How do I shop for a flash and flash brackets? What would you recommend?

Question

I have a Nikon D50. I need a flash that can be rotated to bounce off walls, etc. I want a bracket so I can shoot horizontal and vertical. What would you recommend? I found the following:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/flash/index.html
http://www.adorama.com/CBCBJ.html?sid=1196349092641193
http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/QTB9550NK.htm?bct=t13031003%3Bcifilm-cameras-and-accessories%3Bciflashes-motor-drives%3Bciflashes

would this be worth the money? I know I can't shoot vertically but...
http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/535130165.htm?bct=t13031003%3Bcifilm-cameras-and-accessories%3Bciflashes-motor-drives%3Bciflashes

Answer 1

IMO either the Nikon SB 600 or SB 800 would be your best choice for a flash. I'm really not a good one to give advice as to which Nikon flash to buy because of my belief that: "Its always better to have a feature and not need it than to need it and not have it". (In other words, I'd buy the SB 800). Please don't allow me to influence you - if the SB 600 has all the features you need then that's the one for you.

Since Nikon designed the SB Series of flash units for their cameras, compatibility is guaranteed. Although there are many good quality after-market flash units, you can't go wrong with Nikon for Nikon.

I also took a look at the ALZO bracket (alzodigital.com) and it looks (to me) like a real contender. You'll also need the off-camera synch cord from Nikon.

Hope this is of some help.

Answer 2

I can only speak from experience but I picked up and regularly use the Nikon sb-50dx. You can get two for the price of the sb-800, and they work great wirelessly, and can be used as a system. Sto-fen makes the omni bounce accesories to fit this unit. The GN leaves a bit to be desired, however I find this a mute point indoors with 8' white ceilings. I routinely use them wirelessly on tripods, triggered by my built in flash in simple portrait lighting set ups. If you must be mobile, go with the flash bracket for the best results.

Answer 3

Aside from the bracket, I would suggest trying a quantum Q flash if you really like flash photography. It is a parabollic flash which produces quite a different effect from your square/rectangular flashes, plus you can shoot barebulb. Additionlly there are lots of different kinds of light modifiers including softboxes. http://www.qtm.com/?res_set=yes&res=1280&resh=800