Flash for D70

Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 12:26 pm

I am toying with getting a flash for my D70. Is the extra cost of the SB800 over the SB600 justifiable for someone who won't use it a lot? (Or will I use it a lot more when I learn how?) Will probably use primarily for fill flash outdoors.
I would like to have maximum capability with the D70 without maximum expense.
Would appreciate any comments/recommendations.

Thanks,
Larry

Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 2:03 pm

The SB-600 should suit your needs just fine. I wouldn't say you will need the extra power / features of the SB-800 for what you plan on using it for.

Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 3:11 pm

I'd recommending searching for threads around here on PT. Only you can justify if the expense is worth it. If you plan on "growing" into it, then I'd get the SB-800. If not, the SB-600 will work fine for fill flash and adding a SB-800 later will give you more control. The 800 will give you the maximum capability that you mention but in the early stages, the 600 will most likely be enough. Either way, you'll be happy as they are both great speedlights.

Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 5:48 pm

In my opinion, get the Sb600, it's a great flash for the price, especially if your just starting out. Down the road you can get the SB800 if you have the means and get into some of the other features of having two flashes and some off camera experimentation.

I often use the on camera flash in commander mode and my SB600 and Sb800 set in remote mode for some creative lighting or fill.

Either way, look into a flash diffuser, i use a simple omnibounce, but there are many others.

Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 63

I bought the SB600 and have had a bit of remorse for not getting the SB800. I use mine more off the camera than on though. I use it a lot as a background light, or hairlight in a studio setup.

The built in SU-4 Slave, and the included color gel pack and diffusion dome would be at least $100 to add later to a SB600. It also has a PC port and external power options, which the SB600 does not.

Here is a comparison of the two. http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600vs800.htm

Checkout www.strobist.com for all kinds of info on using a flash off camera.

Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 11:26 pm

Larry,

I'll put my $0.03 in for the SB600. It's a decent off-camera flash and should do all you need for casual photography. It won't go far enough for studio work, but unless you're planning on jumping into that right away you can probably wait to get the SB800. The two flashes will work together well, so if you do start banging into the limits of the SB600, supplimenting with the SB800 will give you two usable flashes. In the meantime, you'll save on $$ and will have the opportunity to learn on a somewhat less complex setup.

Sigma147

Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 2:17 pm

Thanks everyone - appreciate your input and the references. I should have mentioned that I am an amateur/hobbyist - that might have skewed some of the responses.
Will probably end up with the SB600 - at my level, I think the SB800 would be overkill.
From what I read it appears the built-in flash on the D70 will work in command mode with the SB600 so I should be able to play with wireless off camera flash.

Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 11:23 am

I think you will be very happy with the 600. Enjoy!

Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Posts: 12

I was looking for a SB600 locally. No one had them in stock and were waiting for them on backorder (Nikon product backordered? Who would guess? [insert rolleye smilie]). Ended up buying a Promaster 7500 series flash. Couldnt be happier with it.

Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2007 8:41 am

I'm using a D50 and was curious about a flash as well. Would th 600 be appropriate for my Nikon as well?