SB-400 or SB-600

[Jordan Compte]

Hi guys I'm looking at purchasing one of these flashes, preferably the SB-400 from reviews I have been reading.

I would like to know what your input is, I'd be mainly shooting skate and just other random shots etc. say for family functions etc.

The main reason why I want to purchase a SB-400 for this reason- It's smaller then a Sb-600 and does the same things except for you cannot turn it around and its easy to create a soft box, though I'd look like a bit of a retard carting that around haha

thanks for any help/suggestions!

[Seesee]

Being able to "turn it around" is a big bonus so I'd say the SB 600...in my mind the SB 400 is only a slight improvement on your on board flash, dont really see the point.

[Jordan Compte]

oh true, I've just being reading a heap of reviews with people saying it's better because it's so simple etc.

thank you for your help I'll be looking around in the flash department soonish

[jim]

For once I tend to disagree with Colin... Of course it depends on how you want to use it, but don't dismiss the SB400. That little bit of extra power over the on-board flash comes in pretty handy, as does the ability to tilt it up and bounce it off the ceiling. You miss out on much of the flexibility of the SB600, but the smaller size is a real advantage too.

Hell, get both!

[ricktas]

I am going to go with Colin but for differing reasons. Jordan has stated in other threads that he is saving for a semi-pro camera (D300 i think from memory). The SB400 isnt compatible with the Nikon CLS (from what I understand). A flash unit can last you a lifetime, during which you might change bodies several times, I reckon you should go the SB600 as it has CLS, to sort of 'future proof' your kit.

[Bunyip]

...I reckon you should go the SB600 as it has CLS, to sort of 'future proof' your kit.

That seals it for me. With the Nikon CLS you could get awesome skating shots by putting the flash beneath, behind, above, or next to the skater. Go with the SB-600.

[Rif]

Yesterday I was faced with the decision to either buy a new SB-400 or SB-600 for my newly acquired D7K.
This was because someone on an online forum I frequent had a used SB-600 for sale, asking the price of the SB-400.
I could have put off the purchase decision and picked up something at a later date but I figured
the SB-600 for $135AU was a good price (after looking at ebays completed sales $170-$230).
I'm assuming its fully functional with the D7K

[wallwombat]

I have a SB 400 and a Yongnuo YN-468.

I don't use flash that often but the SB 400 tiny and easily fits in a jacket pocket. My light weight kit is the SB 400 with my D7000 and a 35mm f/1.8. I find I can get good results with that combo.

I use the YN-468 for off camera stuff with a couple of Yongnuo wireless triggers. I know I can use the commander mode on my camera but the triggers are just so simple to use.

Back to the question. I recommend the SB 400 but if you are only going to fork out for one flash, get the SB 600. It's a lot more versatile.

My next flash will be a Yongnuo YN-560. I don't use flash enough to warrant the extra $$ for the SB 600.