Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras by Nikon
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Digital camera reviews of Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: Best accessory you can get
Summary: 5 Stars
I've read many forums and decided on the SB-600. It is a fantastic flash - out of the box it performs flawlessly. I have the Nikon D90 and when you setup this flash wireless across the room, the picture you will get from your friends faces is priceless.Digital camera Review: Best choice for most Nikon SLR owners
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased the SB-600 for my Nikon D5000. While the D5000 and other entry-level Nikon DSLRs (e.g., DX40/60/3000) do not have the built in Wireless Commander, I think the SB-600 is still a better investment than the SB-400 for entry/mid-level Nikon SLR users.
The SB-400 has a limited ISO 100 guide number of 21/68 (feet/meters) at the 18mm zoom head position. The SB-600 has a limited guide number of 30/98 at ISO 100 when set to the 35mm zoom position. In other words, unless you want a flash unit that is only slightly more powerful than the built in flash of your camera, or just want to extend the life of your camera's battery, the SB-600 is a more powerful and versatile flash unit. It will swivel sideways and straight up for more bounce options, and has a built in diffuser panel. Other advantages over the SB-400 include a built-in AF Assist lamp and power zoom. I found the AF Assist works very well in dim light.
The LCD has an easy interface for changing modes or manual adjustments, and is illuminated making it easy to see in dim light. As with Nikon's other current speed flashes, it supports Auto ISO sensitivity, and red eye reduction.
While my camera does not have built-in wireless commander, with the SB-600 I do have the option of purchasing the SU-800 ($250) to utilize the 600's wireless capabilities. As for comparison to the SB-900, I'm just a novice user, so the differences between the SB-600 versus the higher-end SB-900 (and 800) is not really significant for me considering the jump in price. The major differences that I see are wireless commander mode, lens coverage, optional power supply, and non TTL auto mode (which I don't need). The recycle times on the SB-600 are comparable to both SB-800 and 900 units. Moreover, the SB-900 has an overheat protection feature that can abruptly shut the unit down at critical times, so the SB-600 (and 800) is a great back-up even for pro users.
The photos I've taken with my D5000 have come out excellent. I've used the bounce flash, even with high ceilings, and had excellent results; and compared to the built in flash in my camera, the difference is huge. Except for professional photographers and prosumers with specific needs, for its price I think the SB-600 is the best choice for most Nikon SLR owners.
Digital camera Review: Best flash I've ever owned
Summary: 5 Stars
For the past 25 years I've either pushed my cameras/film to the limit with no flash at all or suffered the consequences of either a harsh direct flash or an inadequate bounce flash. Up until this point I had yet to use a single flash that worked well that I could afford.
I've been using my D90 for several months now and was impressed with its high ISO capabilities. ISO 1600 looks great and 2400 to 3200 is acceptable as long as you don't plan to blow the image up too much. But there has been an obvious line as to how far I could go in low light situations. High ISO can only get you so far.
A friend asked me to photograph her daughter's birthday bash inside a small banquet room with a dance floor. Forget the high ISO and the pop up flash was out of the question. Three hours before the event I finally caved and bought the SB-600. Right out of the box it did the job and exceeded my expectations.
1. No red eyes with the bounce.
2. Superb lighting in almost every shot - except for the times when I had the bounce at the wrong angle. Can't fault the flash for that.
3. Quickly able to shift between horizontal and vertical shots with the rotating flash head.
4. Super fast repeat response time. Was able to take up to three shots in fast succession on a dimly lit dance floor using Sony 2500 mAh rechargeable nimh batteries. Only after 3 shots did the unit slow down to recharge.
Maybe in the past I was just using flash units that were too cheap to do the job correctly. It was as if the SB-600 made everyone more photogenic. Repeatedly nailed group photos in only 1 or 2 shots. I had grown accustomed to taking 4 or 5 shots in the past.
I briefly looked at the SB-800, but the price was just too high. At this point I don't need a master flash and the power of the 600 was more than adequate for my needs. Some of what Nikon says the 600 "can't do" it actually can if you search around on the net for homemade workarounds. If you have a Nikon and you're not a pro who needs the SB-800 the SB-600 is a no-brainer.
Digital camera Review: Best for the buck
Summary: 5 Stars
I own 3 SB flashes the SB 600 works perfectly for the average photographer , simple . I would get the small click on cup diffuser for some softening of the light . The quick swivel head
gets you ready for bouncing the flash off a white ceiling for flattering wrinkle shadow reduction .
Corded to the hot shoe at arm length , it can still use TTL or fill flash portraits outside at social functions .At times the click path - button sequences can be annoying . In general use
it wont be a problem , cheat cards help . The SB 600 can take a few 5 ft drops on the floor without damage .
A great starter in the nikon CLS , its hard to plan / know if you will use it much . Exploring possibilities of wireless TTL with the nikon camera ( some models ) as a controller . This opens up a huge choice of lighting . As others wrote the SB 700 800 900 don't do much more , the SB 800 is now only on used markets . I would say the only thing on the SB 900 it shines as Master strobe controller with faster intuitive controls . Some don't like the larger size of the 900 .
Study your cameras limits and if you plan to buy more than one SB later . The Nikon has its limits with CLS 15ft - 20 ft circle distance to operate multiple units at 100% .
Digital camera Review: Best for the dollar
Summary: 5 Stars
I was comparing the sb400 or the sb600 and i choose the sb600 because for a little more money buys you a great flash, it swivels to either side, the flash is also great for large rooms or taller ceilings. For someone starting out this is a great product.