SB-400

[412 Burgh]

Is the Nikon's SB-400 flash good for amatuer photography? such as cars, candids, sports.. etc? just all around or should I go with a SB-600?

Also is it better to buy new?

 

[Geaux]

Save a little extra and go sb600, you won't be disappointed.

 

[KmH]

Is the Nikon's SB-400 flash good for amatuer photography? such as cars, candids, sports.. etc? just all around or should I go with a SB-600?

Also is it better to buy new?

The SB-400 would be ok for candids where the subject is within 10 or so of the camera.

The SB-400 would be ok for indoor court sports if you are shooting from the side lines. It would not have enough power to shoot from the stands.
For outdoor field sports and for cars the SB-400 doesn't have enough power or zoom range.

 

[orb9220]

Yep the SB-600 is the minimum I would strive for. As the SB-400 is lacking in so many key areas like swivel,bounce flash, off camera wireless,etc..

The 400 isn't much more than a enhanced popup flash.
.

 

[Ginu]

Never used a SB400 but I would save a little more and get the 600. Not sure what camera you're going to be using it on, but the SB600 can be a slave and if the camera flash has commander mode, its a easy and fast setup... comes in handy.

 

[412 Burgh]

Sounds like I will be getting the SB-600 sometime in the future.. I am using a Nikon D3100. Sorry forgot to mention that!

 

[412 Burgh]

Flash would probably be better than a new lens, correct?

My current Gear:

Nikon D3100
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-105mm 3.5-5-6ED (kit lens from other camera I think)
and the D3100 Kit lens which is an 18-55mm AF-S DX Nikkor 3.5-5.6G VR

 

[Geaux]

Flash opens up a whole new world of photography, but also a whole new world of learning. Enjoy, its fun!

 

[mrpink]

Flash would probably be better than a new lens, correct?

My current Gear:

Nikon D3100
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-105mm 3.5-5-6ED (kit lens from other camera I think)
and the D3100 Kit lens which is an 18-55mm AF-S DX Nikkor 3.5-5.6G VR

Well.... cars, candids and sports all require different lenses. For cars, I like a ultra wide lens like the Nikkor 10-24 or Tonika 11-16. For candids, an Nikkor 85mm 1.4 would be ideal. For sports, a 70-200 2.8 VRII or 300mm f/4 would be useful.

A speedlight is always a good thing to have in your gear bag, but for the areas of photography you listed it will not see much use, maybe for some of the candids in low light. I have played around with a SB-400 and I must say, it wasn't as useless as some make it out to be. Yes, it is an enhanced pop up, but it is enhanced. It works well for situations when you do not want to stick out as "the person with the huge flash" at a party or get together. If you do not mind this (as I do not) get the 600.

 

[flatflip]

I too recommend the SB-600. I had one and will probably replace it with a SB-700. I bought my SB-400 while I still had the SB-600. I got it (400) to throw in my small backpack for vacations and walk arounds. It (400) does bounce off ceiling well but it does not swivel to side. I really enjoy the size and it (400) does what it does well. It is just not as powerful and versatile as the SB-600.

Sorry for complicated post.

 

[kylehess10]

I agree with those who say save for the SB600...and I definitely agree with Geaux...flash really opens up a whole new world for you in photography. I didn't start getting into flash photography until this past December but I've never looked back. The cheapest lighting setup can make your photos look 20x better.