Help

[BazEP]

I don't normally do this as I normally know what I want and am normally good at researching etc but I'm going round in circles about the best way to get in to using flash. I have a d300 and have only ever used the inbuilt flash. I want to get more in to portraits and the like and want to learn how to use flash lighting.

I had thought I'll just save up my pennies and go for an SB600/800 and learn how to use it and that would do me, but after much book/web learning I have really confused myself what I should be looking for. I've read the sticky about the different types of lighting etc which has just confused me more. So from the SBxxx's I then thought I should go for some 602 triggers and buy a cheapy flash to start with and have a play and then maybe add another one or two cheapies as I need (Younguo's, Sbxx's?). Then I started thinking, what if I need to use the flash on camera at events or for just my normal photos would the cheapies still work?

I've managed to discount studio lights for now but I reckon I will want to use these/invest in the future.

SO, what would you recommend as the best starter for me?

My budget is probably around the £200 mark at the moment for the intial kit buy.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[Roadkill_6mm]

I use canon (and previously Olympus) and went through something similar.

I started off getting a flash which was compatible with the camera so it could use ettl, hss etc. This was the Metz-af48 on the Oly and 430exII on the Canon.

Once I had that I just added bits and pieces, I bought a cheap younguo and some cheap radio triggers to experiment with off camera. Then added a brolly and a soft box with stands later.

Like you I might go the whole hog with studio flashes later but cant justify the expense at the minute. What I have is fine for now as I'm still experimenting!

Personally I start off like I did with a decent flash that's tailored to your camera, it's amazing the difference just being able to bounce the flash makes when doing portraits. Then just add bits and pieces of kit as you go.
I wouldn't get a cheapy flash as your main one, better to have at least one quality one to begin with.

Regards

Neil

 

[glynh]

Buy a Nissin DI866 professional flash. Its the more powerfull than the nikon heads and is fully compatible for ttl if you want to use it on the hotshoe. You should easily get one for £200.
i have both the Nissin and a sb800. in my opinion the Nissin is far easier to use.

 

[HoppyUK]

Your first flash should always be a good one, full auto/manual functions and high speed sync facility. It will be good for everything, whearas the cheapies are one trick ponies.

If you then want to add more flashes, add cheapy manual Yongnuos if you like, with something like RF-602 triggers, and you're away with the strobist malarky. They will all play nicely together

 

[BazEP]

Thanks guys, that's helped a lot.

I'll probably go for the sb800, although I'll have a look at the nissin jobby.

Ta v m

 

[glynh]

Your first flash should always be a good one, full auto/manual functions and high speed sync facility. It will be good for everything, whearas the cheapies are one trick ponies.
:

The Nissin does everything the SB800 does and is more powerful. I'm thinking of selling my SB800 and buying another Nissin.