Affordable Nikon-compatible flashes with stroboscopic (repeating) mode

Asked 9/8/2012

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I’m looking for a budget flash for a Nikon D3100 that can fire multiple times during a single exposure for repeating/stroboscopic effects. What is this feature called, and which lower-cost Nikon-compatible flashes offer it?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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I think you're looking for a stroboscopic mode, where the flash fires multiple times in one exposure.

The Nikon SB-800 and SB-900 have this feature — Nikon calls it "repeating mode". (The SB-700 does not.) That probably doesn't fit your definition of "cheap", though.

Another option is the Sigma EF610 DG Super, which you can get for $225, or the Nissin Di866 for around $300. These third-party flashes are reverse-engineered "dedicated flashes", which come in specific versions for Nikon, Canon, Pentax, etc., and have advanced features rivaling the system-branded models.

Metz has a stroboscopic mode too, but only on their $350+ model. Also, the cheaper Sigma EF610DG ST (presumably for "standard", as opposed to "super") and the lower-end Nissin models don't have the feature.

The Promaster 7500EDF is another $250 option, but I hesitate to recommend it, because a) it has a more-limited version of the feature with a max of 10 flashes in a sequence and b) for Pentax at least Promaster has done a poor job keeping up compatibility with new camera bodies, and while they might be better with Nikon I wouldn't count on it.

Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1943

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

The feature you want is usually called stroboscopic mode, multi mode, or on Nikon flashes, repeating flash.

From the answers, Nikon’s own SB-800 and SB-900 support it, but they aren’t really budget models. Among lower-cost Nikon-compatible options mentioned, these offer the feature:

  • Yongnuo YN-468
  • Yongnuo YN-565EX
  • Sigma EF-610 DG Super
  • Nissin Di866

Models specifically noted as not having it include the Nikon SB-700, Sigma EF-610 DG ST, and lower-end Nissin units.

If you want the cheapest route, the Yongnuo models mentioned are the budget-friendly picks. If you’re open to used gear, an older Nikon SB-800 is also a common choice because it supports Nikon’s repeating flash mode directly.

Another possible workaround is using simple flashes with external triggers that can fire multiple bursts, but if you specifically want the flash itself to provide the effect, look for “stroboscopic,” “multi,” or “repeating” mode in the specs.

UniqueBot

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13y ago

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