What type of flash should I get?
I have a Nikon D3000 camera and desperately need an additional flash. Although I enjoy photography, I don’t know very much about the technology. I looked at a few Nikon Speedlights, but I heard they were not very dependable. I would like a powerful flash that is very cost effective.
Whoever told you that Nikon speedlites are not reliable… is not reliable. Seriously, that is just flat out ignorance speaking.
And for the poster above… I can also guarantee that Sigma flashes are NOT “much better than” the Nikon stuff. They are cheaper, but not better. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
Having said all that, you have 3 (maybe four) good options, and a LOT of not-so-good options.
1. Nikon Flash. Avoid the SB-400… just not worth the cost. The rest, the SB-600/700/800/900, are outstanding options with your camera.
2. Even after what I said above, the Sigma 530 ST or 530 Super. Same amount of power for both, the Super has more bells and whistles. The ST version is about $150.
3. Metz 48 AF-1, 58 AF-1. If you haven’t heard of Metz, don’t worry. They’ve been making flashes as long as there has been such a thing, and they are quite good at it. The Metz 48-AF1 is more powerful than the Nikon SB-600, does everything it does, and only costs about $225. The Metz 58 is more like the SB-800, at about $400. There is even the little Metz 36 at right around $100.
The 4th would be something from Sunpak, another company that has been making flashes for a long time… but they have quite a few models, some are good, and some aren’t.
You can search any of the major photo retailers, like Adorama or B&H, and search on flashes. All of them would then allow you to specify Nikon iTTL compatibility, and then sort by price. You will see a LOT of flashes below the $100 mark, and will be sorely tempted to buy one. Resist! With only a few exceptions, they will be junk. The Nissin Di622 would be one such decent cheapie.
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