a good budget flash

[kb93]

I'm looking for a good flash unit that is less than $100. I have a nikon d90 so something that is compatible with that. It doesn't need to be fancy just enough to do some off camera lighting to brighten shadows.

Thank you =)

[kirbinster]

I think you are going to go a little higher. $100 will only get you an SB-400 which won't work off camera (except with a flash cord) and is really almost no better than the pop-up on your camera. You can find a used SB-600 (which is a great unit) for about $150.

[kb93]

Is there a real big difference between the 400 and the 600? And I've never use a sync cable before, is there a real downfall about those?

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by kb93

Is there a real big difference between the 400 and the 600? And I've never use a sync cable before, is there a real downfall about those?

There is a huge difference in both power output and features. The SB600 will work with the Nikon CLS which lets you use your D90 with the popup acting as a commanded to tell the SB-600 how to fire when it is off the camera. You can either have the pop-up add light or not add light depending on what you are trying to do. A sync cord works well, you just have to deal with a cable which can be a pain in the rear. Do a little research on the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and you will see that the SB600 is a much better value based on what you will be able to accomplish with it.

[kb93]

I'll think I'll go with the SB-600 then. Is it hard to set up the off camera flash ?

[kirbinster]

Its not hard, but the manual is a little cryptic. If you search there was a good post not long ago on this board how to do it. Basically you go into the camera menu and change the flash set up from TTL to commander. You can then either set the output manually or use TTL for the SB-600. You are also not limitted to the normal sync speed and can us FP mode where you can shoot at the maximum shutter speed of the D90 to light your subject and freeze motion while gettin a mostly black background. You will be amazed at some of the things you will be able to do.

[kb93]

Thank you so much for your help. Would you know of any good tutorials or how to use guides on techniques for beginners with that flash and would
It be a good idea to get 2 Or would that be over kill for just the on location shoots outdoors?

[kirbinster]

There are lots of good videos on youtube and Nikons Dtown online "TV" show has some info too. Remember Google is your friend for stuff like this. You could probably get by with one considering you were looking to spend only $100 to start with, but two would give you more flexibility. When you use two you can even set them up as separate groups and control the power levels differently to each.

[ccting]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

I think you are going to go a little higher. $100 will only get you an SB-400 which won't work off camera (except with a flash cord) and is really almost no better than the pop-up on your camera. You can find a used SB-600 (which is a great unit) for about $150.

My friends who are professional wedding photographers, said Nissin di622 mark II is better than SB600, much cheaper, and more powerful (GN) than SB900. its optical trigger has no problem under bright suns and work together with on-camera flash at slave mode!. You can fire 4 times continuously within 1 second (vs 5 for SB900). I believe you can get a new one under $100 ($150 SB600 > $100, a conflict that you address). If i am you, I will get YN560, which is half the price of nissin di622 mark II. Buying 2nd SB600/800/900 is a great risk