Pls recommend flash unit for Nikon D50

[dan_aka_jack]

Hi there,

I'm planning to buy a flash gun for my Nikon D50. I'd like to spend no more than about £120. I've been doing a little snooping around on the web and the Nikon SB-600 sounds like a good bet but it's a little old (released 2004) and it takes what sounds like ages to recycle (3.5s). Are there any other flash guns I should take a look at?

Many thanks,
Jack

edit: after a little more research, I have found that both the Nikon D50 and the SB-600 both support i-TTL (for automatic balanced Fill-Flash)

 

[Joe T]

SB600 without a doubt. Nikons flash system is one of the best, and the Creative Lighting System is excellent.

 

[katana6434]

You could always look at the SB-800. It has a few more features and is a bit more powerful. Whether it is worth the extra money over a SB-600 is up to you though.

As said above the Nikon flash system is excellent.

 

[robmiller]

Remember that the recycle time is a complete recycle, not the minimum time between flashes or something. It will only use the full recycle time between shots if you use it at full power, which you almost never will.

 

[dan_aka_jack]

Hi,

Thanks loads for the really quick replies! I had a quick look at the SB-800 and I think it is out of my budget. I notice that it's possible to get external battery packs for the SB-800 to decrease the recycle time. Is it also possible to add an external battery pack to the SB-600?

Thanks,
Jack

 

[Strax]

Hi,

Is it also possible to add an external battery pack to the SB-600?

Thanks,
Jack

I don't think you can, but to be honest I don't think you would need it.
Also I have a SB600 and it recycles faster than 3.5 seconds. As was mentioned in a previous post that will be the absolute maximum. Doing studio shots I was getting the recycle about a second between flashes.

It's a good flashgun and when you decide to move up the range it is wireless ready for use off camera with other compatible cameras with flash commander modes.