SB-400 or SB-600

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DeezerD

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David
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Noob flash question guys.
I have a Nikon D90 and I'm thinking of a proper flash. I was looking at the SB-400 due to it being better than the in-built flash and the ability to bounce. However this can only be done in landscape and not portrait. The SB-600 has a lot more control but is also considerably bigger and more expensive.
My question is, does the extra bulk of the 600 really make that much difference to the weight of the camera? Is it worth the extra £70 over the 400? Cheapest I can find it for is £165 on ebay.
Cheers
D
 
I started off with a 400 and found it pretty limiting really. Ended up with an 800 (before the ridiculous price hikes happened). I would say go 600 if you can afford it. When they're mounted the only real difference you'll notice it the clumbsey bulk when slung over your shoulder.
 
DeezerD said:
Noob flash question guys.
I have a Nikon D90 and I'm thinking of a proper flash. I was looking at the SB-400 due to it being better than the in-built flash and the ability to bounce. However this can only be done in landscape and not portrait. The SB-600 has a lot more control but is also considerably bigger and more expensive.
My question is, does the extra bulk of the 600 really make that much difference to the weight of the camera? Is it worth the extra £70 over the 400? Cheapest I can find it for is £165 on ebay.
Cheers
D
Click to expand...

Yes it is. Havent got the 600 myself, but have an SB400, 2 800s and a 900.

The real benefit from the 400 is that it's "pocketable". You can stick it in your jeans pocket and not worry about it. Can't do that with the others.

The downside is that you lose control over the flash. The camera decides what to do and how to do it. with the D3, there is no way (that I am aware of) to change the flash output. So it fires at 100% the level the camera dictates all the time. You can't lower the power at all to be creative. Also, it has no remote functionality either.
 
Cheers guys.
I liked the idea of the size of the 400 and the fact that it doesn't add much bulk to the camera. Would I also have the option of using the 600 off the camera? Think I'm leaning towards the 600 - anyone know anywhere selling it cheaper than £165?
 
DeezerD said:
Cheers guys.
I liked the idea of the size of the 400 and the fact that it doesn't add much bulk to the camera. Would I also have the option of using the 600 off the camera? Think I'm leaning towards the 600 - anyone know anywhere selling it cheaper than £165?
Click to expand...

If you want the 600 then go for it - but forget hunting for a cheap one. They don't exist. You're going to have to fork out I'm afraid.
 
Yes, you can use the SB 600 wirelessly off camera, and the head swivels horizontally (270 degrees) as well as vertically so that you have more choice of bounce angles. I had to make the same choice as you and opted for the 600 -- I've been really pleased with it.

That said I still sometimes hanker after the small size of the 400, and I feel it would be less intimidating at, say, parties and informal functions. On the D90 you can control the output from the camera.

You might find this page helpful. And whichever flash you get do try using a bounce card.
 
Yes, you can use the SB 600 wirelessly off camera, and the head swivels horizontally (270 degrees) as well as vertically so that you have more choice of bounce angles. I had to make the same choice as you and opted for the 600 -- I've been really pleased with it.

That said I still sometimes hanker after the small size of the 400, and I feel it would be less intimidating at, say, parties and informal functions. On the D90 you can control the output from the camera.

You might find this page helpful. And whichever flash you get do try using a bounce card.
 
aberal said:
If you want the 600 then go for it - but forget hunting for a cheap one. They don't exist. You're going to have to fork out I'm afraid.
Click to expand...

My mum is off to Chicago at the beginning of October so I could ask her to bring me one back. They are about $225 which is about £140 but I don't know if the warranty issue and the risk of having to pay duty is worth £25.
 
Tracer said:
Yes, you can use the SB 600 wirelessly off camera, and the head swivels horizontally (270 degrees) as well as vertically so that you have more choice of bounce angles. I had to make the same choice as you and opted for the 600 -- I've been really pleased with it.

That said I still sometimes hanker after the small size of the 400, and I feel it would be less intimidating at, say, parties and informal functions. On the D90 you can control the output from the camera.

You might find this page helpful. And whichever flash you get do try using a bounce card.
Click to expand...

Thanks Tracer. I've read Ken's review of the 400 and I agree it would be less intimidating than the 600. Owning both would be nice but not much point if the 600 does everything and more than the 400
 
Agreed! If you get the 600 you won't regret it. And I would pay the extra and buy it here rather than worry about invalid warranties. £165 sounds pretty good for these days - I paid £149 three years ago which was the lowest price I could find then. And I have definitely had my money's worth out of it.
 
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