Flash for D7100

[hark]

What Wayne wrote about flash brackets and shadows is spot on. I have a Stroboframe bracket which keeps the flash above the lens, and when I asked at my local camera store about the brackets that have the flash to the side, they said what I've got is miles better than the type they had in the store for the exact same reason Wayne mentioned.

As for which flash is best, keep in mind if you want HSS (High Shutter Sync), you will want a flash capable of performing it. Not all flashes will do so--especially when it comes to the Yongnuo brand. And not all Nikon flashes offer it either although the SB700 does.

I have both an SB700 and SB910. Both are terrific; however, I found when bouncing flash off a VERY high ceiling, the SB700 was indicating it couldn't give off enough light even when at full power (there is a blinking light that gives the indication the flash didn't have enough oomph to give adequate lighting). Otherwise, the D700 is an awesome flash.

 

[WayneF]

I have both an SB700 and SB910. Both are terrific; however, I found when bouncing flash off a VERY high ceiling, the SB700 was indicating it couldn't give off enough light even when at full power (there is a blinking light that gives the indication the flash didn't have enough oomph to give adequate lighting). Otherwise, the D700 is an awesome flash.

My experience is that ISO 400 usually works bouncing on 12 foot ceilings with the full powered flashes (SB-910, SB-800), but the SB-700 has a little less power, and ISO 800 probably would help on 12 foot ceilings. Too much ISO starts showing the orange incandescent or green fluorescent indoor lights though.

 

[hark]

My experience is that ISO 400 usually works bouncing on 12 foot ceilings with the full powered flashes (SB-910, SB-800), but the SB-700 has a little less power, and ISO 800 probably would help on 12 foot ceilings. Too much ISO starts showing the orange incandescent or green fluorescent indoor lights though.

That's good to know, but this ceiling was higher than 12 feet--and my ISO was set around 1600. I know what you mean about the incandescent light giving an orange color cast, but I needed the ISO to set the shutter speed at 1/60". It's somewhat dark in there, and the ceiling lights are very high up.

 

[WayneF]

Anyone use one of these comments please. Aperlite YH-500N Professional Flash Flashlight for: Amazon.co.uk: Camera & Photo

I have an Aperlite YH-700, which is a pretty decent flash. My only issue is that the pullout bounce card and pullout wide angle screen fit loosely. The wide screen may drop down by itself (a problem if not noticed), and the pull out card does not want to stay out. A tiny piece of tape can help.
Review of the Aperlite YH-700N Speedlight

The Neweer VK750 II is a very decent flash too (slightly less power capability, same as the Nikon SB-700 is slightly less power). Best bargain for the price. But we can't ever have too much power for bounce flash.
Review of the Neewer VK750 II Speedlight

The Yongnou is always a good bet. YN-565EX or YN-568 have TTL (568 has HSS). Fully powered, all functions work well.

Review of the Yongnuo YN565EX Speedlight


The "best flash" depends, on how you will use it (need bounce? need TTL?), and what camera model you have. For example, a D3x00 or D5x00 model without HSS and without Commander won't have any use for those features.