External flash for nikon d3200?
I have a nikon d3200 and the pop up flash works ok, but i'm searching for an external flash the will hook to my camera. I'm a beginner photographer at some of my local dirt tracks and their lighting is always different. Any suggestions on which flash would work best?
Probably the SB-300 AF Speedlight
Your question has me concerned that you might be thinking that a better flash will light up the track.
Keep in mind that they won't. How were you planning on using the flash? Portraits? Typically you're not allowed to use flash during racing events as it's a major distraction to the drivers.
If you look at pros working at race tracks, even at night, non of them are using flash during the race. They are all using fast lenses with the ISO cranked up enough to give them the shutter speed that they need.
What you need is a fast lens like a 70-200 f/2.8 by Tamron or Tokina. Nikon's 70-200 is great but is significantly more expensive and not necessarily better.
Not trying to tell you not to buy an external flash because you really should. Look for a flash that has a head that can be tilted and rotated which is necessary for shooting in doors. Look for one with a high guide number such as 120-150. Remember the difference between GN of 110 and 160 is not 45%, but actually it's 100%. GN / distance equal f/stop. So just as f/16 is 2x smaller than f/11 a GN of 160 is 2x more powerful than 110.
Check with the track first. Many prohibit photographers from using flash.
I shoot a lot of motocross during daylight hours and make sure that the riders are in full sun where I intend to take photos. This reduces the need to change exposures during the race
If you are shooting under the lights, pick a few spots on the track where the light is the best and shoot at 1/500th second using the widest aperture of you lens. Increase the ISO assure a good exposure.
Flash is limited to the small area at the point of focus. Subjects closer will be overexposed and subject further away will be underexposed. This is why using what ambient light is available is the best way to shoot under the light
Get the most expensive Nikon flash that is fully TTL compatible with your camera. That is if you don't know how to shoot manually.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...4062787789
If you do however, get the cheapest but largest generic flash you can find.