Speedlight Question - DPChallenge Forums

08/31/2009 10:59:53 AM · #1

I'm buying my first speedlight today. Is there a tremendous difference between the Nikon SB600 and SB800? Is there something specific I should be looking for? Points and suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

08/31/2009 11:02:43 AM · #2

My understanding is that there isn't much difference, but if you plan on getting multiple speedlights, the sb800 allows you to trigger the other speedlights (both 800s, and 600s) while still on the camera. The sb600, you can trigger multiples using the on camera flash.

Not sure if there is a huge difference in power output between the 2.

Ive always just had sb600s personally, and fired them either with pocketwizards (I use the calumet brand) or with the on camera flash, since on the d300, you can dumb that flash down so its only the pre-flash, and doesn't effect the image.

08/31/2009 11:06:15 AM · #3

My first choice was the 600 - I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't regret it. I'm still in the learning stages so as long as it gives me something to grow into. Thanks for the help.

08/31/2009 11:34:20 AM · #4

Yeah, they are a good time. I have 2 of them now, gives you a lot of options with the built in flash flash triggering.

Pipe_Dream

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

08/31/2009 11:45:10 AM · #5

Honestly, If the money differnece isn't a huge concern, the 800 or 900 is the way to go. It's more powerfull than the 600, the head zooms a bit further(which may or may not be of concern to you), and has the commander mode which can come in handy for multiple speedlight setups (as mentioned).

The unfortunate thing is the 800 shot way up in price since it was discontinued. If you're just planning on using it "on-camera" and bouncing flash, then the 600 will most likely suit you fine, otherwise, I'd definately go for the 800 or 900.

Good luck.

cdrice

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

08/31/2009 01:31:31 PM · #6

There are quite a few functional differences; but depending upon your purpose or intention, you might never care.

Most relevant to you, assuming you would be using this on your D60 is the lack of CLS commander mode on your camera body.

To use most CLS features, you'd need to have either an SB-800 (to stand in for your commander) or purchase an additional commander unit like an SU-800. Otherwise, to use any metering data for flash control, you'll have to use cables.

Alternatively, you can use either the SB-800 or SB-600 wirelessly in full manual mode. A good bit more work, but possible. I have both myself, and have never used them as "dumb" wireless units, but I've seen mixed reports on the 600 as to how well they actually work, but the 800 would work fine.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

08/31/2009 01:44:47 PM · #7

I've found a rebuild by Nikon SB800 - Do you think thats the way to go? And, since its been discontinued, will I be able to get service and/or accessories if I need them?

cdrice

Nikon D7000

08/31/2009 01:49:01 PM · #8

Originally posted by DCrest01:

I've found a rebuild by Nikon SB800 - Do you think thats the way to go? And, since its been discontinued, will I be able to get service and/or accessories if I need them?

If you think the price is right -- I think that would be a great way to go.

Service/Access -- there are thousands upon thousands of 800s out there -- that was for years, until the 900 of course, the flagship of the Nikon Speedlight line. I expect you'll be able to get service, parts and accessories for it for the rest of our lifetimes, if not longer. ;)

08/31/2009 01:54:47 PM · #9

OK - Thanks for the help. Thats the way I'm going. You guys are always great.

Diane

08/31/2009 01:56:43 PM · #10

If you're not impulse buying then I suggest perusing B&H Used Dept.

I've had exceptional experiences buying at FredMiranda buy and sell board, just make sure you check the feedback of the user you're buying from.

If you want to go down the Strobist road you can start with an inexpensive sb-24 and sc-17 or wireless ebay triggers. If you want iTTL you will not want to go down this road but this does get your flash off-camera :)

I purchased a sb-600 first, then added a three sb-24's and elinchrom skyport, then three sb-800's. The sb-24's are slowly going through the sale-list. Were I to do it over I would have just purchased an 800 out of the blocks. Used / refurbs work like new, and Nikon has no issues fixing them when they break - as long you have a credit card.

08/31/2009 01:58:00 PM · #11

While I was busy typing you added more --- if you found a good deal on an 800 then I'd suggest snagging it. Last time B&H had refurb SB800s they were gone in about it an.

Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Nikon

08/31/2009 02:12:30 PM · #12

So, my little fingers weren't fast enough and the 800 is gone. I'm still thinking ;-(

mBastin

Nikon D80

08/31/2009 02:57:10 PM · #13

I was wondering the same thing, so far I'm planning on getting the sb600. Even though the sb800 is more powerful, it's older and hard to find and lacking a few things (or so i've read) and the sb900 seems kind of unresonable for me at this point and is much more expensive. Regardless I won't be buying a speedlight for a little while. Here's a site with a comparison that might help you decide. Link

08/31/2009 03:23:04 PM · #14

Opens door ... sees link to KR site ... slowly backs out and closes door ....

:)

08/31/2009 03:51:10 PM · #15

Should I ask why?

08/31/2009 03:56:09 PM · #16

Originally posted by DCrest01:

Should I ask why?

People have a love/hate relationship with Ken Rockwell. Some question his integrity, since, I belive, he is sponsored by Nikon, so his reviews tend to lack objectivity.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

08/31/2009 04:01:33 PM · #17

I'd read some reference to him before, but didn't know what it was about.

cdrice

Nikon D7000

08/31/2009 04:12:45 PM · #18

Gaaa! This thread has suddenly taken a genius-like... errr, I mean foolish... no, I mean genius-like.... no, I mean foolish... [ repeats ] ...direction!

Originally posted by mBastin:

...Even though the sb800 is more powerful, it's older and hard to find and lacking a few things (or so i've read)...

My internal monologue at this point was "...Hmm, I wonder where they heard something like tha---" and then I quickly stopped myself. :P

Still #3 on google search for KR. ;)

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

08/31/2009 04:14:22 PM · #19

Originally posted by DCrest01:

I'd read some reference to him before, but didn't know what it was about.

Beaten to the KRGoF link ....

His very mention can elicit gigantic emotional responses in a number of people.

Message edited by author 2009-08-31 16:15:34.

spiritualspatula

08/31/2009 05:41:07 PM · #20

The 800 is way more versatile so if you do decide to get into multi flash ala Strobist technique you're already ahead of the game.
The 800 also comes with the SU-4 slave mode which the 600 lacks. What this means is that since your D60 does not have a commander mode, you can still use the 800 wirelessly with slave function without having to buy anything else.
As was said though, if you don't plan to do any more experimental lighting beyond on camera/bounce, the 600 should fill your needs fine, but the 800 is more adaptable to other scenarios and using CLS can be pretty sweet for situations it is appropriate for.

09/01/2009 08:41:59 AM · #21

The d60 doesn't have commander mode? Thats weak.

BJokerud

Nikon D3s

09/01/2009 08:51:47 AM · #22

Originally posted by ajdelaware:

The d60 doesn't have commander mode? Thats weak.

None of the "lower end" Nikon models have that. As with built in focusmotor.

I say sb600! As long as your NEXT flash won't be a 600. True, 800 and 900 can fire multiple SB units, but! You don't have other SB units yet, so the 600 should be the way to go. And once you upgrade to a 900 (or a rumored 700), the 600 of yours will work perfectly as a hair light or something.

09/01/2009 09:39:46 AM · #23

Well I went with the 600. I should have done some additional research when I was buying my camera to begin with. But I was excited. I was having fun, and I never thought I would get this attached to my camera! So, the 600 it is. Should keep me busy until sometime next year when I will upgrade my camera. See, I said it out loud now I'll do it!

BJokerud

Nikon D3s

09/01/2009 09:48:33 AM · #24

Originally posted by DCrest01:

Don't worry about that! I did the exact same thing when I bought my D40. Good luck!