The 5 Best Flashes For Nikon Cameras (For All Budgets) [Actualizado]

Knowing the creative possibilities of the flash and all those situations in which a flash becomes necessary or convenient, we bring you 5 of the best flashes for Nikon, to make your search much easier. If you want to know what to take into account when buying, what it is for, if you really need one, etc. In this mega guide you will be able to discover everything related to the external flash and in this other one everything related to photographic accessories.

Today’s is not a list with the top 5, but with 5 of the top according to range/budget. Although it sounds like a play on words ;). Because just as we repeat ad nauseam with cameras, and we will continue to do so, there is no best flash, but the one that best suits the needs of each one.

Why would you want a flash that is worth more than your camera if you are going to use it very sporadically and you don’t need too much power? What do you want the strobe function for if you’re never going to use it? To give some examples. If you are looking for flash, evaluate your needs first, before deciding on one. Now, I leave you with those 5 promised flashes.

1. Yongnuo YN560-IV
2. NikonSB-700
3. Godox V860II
4. NikonSB-5000
5. SB-N10

1. To start or as a complement: Yongnuo YN560-IV

This Yongnuo flash is perfect for getting started, as a fill-in flash, or as a supplement. It is very economical and also works as a master flash unlike its predecessor the Yongnuo YN560-III. Actually, if you don’t care for it to work as a master, it’s the only difference between the two and the older version is even cheaper (€89.00 ).

An advantage that it has, apart from the price, is that it is compatible with any standard flash shoe. So if you have or plan to use it on cameras from different brands, it is a great option.

main features

• Guide number: 58 ISO 100
• Zoom 24 to 105mm
• Manual flash with Master mode that allows control of other flash units such as Yongnuo 560 III flashes
• 270º rotating and tilting head – 7º to 90º
• removable diffuser
• Transmits information to other flashes Yongnuo 560 IV and flash YN 560 III
• Flash: 1/200 to 1/20,000 second
• Ready shot indicator
• Compatible with YN 560TX, RF 602, RF 603 II and RF 605 triggers
• Flash settings are saved when unit is turned off or batteries are changed
• Customizable functions (Fn) by the user and saved automatically
• Manual, Strobe (Multi) and “–“ modes
• Charge less than 3 seconds
• Requires 4x AA alkaline or rechargeable Ni-Mh batteries (not included)
• Dimensions: 6.0 x 19.2 x 7.8cm

2. Advanced Users-Beginning Professionals: Nikon SB-700

Versatile flash that is simple and intuitive to use. Compatible with FX and DX format cameras. We are talking about a flash designed for a demanding amateur or for someone who is starting out professionally but who still cannot invest too much.

As a drawback, I have to say that it does not have a great power.

main features

• Guide number: 38
• Multi-step motorized zoom, 24-120mm angle of view.
• Vertical (90°) and horizontal (180°) rotary head
• Modes: i-TTL, Manual Flash, Distance Priority Manual Flash
• Master: yes
• slave: yes
• Recycle time: 2.5 seconds when using alkaline batteries, 3.5 seconds with lithium batteries.
• High speed sync: yes
• AF-assist illumination
• Includes different accessories
• Automatic thermal protection system (warns if it gets too hot)
• 2000 mAh battery, autonomy of up to 650 flashes (according to manufacturer)
• Dimensions: 7.1 x 12.6 x 10.4cm
• Weight: 360g

3. Best value for money: Godox V860II

With a lithium battery and great value for money, you have this model, the Godox V860II. Its fast recycling speed (1.5s) and its autonomy make it suitable for professional use. The only drawback is that in burst it does not perform as well as one of the same Nikon brand can perform. It has a fairly robust construction although it does not reach the level of Nikon. Let’s see its features.

main features

• Guide number: 60
• Automatic and manual zoom from 20 to 200mm
• Vertical (90°) and horizontal (360°) rotating head
• Modes: manual, TTL and multi
• Master: yes
• slave: yes
• Recycle time: 1.5 seconds, with lithium battery
• High speed sync: yes
• Integrates removable diffuser and reflective card
• 2000 mAh battery, autonomy of up to 650 flashes (according to manufacturer)
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 19.0 x 7.6cm
• Weight: 430g

4. For the professional photographer: NikonSB-5000

We are already talking about another league, we go from the flashes of advanced users or those who make their first professional steps to the flashes designed for the professional who earns his bread with photographic work. For those who need a flash that won’t let them down, has fast recycling, plenty of power and all the features you need to meet your customers’ demands. It is also important that it is compatible with cameras full frame, as in this case. We are talking about the SB-5000 of the same Nikon brand, something that is already an advantage. Let’s see some of its features.

main features

• Guide number: 55 for ISO 100 to 200mm
• Zoom range from 24 to 200mm
• 14mm diffuser panel
• Modes: i-TTL (-3.0 to +3.0 offset), Auto Iris, Non-TTL Auto, Manual (1/1 to 1/256, 1/3 steps), A-Priority Manual distance and repetition
• Shooting Features: Auto FP High-Speed ​​Sync, Flash Value Lock, Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Rear-Curtain Sync, Exposure Compensation
• Foldable vertically, with a rotation from 7 to 90 degrees, and horizontally, covering 360 degrees.
• Radio control, approximate range of 30 meters
• Master and remote unit (optical and radiofrequency)
• Internal cooling system, depending on the brand you can shoot up to 100 shots in a row at maximum power without overheating
• Recycling interval of 2.6 seconds with alkaline batteries, and 1.8 seconds with rechargeable Ni-MH
• Other functions: Test shots, Monitor pre-flashes, AF-assist illuminator for multi-point AF, Modeling illuminator
• Includes: AS-22 Flash Bracket, Nikon SW-15H Diffusion Dome, SZ-4FL Fluorescent Filter, SZ-4TN Incandescent Filter, SS-5000 Soft Case, Accessory Bag
• Dimensions: 7.3 × 13.7 × 10.3cm
• Weight: 420g approx

5. For the aquatics and divers: SB-N10 Underwater Flash

And since each photographer has different needs, I also present this flash to you, if yours is the underwater world, to be able to immerse yourself with it. A flash to illuminate colors and details in the underwater environment, even in cloudy waters.

• Guide number: 28 m (ISO 100 in air) / 20 m with the underwater flash diffuser
• TTL flash control
• Water resistant to a depth of 100m

You can find it on the Nikon page and to see more specifications here.

I hope I have helped you with this article, if you found it interesting or useful, I would appreciate it if you shared it. This is how we illuminate other photographers who walk in the darkness of doubts.

Thank you and see you soon!