Which flash to buy? Please be gentle ;-)

[r2160]

Hi all

Just thinking about getting a flash. Some of my pictures could use its addition.

What do you all suggest, the 600 or the 800?

If I got the 600 to start, I believe that I am able to get it to work with the 800 later.

I have no doubt that you all have opinions on this!

thanks
Glenn

[birddog114]

Hi all

Just thinking about getting a flash. Some of my pictures could use its addition.

What do you all suggest, the 600 or the 800?

If I got the 600 to start, I believe that I am able to get it to work with the 800 later.

I have no doubt that you all have opinions on this!

thanks
Glenn

Go for the SB800! The best of the best! Alternatively, grab one of the landing light of the Robin, it'll cover all.

[Killakoala]

You'd be best getting the 800 as it doesn't cost that much more but is much much better. IMO

[Oneputt]

I recently bought the SB800 and it is a very nice little unit. However do not expect any help from the manual. It was written with the express objective of confusing readers.

[sirhc55]

With the price differential it’s a no call - SB800

[fozzie]

r2160,

'SB-800' without question IMHO, as only AU$160 differential.
You may not use all the functions now, but as you advance, they are at your finger tips.

Cheers,

[huynhie]

You have only got 2 to choose from and there is not much difference in price, so get the sb800 and never have to worry about upgrading in future

[redline]

if your after shear power/money ratio
the sunpak 383gn is about 40 is very good for about ~70usd.
it has auto and manual modes. great for beginners flash user.
however if you decide to use the diffuser dome it may need some practice to get use to setup correctly.
i used it for year on my f717 then d70 but i upgraded to the sb-800 because i need to use fill-flash quickly and without fuss.

pros:
great tool for learning
cheap
undecdiated so can be used for future camera
quick to change bounce head position- unlike the sb-800 lock feature
(try changing the head with one hand next time:( )
great for bounce effects due to high gn

cons:
diffuser head may need getting use to. adding a few extra stops e.g
meter only goes to 1000iso
a bit slow for ppl who don't like changing setting when on the go e.g diiferent conditions = new settings
a bit hard to calulate fill-flash - requiring a few test shots to nail. unlike sb-800 spot on first time

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... 799&is=REG

[birddog114]

Redline,

I can change the head of the SB 800 by one hand

The Sunpak is cheap but could not communicate with other Nikon Flash or with the built in flash on the D70, and it's hard to use than the SB800.

The Sunpak can't shoot in iTTL.

For the price of US$70.00, You better buy the SB800 for AU$460.00 and it will work with all other Nikon camera.

For AU$460.00 you have more peace in mind with future lust.

[r2160]

No, I must admit I am really liking the nikon gear so I guess I will take everybodies advice and just get the SB800

I will probably pop over in the morning if thats OK Birdy

Once again you come through

Glenni

[birddog114]

No, I must admit I am really liking the nikon gear so I guess I will take everybodies advice and just get the SB800

I will probably pop over in the morning if thats OK Birdy

Once again you come through

Glenni

Glenn,
Pop in tomorrow and grab the flash.

[redline]

Redline,

I can change the head of the SB 800 by one hand

The Sunpak is cheap but could not communicate with other Nikon Flash or with the built in flash on the D70, and it's hard to use than the SB800.

The Sunpak can't shoot in iTTL.

For the price of US$70.00, You better buy the SB800 for AU$460.00 and it will work with all other Nikon camera.

For AU$460.00 you have more peace in mind with future lust.

yeah i founded it quite cumbersome to unlock then turn head position on the 800.
maybe cos i got real use to the 383 for years, it felt more natural.
although it can't communicate to other nikon flashes it can still slave using a wein peanut slave attached or a pw. Using your histograms you can manually adjust your settings to correctly exposure. Like i said, its a good flash to begin with, it doesn't have any bells or whistles of the sb-800. but if i was ever to short in money and needed a flash the 383 would be my first choice, ppl wanted to learn bounce, diffusion effects.
but now i shot quick and on the go i don't have time to calculate fill or time to a do test shots. so the good old 383 sits behind the sb-800. as a backup flash, cheap one too.

[Aussie Dave]

just wondering where the figure of $460AU comes from for an SB800 ?

Aussie Dave

[MCWB]

Imported from HK.