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SB – 800 or 600
I was just thinking “I don’t do that much”
Can the members that own the 800 - 600, if possible Wright up a review to let other members “Like myself” that are looking to buy, know the good & bad points they have come across with the flash??? As you all know it’s a big money outlay for something that is not used all the time, but then again so are lenses. So if some one gets time just a quick few lines to reashore the others they are making the right choice or not. Thanks for your time. Cheers Ray  >> All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism<<
My SB 800 arrived only yesterday so only had few minutes to play with it so far but LOVE it already!
Bought it on Ebay from Hong Kong - total cost AU$550 (including $50 duty) Manual for it is nearly as big as one for D70 - 124 pages! and bit complicated in parts. Quick recycle times with alkaline & rechargeable batteries. Love audible flash ready confirmation, especially in slave mode. Here are some photos (just quick grabs so be gentle  ) I took last night & tonight :
http://FlyerOz.smugmug.com/gallery/203796/1/7801643 I just put the flash on the camera & started shooting. The plants & dog were shot in near total darkness. Standard lens. Most were taken with camera in Aperture Priority & flash in Balanced i-TLL. One with my daughter camera was in Aperture Priority & flash in repeating mode. Mask was photographed with camera in Aperture Priority, flash on & sb800 in slave mode behind mask. I was amazed that slave sensor picked up camera flash although mask totaly obscured it! Very happy with initial results. Can only get better with practice.
Hi Radar, it was just last week that I bought an SB800 at B&H. My main reason for choosing it over the SB600 is basically it has more auto modes. Besides TTL support (iTTL and D-TTL respectively for cameras that support either), it has auto aperture, non-TTL auto mode, guide number distance priority, repeating flash and full manual modes. The SB600 only supports TTL and manual (it only has repeating flash mode when it's a slave, and the master fires repeating. NB: repeating flash is distinct from the "modelling flash" which flickers much like light under fluorescent tubes, annoying and not really functionally useful IMO).
I expect the lack of other auto modes will not be an issue for most people, as they don't have 20 year old manual film SLRs they wish to attach the flash to, at the same time are too lazy to calculate the flash power required manually from a chart... but I'm not most people. The 2/3 of a stop difference in flash power is insignificant IMHO. Look beyond the published Guide Numbers, and you'll notice both have a maximum range of 20 metres (from manuals d/l off Nikon Singapore site). The accessories that comes with the SB800 have varying useability depending on your shooting. The 2 thin gel filters (it's not gel, it's more like cellophane thin!) matches the flash output to tungsten and fluoro lights to ease camera white balance may be useful if you do alot of indoor flash work. The main reason I bought a speedlight was for daytime fill-flash (take advantange of that 1/500th flash sync). Daytime flash work requires alot more power (competing with the light from the sun). I still have the built-in on the D70 - which can be used for nighttime when flash power isn't so demanding. The optional 5th cell with the SB800 is an anomaly. I have a charger (Maha C204F) that charges batteries in pairs. I don't know of a charger that charges independently 5 cells. From an electronics point of view, it's highly desireable for the 5 cells in the flash (if using 5 cells), to be discharged/recharged at the same time. Also, I know of no place that sells AA batteries singularly! Most come in 2's or 4's. So I'm using just 4 NiMH cells. The 6 second recycle time quoted in the specs is highly conservative. I counted closer to 4 seconds for a full power discharge with NiMH cells. I expect the SB600 to be the same or slightly faster (less powerful maximum). The soft case that comes with the flash is surprisingly well made. It's not a cheaply finished afterthought, it feels like good quality waterproof nylon material. Oh, I forgot the diffuser that comes with the 800 and not the 600. While it's desireable not to have that harsh direct flash look on faces, there are ways around it - eg. bounce and the problem goes away. If you insist on firing the flash direct, you could always pull out the wide angle adapter that will soften the light somewhat and duplicate the diffuser. Also, the included white bounce card can be imitated on the 600 - velcro, tape or rubberband a white piece of cardboard or thick paper over the top of the flash and voila! (not elegant solutions, but workable nonetheless). Stofen sells an omnibounce that'll fit the 600 anyhow... I gtg, if you have any q's, I'll happily try to provide the a's.
OK, I bought mine yesterday, and I too am most impressed. I've yet to mount it to camera - that'll happen later today - but ...
In the box ...
Diffuser Gel filters in a carry case Extra battery adapter portable stand Soft carry case Manuals, warranty cards etc Booklet of example photos and techniques As Onyx says, the carry case is very well made, and it includes pockets for the battery adapter, gel filters in their carry case and the stand. The diffuser might best be carried on the flash unit itself. The example booklet contains lots of examples of different ways to use the flash, both by itself, and in conjunction with other flash units. Each of the examples has a reference back to where, in the main manual, you will find instructions for setting up the flash in that manner. Recycle time seems to be very quick. Onyx makes a valid point regarding using batteries in matched sets for buying, recharging, etc, and queries the viability (from this perspective) of using the fifth battery, because they're generally sold/recharged etc in pairs or multiples of pairs. I would suggest acquiring two sets of 5 batteries that can be used alternately. I think that would address most of the issues that he raises. More to come later ... g.
Gary Stark Nikon, Canon, Bronica .... stuff The people who want English to be the official language of the United States are uncomfortable with their leaders being fluent in it - US Pres. Bartlet
Gary,
Congrat!!! You'll enjoy it. Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Gary, Raydar,
I've just sent you a an email with a PDF file regarding SB800 shooting guide. It's very good reference that I found from: http://www.nikon.com.sg/ go Tech Support then online manual, speedlight. Hope this will bring all of you more interesting stuff about the SB800. Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Definitely seems the SB800 is the best pick... I've been looking at any and all options and anything other than the SB800 represents a compromise I'm pretty sure I'll not be happy with some time in the future.
Pity about the price, but I guess you get what you pay for. Gary... did you manage to score a good deal? I think prices for the SB800 would make a good post in the "Bargains" section btw.
Birddog,
Thanx. I've posted a link for this in the tips and tricks section, and placed the file on an upstream host. It's too big for me to handle the download bandwidth locally. 
And this is the PDF of the example photos and techniques that I referred to in my earlier note on this. Mj, Vanbar have it for $726, so yes, not a bad deal. I also bought a couple of extra bits and pieces to go along with it - lighting stand, brolly, etc, so I can shortly start to play with some real lighting situations. I've not done that for a while. I neglected to comment on Onyx's observations regarding the functionality of the modelling flash. The absence of a modelling light is something that sometimes frustrates me when setting up lighting for, say, a nice portait of someone. In the past I've used fairly big flash heads with modelling lights to help get things right, and I've also used Polaroid backs to help ascertain exactly what the finished image might look like. As we're moving into the digital age, I can see the polaroid back disappearing into museum relics, but I'm not yet convinced that the need for a modelling light has completely vanished. It'll be interesting to see what happens and how I feel as I expand my equipment inventory ... g.
Gary Stark Nikon, Canon, Bronica .... stuff The people who want English to be the official language of the United States are uncomfortable with their leaders being fluent in it - US Pres. Bartlet
Hi All,
Another $40.00 off your buying price!!!! There's a rebate of $40.00 for this speedlight from Maxwell. End Of Aug. 31. Download rebate form from Maxwell website. Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
I am impressed
I've just had a bit of a play with this, and the results I'm starting to already see are quite impressive.
Here's a couple of images. There's a huge learning curve, but I can already see that this is a very complex but versatile tool. For softness, I don't think that the diffuser is going to be enough for me; a larger reflecting surface will be the order of the day. Just as well that I bought a brolly. Rest assured that I'm going to play some more with this over the next few days and weeks. Might even bring out the old SB24 and hitch the two up using a pc sync cord, but the biggest problem is going to be finding willing models. 20 year old sons have only so much patience for this stuff. g.
Gary Stark Nikon, Canon, Bronica .... stuff The people who want English to be the official language of the United States are uncomfortable with their leaders being fluent in it - US Pres. Bartlet
[quote="Onyx"]The optional 5th cell with the SB800 is an anomaly. I have a charger (Maha C204F) that charges batteries in pairs. I don't know of a charger that charges independently 5 cells. From an electronics point of view, it's highly desireable for the 5 cells in the flash (if using 5 cells), to be discharged/recharged at the same time. Also, I know of no place that sells AA batteries singularly![/quote]
Onyx I have a 6 battery quick charger that I bought a couple of years ago from Jaycar electronics. It has a switch that allows you to select to charge either 4,5 or 6 batteries at once. There is also a button for discharging the batteries They also sell batteries individually. Louie
Thanks for the response all
I have made my mind up for shore now; I hope to pick it up in the next 3 weeks or so. I was asked today to photograph my boy’s hockey presentation on the 25th of next month, so I hope to have it by then 
Thanks again Cheers Ray >> All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism<<
Well there ya go - thx louiek, a trip to jaycar would solve that 5 cells issue.
SB800 owners: seeing as it's winter in the southern hemisphere, put the flash in manual, full 1/1 power, and stick your palm 6 inches from the flash head. Now fire the flash and feel that warmth!
I went shooting in a cathedral today, to my surprise they allowed flash. So I experimented a bit. I agree the use of a diffuser sometimes isn't diffused enough. I had to raise the white card and tilt the flash head to full 90 degrees and depend only on the reflection off the white card to illuminate to get a fully "natural" looking light. Since the ceiling was high, it was impractical to bounce, and tilting 45 or any other angle resulted in uneven top to bottom illumination. Pics to come. I also had a play with a 50/1.4, but that's a story for another thread.
One more thing to add: The SB800 AF assist illuminator is far superior to the on camera one.
Previously, I didn't like having AF assist turned on because the bright light acted as a distraction. But on the speedlight, the red LEDs are hardly visible to the eye - but helps focus tremendously. It doesn't try to light up the scene as the on camera assist does, it overlays a red pattern of parallel lights (horizontally and vertically) and is much quicker to do its job. Combined with the extremely quick silent wave motor of an AF-S lens (like that on the kit 18-70 lens), low light and low contrast subjects much faster to focus, no hunting from closest to infinity "protests" by the camera. A completely featureless plain white wall is no longer problematic for the D70's AF system! This is fantastic for those wishing to photograph such things.
Ha all
Well my flash came in today (SB-800) so I went down to have a look & a play
From the time I picked it up I new I had made the right decision. The build quality is better then the Sigma IMO & it’s a little smaller. I took 4 images strait out of the box & when I got home I was more then pleased with the results considering I had no idea of what done what. Very much looking forward to getting my hands on this thing & getting to know it. Anyone out there thinking, Don’t!!!! Just do
Cheers Ray >> All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism<<
Raydar,
Congrat. with the new toy!!!! is it your Father's day present? What's next? Xmas is just around the corner!!! You'll enjoy it!!!! Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Unfortunately I won’t have it by Fathers day
& this will be it for a while, I will be content with my setup for now, about the only other things that will be added in the future will be PecPads & fluid & a good Manfrotto try pod. Big lenses will have to wait for now but I am thinking of a 1.4 converter. Cheers Ray >> All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism<<
Raydar,
You worked so hard for it and now you deserved it, can I pose for you to take me a portrait shot with the SB800! Skilled!!!! Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Especially if Ray stays up on the north coast, and you stay down here, Birddog. g.
Gary Stark Nikon, Canon, Bronica .... stuff The people who want English to be the official language of the United States are uncomfortable with their leaders being fluent in it - US Pres. Bartlet
I am reading the manual as I type this & I can’t find the 700 KLM zoom head adjustment Birddog sorry, so I will have to wait until I come down mate
Cheers Ray >> All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism<<
I'm waiting for you to get a good hand on it! hope will meet one day soon.
Perhaps at that time my 200-400VR land here. Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
http://www1.jaycar.com.au/productView.a ... BCATID=295 Is a 10 battery charger from Jaycar that I bought to complement my SB800. It charges and discharges the batteries individually and I also got 10 x 2500mAh batteries from Jaycar. They take about 20 hours to charge but one set of 5 lasted over 500 shots at a wedding I did the other weekend. I didn't bother running them flat so they might go for 700... I just used the charger to discharge them and charge them again. The recharge performance compared to 4 x alkaline is brilliant, taking about 2.5 seconds to recharge after a 1/1M flash. I use a LowePro D-Res 6 case to carry the spare set of 5 batteries, cleaning cloth, flash gels, ML-L3 remote and spare CF card. The charger cost $50 and the batteries about $4.50ea on special. Cheers, Luke
Just something else that I didnt see it anywhere in a quick scan of the thread.
The SB800 is the only one that can act as an on-camera master in a flashgroup, so if you want front (on camera) and side flashes, then the SB800 is the only one that will do this Smile; it makes people wonder what you have been up to.
..aaaand the D70's on-camera flash can be used as a CLS master... the D50s can only be used as an old school SU-4 master.
D70s, 18-70, SB800, Nikkormat FTn, CP4500, Sigma 70-300 APO DG, Sigma 135-400 APO, Lensbabies 2.0, Brian's Hot Tub, Lack of talent, etc.
Correct but .... it can only trigger group of flashes not providing light itself while SB800 acting as master firing flash with the group Mikhail
Hasselblad 501CM, XPAN, Wista DX 4x5, Pentax 67, Nikon D70, FED-2
Ok, Birddog, I really want to buy sb800, but I still have two bids that haven't been outbid, 80-200 f2.8 and 85 f 1.4. Somone please outbid me so I can buy the speedlight from Birdie
Alex
Bid higher for these lenses, you won't need the SB800, go for the lenses even overpriced, you won't regret. Birddog114
VNAF, My Beloved Country and Airspace
Birddog, your generoisty has no limits!
Alex
I've just bought a SB600 and have been using it slaved off the D70. While the D70 cannot use the SB600 as a master for a group while on the camera body, cant the D70 have another SB600 placed strategically close to the shooter (and really well diffused) to function in this capacity anyway? I guess it depends on what you are shooting and if you have the spare tripods to place the flash group about where you need them.
For the nightclub photography I do each friday night, the SB600 is all I need and I can always upgrade to a SB800 later and keep the 600 as a slave. How many flashes could you slave off the D70 as a group? Is there a limit or is it just that they all have to be near enough and in view of the sensor? Mark Greenmantle
http://www.elffinarts.com / mark at elffinarts dot com D70, 50mm/F1.8, kit lens, 80-200mm/F2.8, 35-70mm/f2.8, two 160w/sec slave strobes, sb600, "taller than me" astronomical tripod "can I have that step ladder please"
Mark, I don't think there's a maximum the D70 can trigger - if it's in close proximity to be able to detect the wireless pre-flash communications. However they will all fire synchronyously and you cannot individually adjust their outputs, which is presumably desireable in multi-flash situations.
The D70's inbuilt flash is only setup to control 1 channel in 1 group (channel 3 group A IIRC), where as the other groups & channels are only accessible/controllable by having an SB800 as master on the camera.
Thanks for the info.
I'm definitely going to eventually get another flash after somehow convincing my wife the SB800 is an absolute necessity.
cheers Mark Mark Greenmantle
http://www.elffinarts.com / mark at elffinarts dot com D70, 50mm/F1.8, kit lens, 80-200mm/F2.8, 35-70mm/f2.8, two 160w/sec slave strobes, sb600, "taller than me" astronomical tripod "can I have that step ladder please"
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