Speedlights are great devices to illuminate dark places and at the same time, they create great lighting effects.
The Nikon D610 is a great DSLR choice for beginners who want an entry-level camera without having to break their banks and want to experience the full-frame world.
In today’s article I will guide you guys through, what are the best Nikon D610 speedlights.
A Quick Look At My Favorite Speedlights for Nikon D610
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Value  | 10 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Portable  | 9 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Most Versatile  | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Runner-Up  | 8.5 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Overall  | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon |
Key Takeaways
- If you want to snap brighter and more impressive images, Speedlights are always instruments that are worth investing in.
- The Nikon SB-5000 is a highly portable speedlight, so if I had the option to buy one, I would do so.
- You need an excellent speedlight like the Nikon SB-910 Speedlight Flash for a camera as unique as the Nikon D610 if you want your photos to be immersive.
- It is entirely up to you whether you want to use TTL speed lights or a manual flash.
The Top 5 Best Speedlights For Nikon D610
5. Neewer 750II TTL Flash Speedlite – Best Value
What I Like
- LCD display that enables precise control
- Build quality
- Affordable
- Lightweight
What I Don’t Like
- It is not that durable
Starting things off with a flashlight from Neewer, a global leader in photography and video equipment.
The 750II comes in a compact size that measures 4.33 x 3.54 x 8.27 inches and weighs 1.15 pounds. The comprehensive functions that are easy to operate and the nice build quality make this an ideal pick for entry-level photographers.
It has a vertical rotation angle from 0 degrees to 90 and a horizontal rotation one from 0 to 270 degrees. It supports TTL, M, and Multi flash mode while also having to overheat protection.
It has a really powerful flash with a High Guide number 58 / 190 ft at 105mm focal length and ISO 100. Flash duration goes from 1 to 300 and 1 to 20 000 seconds while its recycle time is 3 seconds with 4 AA alkaline batteries.
Its wireless triggering distance goes from 20-25m indoors while 10-15m outdoors.
Why should you buy it?
The comprehensive functions that are easy to operate and the nice build quality make this an ideal pick for entry-level photographers.
4. Nikon SB-5000 – Best Portable
What I Like
- Very compatible
- built-in catchlight card
- Infra-red AF illuminator
What I Don’t Like
- A bit pricey when compared to other Nikon Speelights
Next, we have Nikon’s new flagship, the SB-5000. A Speedlight that is designed to empower and please both professionals and entry-level photographers.
If you are a photographer who relies on portable lightning, then SB-5000 is your friend.
It has a small footprint and it provides streamlined access to most used functions like flash mode, head position, etc. It measures 2.87 x 5.39 x 4.07 inches and weighs 525.55g. It sure tilts from -7 degrees to 90 and rotates left to right in 180 degrees.
Its guide number comes at 113 feet and at ISO 100 with a 35mm zoom. As for the recycling time, it goes 1.8s with Ni-MH batteries and 2.6s with alkaline, indeed it is one speedy boy. Flash durations, 1/1,000 ~ 1/30 000 seconds and full-frame zoom 24 – 200m.
It is rated 150 shots with both AA alkaline and Ni-MH batteries.
Why should you buy it?
A Speedlight that is designed to empower and please both professionals and entry-level photographers.
3. Nikon SB-700 AF – Most Versatile
What I Like
- Low price
- Clean and clear LCD
- Portable
- Great build quality
What I Don’t Like
- some issues may occur while charging the batteries
The i-TTL SB-700 flash from Nikon offers a perfect balance of exposure and performance while it doesn’t fall short on portability either. Its flexible flash head provides creative lighting freedom for any subject. Its limited guide number holds it back from being the ultimate choice, but it compromises on that by offering some extra bells and whistles.
It measures 4.1 x 2.8 x 5 inches and weighs 355.6g, it is quite robust and compact at the same time. You can pivot its head in 97 degrees vertical tilt, and 360 degrees of horizontal rotation (180, 180 left, and right).
Its guide number is rated at 28/ 92 feet with ISO at 100 and a normal 35mm FX setting. If you tell the SB-700 how far away the subject you flashing is, it automatically calculates it and uses the correct manual power for you.
As for the recycle times 2.5 with NI-MH batteries or Alkalines and 3.5 seconds with lithium. The durations take 1/1,000 and 1/40,000 s.
Shots per set go 160 for alkaline batteries, eVolta 230, and lithium 330.
Why should you buy it?
Its flexible flash head provides creative lighting freedom for any subject.
2. Nikon SB-800 AF – Best Runner-Up
What I Like
- Wireless flash
- Included accessories
- Build quality
What I Don’t Like
- Low battery life
It held the throne for years since its release until the complex SB-900 arrived back in 2008. But it still remains a great flash For Nikon Cameras, it easily supports every Nikon that was made for the past 40 years.
Besides being powerful it is a really compact and portable i-TTL flash, It measures 2.8 x 5.0 x 3.6 and weighs 350g.
The SB-800 adds a reverse flash guide number for flash where you set the aperture, it sets the level on its own based on the distance.
It’s the same as flashmatics modes back in the 50s. The Speedlight heads tilt up to 90 degrees or down to -7 degrees, and horizontally to 180 degrees to the left and 90 to the right.
Its guide number is rated at 38/125 at ISO 100 while its zoom head is set to 35mm.
If you use alkaline batteries its recycle time takes 6 seconds, and 4 seconds with NI-MH. Yet again the alkaline provides 130 shots and the Ni-Mh maximum of 150 shots.
Why should you buy it?
It easily supports every Nikon that was made for the past 40 years.
1. Nikon SB-910 Speedlight Flash – Best Overall
What I Like
- Styled light
- Thermal cut-out system available
- Wireless ability
- AF-assist illuminatorr
What I Don’t Like
- A bit heavy
An upgrade to the short-lived SB-900, the SB-910 is here as Nikon’s top professional flash and at the same time, it is the biggest, fastest, brightest, and most featured one. You simply can’t go wrong with this powerhouse.
The SB-910 Speedlight operates as a hot shoe-mounted Speedlight, and it measures 5.7 x 3.1 x 4.4 inches (H, W, D) while weighing 521.9 g. As for the bounce angles, the head tilts down to 7 degrees or up to 90 degrees. Horizontally it goes 180 degrees to the left and to the right 180 degrees, basically fully ±180.
The zoom range automatically adjusts to your lens and also it adjusts to both FX and DX. FX has a zoom range of 17 – 200mm, while DX, 12- 200mm. Flash duration goes from full output 1/880 sec to 1/38,500 sec at M 1/128 output. An impressive Guide number of 34, 111.5 feet at ISO 100, 35 mm FX zoom setting. Recycling time goes 2.3 sec up to 4.5 sec (this varies a lot on the battery type).
As power supply it supports 1.25 V HR6 (AA-size) rechargeable Ni-MH,1.5 V LR6 (AA-size) alkaline,1.5 V FR6 (AA-size) lithium. Please note that the better the battery type is the more shots it will provide.
Why should you buy it?
You simply can’t go wrong with this powerhouse, and that is why this Speedlight is listed as the best overall.
The difference between a TTL flash and a Manual one:
- TTL Speedlights are excellent in scenarios where the distance between the flash and the subject changes fast. Basically, it automatically adjusts the flash output for you as the distance between you and the camera itself changes.
- Manual flash is best when you want the most control over the light source. It’s more useful if the distance between the subject and the flash doesn’t change at fast rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nikon D610 have built-in flash?
Nikon D610 is a great camera from the amazing Nikon brand, and it owns a built-in flash. There is its guide number which achieves up to 39 feet.
Can I use a Canon Speedlight for my Nikon camera?
Yes! A Canon Speedlight will work with your Nikon camera, but something that matters here is the part of the mounting. If they have the same amount, you are good to go!
What is Nikon ITTL?
I know that when searching for a Speedlight or anything else, you encounter some weird words or phrases that may catch your attention. One of those is ITTL, found in flashes or Speedlights. ITTL means Intelligent Through The Lens, which allows your camera to be in great contact with the Speedlight that you will be using.
Final Words:
If you are new in the flash field, I would highly advise beginning with a basic manual flash, and once you start understanding the application of a flash you can upgrade to different options.
At the end of the day it all comes down to, what you are comfortable with, and your usage needs plus your budget.
Photo & Videographer
A photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of nature and the human form. My work has been featured in galleries and publications around the world, and I strive to create images that evoke emotion and tell a story.
