni-Mh rechargeable batteries are the best rechargeable batteries to get, period. The number of flashes is dependent on flash settings, but a couple of hundred at normal power/settings is reasonable, I'd think. They have quite the long shelf life in flash or out, too. The charge time depends on the charger you're using, but I just use the standard slow chargers and keep a couple of sets charged. Faster chargers are available, and there is a WEALTH of info on the batteries if you'll search "Eneloop" here on these forums!

As far as the difference between the SB-700 and the Yongnuo, I wouldn't be able to offer much of a comparison, as I've never considered or used the Yongnuo. I love the SB-700, though, and although some say it has a larger learning curve than others, with hard to access features/menus at times, I've never found it to be all that hard to use or learn. *shrug*

 

[rocketman122]

So...at some point in the near future I would like to buy a flash to replace the D7000's pop-up. I have kind of narrowed it down to the SB-700 ($327) and the Yongnuo YN-565EX ($113).

The features that I am struggling with are HSS and external power. I get HSS with the Nikon, but not with the Yongnuo. Likewise, I get external power with the Yongnuo, but not the Nikon. I can upgrade to the Yongnuo YN-568EX ($185) to get HSS but then it looks like I would lose the external power. Seems that the only way to get both is to upgrade to the SB-910 ($547) which seems like a pretty substantial jump.

Are there other options out there that offer iTTL, HSS, and external power? If not, which feature would be best to sacrifice? Which flash would everyone suggest for a complete flash (and lighting in general) newbie?

Thanks.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

the 3 flashes you listed are very fast recycle wise. HSS is a very useful feature and I recommend you get a flash that has it. its fantastic for creating shallow DOF pictures outdoors. at minus 1 or so it adds great lighting for racoon eyes outdoors. dont get a flash without it. HUGE plus!

the 565 is a great flash but personally the 568 is better as the HSS is more useful than the port. btw, FYI, yongnuo replied to me in a message that they have a new 568 II in testing phases that will also work as a master for wirelsss cls. so take it into consideration. this was a month ago. not sure when itll get released. they might include a battery port as well although he didnt mention it.

I buy from these guys. not affiliated at all. just happy with their service. $168 shipped.
Yongnuo YN568EX FP Sync Up To 1/8000s Flash For Nikon | ThePhotoGadget.com

I have both the 568 and the SB700. Im now looking for another used SB700 and Im looking to sell my 568. because I have the SB800 which will do all you want. they can be found for around $250 used. very nice flash. UI is a bit more cumbersome than the others. but no biggee.

you obviously know of the SB900/910. if you have the money and the need for the 20' of extra flash power then go with that. for me, meh. you are DX but for me, bumping the iso another stop to 6400 if I need it.

these are what I have. I use the SB28, metz and 560III for off camera fill flash at weddings. Im now going to sell the 560III the 568. they are great flashes but need to trim my collection a bit. Im getting a battery pack for the SB800 and SB28 for off camera flash and I will find another used SB28 as well. I need the fast recycle, but its not as important than having pwoer for the whole wedding. tired of running to each to change the batteries. I want to do it once for the whole event.

 

[kluisi]

Thanks rocketman. Very useful information.

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