Nikon SB-600 AF Speedlight

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I haven't found any (yet)

Just got it and it does exactly what you'd exect it to do and more... it's very easy to use and produced great results... I'm sure the SB800 is a superior flash, but for the money you're not going to fault it's little brother, that has so much of it's functionality.

Would have liked the 800's AA and A mode, but it seems nit picky as it does a great job without them.

It was a vast improvement over anything I have used prior. The D100 has a reputation of being a tough camera with flash. THe SB 600 seems to tame it down pretty well. I have excellent results with standard settings, DTTL, TTL and manural. Manual mode is fast and easy with the flash ratios displayed on the lcd. Why pay the premium for the 800 unless you absolutely need the extra power. Great product.

None that wouldn't be knit picking.

The only other flash I can compare this with is the Canon 420EX/550 EX which I have used on my 300D, Now I own this flash with the D70.

Out of the Box - Benefits from 420EX

Better Built and has LCD Display - Has a better and more sturdy hot shoe connector. The battery cover looks solid, the 420EX looks flimsy in comparison. THe locking mechanism is a small lever rather than the screw type on the Canon flash. Lay out is better and every feature works superbly with the D70. Even the LCD light on the camera turns on the flash LCD light. The manual and extra techniques manual is better than Canons. The Nikon comes with a built in diffuser.

Using this flash

The light light seems more even and more powerful than the Canon. Also used with an Omni- Bounce and bouncing the flash gives fantastic results.

Do I think tha 420EX is no good? No, I think it's a great flash, the SB-600 just takes quality, features and useability to the next level.

Just to make things even better the flash retails in the UK for £229, and I purchased from HK for £131.

I have not used the SB-800 which can be used as a master to trigger the 600, and I can not comment on the Canon 580EX which I have not seen. But this I believe is better than the 550EX and although Canon make some great kit, Nikon seem to have mastered the art of flash photography.

The extra weight. Lack of diffuser included (though stofen make one) After unlocking the flash from the D70 it seems a bit stiff and has to be wriggled to remove it.

I nearly went for the SB-800 but after reading the reviews I couldn't see how the price premiium was justified against the SB600. Sure their is an extra bit of power on the 800 but you can still use the SB600 in remote commander mode giving you more creative options. Only thing I would have liked inclluded is the diffuser which comes with 800 but I guess they have to justify the premium somehow. I like the standby mode on the flash which means that as soon as you turn the camera on the flash powers up and is ready to go.

A bargain compared to the SB-800 for a great bit of kit.