Which speedlight for Strobist?

That could very well be. I've noticed a similar trend but I think the bulk of 'strobists' are looking for a way to create lighting for next to nothing.

I like "next to nothing"! I picked up a used flash a few months ago to use as a hairlight. It had both battery & AC power. Cost was $5.

$5 flash, now we're talking strobist. How many of those could you get for the price of three 580EX II? Light a city block and have some to spare.

Does anyone use Nikon SB-800 flashes for off camera flash? If so, why? I'm looking to see if I can get a more powerful flash than the 580EX II for off camera. Is the SB-800 pretty much the same amount of light? I like the idea of the sunpak 383, but I'm more inclined to having less gear that is more powerful than more gear that is less.

I use Nikon SB-800 flashes on and off camera. If power were the only reason to look at an SB-800 then I don't see it as a worthwhile purchase and not an upgrade.

TMR Design wrote in post #5842311
I use Nikon SB-800 flashes on and off camera. If power were the only reason to look at an SB-800 then I don't see it as a worthwhile purchase and not an upgrade.

So for someone who wanted to use a portable flash setup with the most power they can get in less gear, would the 580EX II still be the most viable choice?

Chosenbydestiny wrote in post #5842373
So for someone who wanted to use a portable flash setup with the most power they can get in less gear, would the 580EX II still be the most viable choice?

Assuming you want to maintain E-TTL but if not then I do believe there are other options that cost less than a 580EX II but I'm not the one with that information. Someone else would have to chime in.

If you wanted to go to Nikon as a manual flash and because of the interface or some other reason then look at the older units. The SB-80DX is excellent and almost identical to an SB-800.

TMR Design wrote in post #5842396
Assuming you want to maintain E-TTL but if not then I do believe there are other options that cost less than a 580EX II but I'm not the one with that information. Someone else would have to chime in.

If you wanted to go to Nikon as a manual flash and because of the interface or some other reason then look at the older units. The SB-80DX is excellent and almost identical to an SB-800.

Yes, it would all be manual flash... I just wanted the best bulb for the buck.

Chosenbydestiny wrote in post #5842409
Yes, it would all be manual flash... I just wanted the best bulb for the buck.

Check KEH or ebay for a used SB-80DX. Google some reviews. I believe Thom Hogan has a review of the 80DX and many of the other popular older models, and for what it's worth, Ken rockwell also has a review.

TMR Design wrote in post #5842419
Check KEH or ebay for a used SB-80DX. Google some reviews. I believe Thom Hogan has a review of the 80DX and many of the other popular older models, and for what it's worth, Ken rockwell also has a review.

Hmm, I'll check into that. Thanks =]

The Sunpak 383 is as powerful as the 580EX and only $80! So is the Vivitar 285HV. If all you want is manual flash for off-camera use, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a flash. There are plenty of cheaper options available.

I agree Rudi. Something like the SB-80DX can be had for around $100 and the only reason why I would recommend it is because of the interface and display.

Yeah, they can be had reasonably cheap I guess. They were a lot cheaper before Strobist became popular...

Sure. There's a huge demand for older flash units that can be used manually. You can build a pretty serious kit for a few hundred dollars.

Yeah, I just got home from digging around locally and all of the shops were sold out of sunpak 383! I guess it's better to order it online then...