Which flash gun for a Nikon D5000?

[foreign_lauren]

I am a keen amateur photographer with a Nikon D5000. I would like to get a flash gun to use a some social events, but I have NO idea which one. I hear you get what you pay for with flash guns, but I'm not a pro, so don't want to spend hundreds on one. Can anyone suggest a flash gun which is compatible with Nikon D5000 and will be adequate for photography at parties, outdoors, etc.. Much appreciated!

[Fraucha]

Without spending hundreds like about $500 for the SB900, look at the Nikon SB400. I keep one in my pocket when I am not lugging the SB900 around. $120.

See Nikon SB-400

[vandergus]

For me, an SB-600 is the lowest I'd go. The swivel head gives you the ability to bounce the flash behind you or to the side and get more appealing, directional light. The SB-400 only let's you bounce off the ceiling, which is better than the pop-up flash, but not a whole lot. I use an SB-600 on a D40 for stuff similar to what you're looking for and have been pretty happy with the results. You can get a used SB-600 for ~$175 US or the new SB-700 (replacement for the SB-600) for ~$300 US. Not sure what the UK market looks like.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by vandergus

For me, an SB-600 is the lowest I'd go. The swivel head gives you the ability to bounce the flash behind you or to the side and get more appealing, directional light. The SB-400 only let's you bounce off the ceiling, which is better than the pop-up flash, but not a whole lot. I use an SB-600 on a D40 for stuff similar to what you're looking for and have been pretty happy with the results. You can get a used SB-600 for ~$175 US or the new SB-700 (replacement for the SB-600) for ~$300 US. Not sure what the UK market looks like.

Gotta agree with vandergus on this one.....

[Aegea]

I agree with vandergus and scooter - the SB-600 is probably the best bet for a capable but relatively inexpensive flash. I like mine.

[Fraucha]

Got ya, I totally forgot the 600 since I sold all of mine and picked up some 900's. Yes, if you can find them they are great! Looks like new ones are available at Amazon UK for about £215.

[inkista]

Try this list:

Flash for Nikon - Nikon speedlights and cheap alternatives | Speedlights.net

While I'm with everybody else in saying that blowing the extra cash to get an OEM speedlight is probably the better course, particularly when it comes to future compatibility, if you're on a tight budget, and you're not expecting a lot of your flash, there are cheaper options out there. Just understand that because you want to use the flash on-camera in event type situations, the better the integration between your camera and your flash the easier it will be to get what you want. Nikon, obviously, has the inside track on knowing how their cameras and flashes talk together. 3rd party companies are duplicating Nikon's features by reverse engineering. So future compatibility is not as assured as with Nikon gear.

In particular, I'd also add a slight warning that if the low-low prices of the Yongnuo flashes are beckoning, be aware that their build quality/consistency can be an issue. While they offer warranties and honor them, you will be buying through eBay and returning to Hong Kong. Some folks find this not worth the savings; others do.

[Fraucha]

I agree with inkista.

I have been a Nikon shooter for 41 years and have tried some cheaper flash alternatives but have found that going OEM is really the best way. Even if it costs a bit extra, in the long run, it has always been worth the extra wait to afford the OEM. Aside from Pocket Wizards and memory cards, the only non-Nikon products I use on my cameras are Tokina lenses. (Tokina/Hoya was started by ex-Nikon engineers looking to fill a void).

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Fraucha

... I have been a Nikon shooter for 41 years and have tried some cheaper flash alternatives but have found that going OEM is really the best way. Even if it costs a bit extra, in the long run, it has always been worth the extra wait to afford the OEM. ...

However, had the OP been interested in hobbyist Strobist shooting, I'd probably say go for the cheapie-cheap YN flashes. For the price of a single SB-900, you could have a key/fill/rim wireless setup. With stands and umbrellas. It all depends.

For a first speedlight, I tend to recommend OEM top-of-the-line, simply for flexibility. You can use it on and off camera, with and without TTL, inside or out of CLS for wireless commanding, and the best bounce capability evah for on-camera use. But for a second or third light, then needs can change pretty drastically, and an OEM flash might be a waste of money, depending on how you plan to use the flash.

With cheap radio triggers that only allow for manual command, TTL/CLS function could be very expensive features you never need, because you can't access them, anyway.

[Fraucha]

Yeah, I think the SB-900 price is pretty high :-(