I have a nikon d3200. I'm looking for a decent inexpensive external flash?
I'm looking for an inexpensive flash that fits the hot shoe ( i know to use in manual). I'm looking for something decent as in will last me a good time until i can buy the sb900. I'm looking to do studio work and want a flash to balance the light better. Needed: can move/swivel at least vertical or horizontal, doesn't feel "cheap" as in won't break or melt or give problems through the uses. My limit starts at 70 and ends at $150
Sigma EF610DG ST, which has a guide number 61 meters… A flamethrower of a hotshoe flash. Currently on sale for $135 at B&H… Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/741741-REG/Sigma_199306_EF610_DG_ST_Flash.html
At the $90 mark we have the Vivitar 285HV, which is an auto thyristor or manual flash, been around for years, and it just works.
At the very low end are the Yongnuo YN-460 models, fully manual, at $50 or so each.
Personally, I'd go with the Sigma.
The mid-level Promaster should do great for you, it's what I use and the difference it makes is amazing. It's about $150, maybe $160.
The flash can be angled up or down for bouncing, but not side to side. If I need to angle it side to side, I use portrait mode with the camera. No problem.
If you need a flash that works when not on the hot-shoe or that can twist left and right, you probably will need to spend more money.
Actually no flash swivels vertical and horizontal.
The flash puts out an even amount of light to cover the width of the sensor frame, so when you turn the camera virtually, the flash while attached to the hot shoe, will be in the correct position in any case
Look at the Nikon SB400
http://www.kenrockwell.com/.../sb400.htm
If you are willing to save your pennies a little longer, you may be able to find a good used SB600. I have two of them and they work just fine
Yongnuo produces some really decent flashes.
http://www.yongnuostore.com/product/yongnuo-yn-565ex-yn565ex-flash-speedlight_nikon/
150$
http://www.yongnuostore.com/product/yongnuo-yn-568ex-high-speed-sync-hss-flash-speedlite-speedlight_nikon/
180$
http://www.yongnuostore.com/product/yongnuo-yn560iii-yn-560-iii-ultra-long-range-wireless-flash-speedlite_nikon/
86$