Nikon SB-700 flashlight: an overview, features, user reviews

Flash Nikon Speedlight SB-700 was released in September 2010. Replaced it SB-600 was not sufficiently intuitive to handle and had a more limited range. The flash is designed for both amateurs and professionals, and costs $ 330, which is about $ 120 cheaper than the SB-900. Photographers who are engaged in shooting full-time, the latter option is better, but the rest can be limited to using the Nikon Speedlight SB-700. The owners' feedback is praised by the model for its compact dimensions, improved interface and unpretentiousness.

Distinctive features

The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 offers more functionality than the SB-600, and reduces the gap between medium and high-end devices. Some additional functions of the model are as follows:

• Automatic detection of the use of FX- or DX-cameras;
• The presence of a diffuser and plastic filters;
• Can serve as a master flash for other Nikon devices that support CLS;
• Has a built-in temperature sensor, which guarantees the safety of the lamp;
• Additional buttons for changing the flash mode, beam, remote or master mode and zoom settings;
• Improved moisture and dust protection.

The flash can be controlled remotely via Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) if you have a digital camera that supports CLS, or when using a Nikon SU-800. If more than one device is installed, the SB-700 can act as the master to start the other devices.

Buying the Nikon SB-700 means that after connecting it to the camera, the user receives a full set of TTL technology functions. The camera knows about the presence of flash and ensures the best interaction. If a zoom lens is used, when the zoom is changed, the flash also changes its settings. There is also a built-in wide-angle adapter that extends the SB-700 range to 12 mm.

The Nikon Speedlight SB-700 can use 4 AA alkaline, lithium or nickel metal hydride batteries, but it is not recommended to use carbon-zinc batteries.

Fully flash functionality is provided by CLS-compatible cameras - all Nikon SLRs except for D1 and D100 series. Coolpix E8400, E8800, P5000, P5100, P6000 and P7000 are supported in a limited capacity. The flash can be installed on incompatible models, but most of its functions will remain inaccessible.

The Nikon SB-700 comes with accessories that are also included in the SB-900. These include a soft case, stand, diffuser dome, user's manual and two plastic filters for incandescent and daylight. As is customary with Nikon, the flash head has a built-in reflector card and panels that can be used both together and separately.

Updates

The SB-700 resembles the SB-900 more than the SB-600. This is good for photographers, because the SB-900 is one of the best and simplest flares released by Nikon. The controls on the rear panel are more ergonomic and allow you to easily change the settings. The SB-700 has more buttons and a rotating disc, which is a significant improvement, because the SB-600 needed to go through the menu and hold several keys at the same time to change one parameter.

Controls

There are 9 buttons and switches in the flash. They are grouped around the display in an order that differs from other Nikon models. The control dial turns the flash on and off, and also turns it into remote and main modes. There is a switch to manual or TTL mode. Near the switch is located the SEL button, which together with the control wheel allows you to adjust, for example, a parameter such as exposure compensation. The SB-600 only had to press "+" or "-" for this.

The center is dominated by a disk with an OK button in the center, used for various purposes, including for navigating through menus. On the left under the screen is the ZOOM key. In this case, the zoom can be increased and decreased, depending on the direction of rotation of the disc.

The Menu button is on the bottom left. Allows you to enter the menu and set the sub mode, adjust the sound signals, the screen, etc. According to the owners, the navigation in the menu accelerated, it became more logical and much easier. The FLASH key is required to check the operation of the flash. This is the only illuminated button. Like in other outbreaks of the manufacturer, red light means ready, and green - recharge. On the left is the mode switch - users rated this design positively, because this is one of the most frequently changed parameters. The last control is placed on the right - this is the beam zone selection slider. Standard, central and uniform variants are provided.

Screen

In this model, the display has undergone changes - it has become matrix instead of segmented earlier. Sharpen and contrast it increased, they are even more than the SB-900. True, the screen is not so large, but it contains everything you need, except for some minor details that are present in a more expensive flash.

Performance

The working distance of the Nikon SB-700 at ISO 100 is 28 m. It is less than 30 m from the SB-600. The total recharge time is about 2.5 seconds for NiMH and alkaline batteries, 3.5 seconds for lithium batteries. When it increases to 10 seconds, the batteries must be replaced or recharged. SB-700 on D3s provides the ability to shoot 9 photos at a speed of 9 fps, skipping the 10th frame, and then again on the 11th. Each shot is good, and 9 flashes in a row at 0.25 s recharge is not so bad. Battery life is estimated at 160 shots for alkaline, 260 for NiMH with a capacity of 2600 mAh and 330 for lithium power supplies.

Nikon Speedlight SB-700 works the way a Nikon flash should work. While there is a good set of batteries, it never fails. The only difference from SB-900 - its power is slightly less. But it is much cheaper. Price is the main reason that users prefer this model. According to them, the presence of the main and filling light, provided it is correctly installed, makes portraits more beautiful in comparison with one source.

According to the photographers' reviews, the many-hour portrait shooting does not cause any problems with recharging or overheating of the flash. For maximum performance, they recommend using Energizer Ultimate lithium batteries. In their opinion, this allows you to shorten the recharge cycle and get more flashes.

Work outside the studio

Photographers who used the SB-600 weddings can confidently say that the Nikon SB-700's flash has enough power and recharge time to capture these events. The device also takes up less space than the SB-900, so carrying a few flashes is easier. In addition, since the maximum power of the SB-700 is lower, the flash is less heated. The device recharges fairly quickly, but if its temperature reaches a limit, after a while it will automatically shut down.

The only reason you should buy an SB-900 is to shoot for a full day and need to have the most reliable Nikon device. The more powerful model should also be noted if the SB-700 recharge cycle seems slow and the battery life is not enough, because the SB-900 can be connected to the SD-9. The SB-700 does not have the ability to connect to an external power source.

Portrait photography

Photographers who use Nikon SB-700 for portraits, note that the flash gives them everything they need: reliability, fast recharging, power, ease of use. It is enough to install it on the racks and arrange a pair of white umbrellas to get a softer lighting. If you need a sharp light, you can confine yourself to a flash only.

Conclusion

Thus, Nikon users have two real options, SB-700 and SB-900. In the opinion of many, the first is preferable. The Nikon SB-700 has almost all the functions of the SB-900, but it is smaller. Those who take pictures at weddings or shoot sports events should consider buying a more powerful and faster model, paired with the Nikon SD-9.