Ive thought about going with the Nikon SB-700 as Ive seen it under $300 (which is probably my absolute max budget) but Im wondering is there are better, or just as good, options for less $.
Im shooting with a D3200 but I may end up upgrading to a D600 in a month or two.


Also, I have an older Canon flash (277t) that I would like to be able to remotely use (on manual of course), what should I use for that?

go with YONGNUO, great inexpensive units
I have a few and the have never given a problem
look at the yn-568ex, it is ttl and hss which hardly any others offer atm and has other great features
http://www.yongnuostore.com/product/yongnuo-yn-568ex-high-speed-sync-hss-flash-speedlite-speedlight_nikon/
if you don't want ttl they have other even cheaper options like the yn-560III

for the old flash get a set of triggers from YONGNUO as well like the yn-622n

I like my sb-600.... can buy one used for around $200.

Someone recommended a yn 602 or 602 for the flash. How will it work with a canon flash on a nikon? Do I need a nikon specific transmitter and a canon reciever or something?
If I can get the canon to work well on manual than that will be fine for now. Ive used it in the hotshoe (from what I can tell the voltages are fine) but id rather get it setup as remote.

yeah u get the Nikon triggers, the canon flash will work fully manual
the 602 isn't worth it
the 603's are better (what u use) they are transceivers and u can just keep adding more with np
the newer 622's are nice, they support ttl and hss etc