External Flash: Which to Pick

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KevinB

Senior Member
Hello everyone,

I have recently bought a secondhand (6 months old) Nikon D3100, but it didn't come with an external flash and I am fairly certain I am in need of one. I am currently stuck in my choice as I am limited in budget and knowledge, but rich only in enthusiasm.

Some extra information:
- I own 2 objectives: the standard kit lens and the 35mm F1.8g nikkor lens
- I use a Lowepro Slingshot 102 AW camera bag

Purpose of my camera:
- vacation photos (nature, historical and cultural sights, outdoor)
- indoor fullbody model photos (poor to average lighting conditions)
- indoor events (poor to average lighting conditions)

The fullbody model photos are the most important ones for selecting my external flash.

I have three options:
- Secondhand Nikon SB600/700 (depends on luck, but below 175)
- Yongnuo YN 468 II (roughly 100 euros)
- Yongnuo YN 565 EX (roughly 150 euros)

I worry about one thing on the Yongnuo YN 468 II. I have read several tests that the power of the flash is not very impressive, but I am 100% clueless on what amount of light I need for my beginner/amateur antics. With the Yongnuo 565EX I am not worried about the power at all, but I heard it is very large compared to other external flashes. Would this cause the set to become a freak of nature when I try to use it on a small frame such as the D3100? A secondhand Nikon would be fine as well, but if I get more bang for buck with a Yongnuo, I'll sell my soul to the chinese without hesitation.
 
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RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
I will be interested in hearing the comments you receive. I have been looking at the same yongnuo (468II). I had read a couple reviews that spoke favorable and for the price I think it adds enough light for what I need. (Larger indoors areas than my living room, some Bounce for portraits and outdoor fill). I have not sprung yet, but it is on my list.

Pat in NH
 
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Phillydog1958

Senior Member
i don't have anything against non-Nikon brands, but I'm partial to using Nikon products. I'd recommend the SB600 or 700. They're great products. The SB700 is much more user friendly, when compared to the SB600.
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
If I were buying a flash I would get an SB700, save longer and get the best for your needs. I have the SB400 which is great for fill or for shots inside a house, but not a larger venue.
 
K

KevinB

Senior Member
I am noticing a large favoritism to Nikon gear, but the odds of me finding a good deal with secondhand Nikon gear would be far lower than finding a new Yongnuo flash from a trustable retailer. So I would really love to know more about the Yongnuo options. Particularly the power of the flash on the YN 468II and the size of the YN 565 EX on a D3100.

As I really want to stay below 150 euros if possible and I doubt that will be the case if I try to buy secondhand Nikon gear.
 
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Tami Jo

Senior Member
I have yet to purchase a flash...but its on my list. I too will be curious to see all the recommendations. I have heard a bit about Nikons line. Not sure which is right for me. SB400, SB 600 SB 700, or a different brand even. So much out there to chose from. I dont believe Id use it all that much but who knows.

Sent from my SGH-T959V using Tapatalk 2
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
As I've always recommended before, and always will...can't beat the Nikon SB-700. If budget is an issue, I'd spring for the Yongnuo 565.
 
K

KevinB

Senior Member
According to the website that was linked the Yongnuo 468 has a power output of 26,5. Is that enough for indoor photography? It will be mostly regular roomsizes I figure. I would also love an answer on the question RockyNH just laid down :p
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
Compare the two in these links. It's the best way I know to show the differences. I stick with my choice of the 565.

Yongnuo YN-565EX Wireless TTL Flash for Nikon | ThePhotoGadget.com

http://thephotogadget.com/en/content/yongnuo-yn-468-ii-i-ttl-flash-nikon

I'm not saying the 468 is bad. Of course it isn't! I'm just saying MY choice would be the 565. Just a personal preference. Ultimately it's up to the buyer to do their homework and research on the flash of their choice, and go with what's best for their particular needs. I just feel the 565 is a better flash and a better deal for the money.
 
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RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
fotojack said:
Compare the two in these links. It's the best way I know to show the differences. I stick with my choice of the 565.

Yongnuo YN-565EX Wireless TTL Flash for Nikon | ThePhotoGadget.com

http://thephotogadget.com/en/content/yongnuo-yn-468-ii-i-ttl-flash-nikon

I'm not saying the 468 is bad. Of course it isn't! I'm just saying MY choice would be the 565. Just a personal preference. Ultimately it's up to the buyer to do their homework and research on the flash of their choice, and go with what's best for their particular needs. I just feel the 565 is a better flash and a better deal for the money.
Click to expand...

Jack, thanks for the reply and comments... Please note I was not questioning your choice/opinion, in fact I respect yours! That is why I was asking, not to question you but to understand your logic & reasoning... Thank you!

Pat in NH
 
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Just-Clayton

Senior Member
I went cheaper to start> I got the sunpak PZ42X. TTL and Manual functions. I have been using it for over a year. Just have to give it TLC due to the plastic mount. I then got the sb700. I do a lot of off camera flash and I can use the Pz42x as a trigger.
 
Topher

Topher

New member
I have the SB-600, and have used the SB-700 on a few occasions. I would definitely recommend either one of these. The 700 is nice because it can be used as a commander if your camera isn't capable of doing lighting ratios as part of the CLS system. The SB-600 is also nice too though. It functions flawlessly on and off camera for me, and has enough power for just about any normal situation.
 
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madcapmagishion

Banned
I went with the Yongnuo YN560 mainly because it was only $51 (£31.62) w/free shipping from Amazon. (I didn't want to spend $300-400 on a Nikon Flash only to mess it up)
I know nothing about using a flash, as I have never used any but the on camera ones on my old D3100 and my "new" D90. So I guess I will be learning about it pretty soon as the UPS man just dropped it off at my door about 1/2 an hour ago.

Here's the specifications on the YN560;

Brand: Yongnuo
Model: YN560
Circuit Design: Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)
Guide No.: 58 Meters (ISO 100, 105mm)
Flash Mode: M, S1, S2
Zoom Range: 24, 28, 35, 50, 70, 80, 105mm
Vertical Rotation Angle: -7~90 Degrees
Horizontal Rotation Angle: 0~270 Degrees
Power Supply: 4×AAsize Batteries (Alkaline Or Ni-MH Are Usable)
Lighting Times: 100~1500 Times (AA Alkaline Cell Used)
Recycle Time: Approx 3s (AA Alkaline Cell Used)
Color Temperature: 5600k
Flash Time: 1/200s~1/20000s
Flash Control: 8 Levels Of Output Control (1/128~1/1), 57 Levels Of Fine Tuning
External Interface: Hot Shoe, PC Port And Eternal Charging Port
Wireless Triggering Distance: 20~30m Indoor, 10~15m Outdoor
Additional Features:The Electronic Flash Head Zooming, Sound Signal,
Automatically Saving Setting, PC Port, Power Saving Mode And Over Heat Protection

Bill. K
in FLA.
 
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F

fotojack

Senior Member
RockyNH said:
Jack, thanks for the reply and comments... Please note I was not questioning your choice/opinion, in fact I respect yours! That is why I was asking, not to question you but to understand your logic & reasoning... Thank you!

Pat in NH
Click to expand...

Pat, not to worry, I did not take it as your questioning me. :) Not at all. I just gave the best answer I knew. :) In fact, I'm rather glad you asked. It's all good, bud. :)
And you're very welcome, by the way. :)
 
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