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11/05/2009 10:44:34 AM · #1 |
What's the difference between a higher end SB-6/8/900 flash for my camera vs. a lower priced Bower SFD680N (just using that as an example)or something for around $100-$150 bucks... All I want is an additional boost of lighting... Is it a bad idea to spend a little less and get the bare minimum or will I regret it... the hubby bought me the SB-600 and it literally sat in it's box for over a year, never touched it.. So, I sold it when I wanted to get a new lens... Plus, the fricken manual on how to use it was as thick as the manual that came with my camera & I'll be totally honest, I was completely intimidated by it...
So, now I want to get a little more light on my camera and I just don't want to spend that kind of dough right now nor do I look forward to learning how to use it.. Basically I believe I would never use it to it's potential, so why am I buying something with all of the bells and whistles.. What are your opinions??? |
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11/05/2009 10:58:12 AM · #2 |
| Does anyone know if the SB-400 will work with the D-80 ??? Seems like it should... |
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11/05/2009 11:10:30 AM · #3 |
I have two flashes that mount to my Canon. A 430ex, which is filled with buttons and switches. Lots of functions I have not learned how to use yet. I also have a smaller and very simple Quantaray XLF-50 that was $99. I frequently use the little one outdoors for fill flash, or when I just want to bounce a little extra light off the ceiling. It's a lot less awkward to keep mounted to the camera.
I think the little ones have their place and would recommend them as a non-intimidating, easy to use first flash. It's about 50% more powerful than the cameras pop-up, and tilts, but does not swivel.
Message edited by author 2009-11-05 11:11:53. |
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11/05/2009 11:25:02 AM · #4 |
The great thing about the SB-6/8/900 series is that when you use them off-camera your D80 (and any other higher end Nikon DSLR with a built in pop-up flash) can fully control the flash while it is off camera -- thus you won't need wired/wireless triggers, and the flash output remains controlled with the TTL system. Looking briefly at your profile you appear to do a lot portrait photography, and going off-camera with your flash can make for much better quality lighting for portraits.
There is actually a very nice book on the Nikon flash system that I checked out of the library based on a recommendation from one of the DPC threads -- it is way easier to understand than the manual.
The Nikon Creative Lighting System: Using the SB-600, SB-800, SB-900, and R1C1 Flashes by Mike Hagen
Message edited by author 2009-11-05 11:36:00. |
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11/05/2009 12:14:43 PM · #5 |
This guy has taught me a lot: Ken Rockwell and this is his huge Nikon review archive.
Plain english manuals for everything including the entire range of SB's and Macro flashes by Nikon.
The original D80 electronic manual can be obtained in PDF here.
EDIT: typo's
Message edited by author 2009-11-05 23:53:01.
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11/05/2009 04:11:08 PM · #6 |
| Ok, thanks for the input... I'm going to look into the book & Ken Rockwell's site.. I seem to go back to him time & time again and find something new about my camera that I didn't realize was there, so not sure why I didn't immediately think of him when this issue came up... |
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