What budget flash options work well with a Nikon D40?
Asked 1/20/2011
2 views
2 answers
0
I’m looking for an affordable flashgun for a Nikon D40. The SB-900 is more than I want to spend, so I’d like recommendations for cheaper alternatives that still work well. TTL support would be useful, but I’m also open to manual flashes if they offer good value.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
4
Nikon SB-600 is an excellent flash for the price (much cheaper than a SB-900) and I've been very happy with the performance of mine.
If you're looking for TTL capabilties, then I've had decent luck with the Yongnou products and would probably recommend a YN-465 which is extremely reasonably priced (available on Ebay and Amazon typically).
If you're fine with a manual flash, try a YN-462, the more powerful YN-560, or the highly reputed Lumopro 160 (sold only through Midwest Photo Exchange I believe).
Edit: I only have personal experience with the SB-600 and the YN-462.
Originally by user1917. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1917
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For a Nikon D40, the most recommended budget step down from the SB-900 is the Nikon SB-600. It offers good performance for the money and is a popular choice if you want Nikon-compatible TTL flash.
If your budget is tighter, the Nikon SB-400 is another option. It’s smaller and cheaper, but more limited: its head tilts upward, yet it does not rotate, so it’s less flexible for bounce flash.
Other suggestions include the Nikon SB-700 or a used SB-800 if you find one at a good price.
For lower-cost third-party options, Yongnuo models were mentioned: the YN-465 for TTL, or manual-only options such as the YN-462 and more powerful YN-560. Older Nikon flashes like the SB-24 can also work in manual or auto-thyristor mode, but not TTL on Nikon DSLRs.
In short: choose the SB-600 if you want the best balance of price and features; choose the SB-400 if compact size matters most; consider Yongnuo if lowest cost is the priority.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I use off-camera flash with a Nikon D40 if it has no built-in commander?
How do Yongnuo flash model names relate to TTL, manual, and Nikon CLS compatibility?
Which affordable flashes can a Nikon SB-900 trigger wirelessly off-camera?
What inexpensive third-party flash options support Canon E-TTL/E-TTL II?
How can I get started with off-camera flash for portraits using a Nikon D700 and SB-900?