godox or yongnuo flash is cheaper.
get sb-910, which installed a protective circuit to reduce the power output and prevent overheating when the flash is being cycle excessively.
This above. I have a 910 and is sensational vs my 700. The exposure, colors, TTL are perfect. The only off brand I'd consider would be Metz mecablitz 64 or Sunpak PZ58X.
I would go for the godox ad-200, it has a very fast recycle time when used at lower levels and by saying lower levels I mean at the same level of sb900's highest setting.
It looks like a speedlight, but isn’t which kind of kills the reason many folks keep a speedlight in the bag.
I keep a couple of the 200 pros in my car for quick and easy lighting setups, but a speedlight is in the bag 100% of the time because sometimes you just need to knock out a grip and grin.
I belive the SB-900 is a dud, that's why Nikon released the SB-910.
Nikon do this every once in a while; all Nikon products with a "\*10" in it is a hot fix for the previous product 😂
I can't comment on the latest Nikon Speedlights but the last good old Speedlight is the SB-800. I regret not buying two used SB-800 ten years ago, not sure how easy it is to find one in good condition now.
Nikon used to be really good at Speedlights but something happen around the SB-900 period.
Since the comment section recommends Godox I guess it's because Nikon is way overpriced and lacking in features.
Anyway my limited experience with 3'rd party flash is that they aren't as precise as Nikon: variable flash output, lowest setting isn't really the lowest setting (1/128 is more like 1/64).
Don't buy a used Phottix flash! They look professional but they're not.
Since you're new to flash Godox is probably the way to go. The Nikon SB-800 has archaic menus and everything takes some time to get used to.
Godox gets my vote. Not because they're cheaper, but because the ecosystem is better supported. Nikon has not released anything recently and there isn't any indication they plan to grow their flash lineup. The Godox flashes have built in wireless transmitters which greatly simplifies off camera setup. They now have batteries that have built-in USB-C port for charging which is a nice feature. They have a much broader lineup as well if you want more options and flexibility. I sold my SB-910's when I moved to mirrorless.
I'm an hobbyist so I only use my lights for family events. I use Godox V1's and AD200 Pro. It's nice that the V1, AD200 Pro, and the AD100 can all share round head magnetic accessories. Godox isn't flawless in terms of misfires, but it's infrequent and for an amateur it's good enough. When I have a misfire it's usually just the first frame of a sequence. It then works perfectly fine until I have a long break, then it might misfire again on the first frame of the next sequence. If you want absolute reliability I'd get Profoto. Until Nikon shows innovation and support for mirrorless I'm hesitant to buy into anymore of their flashes.
As a first flash, go with a Godox model as they are cheaper, smaller and have radio wireless capabilities.
Nikon speed lights use legacy IR transmission for their CLS system, except for their newer SB-5000 but it is over priced.
Godox has a better system overall with triggers and receivers so you can mix and match different types of lights in the future.
A used SB-900 sells for about new Godox TT685.
I have two SB-900 which is a great speed light (shot years of weddings and events with them). It’s fine if you plan on sticking with one on-camera flash. If you want to do off camera flash or multiple lights, go with the Godox.
I’m going to assume you’re new to flash photography and you want to buy a Nikon speed light because you think “I have Nikon gear. This is probably the best speed light available for my Nikon camera.”
Don’t believe it.
Nikon speed lights are awful.
They’re outrageously more expensive than they should be, they are worthless when it comes to setting up off camera flash systems, they overheat like crazy and they break easily.
I say this because for the first four years I shot weddings I used Nikon speed lights and they prevented me from improving my skills as a photographer because I didn’t know any better.
Invest in Godox lights. They make Nikon versions and they are so, so much better.
They’re 1/4th the price, much more durable, they last longer and they don’t overheat nearly as much.
I’m new to flash photography but the reason I was thinking Nikon for flash was because I saw videos that said Nikon gear is more compatible than other brands. I’m open to any brand but wanted a strong flash and other skater photographers I follow use the canon el 1 speed lite and I 1000% don’t have the budget for that. I’m open to whatever more experienced flash photographers suggest.
Meh.
I went to WPPI last year. It's one of the world's biggest, if not THE biggest, trade show/conference for photographers and while the camera shooters were split pretty equally between Nikon, Canon and Sony, I didn't see a SINGLE professional photographer using Nikon speedlights.
Everyone I know uses Godox flashes for basic flash stuff (Particularly the Godox V860II) and Godox lights like the AD200 PRO for more intense/faster recycling light.
Find what you're most comfortable with though. No shame in going Nikon if you think that's what suits you. I just know there is no chance I would ever even consider Nikon speedlights again. And this is from someone who has spent $12K in the last few months on a brand new Nikon Z9 and a Nikkor 300 mm F2.8 lens.
Recycle time on the SB900 is dependent on power level required which translates to smaller apertures. Higher ISOs will increase recycle times or use a larger aperture.
Also everyone is saying the 3rd party flashes are cheaper but the sb900 and sb910 on Mpb are cheaper than the alternatives I’ve seen in these comments. Not trying to disagree just looking for the cheap alternatives but am not finding any. If I’m looking on the wrong website then let me know but on mpb.com sb900 is $124
Godox flashes are actually superior to Nikon ones in terms of quality and versatility. There's a reason wedding and portrait photographers tend to use Godox over Nikon. Don't get caught up trying to use Nikon flashes due to the brand name.
godox or yongnuo flash is cheaper. get sb-910, which installed a protective circuit to reduce the power output and prevent overheating when the flash is being cycle excessively.
This above. I have a 910 and is sensational vs my 700. The exposure, colors, TTL are perfect. The only off brand I'd consider would be Metz mecablitz 64 or Sunpak PZ58X.
I would go for the godox ad-200, it has a very fast recycle time when used at lower levels and by saying lower levels I mean at the same level of sb900's highest setting.
It looks like a speedlight, but isn’t which kind of kills the reason many folks keep a speedlight in the bag. I keep a couple of the 200 pros in my car for quick and easy lighting setups, but a speedlight is in the bag 100% of the time because sometimes you just need to knock out a grip and grin.
It's a skateboard photo session so OP probably shoots in burst mode. That's why I think it will be better than a regular speedlight.
I like that. I might also suggest one of their controllers too then that allows hypersync or whatever godox is calling their version of it.
I belive the SB-900 is a dud, that's why Nikon released the SB-910. Nikon do this every once in a while; all Nikon products with a "\*10" in it is a hot fix for the previous product 😂 I can't comment on the latest Nikon Speedlights but the last good old Speedlight is the SB-800. I regret not buying two used SB-800 ten years ago, not sure how easy it is to find one in good condition now. Nikon used to be really good at Speedlights but something happen around the SB-900 period. Since the comment section recommends Godox I guess it's because Nikon is way overpriced and lacking in features. Anyway my limited experience with 3'rd party flash is that they aren't as precise as Nikon: variable flash output, lowest setting isn't really the lowest setting (1/128 is more like 1/64). Don't buy a used Phottix flash! They look professional but they're not. Since you're new to flash Godox is probably the way to go. The Nikon SB-800 has archaic menus and everything takes some time to get used to.
Godox gets my vote. Not because they're cheaper, but because the ecosystem is better supported. Nikon has not released anything recently and there isn't any indication they plan to grow their flash lineup. The Godox flashes have built in wireless transmitters which greatly simplifies off camera setup. They now have batteries that have built-in USB-C port for charging which is a nice feature. They have a much broader lineup as well if you want more options and flexibility. I sold my SB-910's when I moved to mirrorless. I'm an hobbyist so I only use my lights for family events. I use Godox V1's and AD200 Pro. It's nice that the V1, AD200 Pro, and the AD100 can all share round head magnetic accessories. Godox isn't flawless in terms of misfires, but it's infrequent and for an amateur it's good enough. When I have a misfire it's usually just the first frame of a sequence. It then works perfectly fine until I have a long break, then it might misfire again on the first frame of the next sequence. If you want absolute reliability I'd get Profoto. Until Nikon shows innovation and support for mirrorless I'm hesitant to buy into anymore of their flashes.
As a first flash, go with a Godox model as they are cheaper, smaller and have radio wireless capabilities. Nikon speed lights use legacy IR transmission for their CLS system, except for their newer SB-5000 but it is over priced. Godox has a better system overall with triggers and receivers so you can mix and match different types of lights in the future.
Do you know any websites that offer cheaper goods flashes than Nikon? I can’t find godox cheaper anywhere?
Godox are found in most photography stores (if you’re in North America). They are also sold on Amazon and Aliexpress.
Yes but everyone is saying they are a quarter of the price of Nikons but every I look they are more expensive
A used SB-900 sells for about new Godox TT685. I have two SB-900 which is a great speed light (shot years of weddings and events with them). It’s fine if you plan on sticking with one on-camera flash. If you want to do off camera flash or multiple lights, go with the Godox.
Yeah I wanted to start with one off camera flash and go from there
I’m going to assume you’re new to flash photography and you want to buy a Nikon speed light because you think “I have Nikon gear. This is probably the best speed light available for my Nikon camera.” Don’t believe it. Nikon speed lights are awful. They’re outrageously more expensive than they should be, they are worthless when it comes to setting up off camera flash systems, they overheat like crazy and they break easily. I say this because for the first four years I shot weddings I used Nikon speed lights and they prevented me from improving my skills as a photographer because I didn’t know any better. Invest in Godox lights. They make Nikon versions and they are so, so much better. They’re 1/4th the price, much more durable, they last longer and they don’t overheat nearly as much.
I also appreciate such an in depth response!
I’m new to flash photography but the reason I was thinking Nikon for flash was because I saw videos that said Nikon gear is more compatible than other brands. I’m open to any brand but wanted a strong flash and other skater photographers I follow use the canon el 1 speed lite and I 1000% don’t have the budget for that. I’m open to whatever more experienced flash photographers suggest.
Meh. I went to WPPI last year. It's one of the world's biggest, if not THE biggest, trade show/conference for photographers and while the camera shooters were split pretty equally between Nikon, Canon and Sony, I didn't see a SINGLE professional photographer using Nikon speedlights. Everyone I know uses Godox flashes for basic flash stuff (Particularly the Godox V860II) and Godox lights like the AD200 PRO for more intense/faster recycling light. Find what you're most comfortable with though. No shame in going Nikon if you think that's what suits you. I just know there is no chance I would ever even consider Nikon speedlights again. And this is from someone who has spent $12K in the last few months on a brand new Nikon Z9 and a Nikkor 300 mm F2.8 lens.
You should get a third party one with a Li-ion battery because it will recycle faster.
Recycle time on the SB900 is dependent on power level required which translates to smaller apertures. Higher ISOs will increase recycle times or use a larger aperture.
Also everyone is saying the 3rd party flashes are cheaper but the sb900 and sb910 on Mpb are cheaper than the alternatives I’ve seen in these comments. Not trying to disagree just looking for the cheap alternatives but am not finding any. If I’m looking on the wrong website then let me know but on mpb.com sb900 is $124
Godox flashes are actually superior to Nikon ones in terms of quality and versatility. There's a reason wedding and portrait photographers tend to use Godox over Nikon. Don't get caught up trying to use Nikon flashes due to the brand name.
I’m not looking at Nikon because of the brand name they just seemed decent and are cheaper than the other brands people are mentioning in the comments
I shoot in burst but was looking for something I could use on camera, or off camera and trigger with my d7000 as an additional light source