Nikon v Sigma Flash Guns

[Ken1974]

Hi guys

I'm a D40 user with a 18-135 lens.

I'm about to buy a sigma 105 macro lens.

I also want to buy a flash gun.

I'm torn between the following:

Nikon SB400, SB600 and SB800 and Sigma EF 500 DG ST, EF 500 DG Super, EF 530 DG ST, EF 530 DG Super.

The more expereinced people I've spoken to all recomend the SB600.

I know this is not strictly elements but I could really do with some tips.

Thanks.

Ken

[Not4wood]

Ken,

It really depends on what you want to shoot. The SB600 is what I've also been looking at. It is versatile, communicates with the Nikon and you use it off camera whether you are using a flash bracket or hand holding. The SB800 is more money but also can be used as a control center for the wireless communication if your going to add more strobes to the mix. This would be a good way to setup a Studio situation with more strobe banks. But, starting with a sb600 and then if you want to add you can always get a sb800 later.

Sorry, I am not familiar with the other strobes you mention. I have an old Vivitar 283, and I've been able to test it using one of the Hotshoe to Hotshoe adaptors so I can protect my camera from the higher voltage that the old 283 puts out.

[Ken1974]

I'll probably be going for the SB 600, maybe even SB 400.

K

[lexcell]

Ken,
I would definitely stick with Nikon brand for your flash. I have seen several folks who have third party flashes all of a sudden have compatibility issues with new cameras. By sticking iwth the manufacturer, the problem is much less prevalent.

The SB-600 is an excellent flash. I'd compare the output and overall features of the flash to make sure it will do what you need... for example...if you want it to shoot macro, you may want to upgrade to the SB-800 where you can dial the power down for close up flash work and to better control the flash effect. You don't want the image to look "flashed" you want the image to look pleasing by throwing some additional light from a flash into the mix. The SB-800 does give you the ability to control the output more than the oher models.

[Not4wood]

Laurie,

I thought that the Nikon D80 also had the ability to control the power levels of the SB600 from the camera? Now your confusing me....

[lexcell]

Mark,
My bad...I was only thinking of the flash capabilities as a stand alone....you are correct that you can control the output on the SB-600 if you are using the D80 in commander mode and firing it remotely. Good catch!

[Not4wood]

Originally Posted by lexcell

Mark,
My bad...I was only thinking of the flash capabilities as a stand alone....you are correct that you can control the output on the SB-600 if you are using the D80 in commander mode and firing it remotely. Good catch!

You are so funny. I am in overload between learning the D80 and also Elements. At the same time for the past several days I have had a problem with my eyes. At first I thought I had something in my right eye. To make a very long story short I went to work anyway and by lunch my eye wasn't any better. So, I had gone to my Eye Doctor on Wednesday and also cancelled my Dentist appointment for that evening. This morning both of my eyes were now giving me problems and I had gone back to my Doctor this afternoon where she actually gave me several different drops for my eyes including get this "Roids for the Eye" besides a duhhhh antibiotic and something else besides an artificial tears as a wash. The three are 3 times a day and the wash is every hour. Way too much... with trying to read at the same time .... Thast not going to good, after doing the wash my vision is blurry. Speaking of which I have to do the Wash again. Later..............

[Not4wood]

Originally Posted by lexcell

Mark,
My bad...I was only thinking of the flash capabilities as a stand alone....you are correct that you can control the output on the SB-600 if you are using the D80 in commander mode and firing it remotely. Good catch!

You are so funny, It was a lucky spot.

I am in overload between learning the D80 and also Elements. At the same time for the past several days I have had a problem with my eyes. At first I thought I had something in my right eye. To make a very long story short I went to work anyway and by lunch my eye wasn't any better. So, I had gone to my Eye Doctor on Wednesday and also cancelled my Dentist appointment for that evening. This morning both of my eyes were now giving me problems and I had gone back to my Doctor this afternoon where she actually gave me several different drops for my eyes including get this "Roids for the Eye" besides a duhhhh antibiotic and something else besides an artificial tears as a wash. The three are 3 times a day and the wash is every hour. Way too much... with trying to read at the same time .... Thast not going to good, after doing the wash my vision is blurry. Speaking of which I have to do the Wash again. Later..............

[Whiplash-GT]

Ken..

the SB-600/800 is a nice flash...but none you have listed will work off camera w/o some form of remote (i notice you have the D40..it has no built in controller like the D80 and up), just a heads up

imo, as noted above the 800 will act as a controller should you wish to add other flashes down the road..BUT one will have to be ON-CAMERA
an option would be to get the SU-800 and use that to fire remote flashes, be they 600s or 800s....if i remember correctly the 400 can't be controlled remotely, it's on-camera only so pretty much useless as you expand your "system"

[lexcell]

Whiplash,
Thanks for pointing that out. It's definitely something to think about when adding external flashes to the mix.