External Flash: Which to Pick

[pistnbroke]

you certainly dont want the 560 as its not iTTL bad buy...

I use all the guns mentioned....I use the SB400 on a flash flipper for all my wedding work from small detail to big groups its fine and because its close to the lens and always above the lens the shadows are minimal to none. you will do no good with a flash in the std bracket unless its pointing up and bouncing.
The yn 465 is a great gun 468 is same with different controls but heavey and furthur from the lens. The yn 565 is the most powerfull on camera gun you can get but very heavy ...charges fast with the SB18 .
what you all forget is that only Nikon SB 600 and above can be used as a master flash to trigger multiple units via it IR output .you cannot use a YN though you can use them as slaves ( not optical slaves ,,IR slaves) So if you want to go multiple you need a minimum of a SB 600

 

[Vaughany]

Hi Guys,

I've only used the in camera flash so far so am looking for something to replace this as I hate the shiny look coming off the images when used. I've looked through this thread and see the Yongnuo YN560 as an option (or the 468 or the 560 II or the 560 EX....), I've done loads of internet research to try and work out what is best for me but I am starting to get very confused by some of the technical terminology that I don't understand and can't get used to as I don't have an external flash to play around with. Kind of a catch 22....

I was wondering if people would be able to advise me on the following:

• Am I right to assume that when attached to the camera, any of the flashes above will work as the built in flash does with the ability to alter power and the angle of the flash (enabling you to "bounce" off of walls/ celings)
• The 560 has a slave mode which allows it to work as an off camera flash via the sensor on the front. This cannot be used with the D3100 however as there is no commander mode (and if this is correct is there something you can use to make it work as a commander).
• Would the 560 be a good flash to have when out and about (photographing work/ social events) or is it tricky to use quickly on the fly and best suited to people with studios?

I apologise if these are really basic questions I am just getting a touch confused!

 

[pistnbroke]

the yn 560 is a bad choice as its not... iTTL

the yn 465 or 468 is a great gun not quite as heavy as the 565 and power is of no consequence as you just turn the iso up .....

the yn565 is a great powerfull gun but heavy and only Nikon guns SB600 and above support comand mode ..the YN guns will not as there computers dont talk to the Camera.

Personally I use the SB400 for all my weddings as its light and close to the lens so reducing shadows ..I always use a flash flipper to keep the flash over the lens .

You can only use the bigger guns in bounce mode unless you want shadows...must always be pointed at the ceiling even if the camera is in portrait position ... a dome on the top is essential with a hole cut in it to let extra light up to the ceiling....if there is one !!! you must have one of these to keep your flash on top.....can be found slightly cheaper but they are all the same even if they come from adarama a 5 xthe price....
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flash-Rot...ories_CameraFlashUnits_JN&hash=item19b4ce60d1

 

[Vaughany]

Thanks for the advice!

Electronic Speedlight Speedlite flash flashgun for: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

So this is what you would recommend. I've had a look and it appears to be a good on camera flash which I can take around with me (has iTTL which is nice as means I won't have to fiddle as much). Is it powerful enough to still be able to bounce?

With this one however am I correct to assume that if I get to the point where I want to be using an off camera flash this will not work as well as the others? Or have I misunderstood entirely?

Thanks in advance!

 

[pistnbroke]

That is the yn 465 I have two ..great gun works fine ..shuts off after 30 sec of non use and you think its died but hit the button on the camea and its on the job.
also has a very nice easy to use manual function ..no buttons just a nice knob. cannot be used off camera but will trigger othere flashes with S1 S2 mode

The 468 would be a better buy as it incorperates S1 and S2 modes that can be fired by your on camea flash

 

[Vaughany]

Cheers for replying again One last question though...

Say for example I get this flash now - if I did want to expand to using off camera flashes could I get a YN-560 and trigger that off the YN-465 attached to the D3100 without the need to buy extra gizmos?

If so that makes it very appealing as it will mean I don't have to replace it as I expand my skills I could incorporate it into a future set up.

 

[pistnbroke]

yes you got it you can use it to fire other guns.

as a general guide to other readers ...guns that are Nikon/ Cannon/sony etc are probably not iTTL always look for the iTTL and Nikon compatibility in the spec.

 

[Vaughany]

Thanks a million for all the help! I'm going to get ordering as I am off to see my family this weekend and would love to get some nice photos of them, hopefully I can now!!!

 

[Vaughany]

Okay then, I have gone for the YN-468II. It has all the features of the 465 plus is usable as a slave flash.

Once I get some pictures if anyone is interested I will post some up. (Only annoying thing is there is no quick delivery so I have to wait a week or so and will miss out on getting some family pics this weekend).

 

[pistnbroke]

now when you get it fit to shoe and point at ceiling..rotate head so the narrow side is towards you ( yes thats right) thats how you use it for landscape.. now turn your camera for a portrait shot...now flip the head 90 deg to point at the ceiling again....just one simple movement .....
now I bet no one on here is doing that
bet you all doing two twists to go from landscape to protrait.....