Need advice for a flash. Nikon

I don't know which model Nikon flash to recommend but stick with Nikon, an off brand flash is risky since one with a high voltage foot could ruin your cameras electrics.

My D50 came with a booklet about which Nikon Speedlights to use with it.

I bought a SB-400 nikon flash for my D40. Here is a review that I thought was good for my needs:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb400.htm

for the most part there's the SB-400, Sb-600 and SB-800. the 400 does what I need it to do for now. eventually i'll get a 600 or 800 but the 400 works great for fill in flash.

Never, ever take anything Ken Rockwell serious. The SB-400 is just fine. The others just have higher output, better build an wireless capabilities.

For the all around lens look at the 18-200 VR. It is a great lens for all that stuff you want to do.

Anything under an SD600 is pretty much worthless.. Go with the SD600, you can get them for pretty cheap, or if you can find a SD800 in your budget go for that.. " title="Smile"> ..

[quote="bmizar":22us623g]Never, ever take anything Ken Rockwell serious. The SB-400 is just fine. The others just have higher output, better build an wireless capabilities.

For the all around lens look at the 18-200 VR. It is a great lens for all that stuff you want to do.[/quote:22us623g]

so you say don't pay any attention to ken and then say what he recommends (he loves the 18-200 and the SB400). just curious. He does seem to go against the grain on some of his 'recommendations". But I like the size and output on the SB400 if you don't need the reach or the wireless capabilities of the bigger flashes. the biggest thing I don't like is not having an IR focus assist.

I used to do a lot of photography but just get into it again with digital. I bought the cheapest body (D40) and have been starting to get better glass. so far just the 18-200 as an all around lens. next will be either a 105 macro or some sort of 200 or 300 2.8. then maybe a fisheye and i'll be set and can look for a deal on a D300 after they've been around and something new/better comes out.

[quote="SpeedyR":3kne9fym][quote="bmizar":3kne9fym]Never, ever take anything Ken Rockwell serious. The SB-400 is just fine. The others just have higher output, better build an wireless capabilities.

For the all around lens look at the 18-200 VR. It is a great lens for all that stuff you want to do.[/quote:3kne9fym]

so you say don't pay any attention to ken and then say what he recommends (he loves the 18-200 and the SB400). just curious. He does seem to go against the grain on some of his 'recommendations". But I like the size and output on the SB400 if you don't need the reach or the wireless capabilities of the bigger flashes. the biggest thing I don't like is not having an IR focus assist.

I used to do a lot of photography but just get into it again with digital. I bought the cheapest body (D40) and have been starting to get better glass. so far just the 18-200 as an all around lens. next will be either a 105 macro or some sort of 200 or 300 2.8. then maybe a fisheye and i'll be set and can look for a deal on a D300 after they've been around and something new/better comes out.[/quote:3kne9fym]

I mentioned things that I like not based on what he says. Ken's whole website is fake so don't take anything serious. 105 Macro is a sweet lens but you will have to rely on MF in order to get the best results.