Z8 and on camera flash

[Jon wood]

Hello all

My trusty old SB 700 has finally given up the ghost. So im now in the market for a new unit for event work. Ideally I need quicker recycle times and slightly more powerful. Im drawn to the SB 5000 as im used to the Nikon system, but the price is slightly holding me back. So, any other recommendations please?

A few of my peers use Godox, one swears by them, the other swears at them !!

Any pointers greatly appreciated

Jon

 

[ajr images]

I have a Profoto A1X that normally works fine both on the camera and off the camera with the Profoto triggers. However it sometimes misbehaves, so also I have a SB-5000 that I can rely on, but doesn't proved access to the various modifiers that are part of the Profoto system.

The Profoto units make the SB-5000 a bargain in terms of cost.

There is a Nissin flash that is apparently designed to work with Nikon but I haven't seen any reports as to its level of compatibility.

 

[LukeP_Photo]

I think some of it depends on whether or not you just use flash on camera for event photography, or also use, or plan to use off camera flash as well. In the latter case, it's wise to pick an on camera flash that can integrate easily as part of system of flashes that you use. Picking an on camera flash that is the same brand as the other off camera strobes will often allow you to use the on camera one as a commander and a flash. I personally use Westcott gear so I have a couple of FJ80 strobes that I've been happy with. The Profotos mentioned is a solid choice but certainly not inexpensive. I know a lot of people who use Godox and have heard similar mixed stories. But in general, a lot of people use Godox with good success.

 

[LCohen777]

Westcott FJ80 II is good too.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1823348-REG/westcott_4790n_fj80_ii_m_universal.html

 

[Fullframer]

Hello all

My trusty old SB 700 has finally given up the ghost. So im now in the market for a new unit for event work. Ideally I need quicker recycle times and slightly more powerful. Im drawn to the SB 5000 as im used to the Nikon system, but the price is slightly holding me back. So, any other recommendations please?

The SB-5000 is a quality unit that will give you years of usage and compatibility.

A few of my peers use Godox, one swears by them, the other swears at them !!

They are very hit or miss... sometimes wrong exposures.. failure rate is much higher than any Nikon unit. Never go wrong with an SB-5000.

Any pointers greatly appreciated

Jon

 

[Gabe H]

I myself do not trust on camera 3rd party flashes. ITTL is complex and can be hit or miss when reversed engineered. Stick with Nikon. If you are open to used gear, good condition Nikon sb900 can be had inexpensively.

 

[Franz Weber]

I highly recommend you to have a look at the new Godox V480 . This is next genertaion flash technology which an intuitive touch interface, lio ion battery and USB.C charging.

It also serves both as master and slave and is smaller than most of it‘s peers.

--
This column is intended for something inspiring, something meaningful or at least something that makes any sense at all. I‘ll work on it.

 

[Michael Gebauer]

I use Godox on-camera flashes for both Fuji and Nikon. These are the Godox V1 and Godox 685. My experience with them has been good. Since the flashes can be controlled remotely, using them with the appropriate trigger on my Fuji and Nikon cameras is no problem. In addition, the battery life is very good. The only aspect I don’t find particularly well executed is the firmware update process. The software defaults to Chinese and requires special approval for installation because the drivers are not certified. For that reason, I use a separate “sacrificial system” dedicated to running this software.

Regards
Michael

 

[HyperCypher]

Exact opposite experience. All three of my SB 700 are failed. Typically zoom stops working, then control wheel becomes irrational. Sent two back to Nikon years ago for stuck zoom A few years later they failed again. That’s when I began buying Godox. At this point Godox is a huge complete eco system - soup to nuts.

None of my Godox gear has failed in any way…full stop. I have two 300s and two 860s and various triggers. TTL and manual work without fault. I run many different configs and really don’t have problems at all. Operational tip - Godox TTL is +3/-3 Nikon is +1/-3. Lift your setting to +1 if you perceive under exposure

Plus incredibly more convenience and stamina from the lithium batteries. Nikon speed lights are Stone Age by comparison At an event an 860 will typically go all day on camera on a single battery. By comparison you’ll be on your second, maybe third set of AAs with a Nikon light and that’s four! batteries you have manage now,

 

[Hal Wilson]

I myself do not trust on camera 3rd party flashes. ITTL is complex and can be hit or miss when reversed engineered. Stick with Nikon. If you are open to used gear, good condition Nikon sb900 can be had inexpensively.

I second this. I've not had much success with 3rd party units. Tried a couple of things before getting fed up with a total lack of reliability, and just spending the extra for a Nikon flash. I now have two SB700s, two SB400s, and a set comprising 3 SBR-200s and two SU-800 optical commander units. I've never felt the need for anymore power, but I'm not shooting big studio type affairs. If I were doing that regularly, I'd go for the ProFoto gear I reckon, rather than say an SB5000 or one of the older SB900/910s. But for you, it seems those would be ideal really.


Whilst Nikon speedlights are expensive, they are also very well made. Very reliable and durable ime, and I've been using Nikon flashes since my film days, back to the early '90s. I tried a 'Calumet' branded flash; was also sold under other brands, and whilst it worked ok on camera, it was useless off, in spite of the marketing spiel claiming it was 'fully compatible' with Nikon's iTTL CLS. That was returned and exchanged for something else, can't remember, but that proved very flaky on camera so went back as well. Also have a Mieke branded small flash; that was ok with my D600, but never great; it would occasionally stop working and require removing from the camera, batteries removed and replaced etc, before it would work again. That doesn't work at all with my Z cameras. The main problem with 3rd party units is that they are made to work with difference systems, so there are inevitable compromises in the electronics etc. A Nikon flash will work with Nikon cameras, you can guarantee that. Peace of mind really is worth the extra.

 

[Spiderfoot]

I have been a Nikon flash user since the SB 24, and am a big fan of there speed,ignts. I have a stable (5) of SB 800 flashes that work great. I have replaced tubes on 2 of them myself, 2 for $10 on eBay. Thayer can be found fairly cheap too. I picked up 2 barely used ones a few months back for $50 and $60 each. But these are getting up in years and I recently picked up an SB 5000 in a Nikon refurb sale with a 3 year warranty. It takes a little to get used to after years of SB 800 use, but it is a really capable flash with great features. Not that I wasn’t happy with the 800’s, but I feel that I get more consistent results when using it with my Z8.

 

[Satyaa]

I never bought a camera brand flash because they were always expensive for me. I also use a flash about once a year. So, some of what they offer may not be important to me.

I now use two Godox 685II units on stands as slaves. I use TT350 units on camera as triggers (one Panasonic model and one Nikon model). For anyone using multiple brands, this is a big advantage. Any brand compatible Godox flash can be used with its camera as trigger and all the others in slave mode.

These work well for my needs. I didn't choose them for speed, which other models in Godox line up offer.

--
See my profile (About me) for gear and my posting policy. My profile picture is of the first film camera I used in the early 80s, photo credit the internet.

 

[24Peter]

https://www.adorama.com/fplfx100n.html

Flashpoint X100 TTL - excellent on camera iTTL performance, 100 watt sec output, rechargeable Li Ion batteries, nice build quality. For me the days oF 3rd party ITTL in-compatibility are long gone. Get one of these and don't look back.

 

[Fullframer]

Exact opposite experience. All three of my SB 700 are failed. Typically zoom stops working, then control wheel becomes irrational. Sent two back to Nikon years ago for stuck zoom A few years later they failed again. That’s when I began buying Godox. At this point Godox is a huge complete eco system - soup to nuts.

Thats because SB700 are consumer grade. You don't use them For any events/pro /wedding shoots, you would be using SB5000. Never had an issue with my SB5000's, one of which is now almost 9 years old and still used.

None of my Godox gear has failed in any way…full stop.

Good for you... stories I hear in the field are totally diff... With people going back to the Nikon. Lot more duds with Godox. Quality control. it's why they are cheaper, you get what you pay for.

I have two 300s and two 860s and various triggers. TTL and manual work without fault. I run many different configs and really don’t have problems at all. Operational tip - Godox TTL is +3/-3 Nikon is +1/-3. Lift your setting to +1 if you perceive under exposure

Nikon with Nikon creative control is ready to go out of the box.

Plus incredibly more convenience and stamina from the lithium batteries. Nikon speed lights are Stone Age by comparison

Wrong. SB5000 is not Stone Age.. LOL. yeah ok... and will still work 9 years from now and be backwards compatible with Nikon cameras. Good luck when Nikon changes firmware and Godox suddenly doesn't properly work.... True story... You have to go back to Godox for a solution. Godox. has terrible customer service.... compared to Westcott/Nikon, etc.

At an event an 860 will typically go all day on camera on a single battery.

You hope... You must not take alot of pics than... Godox is rated for 480 flashes on each $49.00 lithium battery. You do need to carry at least 2 of those batteries with you for a wedding... AA's in my SB5000 I can get same 480 flashes out of... Those Godox Lithium's will fail in 2-4 years of usage like any lithium does... you have replace them again at $49 a pop. Godox lithiums don't last as long longevity as Nikon sourced OEM batteries.

By comparison you’ll be on your second, maybe third set of AAs with a Nikon light and that’s four! batteries you have manage now,

Correct, I go through about 2-3 sets of AA batteries at a wedding, but they are cheap and always full charged. 15 cents each per unit at warehouse clubs... in bulk. They last as you know many years in the package. I can buy them anywhere in an emergency, full ready to go. The same can't be said if your Proprietary godox Lithium runs out, you are done... you going to sit there for 2 hours and charge it? LOL. I had Godox off camera lights.for portrait sessions. never again, cheap garbage, bad customer service. Basically throw aways... Many other brands, (cost alot more , but you get what you pay for)

 

[Fullframer]

I myself do not trust on camera 3rd party flashes. ITTL is complex and can be hit or miss when reversed engineered. Stick with Nikon. If you are open to used gear, good condition Nikon sb900 can be had inexpensively.

I second this. I've not had much success with 3rd party units. Tried a couple of things before getting fed up with a total lack of reliability, and just spending the extra for a Nikon flash. I now have two SB700s, two SB400s, and a set comprising 3 SBR-200s and two SU-800 optical commander units. I've never felt the need for anymore power, but I'm not shooting big studio type affairs. If I were doing that regularly, I'd go for the ProFoto gear I reckon, rather than say an SB5000 or one of the older SB900/910s. But for you, it seems those would be ideal really.

Whilst Nikon speedlights are expensive, they are also very well made. Very reliable and durable ime,

Exactly, you get what you pay for. Or you can pay 1/2 price for a 3rd party that will not last as long, or have firmware issues when Nikon changes theirs. Too much of a hassle, and very bad should an issue arise at a paid wedding/event. No thanks, I will stick to the real deal.

and I've been using Nikon flashes since my film days, back to the early '90s. I tried a 'Calumet' branded flash; was also sold under other brands, and whilst it worked ok on camera, it was useless off, in spite of the marketing spiel claiming it was 'fully compatible' with Nikon's iTTL CLS. That was returned and exchanged for something else, can't remember, but that proved very flaky on camera so went back as well. Also have a Mieke branded small flash; that was ok with my D600, but never great; it would occasionally stop working and require removing from the camera, batteries removed and replaced etc, before it would work again. That doesn't work at all with my Z cameras. The main problem with 3rd party units is that they are made to work with difference systems, so there are inevitable compromises in the electronics etc. A Nikon flash will work with Nikon cameras, you can guarantee that. Peace of mind really is worth the extra.

Exactly.

 

[Hal Wilson]

Exact opposite experience. All three of my SB 700 are failed. Typically zoom stops working, then control wheel becomes irrational. Sent two back to Nikon years ago for stuck zoom A few years later they failed again. That’s when I began buying Godox. At this point Godox is a huge complete eco system - soup to nuts.

Thats because SB700 are consumer grade. You don't use them For any events/pro /wedding shoots, you would be using SB5000. Never had an issue with my SB5000's, one of which is now almost 9 years old and still used.

See; we have no idea how these SB700s are being treated. My two have been fine for years, with loads of use. One is about 12 years old I think. And they definitely aren't 'consumer grade'; there's no such thing with Nikon flash equipment, it's all excellent quality stuff. The more expensive 'flagship' flash units such as the SB900/910 and the SB5000 have extra features such as being able to use external battery packs, built-in wireless flash control (radio rather than optical) in the SB5000, etc. Even my tiny SB400's are of the same build quality as a SB5000 or 900/910s.

Plus incredibly more convenience and stamina from the lithium batteries. Nikon speed lights are Stone Age by comparison

Wrong. SB5000 is not Stone Age.. LOL. yeah ok... and will still work 9 years from now and be backwards compatible with Nikon cameras. Good luck when Nikon changes firmware and Godox suddenly doesn't properly work.... True story... You have to go back to Godox for a solution. Godox. has terrible customer service.... compared to Westcott/Nikon, etc.

And try getting a replacement battery in a range of places globally. AAs are universal, you can find them anywhere. Plus you can use rechargeable AAs.

At an event an 860 will typically go all day on camera on a single battery.

You hope... You must not take alot of pics than... Godox is rated for 480 flashes on each $49.00 lithium battery. You do need to carry at least 2 of those batteries with you for a wedding... AA's in my SB5000 I can get same 480 flashes out of... Those Godox Lithium's will fail in 2-4 years of usage like any lithium does... you have replace them again at $49 a pop. Godox lithiums don't last as long longevity as Nikon sourced OEM batteries.

By comparison you’ll be on your second, maybe third set of AAs with a Nikon light and that’s four! batteries you have manage now,

Correct, I go through about 2-3 sets of AA batteries at a wedding, but they are cheap and always full charged. 15 cents each per unit at warehouse clubs... in bulk. They last as you know many years in the package. I can buy them anywhere in an emergency, full ready to go. The same can't be said if your Proprietary godox Lithium runs out, you are done... you going to sit there for 2 hours and charge it? LOL. I had Godox off camera lights.for portrait sessions. never again, cheap garbage, bad customer service. Basically throw aways... Many other brands, (cost alot more , but you get what you pay for)

 

[Fullframer]

Exact opposite experience. All three of my SB 700 are failed. Typically zoom stops working, then control wheel becomes irrational. Sent two back to Nikon years ago for stuck zoom A few years later they failed again. That’s when I began buying Godox. At this point Godox is a huge complete eco system - soup to nuts.

Thats because SB700 are consumer grade. You don't use them For any events/pro /wedding shoots, you would be using SB5000. Never had an issue with my SB5000's, one of which is now almost 9 years old and still used.

See; we have no idea how these SB700s are being treated.

True! They could been banged around/dropped (one of main culprits for flash failures). Lots of heat/ raid fire.. although the SB700 has thermal protection..

My two have been fine for years, with loads of use. One is about 12 years old I think. And they definitely aren't 'consumer grade'; there's no such thing with Nikon flash equipment, it's all excellent quality stuff.

Yes, I should have re-phrased that.... the SB700 is a decent flash... What I meant is.. It's (mid-range "Nikons own marketing") flash. If you are going to be doing a pro wedding/event photography esp in dimmer/darker venues you would want SB900/SB910/SB5000. I have an old SB600 from 2004... 21 years old.. that still works ok... Even can be used on mirrorless Z's...

The more expensive 'flagship' flash units such as the SB900/910 and the SB5000 have extra features such as being able to use external battery packs, built-in wireless flash control (radio rather than optical) in the SB5000, etc. Even my tiny SB400's are of the same build quality as a SB5000 or 900/910s.

I will nicely disagree with you there... SB400 (decent flash, I have one) internals/circuits are not to the same standards as SB5000/900/910. Big boys.. have more power and can take many more. flash recycles /faster before failing or shutting down.

Plus incredibly more convenience and stamina from the lithium batteries. Nikon speed lights are Stone Age by comparison

Wrong. SB5000 is not Stone Age.. LOL. yeah ok... and will still work 9 years from now and be backwards compatible with Nikon cameras. Good luck when Nikon changes firmware and Godox suddenly doesn't properly work.... True story... You have to go back to Godox for a solution. Godox. has terrible customer service.... compared to Westcott/Nikon, etc.

And try getting a replacement battery in a range of places globally. AAs are universal, you can find them anywhere. Plus you can use rechargeable AAs.

Exactly...

At an event an 860 will typically go all day on camera on a single battery.

You hope... You must not take alot of pics than... Godox is rated for 480 flashes on each $49.00 lithium battery. You do need to carry at least 2 of those batteries with you for a wedding... AA's in my SB5000 I can get same 480 flashes out of... Those Godox Lithium's will fail in 2-4 years of usage like any lithium does... you have replace them again at $49 a pop. Godox lithiums don't last as long longevity as Nikon sourced OEM batteries.

By comparison you’ll be on your second, maybe third set of AAs with a Nikon light and that’s four! batteries you have manage now,

Correct, I go through about 2-3 sets of AA batteries at a wedding, but they are cheap and always full charged. 15 cents each per unit at warehouse clubs... in bulk. They last as you know many years in the package. I can buy them anywhere in an emergency, full ready to go. The same can't be said if your Proprietary godox Lithium runs out, you are done... you going to sit there for 2 hours and charge it? LOL. I had Godox off camera lights.for portrait sessions. never again, cheap garbage, bad customer service. Basically throw aways... Many other brands, (cost alot more , but you get what you pay for)

 

[John N G]

My choice was very much influenced by the following video which I thought gave great, in-depth, insights into five non-Nikon options.

The Best Speedlight/On-Camera Flash For Sony, Nikon, Canon

In the end I opted for the Neewer Z2-N because I use flash infrequently and appreciated that its user-interface was markedly different to the others in a way that would make it easier to pick up after a period of non-use. And that has proved to be the reality of it for me. There is now a newer [sic] Neewer Z2PRO-N as an uprated alternative.

 

[Gabe H]

Plus incredibly more convenience and stamina from the lithium batteries. Nikon speed lights are Stone Age by comparison

Wrong. SB5000 is not Stone Age.. LOL. yeah ok... and will still work 9 years from now and be backwards compatible with Nikon cameras. Good luck when Nikon changes firmware and Godox suddenly doesn't properly work.... True story... You have to go back to Godox for a solution. Godox. has terrible customer service.... compared to Westcott/Nikon, etc.

And try getting a replacement battery in a range of places globally. AAs are universal, you can find them anywhere. Plus you can use rechargeable AAs.

Exactly...

I would argue rechargable AAs are better suited for speedlight. Lithium, besides cost and local availability, hates heat. Nothing degrades lithium battery more than heat. Heat comes from 2 sources: internal resistant of the battery, and flash bulb. During rapid shooting, both souces heat up very fast. Inside the small plastic body, heat has nowhere to dissipate. If the plastic housing feels hot, the inside is a lot hotter, with the lithium battery cooking in the oven. That battery will degrade rather quickly.

Rechargeable AA, on the other hands, are cheap and easy to find. They offer much faster cycle time vs alkaline AAs, and almost, or just as fast as lithium. Endless supply of cheap backup alkaline batteries available everywhere. Rechargeable Eneloop AAs are the best in the world and can be had for less than $2/cell.

 

[Jon wood]

Westcott FJ80 II is good too.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1823348-REG/westcott_4790n_fj80_ii_m_universal.html

Thank you, Westcott seem a bit thin on the ground in the UK but will check this out.

Jon