> I have about $400 saved up but I dont know if I should go for a used Nikon SB-700 or if those Godox ones are actually as good as people say. I totally get the wedding panic. After years of shooting dark event venues in the city, I can honestly say that reliability is the only thing that matters when you are under pressure. I have been very satisfied with the Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight i-TTL Radio Controlled for my professional work. It features an internal cooling system which is a lifesaver when you are firing off continuous shots during a reception. It basically never overheats, and the i-TTL integration with the D750 is perfect. If you want to stay strictly within your budget and prefer buying something brand new, I have had no complaints using the Godox V1-N Round Head Flash for Nikon i-TTL. The lithium-ion battery is a game changer for long events because it lasts through a 10-hour day easily. The recycle times are incredibly fast, which is crucial when people are moving around on the dance floor. Personally, I would try to find a used Nikon SB-700 Speedlight i-TTL if you want that original factory reliability. It is a legendary workhorse that simply does not quit. Just make sure you pair it with high-quality cells like the Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA Rechargeable Batteries so you dont get stuck with slow recycle times. Youll be fine for your sisters big day as long as you have gear you can trust.

@Reply #2 - good point! Reliability is everything for weddings. I would suggest being careful with the cheaper brands and looking for a used Nikon SB-910 AF Speedlight instead. Its a tank.

• The thermal protection system is much better than the older models.
• It communicates perfectly with the D750 for that i-TTL accuracy.
• You can find them way under your $400 budget. Just make sure to check the battery door for any corrosion before buying!

@Reply #3 - good point! Everyone is basically saying the same thing here, stick to the pro gear if you want reliability for the wedding. I am really satisfied with the older units too because they just work without any fuss. Speaking of Chicago though, I was shooting an event near the loop last weekend and the parking situation was absolute nightmare fuel. I spent forty minutes circling the block and ended up paying like fifty bucks for a tiny spot that barely fit my truck. Then I realized I left my favorite lens cloth at home and had to use my t-shirt like a total amateur. The pizza place next door smelled amazing but they had a line out the door so I just went home hungry. anyway lol sorry kinda went off topic there.

^ This. Also, I'm gonna have to disagree slightly on the whole "Godox is just as good" thing because, in my experience, it really isnt when it comes down to high-pressure weddings. Moving away from Nikon gear a few years back to save some cash was honestly such a letdown. I was shooting a baptism in a really dim church and the third-party unit just wouldnt recycle fast enough, then it started smelling like burnt plastic halfway through... talk about a heart attack. Unfortunately, a lot of the newer flashes prioritize features over that rock-solid reliability you need when you're the lead photographer. For a D750, I still swear by the Nikon SB-910 AF Speedlight. You can usually find them used for around $250-300 these days. It has this specific thermal protection system that slows down the recycle time instead of just dying on you if it gets too hot, which is a lifesaver during receptions. Basically, it manages heat by being smart rather than just quitting. Everyone seems to love the new tech, but if its your sisters wedding, dont risk it with anything less than native gear. The Nikon SB-910 AF Speedlight is a beast. Stick to what works, especially in Chicago venues where the ceilings are usually 20 feet high and you're gonna be pushing that flash power to the max all night long. Just my two cents tho.

Regarding what #4 said about sticking to the pro gear, honestly its the only way to go when family is counting on you. Just found this thread and wanted to chime in because i-TTL consistency is basically everything for weddings.

• Native brand flashes have way more reliable communication with the camera body, which is huge when the lighting is changing every five minutes.
• Third-party units often have weird color casts that make post-processing skin tones a total nightmare.
• The recycle times on pro gear are way more predictable than the budget brands that tend to throttle or overheat when they get slightly warm. You're doing the right thing by looking at the established stuff... weddings are just too high-stakes for gear that might flake out on you right when the cake is being cut.