How to choose the best flash for my DSLR camera?
I got a nikon D3200 and i want to buy it a flash, but there's so many and can't decide which one is the best!
That would depend entirely on what you propose to photograph. Sometimes a single flash is enough and at times, even multiple flashes can leave you wanting. You need to decide on your budget and needs. If you are shooting portraiture for example, a medium to high flash would be useful provided you diffuse the light by either 'bouncing off a ceiling or reflector' or using a flash stofen. I don't have any experience with Nikon as I use Canon but third party flash like Nissin are very good. I have used both their entry ( Di 466 ) and higher models and both performed well. If you want to shoot areas of low lighting like stage shows then even the strongest flash may not be enough, even shooting a small gathering in a restaurant for example, a flash such as 600 RT will be inadequate. But a flash has its uses and if you are conversant you can take some excellent pictures.
The safe answer is to get a Nikon flash. There are several models that fit the various needs of photographers.
I chose to get a third party flash, and it has done everything I want from a flash. I only use it when I have to, such as indoors and moving people. The flash I chose is no longer available for Nikon cameras. I would look over the offerings and pick one with the best user reviews.
Spend as much as you can afford on a Nikon flash. That will talk to your camera's electronics and become a fully integrated part of your camera.
There are cheaper clones available notably by YongNuo. Some people love 'em but be sure you get one that has the full electronic integration and NOT one that is manual only.
Nikon SB700.
How much are you willing to spend? You want the most powerful flash you can afford, every time. The Nikon SB-700 is the minimum, or other brand equivalent. If you can afford the SB-900 or the Metz 58 for Nikon, they are a much better choice. Another good one, and less money, is the Sigma 610 Super, or the ST model. The ST has the same power but fewer bells and whistles. You can find the specs at a place like B&H Photo on all of them. And decide if you need those bells and whistles. Most people actually don't.
Or you can go much cheaper and use something like the Vivitar 285 HV, which is not a TTL flash and requires you to know how to use your camera in manual mode. This is an autothyristor flash, which controls the light output itself. It works very well, if you understand how it works and how to set up both the camera and the flash.
The cheapest flashes out there are full manual, which require even more input from you to get the flash right. It isn't difficult, but takes a few seconds to set up properly. Once you know how, it is not a problem.
Look at what Nikon has available. My system is 100% Nikon, except for the SDHC card.
Buy a Nikon flash; that way, you will be sure it's fully compatible with your camera. The higher the Guide Number, the more powerful it is.
Doesn't have to cost much much---would recommend the Xit Elite SeriesDigital Power zoom( Nikon DSLR even some high-end Coolpix kit/s compatible!) for less than $100! Www.cameta.com for more
Get the most expensive one you can afford with the same brand as your camera's.