What Speed Flash for Nikon D3100?

I'm very new to DSLR cameras, just bought my first (Nikon D3100). I bought a Light Scoop but want to look into getting a Speed Flash (that is what they are called, right? The ones you add on to your camera? Told you I'm a newbie… ) Anywho, what would be a good add-on flash, around or under $100, that I can use my zoom lens with? I can't use my zoom lens (my kit lens 18-55 mm) with the Light Scoop.

They are called Speedlights.

For a newbie I would recommend the SB-400.It is compact, powerful, easy to use, and fairly cheap (a bit over $100).It can tilt up so you can do bounce flash and it only has one switch, on and off. The camera does the rest.

The only thing it lacks is a swivel, so you can't bounce portrait shots. It also doesn't support infrared for Nikon's Creative Lighting System, but most people would never use that anyways.

I've had one for nearly a year on my D5000 and I love it! It really makes indoors shots great with the bounce flash.

The SB400 is not enough of an increase in flash power over what is already on your camera in my opinion. You will want to be looking at something like a SB700.

It is too bad that Nikon discontinued the SB600. At $220 or so, it fit a good price point for those having entry-level DSLRs. A SB700 is a bit pricey for someone just starting out with a D3100. Often this only forces entry-level DSLR owners to go to the 3rd party market and buy a Sigma, Vivitar, or some other brand flash.

But in my opinion, the SB400 is more suited to a Coolpix P7000.

You may also want to look into a Gary Fong Puffer, which in my view is a lot better than the Lightscoop. And you may be able to use your zoom lens with the puffer.

http://www.althephoto.com