What slr flash to buy for d5000, nikon sb400 or sb600.

[Colinevan]

Hey guys, i just wondered if anyone can give me some advice when it comes to flashes.

Iv read some really interesting info on how a proper flash can aid photography and seen some good exapmles as well..

See here
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb400.htm

Question is he also reviews the 600

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb600.htm

Which is far more tech specced, but is good enough to poss not warrant upgrading at a later date. The ironic thing is that iv also read a lot of pro photographers have the 400 in there kit bag and use it a lot more as its lightweight and prodices good results. Hence the dilemma im in.

Can i ask, does anyone on here use these flashes and what there opinions are of them.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Col.

[JonMack]

Firstly, I wouldn't trust Ken Rockwell, his reviews are written in a very strange style and he tends to criticise features that most people wouldn't care about.

Secondly, the SB-600 is the clear winner, purely because if you ever want to do more advanced things with your flash, you can.

[Colinevan]

Ha ha , thats fair enough, i found thats site as it appears in the first pages when googled, i liked the way that he shows examples when using the 400.

I have read more in depth reviews, from forums. But in fairness i am a novice and learning all the time. And certain features go way aver my head. I love my d5000 as its very easy to use and so far by playing around with shutter speeds iand iso settings which are all easy to find and use on my cam i have produced some pics im proud of..

The 400 is liked as its nice and simple, and most pros say they use it more than there better 800/900s etc etc. however i like the idea of being more creative and usually find by cheap, buy twice lol.

Thanks so far, and can i ask,, what do you use?

Col.

[JonMack]

I use a Nikon D300, I only have a few lenses, a Sigma 18-50 f/2.8, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and a Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8 fisheye.

I've got a Sigma EX-500 DG Super flashgun as a main flash, and I've also got 4 other flashes for using off camera when shooting my friends skateboarding/bmxing/etc.

I agree Kens site is good for real life examples, but he does things in a very strange manner which as you learn more about photography you'll realise is a bit weird. To me the way he writes his reviews is a little unfamiliar.

It really is a case of the more you shoot the more you learn, I shot about 1000 images in only a few months when I got my first DSLR, and although I rarely use my camera now, and I've been shooting nearly 4 years, I am still constantly learning.

[JJC]

I had the same dilemma this time last year. I had just got my Nikon D60 (similar entry point to your D5000) and wanted a flash unit. The SB-400 was appealing on price, but I ended up buying the SB-600 and am very happy with my choice. (I actually managed to pick up a new SB-600 for the same price as Jessops were selling the SB-400 for - it pays to shop around!). Other than obviously being more powerful, things to bear in mind that the SB-600 offers over the SB-400 are:
- Ability to swivel the head as well as tilt (handy in portrait mode or for boucing off walls).
- Ability to adjust the intensity of the flash when zooming (the flash talks to your lense and knows what focal length is selected)
- Ability to use off camera (can be fired remotely when being creative)

It's true pro's use the SB-400 due to its size/weight, but they also have other flash units (SB-900 etc.) too for other situations. If you are only buying one unit, then the SB-600 makes the most sense due to its extra versatility.

[jimmy]

I've got a SB400, SB600 and SB800 - If someone wants to buy a 400 I'll sell mine as I never ever use it. I think I've used it about once and it's not in my camera bag like the other two flashes.
I also have a cheap old minolta flash off ebay which I use with a light trigger as a third flash when doing studio stuff.

If you want to start using flash for improving your photos then a proper flash like the 600 or 800 would be best.

[JonMack]

I'm glad people agree with me! I was worried you'd all be saying to get the 400 :P

[Colinevan]

To be honest your advice was excellent.


The more i research the more i find stuff out.. I will be honest and say that this vid inspired me to be more creative..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C449GAE90wY

results look really good.

let us know what you pro boys reckon..

[Colinevan]

Hmm well iv just noticed that the sb600 has come down again. Its now only £189 with a 3 year warranty, however i have not heard good feedback about the sllers: - camerabox.

Linky....

http://www.camerabox.co.uk/product1....Fdpo4wodiyXpMw

Sod it , heres where i go daft, sell the d5000 , buy a d300 and a sb900 ha ha.

Col.

[Bungleaio]

I've got the SB800 and it's a good bit of kit, wasted on me really but it really does make a massive difference over the on camera flash.

I got mine from http://www.microglobe.co.uk/catalog/...ikon-flashgun&