Upgrading Flash Is Nikon SB600 good?

[jason_conway1]

<p>I am a racing photographer, and i am looking to upgrade my flash from SB400 to SB600. I shoot at 1600 iso with the sb400 flash and it isnt enough, i am not all that familar with flashes. but is the sb600 ideal for taking night pictures. How far does the flash reach compared to the SB400? how far the flash/light reach in general? mm? feet?</p>

[Two23]

<p>I just don't think one flash is going to do much for you, unless it's an Alien Bees B1600 or something. As for the reach of the Nikon SB flash, I've found that an SB-28 will light up about 50 ft. of railroad train from about 30 ft. away, using ISO 800, f2.8, sync. If you start ganging the SB flash together, they can actually light up quite a bit. I have 10 of them. I use bigger flash for bigger stuff. An SB-400 won't get you much outdoors, unless you are just trying to light a person that's fairly close. For what you are talking about (racing cars,) I'm getting fairly experienced with this, and just don't see you lighting up a race car with a single SB flash, unless you're within 30 ft. of it and have a VERY fast lens. (f2.8 minimum.) I would string four SB-25 type flash about 10 ft. apart, full power, and camera set to ISO 800, f2.8, sync for starters. I think you are into monolight territory though.</p>

<p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/3684928894_2e67f33c47.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="332" /></p>

 

[ramon_v__california_]

<p>what camera and lens do you use? what kind of racing?</p>

<p>the SB-800 would have been ideal but it's hard to get one now at a reasonable price. the SB-600 will be fine if you are close to the pits and rails. if you use a 200mm or longer lens, you need the SB-900 but it's HUGE. its head is just the size of your SB-400.</p>

[Two23]

<p>I agree that the flash to subject distance is the missing piece of critical info. I am doubting an SB-600 will do the shots though, unless withing ~30 feet.<br>

Kent in SD</p>

[jason_conway1]

<p>One flash the SB400 does plenty. The tracks i shoot at are lit well. with my camera on iso 1600 and the sb400 i get shots like this <a href="http://jacysracingphotos.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=513">http://jacysracingphotos.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=513</a> i am just wondering if the sb600 will do a better job than the sb400. I am not all that familar with flashes. I shoot withing 15-35 feet of the race cars, i am wondering how far in feet and or mm the sb600 reaches?</p>

[jason_conway1]

<p>Dirt Track Racing as well as asphalt car racing</p>

[frank_skomial]

<p>"How far does the flash reach compared to the SB400?" - a lot farther. You can easily find out that by comparing Guide Numbers.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/Speedlights/SB-600.pdf">http://www.nikonusa.com/pdf/manuals/Speedlights/SB-600.pdf</a></p>

<p>"if the sb600 will do a better job than the sb400" - Yes.</p>

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