Only introduced in 2004, the Nikon SB-600 has felt outdated for years. This deficit has been especially notable since the replacement of the Nikon SB-800 with the Nikon SB-900 in 2008, which left a huge disparity between the flagship Nikon speedlight and the middle-market option.
The Nikon SB-700 changes all of that completely, updating the base-level flash with many features from the flagship Nikon SB-900 speedlight. And not only does the new Nikon SB-700 make improvements over the SB-600 that it replaces, but it challenges the Nikon SB-900 with a few features and advancements entirely new to the Nikon speedlight family.
Let’s take a look at how the new SB-700 stacks up to the SB-600 it replaces and the SB-900 it challenges.
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The Nikon SB-700 tested in this review was provided on loan by B&H Photo Video in NYC, where I personally buy my owncamera gear. If you find this review helpful, please consider buying your next photo gear purchase from B&H or any of my other my affiliate links.
To learn how you can help support www.ishootshows.com, visit my Support page. It’s win-win – you get the goodies, I can buy a cup of tea. Now with that out of the way, let’s get to the review.
Unlike the Nikon SB-600, you get a full assortment of accessories right out of the box with the SB-700, so there’s no need to turn to third-party options for essentials like the diffusion dome. In fact, the included accessories are more in line with the flagship Nikon SB-900.
Included with the SB-700 is a dedicated soft case, stand, diffusion dome, and dedicated hard filters for tungsten and fluorescent color correction.
All these goodies fit into the supplied case for the speedlight, which takes a departure from the soft cases of Nikon’s other flashes in that it zips open like a suitcase.
In the official press release for the new speedlight, Nikon touts the primary key features of the new SB-700 as the following:
In addition, the following advancements are listed as per Nikon’s product page
We’ll take a look at these features and how the Nikon SB-700 stacks up to the flagship Nikon SB-900 and the Nikon SB-600 it replaces in this review.
In terms of design, the new SB-700 takes many cues from the SB-900, but delivers in a smaller form factor that’s closer to the smaller SB-600.
While the SB-900 has always struck me as a pretty huge flash, the SB-700 strikes a nicer balance – it’s a much more “reasonable” size overall with nice proportions. Though the size differences are slight, the smaller size of the SB-700 make it much easier to pack into a bag than the SB-900.
The biggest outward change in the SB-700 is an evolution of the SB-900‘s core user interface, with dedicated controls and a central job dial for quick adjustments.
In a slight departure from both the SB-90 and SB-600, the SB-700 features a two-by-two battery arrangement. More simple than the SB-600‘s awkward three-and-one arrangement, but different than the SB-900‘s linear configuration.
Aesthetics aside, the astute observer has already noted that the SB-700 lacks the connectivity of the SB-900 in terms of an external power option and a PC sync port. The saving grace of SB-700 in terms of the latter is the proliferation of the wireless flash triggers that feature a built-in hotshoe, such as the Yongnuo RF_602 and Phottix Strato.
Overall, the build quality of the SB-700 is a welcome improvement over the SB-600 with a denser, tighter feel. My only real complaint is that the battery door hinge feels a little weaker than that of the SB-900.
One nice upgrade from the SB-600 is the inclusion of a dedicated diffusion dome for the SB-700, which secures to the flash head via small tabs. While it’s not the only reason to justify the $100 price difference between the SB-700 and SB-600, it does save you a few bucks not having to grab a third-party diffuser.
Simply put, the color gels for the SB-900 are a pain to use. They’re delicate, easy to mangle, and require a separate accessory to attach to the flash and to store them. The Nikon SB-700 does away with all of this with dedicated hard color filters for fluorescent and tungsten correction that snap on just like the filter holders for the SB-900 do. I love that you can throw these filters in a bag without worrying about storing them in a sleeve protector. No more babying involved.
Of course the downside to these hard filters is that they take up more space in your bag – but this is a trade-off I’m morethan willing to accept.
In addition to the hard filters for fluorescent and tungsten correction, an optional set of red, yellow, and blue gel filters and holder are available.
As with the SB-600 and SB-900, the Nikon SB-700 comes with a dedicated plastic stand. Just like the SB-900‘s AS-21 stand, the AS-22 that ships with the SB-700 features a plastic tripod mount – a downgrade from the lowly SB-600‘s metal threads.
I am happy to say that the mount of the SB-700 is of a standard design – unlike the more narrow clearance of the SB-900, the SB-700 fits all regularly-sized shoes without the need for any modification. This includes fitting the more solidly built AS-19 stand of the SB-600.
For me, one of the fantastic improvements with the Nikon SB-700 is a simplified interface that pulls out key features into simple buttons and switches, instead of burying them as menu functions. This is a trend started by the Nikon SB-900, which created a super-easy selector switch for ON, OFF, Remote, and Master modes.
The Nikon SB-700 does the SB-900 two better with dedicated controls for exposure mode (TTL, M, and GN) and flash beam pattern (standard, center-weighted, and even). Just like dedicated buttons on a camera make for faster shooting, so too do these dedicated switches for the essential functions of the flash.
In addition, the SB-700 features a dedicated menu button, which should have your fingers and thumbs rejoicing – no more having to hold or mash buttons like the SB-600 and SB-900 require.
Just like the Nikon SB-900, the SB-700 sports a central jog dial as the primary interface. If you love the wheel on the SB-900, you’ll feel right at home with the SB-700.
All these dedicated extra switches building on the core interface of the SB-900 add up to make the SB-700 Nikon’s fastest speedlight in my opnion – even more usable than the flagship SB-900.
Just like the SB-600 and SB-900, the SB-700 features a built-in bounce card built into the flash head for more subtle lighting solutions than direct flash.
In addition, the SB-700 features a pull-out wide-angle diffusion panel, which increases the flashes’s coverage from 24mm at the widest setting down to 14mm.
The big fiasco with the Nikon SB-900 was the new “feature” of automatic shut-off of the flash at high temperatures. While this feature was designed to save your flash from potentially overheating and burning out, in practice it meant that your expensive speedlight was turned into an expensive paperweight if you ran into this temperature limit.
While the SB-900‘s automatic shutoff could be disabled and Nikon even increased the threshold with a firmware update, this was a little black eye for Nikon on the release of an otherwise amazing flash.
With the Nikon SB-700, Nikon is fighting fire with fire, so to speak, with automatic temperature regulation when the flash detects increasing temperatures. The SB-700 accomplishes this by slowing down the rate of fire when it think you’re going to push it into shut down mode, allowing the flash to cool down.
We’ll look at a direct comparison between the SB-900 and SB-700 later on in this review.
The commander mode is an upgrade from the old Nikon SB-600, but not as fully-featured as the Nikon SB-900. While the SB-900 offers control of three individual remote flash groups, the Nikon SB-700 only offers CLS control over two additional groups.
In addition, unlike the SB-900, you can’t assign different exposure modes to the groups or the commander flash. This aspect of use is one downside to the simple slider interface for setting the exposure mode – while it’s fast, it’s not flexible. In this regard, the SB-700 falls short of what even the pop-up flash of cameras like the Nikon D7000 can do, as it’s possible to set individual flash exposure modes for each group as a menu function.
All three flash units have to use the same metering mode – either TTL, manual, or the new A:B ratio option. This latter simply sets the power of the remote flashes as a set ratio – 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, etc – which does make quick work of setting rough key and fill ratios for portraiture. While the Nikon SU-800 utilizes this mode of flash ratios, this is a new feature for Nikon’s speedlights.
In essence, the limited use of the SB-700 replicates the wireless flash control that’s built into most of Nikon’s DSLRs with a pop-up flash like the Nikon D700, D7000, and D5000. However, what you get with the Nikon SB-700 over using your camera’s pop-up flash is a much more flexible transmitter, since the swiveling head of the SB-700 offers much more creative freedom to bounce, reflect, and otherwise ensure that the TTL signals get to your remote flashes. That, and there’s no intense pre-flash as there is when you use a pop-up flash.
Compared to the SB-600, the SB-700 is a much quieter flash – no high-pitched whine of the capacitor charging up. The noise levels are on-par with the SB-900.
In upgrade over the Nikon SB-600, the SB-700 shaves off a full second for a speedy recycle time of 2.5 seconds at full power – just a hair slower than the 2.3 second recycle of the Nikon SB-900 with Ni-MH batteries. However, one interesting thing to note here is that the SB-700 features the same 2.5 second recycle with alkaline batteries, while the SB-900‘s performance drops to 4.0 seconds with alkaline batteries.
So while the SB-900 leads by a hair with Ni-MH chemistry, the SB-700 is ultimately the faster flash overall.
In practice, I actually found that the SB-700 recycled faster than the SB-900 – about 3 second vs 4 seconds.
With the Nikon SB-900, Nikon introduced a thermal protection mode that monitors the temperature of the flash head and disables use when critical temperatures are reached.
While it’s possible to disable this feature, many photographers still raised a fuss over its implementation, because the heat cutoff meant the possibility of being left with a $450 paperweight while your fancy new flash cooled down.
New Thermal Protection:
The new SB-700 promises to change this with a more intelligent system for heat control that still protects the flash head against excessive heat while allowing continued operation (unlike the SB-900).
The catch here is that the SB-700‘s thermal protection doesn’t just shut off when the flash overheats – it slows down recycling time so that the rate of heat-producing flashes is also slowed (or that less-than-full discharges occur, which also reduces gains in heat).
The Test:
| Nikon SB-700 | Nikon SB-900 | |
| Continuous Full-Power Flashes Before Thermal Cutoff | n/a | 25 flashes (1:43) |
| Full-Power Flashes Before Recycle Delay of ~4 Seconds | >50 flashes (4:00) | n/a |
| Full-Power Flashes Before Recycle Delay of ~5 Seconds | >60 flashes (4:45) | n/a |
| Full-Power Flashes Before Recycle Delay of ~6 Seconds | ~70 flashes (5:45) | n/a |
| Full-Power Flashes Before Recycle Delay of ~7 Seconds | ~80 flashes (6:00) | |
| Full-Power Flashes Before Recycle Delay of ~7+ Seconds | ~85 flashes (7:00) |
Both flashes were fired simultaneously at roughly 3 second internals (after both flashes showed ready lights), continuously. The Nikon SB-900 reached its thermal cutoff after 25 full-power flashes over a duration of 1 minute and 43 seconds. The Nikon SB-700, on the other hand, performed without shutting down in excess of 8 minutes of continuous firing, at which I stopped the test.
The SB-700‘s new thermal regulator began to kick in after over 50 full-power flashes, at which recycling time to full-capacity slowed to roughly 4 seconds. The performance gradually slowed in excess of 7 seconds at approximately 85 flashes and 7 minutes of continuous use. After a full 8 minutes of continuous use, the recycle time was 8 seconds between full-power flashes with no real sign of the SB-700 reaching critical shutoff temperature.
The Verdict:
Here’s the simple version of the story: The new Nikon SB-700 spanks the flagship SB-900 in terms of continuous, full-power use. Not only did the SB-700 complete over twice the number of full-power flashes before it began to slow from 3-second (real world) recycle times to ~4 second recycles, it kept going so long that I called the test out of sheer boredom after 8-minutes. Thermal cutoff was never reached.
The Nikon SB-700 offers a specified Guide Number of 28 meters (92 feet) at ISO 100 at the 35mm FX setting. This is just very slightly less powerful than the SB-600 it replaces, which specs 30 meters (98 feet) at the same settings.
By comparison, the Nikon SB-900 features 34 meters (111.5 feet) at ISO 100 and the 35mm setting. So, by the numbers, the SB-700 is about a third-stop less powerful than the Nikon SB-900 at full-power. All things considered, this isn’t too bad.
But what about in practice? Let’s take a look at some exciting histograms and swatch samples.
What you’re looking at in the above is a composite of gray swatches (at left) and histrograms (at right) for the Nikon SB-900, SB-700, and SB-600, respectively.
Methodology:
Since the Nikon SB-900 is the most powerful of all three tested flashes, I fired the SB-900 at full-power at a white wall at f/16 and 1/250 sec at ISO 100 as the “control.” I repeated the test with the Nikon SB-700 and Nikon SB-600 at f/16 and lowered the aperture by 1/3-stop until an equivalent exposure was achieved by each flash – thereby allowing us gauge the relative power of each flash for real world use.
The distance for all tests was identical. All test images were shot with the Nikon D7000 and Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 at 70mm at ISO 100 using an identical white balance. The histogram display for each sample is the actual histogram readout from Adobe Lightroom 3.
Since flash power is dependent on the zoom setting of the flash head, all three flashes were tested at shared focal lengths at the ends of their zoom ranges. In addition, the SB-900 and SB-700 were tested at 120mm, the max zoom of the SB-700‘s range.
Analysis of Flash Power Comparison:
24mm: At 24mm, the SB-700 is only 1/3-stop behind the SB-900 in power, and roughly 1/3-stop more powerful than the SB-600.
85mm: At 85mm, the SB-700 is roughly 2/3-stop behind the SB-900 in power, and about 1/3-stop less powerful than the SB-600 in power at this setting.
120mm: on the Nikon SB-700 is about a stop behind the SB-900 in power.
Overall, this test indicates that the SB-700 is most efficient relative to the SB-900 at its widest flash settings, while the flagship speedlight pulls ahead at longer zoom settings.
Compared to the SB-600, we see a reversal of strength between the two flashes at the extremes of the zoom range, such that any advantage either way is negligible.
A visual comparison between the SB-600, SB-700, and SB-900, respectively:
As you can see, the SB-700 is much closer to the size of the SB-600 than the monstrous SB-900, much to the happiness of camera bags everywhere.
| Nikon SB-700 | Nikon SB-600 | Nikon SB-900 | |
| Guide Number (35mm, ISO 100, FX) |
28m/92ft | 30m/98ft | 34m/111.5ft |
| Recycle Time (Ni-MH) |
2.5 sec | 3.5 sec | 2.3 sec |
| Recycle Time (Alkaline) |
2.5 sec | 2.5 sec | 4.0 sec |
| Flash Beam Patterns | Center, even, standard | Standard | Center, even, standard |
| Minimum Number of Flashes (Ni-MH) |
230 | 220 | 165 |
| Minimum Number of Flashes (Alkaline) |
160 | 200 | 110 |
| Dedicated Mode Controls | Flash, CLS, Beam Pattern | No | CLS Mode |
| Wireless Flash Capabilities | 2-group Commander | No | 3-group commander |
| Optical Trigger (SU-4 Mode) |
Yes | No | Yes |
| Flash Zoom | 24-120mm (14mm w/ diffuser) | 24-85mm(14mm w/ diffuser) | 17-200mm(12mm w/ diffuser) |
| Manual Power Range | 1/1 to 1/128 | 1/1 to 1/64 | 1/1 to 1/128 |
| Built-In Reflector Card | Yes | No | Yes |
| PC synch socket | No | No | Yes |
| Head Swivel | 360º | 270º | 360º |
| External Power Option | No | No | Yes |
| Thermal Protection | Automatic delay of recycle time to slow heating | No | Thermal cut-off imits the number of flashes |
| Size | 71 x 126 x 104.5 mm (2.8 x 5.0 x 4.1 in.) |
68 x 123.5 x 90mm (2.7 x 4.9 x 3.5 in.) |
78.0 x146.0 x 118.5 mm (3.0 x 5.7 x 4.7 in.) |
| Weight | 360 g (12.7 oz.) | 300g (10.6 oz.) | 415 g (14.6 oz.) |
| Included Accessories | Speedlight Stand AS-22 Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-14H Incandescent Filter SZ-3TN Fluorescent Filter SZ-3FL Soft Case SS-700 |
Speedlight stand AS-19 Soft case SS-600 |
Speedlight Stand AS-21 Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-13H Color Filter Set SJ-900 Color Filter Holder SZ-2 Soft Case SS-900 |
| Price | $329.95 | $229.95 | $459.95 |
| Best | Good | Bad | Worst | |
Now just looking at the above comparison of specs, what we on the surface is that the Nikon SB-900, unexpectedly, leads in many areas of performance and functionality. However, there are some important distinctions between these three flashes in the Nikon speedlight lineup.
In comparing the new SB-700 to the flagship SB-900, what this choice comes down to is increased flexibility with the SB-900, with more power, control, and connectivity options. For the user that doesn’t need all that the SB-900 offers, or who is willing to make a few concessions, the SB-700 offers very close performance in a smaller, cheaper package.
Furthermore, the SB-700 actually trumps the SB-900 in a few important areas, the most prominent of which is the new, smarter thermal protection scheme. In my tests, I found that the SB-900 reached its critical heat cutoff after just 1:43 and 25 full-powered flashes. The SB-700 on the other hand went for 8-minutes with only a slowing of the recycle time, and would have gone longer if I hadn’t concluded the test out of sheer boredom.
| Nikon SB-700 Advantages | NIkon SB-900 Advantages |
| 40% increases in minimum number of flashes with Ni-MH (230 vs 165) | More powerful |
| Smaller & lighter | PC Sync Socket |
| Much better intelligent thermal protection (more continuous shooting ability) | Full-featured CLS control |
| User interface w/ more dedicated controls | External power option (Nikon SD-9 battery pack) |
| Cheaper | |
| Hard color filters for fluorescent and tungsten lighting | |
| Faster recycling time with Alkaline batteries (2.5s vs 4.0s) | |
| Standard flash foot (no need for special shoes like the SB-900) |
Comparing the Nikon SB-700 to the Nikon SB-600 that it replaces, we see a huge improvement with better features across the board for almost all areas except for flash power and the price. While the SB-700 commands a $100 premium, it seems well justified with the numerous improvements and expanded features.
| Nikon SB-700 Advantages | Nikon SB-600 Advantages |
| Better user interface | More powerful |
| Thermal protection | Smaller & lighter |
| User interface w/ more dedicated controls | Cheaper |
| Faster recycling time | More minimum flashes with Alkaline batteries (200 vs 160) |
| 3 flash beam patterns | |
| SU-4 optical triggering mode | |
| CLS commander mode | |
| Wider zoom range | |
| 8-stop manual range control | |
| Built-in reflector card | |
| 360º swivel head | |
| Hard color filters for fluorescent and tungsten lighting |
I think the fact that the SB-700 replaces the SB-600 but compares more naturally to the flagship SB-900 is a big testament to just how big of a leap forward this speedlight really is.
As I see it, the price of the Nikon SB-700 says it all – this new speedlight sits squarely between the flagship Nikon SB-900 and the outclassed Nikon SB-600 that it replaces. $100 up and you get the flexibility and power of Nikon’s flagship. Down-market, the SB-600 packs roughly the same power in a less polished and less full-featured package.
To me, the SB-900 is like a sports car. If you need to go fast, you’re going to want that extra juice. The SB-700 is like your commuter car – it’s not going to go as fast, but it’s essentially more practical in almost every other way. With faster controls, a more intuitive interface, and nearly the same flexibility, all in a smaller, lighter package, and this new flash is hard to deny.
On top of that, one big thing to love about the SB-700 is its new thermal protection, which simply slows down the rate of fire instead of locking you out completely as the SB-900 does. Big win here for shooting on-location and in quick-fire situations.
I personally work with a set of three Nikon SB-900s and two Nikon SB-600 speedlights, and while I won’t be replacing any of my current flashes outright, I will definitely grab a couple 700s when the inferior 600s inevitably kick the bucket. Even at $100 saving, I don’t think that there’s any reason to buy a Nikon SB-600 at this point.
If you can give up a little power and a little flexibility (and can live with limited CLS commander abilities), I think the SB-700 is your new flash.
The Nikon SB-700 tested in this review was provided by B&H Photo Video in NYC. If this review and other content on www.ishootshows.com was helpful to you, please consider supporting this site and purchasing your photo equipment any of the links in this review, my support page, or elsewhere on my site.
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Questions? Comments?
Do you have questions about the new Nikon SB-700? Let me know.
If you have this new flash, what do you think of it? Chime in and have your say!
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at 12:01 am and is filed under Photography Gear and tagged with flash, nikon sb-600, nikon sb-700, nikon sb-900, review, sb-700 review, sb700, speedlight, vs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
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Great review! Very complete informations as always.
I’m still using sb800s and didn’t feel the need to upgrade to the much more expensive sb900 but being that the sb800 and sb700 are at about the same price, how do they compare to each other?
Hey Tony, thanks for the comment. It depends on what you need the flash to do. If you’re just using it as a remote, the SB-800 is going to offer more power.
If you’re looking for a single unit for your main flash, the SB-700 is going to be easier to use overall.
Review: Nikon SB-700: Only introduced in 2004, the Nikon SB-600 has felt outdated for years. This deficit has been… http://goo.gl/fb/blapb
Great text, thanks for the work!
Thanks, paurullan!
Thank you Todd – this was the best write-up and review of the SB-700 I’ve read. I know you took a lot of time putting this together and I appreciate it. My SB-700 should be delivered later today (it’s my first flash) and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Hey Tyler, thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it. Let us know what you think of the new flash when you’ve had a chance to play with it!
This gotta be the most thorough review I ever read. Well done, really informative and detailed with lots of great product photos.
THANK YOU for putting it together;)
PS: I’m still on my SB-800s and they keep me happily going, for now…
I’m not sure what SB-600s you’re shooting with but my two do not have built-in white cards but they do feature the wide angle bounce pull-outs. My only nit-pick about this great write up.
This gotta be the best and most detailed flash review: Nikon SB-700 http://bit.ly/hsYcBV
Hey Todd,
awesome review, as usual. Very thorough.
I was drawn into the SB-700, as soon as Nikon announced it. For those looking to get a good external flash unit, for some lightning experiments, the SB-700 looks perfect. One could still have doubts, regarding the SB-600 but to me, the controls “a la” SB-900 just make it a winner.
Well done Nikon.
By the way, hope you have a fantastic 2011 :)
Cheers,
Daniel
Sounds like a pretty cool flash. Do you know if the wireless triggering system for Nikon similar to Canon’s? I’ve been thinking that it would make a lot of sense for these flashes to just include their own radio triggering. Don’t you think so? If I remember right, QFlash does it.
I’m afraid the lack of a pc socket is a deal breaker if you use pocket wizards.
Hey Todd,
Awesome review! Just picked up a D7000 not too long ago and looking for a new flash unit. Looks like this is definately a winner.
Do you write for flashraw as well? Seems like they have the exact same review, with no mention of your name.
Anyways huge fan, hopefully I can get in the pit one day.
C.
I just got one. This little nut ROCKS! Much more convenient. And i really love Nikon new hard color filters. Easier to use and very convenient.
For those who seeking SB 600 for your main flash, i prefer you get this one (well as Todd said eventhough it will cost you another $100).
Hope my review useful.
Cheers,
T L
Man this is a fantastic review. Thank you so much.
I’ve seen exactly the same review here.
http://flashraw.com/review-nikon-sb-700-speedlight
Is it reviewed by the same person??
Hi Ben,
Yes, the review is mine. And I’m a co-founder of FlashRAW.
Cool. I read the review in FlashRAW and the similarities are obvious. Great job. Best SB-700 review I’ve read so far.. Keep writing…
Great review! I just received mine yesterday. I do have a question. When I mount my SB700 in the shoe, the LCD does not show it as a DX lens, which it is – Nikon 18-70DX. Thanks again
Excellent review – better than anything else I can find. Just got one! Thanks.
man, how much Nikon pays you?
for $299 may be it’s a great flash, you sure you like the supplied case? and this little one on your D3?
I actually pay Nikon. It’s a crazy system, I know.
Review: Nikon SB-700 http://bit.ly/hsYcBV #Nikon #SB700
Thanks for the review, I have now ordered 2 x SB-700, won’t need that extra size/weight nor the features of the SB-900, which I almost ordered.
Hey, I am sure this has been asked, but is the SB-700 good for shooting for a concert at a small venue, like a bar? It is not like a huge venue where other lights are going on stage. I am afraid that the harsh light on the 700 will blind the band onstage.
Well Austin, you got to some kind of light to get an image, so it’s either ambient light, flash light or the absolutly best – a combination of both. That’s where the Nikon speedlights/cameras are so great. The combinations of ambient and flash light will give you the best image – your challenge is to ballance exposure and color right. You won’t get a better solution than this to !help! you.
Thank you Henry for responding to my post! I just got the SSb-700 yesterday and I am a newbie with it. How would I get ambient light on it, like what would be the setting?
You’ll have to read a little in the manual :)
Bascially put it on, switch it on, select matrix metering on the camera and there you go. As for the rest, just go try it.
Todd – really enjoy your site + all the info. I’m considering a two or three speedlight setup and am wondering what is the ideal way to go using a D700? If I got one SB-900 and a couple SB-700s, would I need additional triggering (pocket wizards, etc.) or would that suffice? Thx!
Hey Ari,
Thanks for the kind words, hope this review was useful for you.
It really depends on the type of shooting you do. For much of the work that’s in my portfolio, I used 100% Nikon CLS with a Nikon SB-900 as the commander and SB-900 or SB-600 speedlights as the remotes.
Cool, thx. I guess some of my confusion & questions come from trying to figure out at what point does one need to look at different triggering systems.. I’m guessing it’s mostly range and/or speedlight model related (i.e. using older lights with newer bodies), correct? Thx again!
Hi Todd,
Great review! I think you have one correction though. In the section about the built in bounce card it says:
“Just like the SB-600 and SB-900, the SB-700 features a built-in bounce card built into the flash head for more subtle lighting solutions than direct flash.”
I have a 600 and it doesn’t have a built in bounce card. Your spec comparison table is correct though.
I’m still torn between another 600, or a 700 for my backup flash. 900 is definitely out of the question. Used the 800 which I like but it’s expensive now being that it’s discontinued. At least this review helps. Thanks!
Hey Becky,
Good call, thanks for the edit. If you’re deciding between the SB-600 and SB-700, I do think that the Nikon SB-700‘s features add up to offer a better overall package than the SB-600. It all depends on how you plan to use your speedlights, though. Glad to hear that this review helped a little.
I have a friend who is willing to sell me his lightly used 800 for around $250. Would you say going with that over a new 700 is the better way to go? I read some reviews where people say stay away from the 800 since it’s being discontinued, why put your money into something that’s becoming obsolete. I use the speedlights on the camera, will almost never use them off the camera.
Thanks
If you’re just using the flash on-camera and not doing multi-light setups, I think the SB-800 would work just fine.
Just wanted to add to the list of comments for this very well written and most importantly thorough review of the SB-700 (especially, noting that the SB700 as commander does not let you use different modes while controlling remotes). Many other reviewers would not think to test that.
Currently have SU-800 and SB600s and thinking about the SB700 to gain an on-camera speedlight (mainly for events). Thanks again.
Ty
Really helpful review thank you Todd
My SB800 has just overheated and will cost £200 to repair.
Have just bought a SB900 and the thermostat shut down at a critical moment. Otherwise happy.
Need a number 2 flash while my second SB800 goes for repair.
So thinking of a SB700, on the basis of your review. The only downside, doesn’t appear to have a Quantum socket.
Great review! I can now make an informed decision on a particular model to purchase.
I just bought a 700 to augment my 400, which is insufficient for meetings etc. I’ll be shooting a party at a high-ceilinged venue next month, so bouncing is out of the queston. I’m tempted to just leave the dome filter on and go right at them. Any suggestions from you more experienced folks? BKD.
@BDK
Walls bounces too, and if that doesn’t work you should go for off-camera hand held or on a stand, and use CLS, most Nikon SLR’s supports CLS. Almost everything else is better than the on camera.
my 2c
Thank you very much Todd. Brilliant review and most comprehensive and helpful.
Hey Edward, thanks for the comment, glad this review was helpful.
Picking up a Nikon SB-700 flash for next week's photo shoots for Sophy's clothing line http://ow.ly/5rFx0
This is the best equipment review I’ve seen and surely sets the standard for others. Unlike many others, it leaves no question unanswered and is greatly appreciated. A great piece of equipment which I now own. Thanks, Todd.
Hey Ken,
Very glad you found this review of the SB-700 informative! It’s a great flash – I wouldn’t mind trading in my old SB-600s for several SB-700s now.
I found your review very informative. Thanks, Wes
I love my SB-700, but there is one thing that I have found lacking. I wish there was a battery charge indicator so I would know when I’m about to run out of juice. Our cameras have them, and I would think that would be a popular addition to flashes. Anyone else have a problem with this?
Review: Nikon SB-700: http://t.co/cwabONQ
[...] vraagje had volgende vragen: – SB-700 review: "Standard flash foot (no need for special shoes like the SB-900)" >> wat bedoelt [...]
It would be great to see an example of something shot with each different flash attachment. Maybe for a future write-up.
Thanks for taking the time to review this so thoroughly!
Hi I jus purchased the sb700 for my nikon d90 and am having difficulties with making the flash fire each shot. It was portrait photography ….the flash fired on some photos but not every shot. The d90 is my first dslr camera and my first time using an external flash as well. Any help would be appreciated :)
just wanted to say thanks for writing this great review!
im pretty new to this flash gun stuff and i assumed the sb 900 was the way to go because of its larger price tag. The test on the number of flashes before it heats up definitely got me into the sb 700 :)
i shall be ordering my sb 700 soon!
Hey Phillip, thanks for the comment. In a lot of ways, the SB-700 is a better flash than the 900, it just depends on the particulars. For many users, though, the performance of the Nikon SB-700 will be perfect.
Thanks for the thorough and complete review. I currently have an SB600, SB400 (for it’s size) and needed another flash that would act as a commander with better output than the built in flashes on my D7000 and D90. I ordered a SB700 from Amazon today based on this review. The biggest reason I don’t want a monster like the SB900 adding weight and size in my camera bag. But how the SB700 handles temperature really made up my mind.
I think the SB-700 will be a good fit for you. It’s a very quick and easy commander and it’s temperature control is much more well implemented than in the SB-900.
Todd, trabalho com eventos corporativos e gostaria de saber se um SB 700 atenderia bem a esta demanda ou seria melhor partir para um SB 900 tendo em vista a variedade de tons de luzes e dimensões dos locais de eventos?
Obrigado!
Hey Raphael,
I think that for corporate events, the Nikon SB-700 would be just fine interms of power and you’d appreciate the better interface of the SB-700. Unless you really need the more in-depth CLS modes of the SB-900 or absolutely all the extra power, the SB-700 is overall a better choice to me. Hope this helps.
Hi Todd,
I was decided to buy SB900, but read the reviews from many pro photographers (from B&H, and other websites) about the overheating issue; your article is a live proof of it. Would you please tell me which one should I buy? I take 300/500 shots within a 2-3 hours party. Should I go for a used (how about the reliability?) SB 800 or should I go for SB 700? I appreciate your suggestions.
BTW – thanks for your elaborate and informative article.
Thanks.
Hi Anamik,
If you’re using the flash on full-power, the SB-700‘s more intelligent thermal protection is the better option. If you’re not using full power on your speedlight, the issue of overheating isn’t as big of an issue.
In regards to the SB-800 vs SB-700, I prefer the SB-700.
Todd
Thanks for a thorough review, however one point and a question if I may.
Firstly in terms of overheating – surely as the 900 is more powerful compared to the 700 that is not a fair comparison? Am I correct in assuming that for the same shot (exposure) 1/1 power from the 700 would need less power to achieve on the 900? as such if the 900 does not need to use full power it will not overheat as fast?
Secondly I have a 900 already on my d7000 and want to buy more flashes for off camera work. Would you recommend I buy another 900 now and save for a third flash, or buy two 700s now? I love shooting events – parties, weddings etc. Im not a pro but hope to be once im good enough (which will be a while!)
Thanks again
I am a newbie so please bear with my question. I love continuous shooting mode – is there a way I can get below a 3 second recycle time?
Yes, don’t shoot at full power.
Nice article.!!! thanks for the detailed information.
Is this good flash for Nikon D90?
Hi Chetan, thanks for the comment. Yes, the SB-700 would be a good compliment to the D90. It’s a great all-around flash.
hello
first congratulation about your reviews.
I have one question: you wrote that one of the difference between sb 700 and 900 is that you can’t use one flash in auto and the other in manual mode if you are using sb700 (not so with 900)!
But can you overrule that issue using pocket wizard TT5 in combination with a TT1 and a AC3 for example ???
is that possible ??
thanks for answering
wolfgang
Truely, this is one great flash if used properly. Great creation.
Amazing review. I wish all, or even most, reviews were this complete. You helped me decide to get the SB700. Cheers.
Hey Todd, great comparison though I have a question that seemed to be overlooked. When shooting in MANUAL mode the SB-700 is missing the f-stop recommendation that the SB-900 has. In other words besides calculating the distance needed for a good exposure they omitted the f-stop recommendation on the SB-700? I hope this makes sense but if you could clarify what I am trying to say!
u jst hit the nail in the head,jst got my SB700 early this year and it’s working perfectly well.
Hello
With the new 910 if I picked up a couple of those and had a couple of the sb700′s would I be able to command the 700′s from the 910? Thanks alot, your review was very helpful and clear,
Daniel
Yes, the new SB-910 will work as a commander to the SB-700 just fine.
Thanks Todd, wow that was quick, I will definitely be bookmarking this site, extremely professional
Judging by your work you’re obviously very talented and knowledgeable and i hate to nitpick but “just like the SB-600 and SB-900, the SB-700 features a built in bounce card” is incorrect. The SB-600 does not have a built in bounce card and I mention this because it is the only reason I replaced my SB-600 with the SB-700 as my backup flash. After trying all manner of clunky diffusers and reflectors that were always falling off or coming loose during wedding receptions where I couldn’t bounce off a nice, low, white ceiling and for outdoor fill I’ve found that the best option on my SB-800′s are simply those built in bounce cards. If only I would of tried them before spending more money on more junk ! Thanks for taking the time to put together a very informative comparison !
Thanks for the wonderful and comprehensive review! It actually convinced me to get the SB-700, and I haven’t regretted it since!
Glad to hear it!
Considered the SB-700, but budget requirements won out. The SB-600 makes a good lower cost option and I was glad it was still around.
ok so i have a nikon D3100 and this flash (sb700) i need to know a good wireless trigger for it that is not super expensive …can u help?
Hi Jomar, I would recommend the Phottix Strato or Phottix Strato II. If you want to go even cheaper, check out the Yongnuo 602 or 603 triggers, too.
These days I’m switching from Canon Crop to Nikon Full Frame. So of course I read a lot about the Nikon system accessories.
So far I was only considering the SB-900 or SB-910 since with Canon I have the top of the line 580EXII, which is far ahead of its smaller siblings.
It just didn’t occur to me it could be otherwise with Nikon. Now, thanks to your review, I know better and will order an SB 700, it fits my needs, for less money.
Glad this review helped!
todd,
thank you very much for the great review about the SB-700… i am considering to sell my SB-400 and get the SB-700 as an upgrade… please adivice if it is worth to sell my SB-400..
thanks,
tatan
The SB-700 will be a big upgrade to the SB-400, I would recommend it, especially if you want to use multiple flashes with CLS.
Todd,
Any recommendation on type of battery to buy for SB-700? I’m looking into the Sanyo Eneloop on amazon.
Thanks!
Hi Hany,
Yes, I’d recommend the Sanyo Eneloop or Amazon’s version of NiMH batteries.
I have a Nikon D40X and 18-200mm zoom lens. For indoor photography how far can I be from the subject if I use SB700?
Is it possible to stand 70 feet away from the subject, zoom to 180mm and still get a great picture (perfect exposure)? Thanks for your input.
Only found your website AFTER buying an SB-700 to go with my D3100. But I have to say what a fantastic and thorough comparison review. Excellent !!
Very detailed review. Do you recommend SB-700 for Nikon D7000 with 18-105 VR ?