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Here’s some awesome options for nikon flashes
Lighting is one of the most crucial elements in photography. To help you capture the perfect shot, that’s why in this article we’ve compiled a list of the top flashes for Nikon cameras. Some of the ones we mention are made by Nikon, the advantage to those are that they are the trusted brand and purpose built for your Nikon camera, but the downside is that they can be pricy and sometimes have less features. So I’ve included other alternative brands for cheaper options as well.
While the Nikon SB700, SB500, and SB5000 are designed primarily for Nikon cameras, the Godox V1 is available in multiple versions for different cameras but you will need to check which varient it is for the right attachment.
Depending on your photography needs, budget, and portability, the best flash for you may vary. Below, we’ve categorized our top picks to help you make an informed decision.
The Nikon SB700 is a go-to mid-range flash that balances features and affordability. It boasts a compact design while offering an auto-zoom range of 24 to 120mm, extendable to 12mm with a built-in wide-angle diffusion panel.
Key Features:
- i-TTL flash control for seamless Nikon camera compatibility, but note that radio control isn’t supported; it uses optical CLS only (line-of-sight).
- Hard plastic tungsten and fluorescent filters for automatic white balance adjustments.
- Affordable mid-range price without sacrificing essential features.
This flash is one of the most popular choices among Nikon photographers, and for good reason. It gives the user a perfect balance between power, portability, and ease of use. This model offers Nikon’s reliable i-TTL metering, which automatically adjusts the flash output based on your camera’s exposure settings. This means you can focus on your composition while the flash handles the lighting calculations. The results are usually accurate, but you may need to make small tweaks still. So, for that, adjustments can be made easily through the menu.
You also get a solid guide number of 28 (at ISO 100, 35mm), a zoom head that covers 24–120mm, and full bounce capabilities with tilt and swivel adjustments. This flexibility makes it easy to bounce light off ceilings or walls for softer, more natural results. Recycling time is quick too, at around 2.5 seconds with Ni-MH batteries, and it supports Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS) for wireless triggering both as a master and a remote flash. That opens the door to multi-flash setups, which are great for portraits and creative lighting.
If you shoot events or portraits, the SB-700 gives you professional performance in a manageable size. And that’s what makes it a true all-rounder. It’s powerful enough for most situations while still compact enough to take anywhere. So overall, if you want a solid flash with great versatility at a reasonable price, the SB700 is a fantastic option.
For photographers in need of a lightweight, portable flash, the Nikon SB500 is an excellent choice. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with a 100-lux LED light for optimal illumination.
Key Features:
- 90-degree tilt & 180-degree rotation for flexible shooting angles.
- 24mm FX format coverage with an LED video light featuring two output levels.
- Recycle time is about 2.6–3.5 s but that can fluctuate depending on batteries.
It’s actually the smallest flash in our lineup, and that’s why it had to be in our list. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and incredibly reliable. Unlike larger models, the SB-500 runs on just two AA batteries and still delivers solid performance. Its guide number of 24 (at ISO 100, 24mm) isn’t huge, but for indoor photography, portraits, or fill flash outdoors, it performs very well.
The built-in LED light is a handy bonus. It makes it useful for video shooting and also for adding a bit of continuous light when photographing small subjects or close-up details. And because of that versatility we think this flash is great for users who do both photo and video.
It also supports Nikon’s i-TTL metering and Creative Lighting System, allowing you to use it as a wireless remote flash in multi-light setups. However, it can’t act as a master controller, so you’d need a higher model like the SB700 mentioned above or the SB-5000 which we’ll move onto below, to lead your lighting setup.
Physically, the SB-500 is small enough to slip into almost any camera bag or even a jacket pocket. Despite its size, the build quality feels solid, and the user interface is refreshingly straightforward. It is a true “grab-and-go” flash that performs far better than you’d think. Overall, it’s an ideal pick for on-the-go photographers who prioritize convenience and minimal gear.
If you're on a budget but still want a high-quality flash, the Godox V1 is a great alternative to Nikon-branded flashes. This budget-friendly option is fully compatible with Nikon i-TTL cameras and offers impressive specs at a lower cost.
Key Features:
- 76Ws output for strong illumination.
- 2.4 GHz wireless X system and 28-105mm zoom range.
- 7.2V 2600mAh battery, providing around 1.5-second recycling time at full power, and up to 480 shots per charge.
- All-in-one wireless system compatible with Godox’s 2.4 GHz X system
Nikon users rate this flash highly, and it’s no surprise, it’s got a strong performance and it’s innovative. Unlike most traditional flashes, this model features a round flash head, which produces softer and more even light. This design allows it to give a more natural falloff and pleasant catchlights in portraits.
The V1 is compatible with Nikon’s TTL system and supports high-speed sync up to 1/8000s, which makes it extremely versatile for outdoor and creative lighting. The recycle time is impressively short, typically around 1.5 seconds, and it uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery instead of standard AAs. That battery delivers up to 480 full-power flashes per charge, so you can shoot longer without interruption.
Another major advantage of the Godox V1 is its built-in 2.4GHz wireless system. It can act as a transmitter and receiver within the Godox X system, which means you can trigger other Godox flashes or receivers directly. This makes it an excellent choice if you want to expand into off-camera lighting without being locked into Nikon’s ecosystem.
Physically, the V1 feels well-built and solid, with magnetic accessories that snap on quickly. You can easily attach diffusers, domes, grids, and gels using the magnetic system, which speeds up your workflow and allows you to experiment more.
The controls are also clean and easy to understand, with a bright LCD screen and a large control dial. For photographers who value modern features, wireless flexibility, and a more advanced power system, the Godox V1 is a fantastic alternative to Nikon’s official lineup we’ve been covering so far on this list.
The Godox V1 is available in multiple versions, each designed for a specific camera brand, including Godox V1-N for Nikon, V1-C for Canon, V1-S for Sony, V1-F for Fujifilm, and V1-O for Olympus & Panasonic. Unlike Nikon-branded flashes, which are primarily restricted to Nikon cameras, the Godox V1 offers greater flexibility across different camera systems.
The Nikon SB5000 is the top-tier choice for professional photographers. This high-performance speedlight is widely used in the photography industry thanks to its wireless lighting system, advanced radio control, and superior cooling system.
Top Features:
- Compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and most FX/DX format cameras.
- Controls up to six groups of Speedlights by radio when used with a compatible camera.
- Minimum recycle time is around 1.8 s with Ni-MH and around 2.6 s with alkaline AAs. The built-in cooling system enables upto 100 consecutive full-power flashes under Nikon’s test conditions.
- High output (GN 34.5), compatible with Nikon Z-series cameras or DSLRs using a WR-R11a/WR-R10 (+ WR-A10) for radio AWL.
- Zoom range is 24–200 mm (FX); coverage to 14 mm when the built-in wide panel is used.
This model pretty much offers everything the SB-700 can do, and then some. And it’s packed into a sturdy body built for speed and reliability.
The SB-5000’s standout feature has to be its radio control system, which finally freed Nikon camera users from the limitations of line-of-sight optical triggering. You can now trigger multiple flashes even if they’re behind walls or obstacles, making complex multi-flash setups far more reliable.
This flash also has a high guide number of 34.5 (ISO 100, 35mm), giving it plenty of reach for large rooms, events, or bright daylight fill. The recycling time is quick too, around 1.8 seconds, and the built-in cooling system helps prevent overheating during extended shooting sessions which can be a common issue with older flashes during weddings or long events.
It also supports Nikon’s full Creative Lighting System with i-TTL and can act as both a master and a remote flash. The controls are professional-grade but still intuitive, with a detailed LCD display and a menu system that feels logical once you get used to it.
Physically, it’s larger and heavier than the SB-700 or SB-500, at around 420 grams. So, if you’re looking for portability, you might want to consider something like the SB-500 instead. But still, the SB-5000 is built to last and withstand frequent use, and it performs amazingly with both DSLR and mirrorless Nikon cameras.
Overall, we think this flash is best for professionals and advanced users who need maximum performance and reliability. While it comes at a premium price, it outperforms older models like the SB700 with quicker recycling times (1.8-2.6s vs. 2.5-3.1s) and advanced wireless control options.
How to Choose the Right Nikon Flash
Now that we’ve been over our top picks, let’s quickly go through how you can decide which one fits your needs.
If you shoot a mix of indoor and outdoor events, the SB-700 is the most suitable choice. It offers plenty of power, good wireless options, and a familiar interface, making it easy to adjust on the fly. The reason it works so well for mixed environments is that it has a wide zoom range and fast recycling, so it handles bright outdoor scenes and dim indoor spaces equally well. It also supports Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, so you can control other flashes wirelessly without extra gear.
If you want something light and simple for everyday use, the SB-500 is a great pick. It’s also ideal for video shooters who want that built-in LED. The reason this flash fits casual and travel photographers so well is its size and simplicity as stated earlier. It doesn’t overwhelm you with buttons or settings, and it’s light enough to carry everywhere. The LED light helps with hybrid shooting and small setups, especially when you need a bit of constant light for focusing or short video clips.
If you want to modernize your setup and use rechargeable power with a softer, round light, the Godox V1 is hard to beat. It’s compatible with Nikon’s TTL system and expands easily into multi-light setups thanks to its 2.4GHz system. The main reason photographers love the V1 is its round head, which gives a smoother and more natural light falloff compared to rectangular flashes. The built-in lithium battery means fewer battery swaps and faster recycling, while the integrated radio system lets you control multiple lights without line-of-sight issues.
Finally, if you are a professional who often works in complex environments or needs absolute reliability, the SB-5000 is a really good choice. It combines raw power with radio control and an advanced cooling system for long shoots. The reason it’s ideal for pros is that it’s built to handle demanding situations like weddings, commercial shoots, and long events where overheating or misfires could ruin your timing. Its radio control works even when the flash isn’t in direct view of the camera, and the cooling fan allows for long bursts of shooting without slowing down.
Common Flash Questions
Do Nikon flashes work with mirrorless cameras?
Yes, all current Nikon flashes are compatible with Nikon’s mirrorless Z-series cameras, either directly or via adapters.
Can I mix Nikon and Godox flashes in one setup?
Yes, but they will not communicate wirelessly unless you use compatible triggers. You can use manual mode or sync cables if needed.
What batteries work best for flashes?
Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries like Eneloop or lithium-ion systems (such as the Godox V1) work best for fast recycling and longer life.
What is high-speed sync?
High-speed sync (HSS) lets you use shutter speeds faster than your camera’s native flash sync speed, which is perfect for bright outdoor portraits.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right flash depends on how and where you shoot. The SB-700 remains the most balanced all-round option for most photographers while the SB-500 is compact, lightweight, and perfect for casual use. The Godox V1 adds a modern twist with its round head and rechargeable power. And for professionals who need top-tier reliability, the SB-5000 delivers unmatched performance.
No matter which flash you choose, learning to manage your lighting can dramatically improve your photography. Once you understand how to shape and control light with one of these flashes, you can unlock new creative possibilities with your Nikon camera.
Thanks for reading. I hope this review helped you find the best camera flash! Oh, and by the way! If you’re on the lookout for a new laptop, make sure try our Laptop Finder Quiz. Otherwise, check out our similar tech reviews on the links below.
