Which flash: SB-600 or SB-700?

[Tyler]

I'm not new to photography but I am fairly new to using a flash that's not the one built into the D90. I've been saving up for a new flash and wanted to hear your thoughts on whether or not the new SB-700 is worth the extra ~$110+ over the SB-600.

I don't need anything too complicated but I would like something that will last me a long time and be fairly versatile in the long run. I have the money now for the 600 but, being new to all the terminology and features of these types of flashes, wasn't sure if the SB-700 would be worth saving up for.

I primarily do shots of my kids, the wife, and other family members and I also like landscape/nature work. However, I might do an some very casual portrait work for non family members where I'd like to have a better flash. I would just be nice to have something to be able to do more portrait work.

Your thoughts/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[OsmosisStudios]

On camera? 700
Off camera? 600

[inkista]

I'm a Canon shooter, so I know nearly nothing of this, but I'd go by what this guy says:

Nikon SB-700 Flash Specs vs SB-600 and SB-900 | Speedlights.net

[kirbinster]

Well I find my SB600's work just fine. You can pick them up used for about $150-$170.

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

On camera? 700
Off camera? 600

It will be used on camera the majority of the time. That is until I learn/have the capacity to use it off camera on a regular basis.

Originally Posted by inkista

I'm a Canon shooter, so I know nearly nothing of this, but I'd go by what this guy says:

Nikon SB-700 Flash Specs vs SB-600 and SB-900 | Speedlights.net

Thanks inkista - I thought I did enough reading but I missed this article. Sounds like the 700 has a few advantages that may make it worth the extra $.

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Well I find my SB600's work just fine. You can pick them up used for about $150-$170.

Good point. Not sure why but I never thought about buying a used one.

[Paul Francis Photography]

While the SB600 is a great flash, a great feature of the SB700 is the better controls. I have the SB600 and the SB900 and the controls on the SB900 are much better and they were brought over to the SB700 as well. Instead of having to hold a button down for a few seconds (SB600), you just flip a switch (SB700 and SB900). Same thing for switching to wireless flash control mode. Much simpler, easier and faster.

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by Paul Francis Photography

While the SB600 is a great flash, a great feature of the SB700 is the better controls. I have the SB600 and the SB900 and the controls on the SB900 are much better and they were brought over to the SB700 as well. Instead of having to hold a button down for a few seconds (SB600), you just flip a switch (SB700 and SB900). Same thing for switching to wireless flash control mode. Much simpler, easier and faster.

Good to know Paul. That's one more thing to consider - thank you

[firebox40dash5]

IMO, the SB-600 is a bargain on the same level as the 35mm 1.8G. I got mine new for just under $200 last year, and I imagine there will be similar deals now that it's 'obsolete'. Unless you need the better controls and the Commander mode, I see no reason to buy the 700. And if it's your only flash, obviously you won't need the Commander mode. Most of the rest of the SB-700's features (sensor size detection, beam patterns, etc.) look to just be gimmicks using the same zoom positions multiple times. I've done the same thing it does automatically, using the manual zoom settings on the SB-600 for a while.

You can buy the 600, and use it on camera, as well as using the D90's flash to control it off camera. If you find switching it a pain (it kind of is) or that you need an on- and off-camera flash simultaneously (I never use the built-in for anything but Commander, with its exposure set to 0), you can always pick up the 700 later, and keep the 600 as an off-camera slave.

[kramer1982]

Hello Tyler, I'm not sure if you have bought the flash unit since posting this, but I think that most replies on this thread missed one of the most important parts (at least important for me): when using the flash on-camera (and even off-camera) indoors, you will (most of the times) want to BOUNCE the light off surfaces (and not shoot it directly at the subject)... seeing the flash in this "light", I think I would rather go with the SB-700, instead of the SB-600, because of the head which can be rotated backwards (and therefore would also allow you to bounce the flash from a wall/ceiling behind you).

Sorry if I hadn't used the right technical terms, but you get my point. I hope this helps.

Btw: why not a Nissin Di-866?

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by kramer1982

Hello Tyler, I'm not sure if you have bought the flash unit since posting this, but I think that most replies on this thread missed one of the most important parts (at least important for me): when using the flash on-camera (and even off-camera) indoors, you will (most of the times) want to BOUNCE the light off surfaces (and not shoot it directly at the subject)... seeing the flash in this "light", I think I would rather go with the SB-700, instead of the SB-600, because of the head which can be rotated backwards (and therefore would also allow you to bounce the flash from a wall/ceiling behind you).

Sorry if I hadn't used the right technical terms, but you get my point. I hope this helps.

Btw: why not a Nissin Di-866?

The SB600 flash can be rotated to face back too. You have to rotate it to the left to do this.