Just replaced my beloved D40

[8toes]

Hi gang, It has been a while since I have posted in here. Back in Septmeber I was up in Canada shooting with my girlfriend.. We had gone out into the woods to shoot a waterfall and I had set my beloved Nikon D40 on its tripod and took a few steps away when I heard a snap and saw my camera fall off of the head and crash to the wooden deck. I was heartbroken. I had been meaning to replace it since then and finally got my hands on a very good condition D70s for $200. I am very pleased with it thus far, although I have only had it for a week now. It seems to fit my hands better than the D40 (I have somewhat large hands). The menus seem to be pretty much the same, and I am glad I am not as limited in my lens choices as I was with the D40. my question isw.....does anyone have a recommendation for a flash for it. I am just starting to shop for one.

Thank you in advance.

Brian J.

[marshall2]

Sorry to hear about your D40 Brian, but atleast you got a better camera out of the deal. Nikon makes 4 current flashes. The SB400, 600, 800, and 900. The SB400 is cheap, and small. It's not very powerful, and I don't think it's output adjustable, or able to tilt/swivel. The SB600, 800, and 900 are all able to tilt/swivel, have adjustable output, and are much more powerful that the SB400. All are reasonably priced, too. Basically between these 3 it comes down to how much you want to spend, and how much power you want.

[alanw]

Sorry to hear about your D40, but congrats on the new camera! I would probably go with the SB600/800/900. I have the 600 and haven't ever felt a need for anything more powerful for my use. Also, you may want to keep in mind that the 800 was discontinued when Nikon brought out the 900, so you may be able to find a good deal on the 800. I believe the 600 and 800 are pretty close in size, but I hear that the 900 is much larger (and heavier), so you might want to keep that in mind too.

[Tbel]

I'll agree with the others, stick with the nikon flashes. There was another discussion here recently on the very topic. In my experience, all other brands left me wanting more. I've got the 600 and it works well for me.

[Kaliyoda]

I have the 800 and 900 - but I've used the 600 and would certainly recommend it.

The 400 is too limeted IMO.

[Calnumismatist]

Totally agree. The SB600 is a nice flash, and although the price has gone up recently it is still worth every cent. (I have 4 of these)
Keep an eye on the SB800. As mentioned it has been discontinued and is a wonderful flash with loads of power. (upgraded to SB900)
The SB900 is by far the best of the bunch, and at near $500 it is the most expensive. Depending on your needs (now and future) the 900 can accomplish a lot of things. I use mine as a master for the SB600's and my Alien Bees. The menus and buttons are far easier to use than any of the earlier flashes.
It is big and heavy, and that takes some getting used to. It swivels in any direction and the flash output will fill all but the largest rooms. The automatic zoom is also kind of neat.

[8toes]

Wow thank you all for your input. I am not familiar with Nikon flashes. I was a Canon shooter for many years but made the switch to Nikon when I went digital. I had never considered going with a 3rd party flash and was thinking about the SB400 when I had my D40. I decided that I wanted a more powerful flash and figured I would ask people who have more experience in that area than I do. I am not disappointed.

Thanks again for all of your help.

Cheers,

Brian J.

[TheShooter]

I called my insurance (State Farm) and asked them about Peril Coverage. They said this would have been covered.

Just a thought .......... The Shooter

[8toes]

Thanks Shooter,

I didn't ever really think of that....no matter now, the camera is no longer mine. I hope my friend can get it fixed so she can enjoy it as much as I did for the short time that I had it.

Thanks again.

Cheers,

Brian