Grey market flash for my D40x?

Hi,


I want to buy a flash for my D40x camera (basically same specs as the D40, only with 10Mpix).


I looked and found a SB-600 from Nikon is the type of flash I would like; but don't want to pay $250+ for it.





I've seen some grey market look alikes for $50. I understand if it's not measuring up to the quality of Nikon; but what is a good flash for about $125-$150?





It'll only be used once or twice in an indoor event; my wife is an outdoor photographer so she prefers not using flash, that's why we want to spend as little as possible.





Nikon's SB-400 would only flash forward in people's faces, and you would be able to notice that on the photo's. So, any suggestions?





Perhaps talk about quality would b nice. Also, a flash that is able to tilt in an angle to not get the direct flash on people's faces.


Perhaps it would be nice to be able to add a diffuser to the flash too.|||There are all kinds of flashes out there at the price you quote...





The best thing you can get for $150 or so is the Sigma 530 DG ST. It is fully i-TTL compatible, but will also act as a slave to your D40X onboard flash, even though it does not have the flash controller built in. No slouch in power either, guide number is about the same as an SB-800. It is larger than the SB-400, but also much more versatile because of all that extra power. When you start bouncing flash, you need much more power than aiming it directly at the subject.





Here is a link to the specs at B%26amp;H... you can find it for less than what they want. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/51鈥?/a>








You can pick up cheap manual flash for daylight fill, for $50 or less. Just as simple to use, once you learn how.|||You can tilt the flash on an SB-400; it tilts 60, 75 and, 90 degrees. Go to a camera store and play with one, you'll find I'm correct.|||I think you are confusing "generic" equipment with "gray market".





Generic is equipment that is made by a different company than the products they are designed to work with. Some generic external, hot shoe mountable flash units are Metz, Sunpak and Quantum and there are many, many others.





A gray market flash would be a SB600, but imported by an unauthorized distributor which in NOT covered by a US warranty.





The problem with generic products is that they do not have the proprietary electronics which make OEM products a better choice. Just save the extra money you need to buy the Nikon flash you really want. Unless you are shooting events for pay, you really don't need a higher power external flash ... the one on your D40x should suit 90% of your needs, long enough to save the extra $100 or so to get the Nikon SB400 or SB600.|||If you only plan on using it once or twice you should rent a good flash like the SB800 or SB900. Most real camera stores will rent equipment for a reasonable fee. You would just need a credit card with enough available credit to cover the cost of it if you break it. Check with your local camera store.