Nikon flash question for my dad

Shima

What would be the top flashes in the Nikon family? As a Canon user I know and love my 580 EX II...but my dad is finally realizing he needs a good flash, and asked for my advice... to which I told him I'd ask the Nikon users here

Any feedback you can give me to relay to him would be most appreciated.

He wants the flash to be able to use regular rechargeable batteries. And he wants a nice and powerful flash since he went cheap last time and has wanted the power ever since.

PineapplePhoto

Just search Nikon Flash at BHPhotovideo.com... you will see the most expensive one to be the most powerful one.

It pretty much goes from the SB-400, to the SB-600 and the big one SB-800.

here's a link to the search: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=nikon+flash&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

Shima

PineapplePhoto wrote:

Just search Nikon Flash at BHPhotovideo.com... you will see the most expensive one to be the most powerful one.

It pretty much goes from the SB-400, to the SB-600 and the big one SB-800.

here's a link to the search: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=nikon+flash&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t

Yeah I could do that, but I told him I'd ask Nikon users.... so I want it from the horse's mouth of what they love and why

PineapplePhoto

Shima wrote:

Yeah I could do that, but I told him I'd ask Nikon users.... so I want it from the horse's mouth of what they love and why

Well, I am not a Nikon user... but that is the 3 known flashes. Just like we have the 430EX, 550EX and 580EX. (I got a Speedlight 580EX II).

Shima

PineapplePhoto wrote:

Well, I am not a Nikon user... but that is the 3 known flashes. Just like we have the 430EX, 550EX and 580EX. (I got a Speedlight 580EX II).

Okie dokie. Oh how I love my 580 EX II

SloYerRoll

What's your dad going to use it for? Does he do any off camera lighting? DO you ever think he will?

I'm not the end all of knowledge, but can definitely help you out if you have specific questions

Shima

SloYerRoll wrote:

What's your dad going to use it for? Does he do any off camera lighting? DO you ever think he will?

I'm not the end all of knowledge, but can definitely help you out if you have specific questions

Well he lives in NY and I'm in IN... so I don't attend his shoots for obvious reasons...

But he's retired, he used to work at the local elementary school. He likes to go back there frequently since they love him and photograph their events. Spelling bees, moving up ceremonies, graduation for the highs school (very small town), sports (though i doubt he'll use the flash for that, I'm not sure), plays / musicals, etc etc.

His prime source for needing the flash would be in the school context of events they put on. The flash he has right now (not sure which one that is, will ask) is just not cutting it for him anymore.

Hope that helps.

Shima

Just asked him over AIM what he uses now:
nikon speedlight SB-50DX


It should be known my dad is in dire need of upgrading more than his flash, he still uses a D100, heh....

SloYerRoll

Well it sounds like your dad isn't too interested in staying on the bleeding edge of things. So we can save him some funds here

The SB-800 is a great strobe (I think it's the equivalent to the 580 EX II you Canon shooters use). But there are many functions on there that your father just won't use.
The SB-400 Is good for some things I'm sure. But what, I have no idea. Don't even bother w/ this strobe.

Then onto the SB-600.. This is going to be the best choice IMO.
It's the most cost effective.
They can be easily found 2nd hand since so many camera users get the "bigger is better" bug. So they try to save money initially, then upgrade anyway. *Very few upgrade for "legitimate" reasons IMO due to the former comment.
It will provide all the functions your pops will ever need and then some.

The power on the SB-600 is slightly less than the 800 and it is missing a PC jack (which you can add DIY, just Google it). But I don't think your dad will miss either of these things since this upgrade is going to blow his mind anyway

The SB-600 also supports the Nikon CLS system as well.

HTH

Shima

SloYerRoll wrote:

Well it sounds like your dad isn't too interested in staying on the bleeding edge of things. So we can save him some funds here

The SB-800 is a great strobe (I think it's the equivalent to the 580 EX II you Canon shooters use). But there are many functions on there that your father just won't use.
The SB-400 Is good for some things I'm sure. But what, I have no idea. Don't even bother w/ this strobe.

Then onto the SB-600.. This is going to be the best choice IMO.
It's the most cost effective.
They can be easily found 2nd hand since so many camera users get the "bigger is better" bug. So they try to save money initially, then upgrade anyway. *Very few upgrade for "legitimate" reasons IMO due to the former comment.
It will provide all the functions your pops will ever need and then some.

The power on the SB-600 is slightly less than the 800 and it is missing a PC jack (which you can add DIY, just Google it). But I don't think your dad will miss either of these things since this upgrade is going to blow his mind anyway

The SB-600 also supports the Nikon CLS system as well.

HTH

How much of a power difference is the 600 vs the 800? (Difference in reach of the flash?) Also what types of batteries does it use?

The Mack

Likes to learn & has money to spend, SB-800
More practical choice, SB-600

ziggy53

Shima,

Either the SB-600 or SB-800 is going to be a major upgrade for your dad.

The Sigma EF 530 DG Super is also a great flash and available in Nikon i-TTL.

All of these flashes use AA batteries and are plenty powerful.

Also make sure your dad starts using a flash modifier to lift and spread the light. I highly recommend just making these two devices:

http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3

http://abetterbouncecard.com/


Joe Demb makes a nice set of commercial devices that work well:

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/

We even have a DGrinner that sells a version of the scoop modifier:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=80764

SloYerRoll

Shima wrote:

How much of a power difference is the 600 vs the 800? (Difference in reach of the flash?) Also what types of batteries does it use?

Thanks to Shane422:
Guide Numbers at ISO100
SB24: 118ft at 35MM, 105ft at 28MM
SB600: 98ft at 35MM
SB800: 105ft at 28MM

Shane422

The Sb800 is about $100 more, but for that money you get a built in slave mode, 3 pack of color correcting gels, a PC port, ability to use an expanded battery pack for faster recycling, "Commander mode" for use with other campatible Nikon units, and a bit more power.

I bought the SB600, but would have chosen te SB800 if I had the extra money.

Joves

I have the SB600 myself it is a great flash. It works quite well. I bought it due to the fact I dont need to use a flash a whole lot. And it isnt that far below the SB800 especially since he is shooting with a D100 and, wont be using alot of the finer features the 800 offers over the 600.

Mitchell

Just tell him to get the SB800 and be done with it. Having the 5th battery compartment option alone makes it worthwhile for me.

dangin

dan's 2nd rule of photography:
you'll never regret spending more money on equipment. AKA: buy the best you can afford.

the sb-600 shouldn't even be a consideration for anyone doing event photography in my opinion. there's no sync connection, nor is there an external battery pack connection.

although, honestly i think he'd be better off investing in fast glass. popping off a bright flash at kids under pressure to perform probably isn't conducive to them doing well.

however - if he's intent on getting another flash and doesn't want to break the bank. he might want to consider something like the sb-28 or sb-80. these were the top of the line flash units at/around the time of his d100. if he relies on ttl, i don't believe that his d100 supports i-ttl that the sb-600/800 have (it does fall back to ttl automatically though).