Recommendation for Nikon Speedlight

[Baldwin Jazz]

I have an SB-600 and I would not refer to it as having limitations. The SB-800 is referred to as a superior flash. However, in practice, for regular and reasonably advanced amateur shooting, it offers few features that may be considered as required. For example, commander mode is not used unless you are using several flashes. Also, GN and better spread are not so far removed from the SB-600. Finally, the filters sold with it do not come to mind as essential for everyday shooting, nor does the extra battery for faster recharge. With items from Japanese companies, you often get what you pay for. As such, the SB-800 is definitely a step up. Will you need to take that step? I have not needed it, so far.

My sentiments exactly billone I havent actualy used a SB600 or SB800 but I dont think this could have been summed up any better

 

[zac08]

Used both before and well...
It's all on your budget and usage. I want a more powerful one, so I decided on the SB-800 and it's a wonderful tool. Remember, it's only a tool in your hand, how you use it is on you.

 

[spazzer]

i think juz use sb600 first as time goes by juz upgrade

 

[Scaglietti]

i think juz use sb600 first as time goes by juz upgrade

The good thing about Nikon CLS system is that you don't upgrade... you expand it. You can keep the SB-600 as a slave flash should you get a SB-800 later.

BC

 

[Godzilla Invades]

SB-600 less power. Want to increase power, you need to have a wider aperture lens (lens with wider aperture is expensive) or slower shutter speed (increases handshake which will make your photo blur) or higher ISO (increases noise level).

SB-800 - you can decrease the power anytime and still maintaining the same aperture, shutter speed and ISO.

My recommendation will be the SB-800 anytime. I have 3 X SB-800 and none have them have failed me. Just need to change the flash tube (which is quite cheap) if you are a heavy user.

 

[Scaglietti]

SB-600 less power. Want to increase power, you need to have a wider aperture lens (lens with wider aperture is expensive) or slower shutter speed (increases handshake which will make your photo blur) or higher ISO (increases noise level).

When you talk about flash exposure, shutter speed is usually out of the equation. To increase range (not power), you either use larger aperture or higher ISO. Change of shutter speed, in normal circumstance has no effect on the flash exposure.

BC

 

[Godzilla Invades]

When you talk about flash exposure, shutter speed is usually out of the equation. To increase range (not power), you either use larger aperture or higher ISO. Change of shutter speed, in normal circumstance has no effect on the flash exposure.

BC

Agree with you on the shutter speed. No adverse effect on the flash power when it comes to shutter speed. ISO and Aperture are the main factor.

 

[RailGun]

Definitely the SB-800. When bouncing/diffusing flash it's all about how much power the flash can put out that will determine the lowest ISO setting you can use.

 

[spazzer]

sb800 with lightsphere

 

[Minus70]

Get both flashes. SB800 & SB600. Use one as spare

 

[zac08]

Get both flashes. SB800 & SB600. Use one as spare

It may not be a very good idea. The GN is different and you may get too used to one's controls and colour that when you use the other as a spare, you may need to do some tweaks to get back the same requirements.

 

[Artosoft]

It may not be a very good idea. The GN is different and you may get too used to one's controls and colour that when you use the other as a spare, you may need to do some tweaks to get back the same requirements.

Yes, agree.

It is better to have 2 SB800 and use one as spare... .

Regards,
Arto.

 

[lsisaxon]

Get both flashes. SB800 & SB600. Use one as spare

SB800, SB600, SB400... Collect them all, while stocks last! Batteries sold separately.

 

[cjyong]

SB800 will be a better choice wif definately more and better functions.
Recycling speed is also faster.

 

[Benng]

I am also considering getting myself a flash. SB-800 here I come.

 

[zac08]

Dun forget, there's a cool thing for the macro shooters, -6 degrees angle for the flash. You get to aim the flash slightly downwards. This only applies to SB-800.

 

[kcuf2]

Just need to change the flash tube (which is quite cheap) if you are a heavy user.

how much does it cost to change the sb800 flash tube?

 

[chanjyj]

Too many advantages for SB800 over SB600 lehz..just to name a few..
1.) Higher guide number (better range)
2.) More modes
3.) Can act as commander


Check out the nikon sub-forum price guide for price for SB600.

1. Not only the range.. it's so powerful I can I can ceiling bounce and light up at least a teo thirds of the ball room. My SB-400 can cover only less than half.
2. I don't think you will ever need those modes.. Again, you may be a specialist in future :dunno: Have to see what you plan to take. A standing joke among my US press friends was "use the modelling light as torch light" :bsmilie:
3. The D80 itself can act as a commander right?

 

[lsisaxon]

1. Not only the range.. it's so powerful I can I can ceiling bounce and light up at least a teo thirds of the ball room. My SB-400 can cover only less than half.
2. I don't think you will ever need those modes.. Again, you may be a specialist in future :dunno: Have to see what you plan to take. A standing joke among my US press friends was "use the modelling light as torch light" :bsmilie:
3. The D80 itself can act as a commander right?

Regarding 2. I do that sometimes.. ;p

 

[spazzer]

got money get sb800 lack of money sb600!