Nikon Flash

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Dr Hfuhruhurr - 28 Dec 2006 09:43 GMT

So after Christmas I've got £100 burning a hole in my pocket, and
after several disappointing yuletide snaps using the inbuild D50 Flash
i've decided it's time to invest in something a bit better. There's the
new Nikon SB-400 which was released to coincide with the release of the
D40 (cut down features etc) or I've got my eye on the Sigma EF 500 DG
ST for the same price.
Has anyone had any experience with these items or would I be better of
waiting (and saving) until I can afford the SB-600 or 800?
For info as mentioned I've got a D50 with the 18-55 & 55-200 lenses.

Cheers people, and have a happy new year

Doc

Reply to this Message

Adrian Boliston - 28 Dec 2006 11:41 GMT

> So after Christmas I've got £100 burning a hole in my pocket, and
> after several disappointing yuletide snaps using the inbuild D50 Flash
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> waiting (and saving) until I can afford the SB-600 or 800?
> For info as mentioned I've got a D50 with the 18-55 & 55-200 lenses.

I'd describe the D40 as "crippled" rather than "cut down", so I dread to
think what they have done to the SB-400!

Cheers adrian www.boliston.co.uk

Reply to this Message

Michael Benveniste - 28 Dec 2006 15:50 GMT

> I'd describe the D40 as "crippled" rather than "cut down", so I dread to
> think what they have done to the SB-400!

Well, it's nice and small. That being said...
-- iTTL only
-- Bounce, but no tilt
-- Can't be used off-camera
-- Can't act as a commander for other iTTL flashes
-- Can't be used to trigger optical slaves due to preflash
-- No compact "tupperware" diffuser.

I can't speak to the Sigma unit since I've never used a Sigma
flash. If you're looking for a compact "add-on" to a pop-up
flash, the SB-400 may make sense.

But If you're looking for more flexibility and control for
candids, the SB-600 and a Sto-fen diffuser is well worth the
extra money.

Signature

Michael Benveniste -- mhb-offer@clearether.com
Spam and UCE professionally evaluated for $250. Use this email
address only to submit mail for evaluation.

Reply to this Message

Matt Clara - 28 Dec 2006 16:39 GMT

I've had four Nikon flashes over the years, and I recommend them without
hesitation. I've never used Sigma, but have heard enough mixed reviews to
know I'd rather not take my chances. I suspect the SB-400 would be better
(better build, better functionality, if not as much flexibility). I
recommend, though, that you save for the SB-600. I have the SB-800 and love
it; my cousin has the SB-600, and loves that.

So after Christmas I've got £100 burning a hole in my pocket, and
after several disappointing yuletide snaps using the inbuild D50 Flash
i've decided it's time to invest in something a bit better. There's the
new Nikon SB-400 which was released to coincide with the release of the
D40 (cut down features etc) or I've got my eye on the Sigma EF 500 DG
ST for the same price.
Has anyone had any experience with these items or would I be better of
waiting (and saving) until I can afford the SB-600 or 800?
For info as mentioned I've got a D50 with the 18-55 & 55-200 lenses.

Cheers people, and have a happy new year

Doc

Reply to this Message

Buy_Sell - 28 Dec 2006 21:03 GMT

I just bought the SB600 for my D70s a couple of days ago and I love it.
I like the fact that I can put the flash in different locations and
wirelessly control it. I've created some interesting effects with this
setup. The exposure seems to be bang on every time without having to
calculate anything. This is a really nice addition to my equipment.

Reply to this Message