Just bought D3000, Am looking for advice

98olds · May 19, 2010

Hello,

This may or may not be in the correct place. Please feel free to move it if it isn't.

I recently purchased the Nikon D3000, I have the 18-55 Kit lens, along with the 18-105 and 70-300 from my D40X

A few things that I'm looking into purchasing now is an external flash... and a wide angle...

I am photographing a wedding in 4 weeks, as most of you already know. I would like a flash for that event.

I currently have an old Sunpak flash from the days of the 35mm camera.
It does work with my D3000, but my question is..... Should I buy a new Nikon flash? or are their other models, that I should be considering other than Nikon? or just stick with the old sunpak flash? It only tilts up and down, it does not rotate 360 degrees, like Id prefer.

thanks to anyone who has suggestions.

98olds · May 19, 2010

No one has any suggestions???

Richard · May 19, 2010

I moved this to the Accessories forum. Think you'll get more help there.

Mitchell · May 19, 2010

I'd recommend a Nikon flash. The two currently available are the SB600 and the SB900. The SB900 has more features and is more powerful. Either flash will likely suit your needs.

You have two zooms that go down to 18mm. Why do you feel you need a wider angle lens?

liflander · May 19, 2010

Re: Just bought D3000, Am looking for advice
I highly recommend the sb600 for starters. Using the sb600 or sb900 with ttl flash metering, shooting raw so you can fine tune exposure in post, and sticking with one zoom lens 18-105 is probably going to be the ticket for you, IMO.
Use a diffuser on the flash.
This will keep it simple and let you focus on the people, not your gear.
Good luck.
Mark

LiflanderPhotography.com

98olds · May 20, 2010

Thank you for all of the responses,

I have looked at the SB600 but dont know as that I have the cash for it right now.

Is there a big difference between using a Nikon flash, and say the other company Sunnpaks flash?
is their something that makes one better than another?

Thanks again.

liflander · May 25, 2010

I'm admittedly not the expert on this, but my sense is that if you are going to use the automatic flash exposure (TTL), or any type of commander (wireless) mode, then with your camera you should stick to the latest line of Nikon speedlights that were designed to work with the camera. The sb400 might be a good cheaper alternative to the 600 or 800 or 900, especially used.
Ritz Camera was closing a lot of stores this past year, and they were having a firesale on inventory. I missed it, but friends of mine were buying sb600s for insanely low prices. Got any Ritz near you?

Good luck,
Mark

98olds · May 25, 2010

liflander wrote: »

I'm admittedly not the expert on this, but my sense is that if you are going to use the automatic flash exposure (TTL), or any type of commander (wireless) mode, then with your camera you should stick to the latest line of Nikon speedlights that were designed to work with the camera. The sb400 might be a good cheaper alternative to the 600 or 800 or 900, especially used.
Ritz Camera was closing a lot of stores this past year, and they were having a firesale on inventory. I missed it, but friends of mine were buying sb600s for insanely low prices. Got any Ritz near you?

Good luck,
Mark

yes I do have a few ritz near me in fact thats where I just got my camera! haha

Ok I was thinking i should get a Nikon Flash anyway, but was looking to see if I "Really" needed one.

What you say makes sense.
Thanks.

ImageX Photography · May 30, 2010

I would definitely try to get the SB600 if you can. Save up, wait a little longer, or just do what you have to do to get it. It is a great flash and well worth the money!!! Highly recommended!

nightowlcat · May 31, 2010

You should get at least the SB-600, I don't think the SB-400 would be quite enough. Are you shooting this wedding for pay, or for personal?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/323882-USA/Nikon_4802_SB_600_AF_Speedlight_i_TTL.html

http://aljacobs.com/the_wedding_guide/

Nikonic1 · May 31, 2010

Just bought D3000, Am looking for advice
I have and highly recommend a SB600. It us an awesome, very capable unit that works very well with nikons cameras and the ittl function is superb.

You "really" need a flash and a diffuser of some sort (I personally quite like lumiquest's offerings) if you want to do a wedding the justice it deserves.

Save for the SB600 and you won't be dissapointed.

98olds · June 1, 2010

Nikonic1 wrote: »

I have and highly recommend a SB600. It us an awesome, very capable unit that works very well with nikons cameras and the ittl function is superb.

You "really" need a flash and a diffuser of some sort (I personally quite like lumiquest's offerings) if you want to do a wedding the justice it deserves.

Save for the SB600 and you won't be dissapointed.

Thank you very much I am now looking for an sb600

Just bought D3000, Am looking for advice

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