Looking for a good compatible flash for my D200.?

Question

I had a Nikon SB50 on my D100 but it doesn't seem to work properly with the D200. Cannot set it on automatic.

Answer 1

Nikon offers three flash options the SB400, SB600 and SB800. They differ in their power output and in what they can do as well of course in price. All are compatible with all the DLSRs that Nikon currently has, not only with the D200.

You also don't need to go Nikon. Metz builds inpressive flash technology too and it has several models that are completely compatible with Nikon DSLRs especially the D200. While I prefer the Nikons, I have a friend who swears by the Metz he has and it certainly seems to do a comparable job.

You have three basic questions to answer. The first is how much flash power you need. Personally I never have enough so I tend to opt for the top model and I did in fact. But not everyone will say that. So decide what range you need to cover to choose an appropriate flash. When you're pondering this ask yourself too what your typical ISO setting is when you use flash, that will also affect the range you can achieve.

The second question is what kind of control you need. The SB800 is highly sophisticated able to control additional flashes wirelessly. If those kinds of capabilities aren't important to you, moving down the pecking order you lose that capability.

Once you've sorted that out the only remaing question is whether to go Nikon or Metz. Personally I prefer Nikon but Metz has an international sterling reputation when it comes to electronic flash. They have frequently been the choice of professionals. There are other third party makers who have compatible flashes but they don't have the same reputation.

For myself I use the SB800. It gives me an excellent range especially at higher ISO values. It also has a carrier for an extra battery that you can optionally install. This extra battery decreases recycle times quite significantly. It talks to the camera and the lens and adjusts its own lens to correspond to the focal length I am using as well as the aperture. It provides for fully automatic operation or even totally manual. I've had it for two years and have been very happy with it. However that doesn't mean I endorse it, it only means it meets my needs. You'll have to decide what's best for youself.

I hope that helps a little.

Answer 2

I'm one who believes "Too much is never enough". Translation: If I were choosing I'd choose the FB-800.

In all my years I've found its better to have a feature and not need it than to need it and not have it. Sort of like side curtain airbags in your car.

I'm also a major fan of off-camera flash brackets so I suggest adding one to your shopping list. To me, having the flash mounted on the camera looks odd.