Nikon SB-700 Review
The Nikon SB-700 is in my opinion, the best flash unit for photographers who are just starting to venture the strobist-style of photography. Some people’s opinion might differ, saying that the Nikon SB-600 (which is discontinued by the way), is the best bet for beginner strobist, but my opinion contrasts this. The newer Nikon SB-700 is the direct replacement for the discontinued SB-600, thus newer technology and improvements obviously makes it the better strobe/flash unit.
The SB-700 has better controls, even succeeding the supposed bigger brother which is the SB-800. The control layout is easier to get to and is fuss-free as compared to the SB-600 and as well as the SB-800. Not only does the new Nikon SB-700 make improvements over the SB-600 that it replaces, but it challenges the Nikon SB-900, which is Nikon’s flagship Flash unit, with a few new features and class-defining advancements.
In all honesty, I am a novice in the strobist field myself. I’ve only recently bought my SB-700 and gave it an on-the-field test, doing some outdoor strobist photo shoots with some models. And during that shoot, I found that the SB-700 is totally reliably and produces sufficient output power for my needs. It packs a lot of, though simple, but usable functions that makes it the best strobe for any photographer, if the output power is sufficient to their needs.
FEATURES
- LCD and layout of controls designed for easy and intuitive operation
- Multi-step auto zoom covers wide 24-120 mm zoom range
- Three illumination patterns–standard, center-weighted and even–available to match every shooting environment
- Automatically detects Nikon FX and Nikon DX formats and selects suitable light distribution angle
- Short recycling time
- AF-assist illumination for multi-point AF, with wide 24-135mm focal range
- Quick wireless control mode allows control of remote flash unit groups A and B flash output level ratios
- Firmware updates via Nikon digital SLR cameras
- Automatically delays recycling time if temperature of flash head rises in order to avoid deterioration of flash head
- Automatically detects type of hard-type color compensation filter (fluorescent and incandescent) and automatically transmits filter information to camera for optimum white balance setting
- Optional Water Guards WG-AS1 (for D3 series), WG-AS2 (for D300 series) and WG-AS3 (for D700) protect camera’s accessory shoe contact when SB-700 is mounted on a Nikon digital SLR camera
POSITIVES
- Improved control interface
- Compatibility
- Good continuous ability
DRAWBACKS
- Lower guide number
- Higher MSRP
- Little compatibility with film SLRs
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