Flash for D600

[BRuhling]

I've been interested in picking up a strobe for my D600. I know that an on camera unit won't compare to a studio strobe, but I don't want the bulk as I'm not doing this for a profession. Does anyone have experience with any of the clones (e.g. Meike or Nissin) of the Nikon? I've been hesitant to pull the trigger because the SB-910 is pricey and I don't know enough about the others to judge, although I've recently read good reviews of the Nissin Di-866 Mk II.

I envision myself using it less often on the body and more as a fill/bounce off camera by using the CLS capability.

Thoughts?

 

[fast14riot]

For third party I have been looking at the Phottix Mitros. Its supposed to give a serious fight against the SB-910 and has a two year warranty. For full manual, consider the LumoPro 180. The Mitros is half the cost of a 910, plus it has a 1/8" sync jack and the 910 has only PC cord sync.

Comparing the three on paper, I just don't see the point in getting a Nikon. If I didn't score such a sweet deal on my SB-800 I would have gotten one of those.


-Xander

 

[Legion]

Should be able to pick up an SB-900 at a pretty good price?

I've not had experience with those aftermarket flashes, so take this with a grain of salt. But the TTL flash metering the current cameras use is so complex, personally I would stick with the name brand. Then you will know the computer in the camera, the computer in the lens, and the computer in the flash will all play nice with each other.

 

[Bob L.]

I've been using my 900 for a few years. School dances are its major gig. I've probably flashed several thousand photos under tough, continually changing conditions using its TTL mode. All of them worked out well. That is the flash did its job well. I've tried lower cost units and have regretted it each time. When I need to spend less, I try and find the previous model. You can usually pick them up for a decent price.

 

[cb91710]

I picked up an SB800 on eBay for under $300. I'm VERY happy with it. I originally bought a Sigma 610 based on recommendations here, and while it is a great flash, when I switch it to "bounce" mode, my D3100 meters like the flash isn't even there and I have to manually adjust my exposure (shots are badly overexposed on auto).
I put the 810 on and no matter what direction the flash is aimed, the exposure comes out perfect.

I don't know if the 610 "Super" (LCD display) would handle this any better or not, but given the 810 was only a few bucks more...

Based on this experience, I would only use the clones or aftermarket in the future as remote fill lights and not as the single on-camera, especially for bounce.

I don't know if your D600 will react differently.

 

[lister]

I've been using a Nissin for a few years now and it's been very good, but my new body (a Canon) does not play nicely with it. A real pity because it has been a great alternative and at that time was much better priced for a similar feature set to the OEM unit. I'm looking at having to replace it now and I'm going strictly with the OEM.

Not sure if I answered your question there but I would certainly buy another Nissin in a heartbeat if I could ensure compatibility.

 

[BRuhling]

I read the reviews on the Phottix Mitros. Great recommendation, Xander, that is a definite contender (maybe my number one right now). The Nissin Di-866 Mark II still sounds possible and I'm tempted to drop the extra for the SB-910. I prefer OEM normally, but that extra $150-200 could find itself put to other uses pretty easily!

Thank you for all the recommendations.

In true B&B fashion, I caved: Phottix Mitros will be on its way from Adorama after the Jewish Holidays...

 

[Sawblade]

Those aftermarket flashes are great, but get a spare or two with the money you're saving if you're doing something critical with them.

I use a SB-700 if I need TTL. Otherwise, I have a handful of Yongnuo YN-560 flashes for my off-camera stuff. The CLS is pretty cool, but it's not much easier to go in the menu to change the flash power than it is to just walk over and punch a button.

 

[Lesmore]

I use the manufacturer's flashes as I figure they are completely compatible with the manufacturer's cameras.

I use a Canon 430 for my Canon equipment and a Pentax 360 flash for my Pentax equipment.

I've tried third party flashes and while some are real good, I find sticking with manufacturer' stuff works out well.

s features.

 

[alpster]

I use a SB600 on my D600. It performs flawlessly and you can get them pretty cheap used.