Nikon flash SB24 vs SB800 [price!]

[dvdowns]

OK , one more question that could save me some money possibly . I have a Nikon D70 , the built in speedlight flash works very nicely with regard to automatic power output . I can buy a second hand SB24 flash for nz$175 and a new SB800 on the auction site is $505nz . Is the only difference the zoom function ? If so I think the SB24 will do 95% of what I need from a flash since I don't do a lot of flash work . Then I can at least get the flash up on a bracket and have a bit more power though the built in speedlight is surprisingly strong . ? Any advice will help ......

OK , I don't know if anyone will be able to talk me into the SB24 , I just did a search on dpreview.com and heard some nasty things about sb24 and D70 , having to use all sorts of manual settings .............

[Neil V]

Have you looked at the Nikon SB-600, it has 80% of the features that the SB-800 has and is a couple hundred less...$299 in Canada vs $499 for the SB-800.

The SB-600 works wirelessly, rotates, bounces and has fill flash.

Sorry I couldn't compare the two that you asked of but I think the SB-600 is a perfect match for the D70.

[dvdowns]

I think that sounds like good advice , as mentioned I did a search on the sb24 and it sounds like I would have to go back to manual settings on the camera .... bad idea . I remember reading a review comparing the SB600 and the SB800 [which is slightly stronger I think] and the end result was " go for the SB600" because , as you mention , it does almost everything the 800 does at 60% of the price . The SB600 is nz$355 while the SB800 is nz$545 , quite a difference in price ! But I am one of those people that worries ' what if I buy the 600 and realise I need the 800?' although really the built in flash does just about all I need for now and I mainly want it for off-camera flash .