Speed light -- which one, please?

I've been given my first photo assignment -- secondary and backup photographer for an outdoor wedding and indoor reception in our local Hall. I'll be taking wedding party shots from different angles than the main photographer is using, and plenty of candid shots of all attendees.

I have a Nikon D40X and need to know what speed light or other type of attachable lighting to get for the camera, especially for taking indoor photos. Would anyone here have any suggestions, please, at a reasonable price?

Many thanks for your suggestions and any explanations re why that one versus another light.

I've been given my first photo assignment -- secondary and backup photographer for an outdoor wedding and indoor reception in our local Hall. I'll be taking wedding party shots from different angles than the main photographer is using, and plenty of candid shots of all attendees.

I have a Nikon D40X and need to know what speed light or other type of attachable lighting to get for the camera, especially for taking indoor photos. Would anyone here have any suggestions, please, at a reasonable price?

Many thanks for your suggestions and any explanations re why that one versus another light.


I have the SB600 and I use it alot. I think you can get it now for $175. If you want you can save the extra 200 and go with the SB800. The sb600 has a guide # of 135ft and the 800 has the same as well.

Thanks very much, Ben. In your experience, how bright are they, in a hall-size room? Are they fairly unobtrusive or are they blinding? The room will be filled with people. I'd like to be able to get good fairly-bright photos without my shots interfering with the event or hurting people's eyes.

Thanks very much, Ben. In your experience, how bright are they, in a hall-size room? Are they fairly unobtrusive or are they blinding? The room will be filled with people. I'd like to be able to get good fairly-bright photos without my shots interfering with the event or hurting people's eyes.

I used mine for a lot of my sports photography. Mainly indoor basketball. The refs didn't find it distracting or blinding. I've taken pictures of people with the SB600 and they haven't complained. You could look into a diffuser just to be safe. The only problem I've had with it blinding people, is when I clean it and it goes off in my face:D!

Ouch! Yes, having it go off in your face would definitely not be fun. I really appreciate your info, Ben; thanks very much.