Can I Use Any Flash Unit?

[Mentalblock]

Got a Nikon D90 a few weeks back and would like to try some off camera flash.
This may be a complete noob question, but do I have to buy the model the manual suggests or will any flash unit work? I'm sure I've read something about flash units having to be compatible with the body, but where do I find out what is compatible?

I'm thinking second hand on ebay as money is tight at the moment - lots of things I want to buy for the new camera

Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

 

[hairboy]

You don't need any particular flash. As long as they have sync port or hotshoe, they will work just fine. But you can buy Yongnuo YN560 which are really cheap to start off with, quite powerful, goes down to 128th power, and most of all, dirt cheap. You can also look at second hand SB26, 28. They are all good solid flashes. I have many of each, and despite their age, they work perfectly. But 26 is 1 stop increment which can be a bit annoying, as can't fine tune (you have to physically move the distance instead). There are loads of other brands, like Vivitar, Nissin, Quantum, etc, and they will all do fine jobs from what I hear (no personal experience, though).

Just get a light stand, set of triggers - Yongnuo RF602 or the new RF603, hotshoe bracket and you'll have everything to get started. You can buy modifiers to suit your needs when you know what you want.

Have a read on Strobist website. It will teach you EVERYTHING you will need to know.

Enjoy.

 

[lawrie29]

Just make sure you buy one that is not too old if you buy used.

Some flashguns give out massive voltages back to the camera, and can fry the insides of your DSLR!