httpwww.photo.netphoto1664881104 Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 I would like to buy a speedlight, but don't know what I need. I would like something that is very versatile. I am starting to take photographs for friends and their children. I also shoot a lot of events in low light situations like dances and parties. Any help would be great. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan_brown4 Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 SB800 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calarrick Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 Depending on the details of your "events in low light situations" (i.e. how far away would the action be, would you be bounding on high cielings, etc?) the SB600 might well be enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Laur Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 Or better yet, two of them. But: what body are you using? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric_arnold Posted October 6, 2007 Share Posted October 6, 2007 sb-400 is most inexpensive, lightest and basic, but does have bounce flash capabilities. sb-600 is a true midrange, suitable for everything but extensive professional use like weddings at a decent price point. sb-800 is the pro model. more powerful, more functions, can work as remote commander. also significantly more expensive than sb-600, and bulkier to boot. unless you know you'll need extra functionality of sb-800, sb-600 might be just the ticket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelyorkphotography Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 I own the SB-600. It's great, one of my best investments for my setup. The only thing I wish it had was a swiveling head for when I'm taking portrait, oriented photos. That's one thing the SB-800 has, that I really feel I'm missing out on. But I, personally, couldn't justify the extra money, just for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter_in_PA Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 Michael. My SB600 has a swiveling head! I think yours does too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Laur Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 Indeed, just like my SB800, the head on my SB600 will also swivel. But it's worth mentioning that it's not quite as useful off-camera, if for no other reasons that having a remote sensor that's less easy to keep in site of the controlling strobe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_skomial Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 "sb-800 is the pro model. more powerful, more functions, can work as remote commander." - actually SB-800 can work as a commander when in the compatible camera shoe. Also in SC-29 cord. SB-800 can work as a Remote flash in CLS or in SU-4 mode, but not as a remote commander. A commander cannot be remote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottconners Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 The SB-600 is a GREAT intro speedlight. It permits full bounce use, off camera use with CLS, and is a really great flash all around. If you think you'll need the extra power, or the wireless control, or the su-4 (optical slave) mode, or the fast recycle time of the 5th battery, or you can easily afford it, get the SB-800 as it's definitely even better than a SB-600. For beginners and basic use, the SB-600 is really a great choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m_rose2 Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 I treated myself to an SB400 as well as the bigger brother, and I'm glad I did. It slips into my pocket a treat and it's great for fill-in as well as indoor pics. For "events" you need plenty of light to bounce around(SB800). I used to have a hammer-head Metz, now that does pump out light but it was a bit of a handful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelyorkphotography Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 Peter, you're right! I am embarassed. I've been using that flash for quite a while now, and never realized it swiveled. I just went over to it to check it before I responded to your post, and it spins exactly like I thought it couldn't. I ammend my original post to Eric! Don't waste your money on the SB-800 unless you need the advanced features. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ_butner___portland__or Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 SB-800 & Demb Flip-It. ( http://www.dembflashproducts.com/diffuser/ ) Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
httpwww.photo.netphoto1664881104 Posted October 7, 2007 Author Share Posted October 7, 2007 Thank you so much for the info. You guys, and gals, are really helping me out. Sorry I forgot to mention that I am using a D50. Does this matter if I'm looking at the SB-600 or 800? Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_skomial Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 Especially with D50 it DOES matter to get SB-800 over SB-600. D50 buit-in flash cannot command in CLS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 hi Eric ... i know there is quite a difference in price between the SB600 and 800, which might influence your decision. however, please note that in a number of different shooting situations, the SB600 will be underpowered. i have a number of friends who own the 600 and after borrowing one of my 800's, they wished they'd spent the extra money. the SB800 is more powerful and versatile. it's better to start with the 800, then add a 600 as a second unit [later] for doing family portraits for your family and friends. regards, michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdw Posted October 7, 2007 Share Posted October 7, 2007 Well, if you want maximum versatility, I do not agree that the SB800 is a waste of money. I have two and decided on a second 800 because of the limitations of the 600. It's not a bad flash, just not as versatile as the 800. I will adventually have one or two more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
httpwww.photo.netphoto1664881104 Posted October 7, 2007 Author Share Posted October 7, 2007 Money is not a problem. It looks like I'm going to lean towards the SB-800. Thank you so much for all of your ideas and thoughts. You have all really helped me. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
titospna Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 For a fellow D50 shooter, I recommend an SB-600 and an SU-800. You will have a lot more fun and find more creative opportunities with this set than just one SB-800. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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