Need help for buying a Flash

[Benjamindaines]

I have a Nikon D70 and I am looking for a flash to buy. I will be needing it to shoot mostly sports inside a gym with poor light, using an 18-135 lens (so it needs some power). I'm not looking to spend TONS of money, what do you recommend?

--Thanks.

 

[GoCubsGo]

SB-800 if you can find one used and cheaper, SB-600 otherwise. I wouldn't recommend anything else. I used the SB-800 on the d70 with a 24-120 lens and it worked well.

 

[Hmac]

I agree, SB 600, SB 800, or if you can pull it off, the SB900 is an astonishingly good flash and no question would be the best you possibly could do for shooting sports with a Nikon camera in a dimly lit gym.

 

[Westside guy]

Get the SB-600. The SB-800 is slightly more powerful; but its main advantages over the SB-600 are in Commander Mode, and are only relevant if you have multiple off-camera flashes.

My SB-600 has served me well.

 

[termina3]

Will you be allowed to use said flash during the games? Many refs/locations won't let you, at least on-camera.

The alternative is a couple of strobes in the corners of the gym. It works great, but the strobes + pocketwizards get to be expensive.

 

[Benjamindaines]

Will you be allowed to use said flash during the games? Many refs/locations won't let you, at least on-camera.

Yeah this is nothing professional.

 

[termina3]

Yeah this is nothing professional.

It has nothing to do with whether it's a pro game or not…*in fact, refs for professional sports are usually more accustomed and permissive of photographers. Be ready to hear complaints from parents, kids, refs, location owners, security guards--everyone--if you're using direct flash (or even on-camera flash).

 

[ChrisA]

I have a Nikon D70 and I am looking for a flash to buy. I will be needing it to shoot mostly sports inside a gym with poor light, using an 18-135 lens (so it needs some power). I'm not looking to spend TONS of money, what do you recommend?

--Thanks.

Everyone will recommend that you buy an SB600. I'd guess the 800 or 900 is out becse you say "not looking to spend TONS of money". If you have the $$ for an SB600 get one but if you are on a very tight budget any flash will work with your D70. I've used Vivitar 285 units. These sell for $40 on the used market and have as much light as the SB800 but they are not automatic and you'd have to shoot on manual. I've also used the 285 flashes with optical slaves. Place then along the farr wall aimed up or at a wall. Wein optical slaves are cheap. Less then $30. I'ved used two of the 285s trigged off the on-camera strobe. That's an entire three strobe setup for under $100.

The best way to go is to buy a faster lens. I like my 85mm f/1.8.

 

[Benjamindaines]

I've borrowed at SB800 for my next shoot (not sure when that is tho), but I'll let you know what the outcome is.