Guide me regarding Flash Unit for Nikon d3100 ?

[deepan123]

I am beginner in photography just learning stuffs.Just got my Nikon d3100 +kit lens a month back.I would like to try out some flash photography,trick photography,water droplets,.So i need flash for it.I dont want to spend much on it since i am just in practice phase.Later once i exp in it i dont mind spending more..

So i came through this flash hot shoe battery operated

YY BY-18 Electronic Flash (5600K)
CY-20 Camera Flash Speedlite (2 x AA)
Digital Pro Slave Flash - Black (2*AA)

1.>Will these be compatible to my nikon d3100
2.>How to trigger them
3.>Is it possible to trigger them remotely

Help me out pls

[ccting]

Interesting topic..and thanks for your link... wow cheap.
1st not adjustable.. seems like no different with pop-up flash..

[Gaurav Prabhu]

The flashes could be remotely riggered via a sync cord & a hotshoe adapter(which site on your camera hotshoe & the cord connects to the flash). If you don't want wire hassles, you can get a RF trigger & receiver set which works decent even for the cheap ones. I would say instead of getting cheap flashes to learn, invest in a good flash as it will last you for more time, if not lifetime.

Check out Vivitar 285HV, which is a cheap & a powerful flash to begin with. I use one myself.

Vivitar 285HV Flash 233965 B&H Photo Video

Some folks are even selling these out to get new automatic TTL flashes, so hunt for a bargain to save further.

Another excellent choice as a starter flash would be Yongnuo 460 II, it has TTL for making your life easier.

Yongnuo Manual Flash YN460-II - Gadget Infinity

Third flash to check would be Sunpak PZ42X,

Sunpak PZ42X TTL Shoe Mount Flash PZ42XC B&H Photo Video

Also if you plan to get Vivitar flash, ensure you get 285HV & not the older 285. The older one can damage your camera due to its high triggering voltage.

[Doug Sundseth]

I really like the Lumopro LP-160. Lots of options for triggering, including built-in optical slave (for when you get a second flash or for use with the pop-up), intuitive controls, and a reasonable price.

[Jonbar18]

I suggest you ignore those. Among other things, they can't rotate, which makes it impossible to control/bounce flash effectively, leaving you with an oversized pop-up flash. I can tell you are on a budget, so I recommend the YN line. Check out this thread for some more info. If the YN 467 is still too expensive, there are similar ones that go for cheaper, if you are willing to give up TTL

[inkista]

I know the low price seems really attractive, but I'm with everyone else. Get a real flash, not a toy. Look for one where you can manually control the power output and that has tilt and swivel capability. Those small flashes are good if you don't have a built-in flash, or you need something small and portable, but they're really really limited.

I'd actually think about getting the all-manual Yongnuo YN-560. It's about $65-$70 on Amazon. It's all-manual, but can be used on the camera hotshoe, and has built-in optical slave modes, so you don't have to buy a triggering system; you can pop it with your camera's built-in flash. You might be able to find a YN-460 II on eBay for $40-$50, but chances are that you'll then be dealing with shipping to Hong Kong if the copy isn't good.

[ccting]

wait wait wait, YN is producing new speedlites almost every 3-6 months.. ;D wait for the prices drop..
;D. Now come with YN468 Mark II and YN 560 Mark II. I believe the prices are dropping ... Soon, YN will capture the world !!! Never buy heavy things from overseas, the postage is extremely expensive. I ever tried to buy a cheap lightstand which priced USD24. It ends up with USD 90...USD5x for postage...