Hi all! I'm looking for a worthy flash for my D70. The SB-800 seems like the natural choice, but should I really pay 300+ dollars for a flash? Are there any other brands that have compatible flashes that are comparable and cheaper? Thanks in advance!

Hi all! I'm looking for a worthy flash for my D70. The SB-800 seems like the natural choice, but should I really pay 300+ dollars for a flash? Are there any other brands that have compatible flashes that are comparable and cheaper? Thanks in advance!

The SB600 is the natural choice for the D70. It's cheaper than the SB800 but is almost as powerful. The SB800 has some nice extras like the 5th battery, diffuser attachment and coloured filters.

There are "compatible" flashes made by Sigma and Metz. Tests in the magazines indicate that the performance of these units is as reliable as the Nikon ones. Nikon have not published details of the communication protocol between the camera and the flash so the independants have had to try to figure it out for themselves.

Charles

If money is a priority, you might choose a non dedicated auto flash. They dont work through the lense, but have a built in light sensor to control their output automatically. You choose one of the auto settings on the flash and have to select the right aperture. 3 flashes I can reccommend are Vivitar 285, 283 and Sunpack 383. You can get these new for about $70, or used for $35-60.
I have a D70 and an sb 800 that I have yet to put batteries in as I have been using a sunpack 383 with good results.
Mark.