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Budget Speedlight Flash for Nikon

Started Nov 21, 2018 | Questions thread
Mark H U Regular Member • Posts: 495
Re: Budget Speedlight Flash for Nikon
1

Diswantsho wrote:

Rasmuscool99 wrote:

Hey!

I'm looking for a budget speedlight flash for Nikon cameras. I'll only use it for macro photography, where I use the Sigma 105mm F2.8 as my main lens.

I hope you can recommend some flashes and maybe point out the most important features/things for a speedlight flash in macro photography.

-Rasmus

If you have budget constraints, consider second-hand. I still use a SB-800 on my D800 for macro work. You can also look at something like a Nissin i40 or i60, but I haven't tried it.

If you buy a standard flash like the Nikon SB-800, 700, 600, 910 etc, consider that the flash from the camera must reach between your lens and subject. This means that the flash as you buy it, might possibly shoot over it, or the lens might throw a shadow on the subject. So you would perhaps add a softbox that extends in a tube in front of the flash over the lens and directs the rays at an angle down on the subject, so the light rays hit the subject more from above than from the front. Just google "DIY macro softbox".

If you get really seriously into macro, consider a twin flash. Nikon makes one (I hate it and use the Canon flash instead if not my SB 800), and there are also some off-brand options. This positions the flash on the lens tip to illuminate the subject. With a bracket, you can also move one of the two flashes to the side, top, etc, and be more creative with lighting. I use the Wimberley F-2, but RRS, Kirk and others also make ingenious macro brackets. Look at the weight of the bracket - it can make the total setup with flash and lens rather heavy. There is also ring flashes on the market, but I would not get that as it is less flexible in being creative with lighting than the twin flash - and for the money I would rather stay with a normal flash and softbox instead. I find I prefer the twin flash more for work beyond a 1:1 magnification, whilst the normal flash is fine for 1:1 and larger work. My issue with the Nikon SB-R200 is that the infra red signals and direct sunlight do not always work together. The canon has cables and never miss a shot, but I have no TTL due to the differences between Nikon and Canon.

Also think how serious you are. You mentioned getting equipment dedicated only to macro. Therefore, I recommend a twin flash (or perhaps two Nissin i40's on a twin bracket). The benefit of the normal flash is that you still have it for other purposes as well, so it is more flexible.

I totally agree with Diswantsho regarding the SB-800, very good flash with remote capabilities.  I real double flask or ring system is good if you save for it, otherwise you may get something inferior.

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-- Regards, Mark

 Mark H U's gear list:Mark H U's gear list
Nikon D50 Nikon 1 J2 Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro +4 more
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