Nikon - SB-600 or 900 Speedlight

[amotorkat]

Howdy, Hope I posted in the right area. Im new to photography, Use a Nikon D5000 and am needing a flash. I know the 900 is a bit better, but for someone just starting out, are there any huge differences? I dont want to spend tons of extra money if its not needed. Any thoughts, recomendations do yall have?

Cheers,
Matt

[OsmosisStudios]

This would likely be better off in the Nikon section, but I'll answer in the hopes that a moderator can move it for you

The 900 is more powerful and offers a few features over the 600 that may be important to you. The first is the commander feature. Since your D5000 doesnt have a commander function in the pop-up flash, the SB-900 can be used on camera to trigger other SB flashes off camera. The other is swivel: the 900 goes a full 360 degrees, not just 270. The power is considerable, and if youre going to be using it on-camera, makes bouncing the light that much easier. That being said, its about the same size as your body on it's own, so it may be a bit unwieldly.

[GadgetRick]

I wound up with the SB-600 and it's quite a nice flash, however, the SB-900 is more powerful. I'd say, if you're a casual photographer, you'll be fine with the 600 but, if you plan to do more, go for the 900. I'm selling my SB-600 (almost new) in the sales section (shameless plug).

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[equilution]

I have the 800 and the 900. The 900 commander feature is incredible. It might be worth spending a bit more up front so that when you are ready, you can get another to slave.

I had the 800 first as an on-camera flash. Now my default on-camera flash is the 900, and I can say there is a huge difference in the evenness of flash across my field of view. Also, the 900 will flash effectively with up to a 200mm lens, where the 800 only goes to 105.

The other school of thought is to go with the 800 first and get familiar with Nikon's SB functions, then move up to the 900.

Either way, one thing I would highly recommend: GET THE NIKON HANDS ON GUIDE TO CREATIVE LIGHTING DVD: Amazon.com: Nikon School presents A Hands-on Guide to Creative Lighting: Electronics

It will probably be the best $25 you'll spend this year if you really want to get into flash photography.

Happy shooting!

[TheManny]

Hi Matt!

As far as differences between the two... there are definite differences in terms of power, size, and other features. Whether or not you need those differences is completely up to you (it depends on what you plan on shooting). I personally have the SB-900 and I can't complain as far as its abilities.

A friend of mine has the SB-600 (which he uses it fairly regularly) and he loves it. His only complaint so far is on rare occasions (beyond his normal day to day photos) it just doesn't have the amount of power he needs.

My humble opinion is, if you can afford the SB-900 (or get it at a really good deal), you should get it. It never hurts to have more than you really need when it comes in an all-in-one package.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by equilution

I had the 800 first as an on-camera flash. Now my default on-camera flash is the 900, and I can say there is a huge difference in the evenness of flash across my field of view. Also, the 900 will flash effectively with up to a 200mm lens, where the 800 only goes to 105.

Another good point. The SB-600 goes to 85mm.

[amotorkat]

wow, thanks for the responses! I think Im going to lean for the 900, its going to be a partial gift for my upcoming b-day. As of now, I think I would be using it to just bounce light around and to get different light angles on macros. There is much more for me to learn with flash photography.

[equilution]

Originally Posted by amotorkat

wow, thanks for the responses! I think Im going to lean for the 900, its going to be a partial gift for my upcoming b-day. As of now, I think I would be using it to just bounce light around and to get different light angles on macros. There is much more for me to learn with flash photography.

Again, I cannot stress enough how valuable the Nikon Creative Lighting DVD will be for you...it's a must have. I still watch it from time to time as a refresher, and for ideas.

[GadgetRick]

Originally Posted by equilution

Again, I cannot stress enough how valuable the Nikon Creative Lighting DVD will be for you...it's a must have. I still watch it from time to time as a refresher, and for ideas.

Sounds like you can get something out of it even if you're not shooting with Nikon?

[equilution]

Originally Posted by GadgetRick

Sounds like you can get something out of it even if you're not shooting with Nikon?

It IS actually geared toward the features available in the Nikon SB system of lighting...and how each one differs from the next...and how they can work together. Aside from the Nikon aspect of the DVD, it does have some very valuable information about lighting techniques regardless of the brand of flash. Heck, for $25, sit down with a good drink for 2 and a half hours, and you'll have a whole new perspective on lighting.