The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 was released in September 2010. The SB-600 it replaced was not intuitive to use and had a more limited range. The flash is designed for both amateurs and professionals, and costs $ 330, which is about $ 120 cheaper than the SB-900. For photographers who are busy shooting full-time, the latter option is better, but the rest may be limited to using the Nikon Speedlight SB-700. Owner reviews praise the model for its compact size, improved interface and unpretentiousness.
Distinctive features
The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 offers more functionality than the SB-600 and reduces the gap between mid and high-end devices. Some additional model features are as follows:
- automatic detection of the use of FX- or DX-cameras;
- the presence of a diffuser and plastic filters;
- can serve as a master flash for other Nikon devices supporting CLS;
- has a built-in temperature sensor that guarantees the safety of the lamp;
- additional buttons for changing the flash mode, beam settings, remote or master mode and zoom settings;
- improved moisture and dust protection.
The flash can be controlled remotely through Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) if you have a digital camera that supports CLS, or when using the Nikon SU-800. With multiple devices, the SB-700 can act as a host to launch others.
The purchase of the Nikon SB-700 means that after connecting it to the camera, the user receives a full range of TTL technology features. The camera is aware of the presence of a flash and provides the best possible interaction. When using a zoom lens, the zoom also changes its settings when zoomed in. There is also an integrated wide-angle adapter that extends the SB-700 range to 12 mm.
The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 can use 4 AA alkaline, lithium, or nickel-metal hydride batteries, but carbon-zinc batteries are not recommended.
The full flash functionality is provided by CLS-compatible cameras - all Nikon SLR cameras except the D1 and D100 series. Coolpix E8400, E8800, P5000, P5100, P6000 and P7000 are supported in a limited amount. The flash can be installed on incompatible models, but most of its functions will remain unavailable.
Nikon SB-700 comes with accessories that are also included with the SB-900. These include a soft case, stand, diffuser dome, user manual and two plastic filters for incandescent lamps and daylight. As is customary with Nikon, the flash head has a built-in reflector card and panels that can be used both together and separately.
Updates
The SB-700 resembles the SB-900 more than the SB-600. This is good for photographers because the SB-900 is one of the best and easiest flash units released by Nikon. The controls on the rear panel are more ergonomic and make it easy to change settings. The SB-700 has more buttons and a spinning dial, which is a significant improvement, since in the SB-600, to change one parameter, it was necessary to go through the menu and hold several keys pressed simultaneously.
Governing bodies
In total, the flash has 9 buttons and switches. They are grouped around the display in an order that differs from other Nikon models. The command dial turns the flash on and off, and also transfers it to the remote and main modes. There is a switch to set to manual or TTL mode. A SEL button is located near the switch, which together with the control wheel allows you to set, for example, a parameter such as exposure compensation. In SB-600, it was only necessary to press “+” or “-” for this.
In the center, a disk dominates with the OK button in the center, used for different purposes, including for navigating the menu. On the left below the screen is the ZOOM key. In this case, the zoom can be increased and decreased, depending on the direction of rotation of the disk.
The Menu button is located at the bottom left. It allows you to enter the menu and set the slave mode, configure sound signals, screen, etc. According to the owners, the navigation in the menu has accelerated, it has become more logical and much easier. The FLASH key is required to test the flash. This is the only highlighted button. As in other manufacturer outbreaks, red light indicates readiness, and green - recharge. On the left is a switch of operating modes - users rated this design positively, because this is one of the most frequently changed parameters. The last control is located on the right - this is the slider for selecting the beam coverage area. Standard, central and uniform options are available.
Screen
In this model, the display has undergone changes - it has become a matrix instead of the previously segmented one. Its clarity and contrast increased, they are even more than that of the SB-900. True, the screen is not so big, but it contains everything you need, with the exception of some minor details present in a more expensive flash.
Performance
The working distance of the Nikon SB-700 at ISO 100 is 28 meters. This is less than 30 meters for the SB-600. The total recharge time is about 2.5 s for NiMH and alkaline batteries, 3.5 s for lithium. When it rises to 10 s, the batteries need to be replaced or recharged. SB-700 on D3s provides the ability to shoot 9 photos at a speed of 9 fps, skipping the 10th frame, and then again working on the 11th. Each shot is well kept, and 9 flashes in a row at 0.25 sec reload is not so bad. Battery life is estimated at 160 shots for alkaline, 260 for NiMH with a capacity of 2600 mAh and 330 for lithium power supplies.
The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 works just like the Nikon flash should work. As long as there is a good set of batteries, it will never let you down. The only difference from the SB-900 is its power is slightly less. But it is much cheaper. Price is the main reason why users prefer this model. According to them, the presence of the main and fill light, provided that it is correctly installed, makes portraits more beautiful in comparison with a single source.
According to the reviews of photographers, hours-long portraiture does not cause any problems with recharging or overheating of the flash. For maximum performance, they recommend using Energizer Ultimate lithium batteries. In their opinion, this allows you to shorten the recharge cycle and get a larger number of flashes.
Work outside the studio
Wedding photographers using the SB-600 can confidently say that the Nikon SB-700 has enough power and recharge time to capture these events. The device also takes up less space than the SB-900, so carrying a few flashes is easier. In addition, since the SB-700's maximum power is lower, the flash heats up less. The device recharges quite quickly, but if its temperature reaches the limit, after a while it will turn off on its own.
The only reason you should buy the SB-900 is for a full-time survey and the need to have the most reliable Nikon device. You should also pay attention to a more powerful model if the SB-700 recharge cycle seems slow and the battery life is insufficient, because the SB-900 can be connected to the SD-9. SB-700 does not have the ability to connect to an external power source.
Portrait shooting
Photographers using the Nikon SB-700 for portraits note that the flash gives them everything they need: reliability, fast reloading, power, ease of use. It is enough to install it on the racks and place a pair of white umbrellas to get softer lighting. If you need sharp light, you can limit yourself to just a flash.
Conclusion
Thus, Nikon users have two real options, the SB-700 and SB-900. According to many, the first is more preferable. The Nikon SB-700 has almost all the features of the SB-900, but it's smaller. Those taking pictures at weddings or shooting sports events should consider purchasing a more powerful and faster model paired with the Nikon SD-9.