SB-400 or SB-600?

[MissHV]

Hi!

I'm so confused. I don't know whether it's best to purchase an sb-400 or wait to save up and purchase an sb-600. I'm new to photography, and I want something that would be versatile and worth my money. I built this beauty dish and was wondering if an sb-400 would work for it? or an sb-600?

I have read plenty of information on both items, but I'm still confused and not satisfy. I think I need more of a personal experience opinion to help me on this. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. So if I can get your personal opinion on either one of the items, then that would help me a lot!

Thank you guys!

[r3g]

Definately save for the SB-600, its way more versatile and more powerful than the 400. Are you looking to use the flash on your hotshoe or off camera?

I think with the 600 has the ability to do CLS with your D80 though I'm not 100% on that. The 600 can also rotate its flash head as well as tilt. The 400 can only tilt which means you dont have the option of bouncing the flash on your hotshoe in portrait orientation.. The 600 can also be used in Manual.

[K1W1]

I think with the 600 has the ability to do CLS with your D80

That is correct.

[MissHV]

Are you looking to use the flash on your hotshoe or off camera?

I'm looking to use the flash on my hotshoe and possibly off camera, so I guess you can say - both. But thank you so much! This really helps. I'm definitely gonna save up for the 600 then. Because I think you can't do the 400 wireless right?

[r3g]

Nope.. Cant do CLS with the 400. With the 600 you have the option of hoeshoe or wireless without having to buy external wireless gear. It'll be a great starting point for getting into different lighting techniques. I dont see you out growing the SB-600 because even when CLS is no longer enough you can get external triggers and continue your lighting education.

[XaiLo]

Well for a while there I thought that the sb-400 was done for and had out lived it's usefulness. All I can say is I finally understand why Rooz liked it so much plus it does give you nice light. And a considerable improvement over in camera flash. On the D40 it's easy not to appreciate the SB-400. But on a larger camera when you don't want to be encumbered by bulk or wieght then it's in a class all it's own & recycles faster than you can think about it. But it appears you'll be better served by the sb-600. the drawback to the sb-400 is that it has no onboard controls...

r3g, the SB-400 can and does utilize CLS it just doesn't have wireless capability.

[Turo]

The only reason to go with a SB400 IMO is if you want a small, lightweight, and very portable flash (and it is GREAT for this). Otherwise, the 600 gets my vote.

[MissHV]

Well for a while there I thought that the sb-400 was done for and had out lived it's usefulness. All I can say is I finally understand why Rooz liked it so much plus it does give you nice light. And a considerable improvement over in camera flash. On the D40 it's easy not to appreciate the SB-400. But on a larger camera when you don't want to be encumbered by bulk or wieght then it's in a class all it's own & recycles faster than you can think about it. But it appears you'll be better served by the sb-600. the drawback to the sb-400 is that it has no onboard controls...

r3g, the SB-400 can and does utilize CLS it just doesn't have wireless capability.

Wow, thanks! The ability to recycle fast is well known with the 400, so that's a good thing. Thanks XaiLo.

[Rooz]

i use my sb400 50% of the time with the shots i have on flickr and i can bet that in a 99% of cases you wouldnt be able to tell the difference between my 400, 800 or 900. i have 3.1m high ceilings.

the drawbacks with sb400 are mainly, no wireless and no portrait orientation capability.

[MissHV]

The only reason to go with a SB400 IMO is if you want a small, lightweight, and very portable flash (and it is GREAT for this). Otherwise, the 600 gets my vote.

Thanks Turo! Yeah, I do want something lightweight, but I also want something that will give me beautiful results! And yes, I think I might just go with the 600 :D

[MissHV]

i use my sb400 50% of the time with the shots i have on flickr and i can bet that in a 99% of cases you wouldnt be able to tell the difference between my 400, 800 or 900. i have 3.1m high ceilings.

the drawbacks with sb400 are mainly, no wireless and no portrait orientation capability.

Really?! Wow!

[jcon]

If you can find a local photography store that still has a few left over SB-800s(I was able to find one here for $400) get one of those instead. If not, go for the 600! You wont regret it.