Bower - External Flash

I wanted to get a Nikon sb-400 flash unit to go with my new Nikon D90 camera because I like to bounce flash and I liked the sleek, low design. The sb-400 was on back order everywhere. I then looked for an alternative and ran across this Bower unit that had the same sleek look, plus it rotates side to side which the sb-400 does not. The clincher was that it was 1/3 the cost so I decided to try it. I couldn't be happier with how well it works with my D90. It's light weight and it takes 4 AA batteries so they last longer.

This flash is probably one of the best buys, out there. The flash power is not excellent like the High end Nikon Speedlights but will still cover most of what you need for every day use and more. Its supports TTL, and the head/flash swivels in all directions which makes for a perfect bounce flash, whether you shoot in landscape or portrait. It's smaller and weighs much less than my $600 SB-910 which I use for work, and I really like the small size/portability and lightweight over my other big/clunky flashes. Its used on a D600 and if you have a super wide angle this is a must, because with the built it camera flash it always leave a lens shadow in the bottom if this picture. With this lens I can go to 18mm FX on my 18-35mm AFS without a shadow, or 16mm on my big fat 14-24mm! It charges in 1-3 seconds depending on battery type. After charging the flash does make a faint hissing sound. I tried a second unit and this one did the same. I have a feeling it does not have a "sleep-mode" so I would not leave it on for extended periods without switching it off or you might end up with leaking batteries. Output is good, lights up normal size rooms even with bounce flash, but does not come with diffuser. Manual says the angles are 28mm on FX or 18mm on DX but it seems it covers a wider angle than the manual states. One thing I tried and love is a trick: grab a white business card and tilt the flash head/tube upwards until a slot opens up where you can stick the card into between the flashtube and the head. While holding the card in place, continue to swivel the tube all the way up to where its pointing toward the ceiling. You will notice it forces the card to be positioned at a 45 degree angle forward while the tube points straight up. This allows for the flash to bounce off the ceiling and off of the card straight forward towards the subject. This illuminates the room and subject very well with minimal to no shadows! Quality wise... I don't know man... the built seems cheap but what can you expect for about $41 on sale ?? I still did almost give it 5 stars though. You can buy the cheapest Nikon but head doesn't swivel left/right and still will cost between 130-150 bucks. Yeah , I think this is a keeper! I wouldn't count on much customer service as I called them about the faint hissing sound which seems to be normal. I even told them on the phone I was going to write a review because no one else had yet, and I wanted to do my part in this as I read reviews all the time from others which makes purchasing easier. But after they promised to look into it and call back , of course they never did. Shame on you Bower ! Dummies !

I recenty purchased this flash to use instead of the built-in flash. I just wanted something with a little more "range". It works well when using auto-mode. I haven't worked with adjustments to make it work well in any manual modes. I'm using it with a Nikon D5300. I am pleased with the exposures and the fact that I can pivot it up and side-to-side. So when taking a vertical shot, the pivot is handy. It is basic, but serves the purpose. It does make a slight noise when it's on, but all flashes I have had in the past have done that.

This flash works great! I also bought a set of 4 rechargable batteries and a quick charger, so I always have a fresh pair. The flip up bounce works great for horizontal or vertical shots, and I'm going to buy the diffuser bag they make. I like that it is made for Nikon DSLRs. Great price too. I hope it lasts.

Got this for my Nikon camera as it was cheap compared to Nikon flash but it works great. I like it.

Works as described. I have used it on several occasions with great results.

Great external flash unit only downfall was having to buy batteries for it.