Nikon SB 600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
compatible with Nikon digital SLRs and other select Nikon cameras * fully automatic and manual modes * wireless remote operation * 4 selectable frequency channels * vertical and horizontal angle adjustment * number of flashes: About 200 per set of fresh batteries * weight: about 10.6 oz. (without battery) *
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Excellent primary or secondary speedlight
As a longtime (30+ years) pro Nikon shooter, I’ve always relied on Nikon Speedlights to mate with my various Nikon cameras. I’ve never been disappointed with the excellent results.
The introduction of Nikon’s iTTL (intelligent through-the-lens) flash system is a major step forward for flash photography. I’ve owned the SB-600 for more than a year and it’s never let me down. I use it as a primary flash for travel (lighter in weight than the SB-800 and SB-900) with my D300 camera. It’s also an excellent secondary flash when used in wireless mode with the other Nikon speedlights. With three or four speedlights, I can achieve quality studio and location lighting effects that rival my pro strobe units AND have complete creative control over the lighting.
If you’re serious about photography, I’d recommend the SB-600 over the SB-400. The additional cost gives you not only more power, but many advanced features that you’ll come to use and appreciate.
Get the Omni-Bounce difusser for the SB-600 and you’re good to go!
5 Stars Best choice for most Nikon SLR owners
I purchased the SB-600 for my Nikon D5000. While the D5000 and other entry-level Nikon DSLRs (e.g., DX40/60/3000) do not have the built in Wireless Commander, I think the SB-600 is still a better investment than the SB-400 for entry/mid-level Nikon SLR users.
The SB-400 has a limited ISO 100 guide number of 21/68 (feet/meters) at the 18mm zoom head position. The SB-600 has a limited guide number of 30/98 at ISO 100 when set to the 35mm zoom position. In other words, unless you want a flash unit that is only slightly more powerful than the built in flash of your camera, or just want to extend the life of your camera’s battery, the SB-600 is a more powerful and versatile flash unit. It will swivel sideways and straight up for more bounce options, and has a built in diffuser panel. Other advantages over the SB-400 include a built-in AF Assist lamp and power zoom. I found the AF Assist works very well in dim light.
The LCD has an easy interface for changing modes or manual adjustments, and is illuminated making it easy to see in dim light. As with Nikon’s other current speed flashes, it supports Auto ISO sensitivity, and red eye reduction.
While my camera does not have built-in wireless commander, with the SB-600 I do have the option of purchasing the SU-800 ($250) to utilize the 600′s wireless capabilities. As for comparison to the SB-900, I’m just a novice user, so the differences between the SB-600 versus the higher-end SB-900 (and 800) is not really significant for me considering the jump in price. The major differences that I see are wireless commander mode, lens coverage, optional power supply, and non TTL auto mode (which I don’t need). The recycle times on the SB-600 are comparable to both SB-800 and 900 units. Moreover, the SB-900 has an overheat protection feature that can abruptly shut the unit down at critical times, so the SB-600 (and 800) is a great back-up even for pro users.
The photos I’ve taken with my D5000 have come out excellent. I’ve used the bounce flash, even with high ceilings, and had excellent results; and compared to the built in flash in my camera, the difference is huge. Except for professional photographers and prosumers with specific needs, for its price I think the SB-600 is the best choice for most Nikon SLR owners.
5 Stars Surprising improvement
I have generic flash units and i have light kits but i was not prepared for the improvement this unit made to my photos. I have struggled with low light photography since the dawn of man but the very first time i set this unit into my hot shoe i fell in love with it. I use this with my D90 and i just love the results. I was leery about spending hundreds of dollars on a flash unit but if you care about your photos you are just going to have to sacrifice some dollars. No regrets, this unit is excellent quality and is a must have for nikon cameras.
5 Stars Nikon SB-600
There are other flash units out there for about 1/2 the cost and to be honest I haven’t used any of them. Ken Rockwell’s review was very helpful in helping me make my decision to buy the Nikon product. I was surprised at the difference the flash makes in my photos when using the SB-600 as compared to the built-in flash on my Nikon D90.
5 Stars Phenomenal lighting! Wish I would have bought sooner!
I have taken my indoor photos to a whole new level with this flash. I bought it for my friend’s wedding and I wish I would have gotten it sooner.
I am using in conjunction with my Nikon D40 and a new Stroboframe Press-T Flash Rotating Bracket for portait photography. See review and photos there…
Flash features that I love:
1. Full tilt – from 90 degrees to 180 degrees with several stops – I bounce off the ceiling most of the time for lovely natural lighting
2. Built in pull out diffuser that can also be used for angle bounce
3. Head rotation from -90 degrees to 180 degrees (perfect for portrait photography with a flash frame to point to the ceiling)
4. Flash refresh rate is fantastic! I set the camera on a tripod and with the remote took many family photos in a row! Especially necessary when there are crying babies in the group!
5. Batteries last a long time
6. Includes nice protective case for flash
