Last Updated on February 2, 2023
Are you looking for the best flash for your Nikon D780? In this article you will find the top rated Nikon and third party flashes compatible with the D780. All offer superior performance for improved image exposure and quality.
QQUICK RECOMMENDATION:
Check out Godox V860III-N Camera Flash for Nikon D780 for best value
or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews…
Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for the top rated D780 external flashes or read on for the full review
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Best Nikon D780 Flashes
The D780 offers excellent full frame performance as well as 4k video capture. It is an extremely versatile camera that is ideal for time lapse, long exposure and more. The phase detect autofocus is excellent and a big improvement over the D750.
I got my Nikon D780 when it was released and it is an amazing camera! After two decades of photography I have used tons of camera and flash combinations and for this article you will know which flashes compatible with your D780 will provide the best lighting and image exposure. The first few picks are a bit higher priced so if you are looking for the best low cost flash available the last model on the list is the one for you.
Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash
- High-quality flash for standalone use or as part of a comprehensive lighting system
- Commander mode controls up to 3 Speedlight groups or unlimited individual Speedlights
- 4 wireless channel options; prominent master and remote control switch for wireless operation
The Nikon SB-900 is one of my two favorite flashes (along with the SB-5000 you’ll find below). It provides real professional lighting performance and all the features a full time photographer will need. The build quality and design is top of the line and it offers Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor circuitry. You get tons of features including slow sync, front and rear curtain sync, red eye reduction, automatic FP high speed sync and more. You get a powerful guide number of 111.5′ at ISO 100 and zoom range of 17-200mm. You get full automatic and manual zoom along with bounce head lighting through tilt and rotation. The price is on the higher end but if you are looking for amazing functionality this is the flash for your D780.
- True pro performance
- Amazing lighting and perfect exposure
- Full auto and manual mode
- Powerful guide number of 111.5′ at ISO 100
- Zoom range of 17-200mm
- Bounce lighting with flash head tilt and rotation
- Fast recycle time
- Slow, high speed, and front and rear curtain sync
- Wireless with great range
- Battery powered
Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight
- Radio Control Advanced Wireless Lighting
- Cooling System for 100 Consecutive Shots
- Compatible with Nikon i-TTL
This is my other most frequently used speedlight. It pairs perfectly with your D780 and offers some of the best performance you can get. It has all the features a veteran flash photographer needs and it is my go to speedllight for wedding and portrait photography. It offers Nikon’s advanced Creative Lighting System with their Advanced Wireless Lighting for complete flash control. You get a total of up to six groups for remote flash and this model even works with obstructions. The range is so good I’ve even set it up in other rooms and got great results. It works both in the studio and outside in bright light. Working with bright scenes is actually when this flash really shines! This TTL allows you to take up to one hundred consecutive shots without overheating thanks to the built in cooling system. This powerful flash is really a winner, but it does cost quite a bit so it is best suited for the serious photographer.
- Amazing overall performance and a huge feature list
- Consistent perfect exposure
- Built in cooling fan
- Take up to one hundred consecutive shots
- Works great in the studio or outside in bright settings
- Higher priced than most flashes
- Bounce head lighting
- Works with obstructions
- Battery powered
Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash
- Portable, Versatile Speedlight Unit
- Nikon's Precision i-TTL Flash Control
- Complete Flash Head Positioning Freedom
The SB-700 allows you to get professional images without the huge price tag of the SB-900 or SB-5000. I’ve owned mine for a couple years and it is a very good speedlight option. It provides accurate auto performance and can be used fully manually as well. It is easy to operate and the LCD screen is high quality. This flash works great both on camera and off camera for added versatility. The commander and remote functions flawlessly. You get multi step auto zoom with a solid range of 24-120mm. The recycle time is quick and the flash is lightweight. It is equipped with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and it works great with the D780.
- Great performance at a lower price
- Auto and manual zoom/range is 24-120mm
- Works well on camera and off camera
- Nikon’s Creative Lighting System
- Bounce lighting with tilt and rotation
- Commander and wireless modes
- Battery powered
Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash
- Easy-to-view LCD with 6 simple-to-understand backlit buttons
- FV lock holds flash value, enabling recomposition prior to shooting
- Accurate i-TTL flash control achieved through flash exposure monitoring control
This is a great mid range flash ideal for pairing with your D780 if you shoot portrait or wedding photography. It offers consistently on point exposure for great image quality every time. It is very easy to operate and the LCD screen and button configuration is well designed. It offers great on camera and off camera function with advanced wireless lighting. You get a powerful guide number of 98′ at ISO 100 and 200mm. The zoom range is solid at 24-85mm and it can be extended with the built in wide flash adapter to 14mm. This flash has the AF assist illuminator which is usually only available on higher end Nikon flashes. You get FP high speed sync and white balance optimization. It has flash exposure lock and is fully i-TTL compatible.
- Solid overall performance at a reasonable price
- Great feature list
- Offers Nikon’s Creative Lighting System
- Fully i-TTL compatible
- Guide number of 98′ at ISO 100 and 200mm
- Zoom range of 24-85mm
- Full auto and manual modes
- Bounce lighting with flash head rotation and tilt
- Advanced Wireless Lighting
- Battery powered
Godox TT685N Thinklite TTL Flash for Nikon
- It supports Multi/Stroboscopic flash function, as well as auto and manual zoom function with a flash coverage of 20 to 200 mm.
- With built-in 2.4G wireless flash transmission and TTL compatible flash, your shooting will become simpler.
- Flash duration: 1/300 to 1/20000 seconds. Exposure control system: i-TTL II auto flash and manual flash.
If you are looking for a high performing budget flash for your Nikon D780 this is the speedlight for you! The Godox TT685N offers excellent performance at a very good price. One note: be sure your firmware is updated or you will have performance issues with this flash. You get a powerful guide number of 197′ at ISO 100 and 200mm for impressive range. The zoom range is 20-200mm and you get bounce head lighting. It is fully TTL compatible and you get both master/commander and slave modes. This flash offers nearly the same performance as one more than double it’s cost.
- Great overall performance at a budget friendly price
- Pairs great with the Nikon D780
- Powerful guide number of 197′ at ISO 100 and 200mm
- Zoom range of 20-200mm
- Master and slave modes
- Bounce head lighting
- Be sure to update your firmware
- Battery powered
Conclusion
After years of shooting portrait and wedding photography professionally I have had the opportunity to use dozens of flashes. And using a high quality flash is well worth the investment if you are serious about getting the best image quality and exposure possible. After shooting hundreds of shots with tons of flashes I have found the top speedlights compatible with the Nikon D780 and any of the above picks will give you amazing image quality every time.
If you really want to step up your lighting and composition, investing in a high performance on camera flash is a great move. If you are working with a lower budget there is no need to worry, you can still get great performance (without all the bells and whistles) by selecting the Godox TT685N.
For more flash and lighting tips and guides check out these articles