Nikon SB-600 is a great small flash for all the central control rooms Nikon
Review of the Nikon SB-600. Rear and front view
At the moment, the SB-600 flash itself is morally obsolete, as there is a worthy replacement in quality Nikon SB-700.
Basic about Nikon SB-600
- Flash zoom from 24 to 85mm. With zoom, the position of the flash head can only take values of 24, 35, 50, 70, 85mm. The flash, in fact, is not designed for use with lenses whose focal length is longer than 85mm. Also, working with ultra-wide-angle lenses like 10-24mm will be difficult. However, when using a retractable diffuser, the zoom can reach 16mm. An 18-55mm flash will be enough for a whale lens. Even with an 18-105mm lens, the lack of flash zoom will not be felt.
- The flash has only two modes of operation on the camera. Auto mode I-TTL and M manual mode. Also, the flash supports the old D-TTL mode for the old type of central controllers as Nikon D100, D1h. I-TTL mode (automatic mode) works very well with all modern central controllers. You can also enable the BL (back light) function for working with backlight.
- The flash has diffuserthat is hidden in the flash head. Caution: Nikon SB-600 missing card reflector, which is in more advanced models.
- Flash support fast sync mode FP. With this mode, you can shoot at shutter speeds up to 1 \ 8000s, which is very useful for flash photography in the afternoon. For example, Nikon SB-400 does not have such an opportunity. More details in the section on FP.
- Flash supports wireless sync protocol Nikon CLS. Flash can remote control in I-TTL mode with another flash that works in command mode... The flash normally “catches” command signals and works well in slave mode. But, SB-600 do not support command mode Management (Master Mode) with other flashes. Also, SB-600 unable to set fire with SU-4.
- Recharging from 4 batteries is fast enough.
- The flash head rotates 90 degrees to the right and 180 degrees to the left, thus covering 270 degrees. Also, the flash head tilts 90 degrees down. Head rotation is enough for almost 90% of tasks.
- The kit comes with a pretty case and foot-stand.
- The flash has a very convenient catch on the camera shoe. To install and fix the flash on the camera, just switch the latch on the flash. For example, a number of third-party flashes use the fixation method using the locking ring, which must be twisted for a long time after installation and before removal.
Personal experience
I recommend the Nikon SB-600 as the first low-cost native flash. Since it is very compact, it keeps the weight balance very well with Nikon's younger lightweight cameras and is not difficult to take with you. Professionals often use the SB-600 as a secondary flash. The SB-600 behaves well as an additional source in a multi-flash setup. True, the SB-600's power is still lower than that of professional flashes. SB-900, SB-800 и SB-910.
SB-600 is a giant leap after SB-400... If there is a choice between the SB-600 and the SB400, I advise you to take the SB-600, since the SB-600 is already a real "classic" external flash with all the basic features. Fans do not advise chasing professional SB-800, SB-900, SB-910 - they are very heavy and their price bites. By the way, there are many analogues from Nissin, Metz, Sigma (for example, Metz-48 for Nikon)
I think the SB-600's flash is a poorly organized menu. The menu is accessed by simultaneously pressing the “-” and “Zoom” buttons. After long work with SB-900The SB-600 seems very unpretentious with a “wooden” menu. If funds do not matter, then SB-700 much more convenient for use by amateurs.
To fully reveal the potential of the outbreak, I advise you to read my article about remote flash control and work in quick sync.
Conclusions:
The SB-600 is a good value for money flash. SB-600 is lightweight, functional. True, new Nikon SB-700 would be preferable.
Thank you for attention. Arkady Shapoval.
And here it is easily set on fire in SU-4 mode))))
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Personally, I did not find the SU-4 mode in the menu, also, the Nikon SB-600 manual does not say anything about the compatibility of the SU-4 SB-600 (proof link.) Additionally, there is information on the Internet that the SB-600 does not support SU-4. Perhaps there are SB-600s modified where the SU-4 is not working. As soon as I take the SB-600 again for the test, I will describe this option in more detail.
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SB 600 has two more TTL modes: D-TTL - for the first D70 and D100 digital SLRs; TTL - for film DSLRs.
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Thanks. I supplemented the review with this information.
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sb600 is ignited by the integrated puff from a half kick
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I have been using the SB-600 for a long time together with a simple D60.
It was not possible to ignite in the SU-4 mode, due to its absence. And the camera itself does not support command mode. Therefore, I can not use it remotely, unfortunately.
A very useful thing was the Lumiquest 80-20 diffuser with a set of reflective surfaces.
True, I rarely use reflective surfaces.
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The victorious denomination of the huts is already 2,5 yards long, it’s time to recharge quickly on 4 batteries. and “Zoom”, so you can go to the menu and set the wireless mode to not enter. Arkadiy can you explain the problems?
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No, I have not encountered such a problem. I think the repair will not be expensive.
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What flash do you recommend?
SB-600 (used) I know that there is a risk of getting to the reporting
Nissin speedlite di622 new.
Their prices are about the same. Have you dealt with Nissin?
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I had a deal. If we get lucky. Replacing the lamp is not so expensive.
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The SB-600 is a wonderful start-up.
I will sell my SB-600 (2000 UAH)
lsyrotkin@gmail.com
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UAH 2000 for B.U. - very expensive. It costs new 2300.
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You can also enable the BL (back light) function, hmm, in my opinion, this means Balanced Light (balanced light), it would be strange if it were back light, because in SB700 this mode is by default, and you can enable normal TTL, you can only by setting the spot metering on the camera, thanks for your attention
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Thank you for sharing the information.
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always please, Arkady, your articles are just super, until I found only 2 sites on which the photo would be explained so simply and intelligibly, and it’s strange both Ukrainian, one of them is yours, thank you so much for that;)
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The second, most likely, About Photo. We studied with Bones in one university :)
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You guessed it, I didn’t call so as not to advertise as if to your competitors, although I believe that there can be no competition in this matter, and what you yourself called it, in my eyes you went higher, thanks again for your altruism and work done;)
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and now, in essence, I want to say, I used the SB600 (hereinafter 600, respectively SB700 = 700), the flash is just super, the recharge is at a level, the power is enough for shooting a wedding in a small room ... it was not mine, I borrowed when it was necessary from a colleague, and broke down for a long time something to buy, 600 or 700, 600 used costs about 200 American rubles, 700 new - the cost of 300 American rubles, still yesterday I took 700, I do not regret not a single gram, management compared to 600 heaven and earth, then what on 600 was done by remembering the combinations of buttons, on 700 it is done in two movements, plus there is a master flash mode, as I understand it, it is cut down in comparison with 9xx models, it has 2 groups A and B, but it has not yet been used, but very intensively I use the slave flash mode and switch from the on-camera position to the slave - one movement of the lever, in short, I am very pleased with my purchase, by the way I use it with the D200 camera, thanks for your attention, and may the exposure come with you;)
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I forgot to say, in 700 there is already a built-in reflector card, which is very convenient, you do not need to attach a business card as it was in 600
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Who will go to the settings before finishing? Let me tell you about the information! I want to dodati, well, pikha good pratsyuє with plovkovy cameras, I want three "peresmazhu", yak on me, demand koriguvati.
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Tell me, will this flash work as a slave on the Nokon D5100 from the built-in flash (the one on the carcass)?
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Will not. The D5100 does not support Nikon CLS, and the SB-600 does not support SU-4.
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That is, it can only be put on the camera itself in TTL mode and that's it? (((((
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With this camera, yes. You can also set it to manual mode :)
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Thank you very much, otherwise I decided to take it, but decided to ask again. There is one, it was used a couple of times, I agreed for 1000 UAH. I consider the price of the ball, but if it doesn’t work remotely, then it’s very sorry ((((But HUGE THANKS for the help.
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That is, if the flash could be slave, since the models are more expensive, then it could be used with the flash on the camera (D 5100). So you just have to look for the 700th. Then the dream will come true, I understand correctly?
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Yes, but only in SU-4. Read the Nikon CLS article.
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ALREADY))))
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Arkady, good day! I wanted to write this question to the site, but it succumbed to me,) the problem is that my flash sb 600 with nikon d90 somehow does not work that way in TTL mode. The image is completely dark. I twisted the shutter speed and ISO does not help. Previously, everything seemed to be normal. The lamp beat twice, with the one that now also got good pictures, but now I’ve screwed something up on the campaign. It is necessary to work only in manual mode, but it is not always convenient. What could be the problem?
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If the flash writes after shooting -2, -3, etc. That lacks her power. There are many solutions, it is difficult to suggest the right one.
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yes, and writes. What to do to have enough power?
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Increase ISO, increase aperture, direct flash head according to circumstances.
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I have such a problem: the D90 camera and sb-600 flash, when shooting in the dark, the autofocus backlight on the flash turns on only in af-s focus mode (as well as the built-in camera). I want it to work in af-c mode. can this be somehow circumvented? and is it possible to use this backlight without firing a flash in this tandem of equipment?
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This flash cannot be used, the SB-910, SB-900 flash units have a special function only in illumination mode - For more details, see the section radojuva.com.ua/2011/11/photo-idea-set-1/ In af-c mode, the illumination not available.
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and for nikon d5000 pidid?
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Yes, it does.
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Good day!
If you use the SB-600 in dir. i-TTL as the main one on the D-5100, whether full
compatibility and functionality on these devices?
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Yes, it will.
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I'm going to take the used one. Sat 600 ... from the description ... they said that she worked up to 20 weddings ... outwardly like nothing ... the lamps were changed ... is it worth taking? I can’t find a new one. But I won’t pull on Sat 700 ... and it’s also needed to take pictures of the cat at home ... tell me what to do))
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Check upon purchase. 20 weddings is not a lot.
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I do not know how to check flashes) will be sent by new mail. I can turn it in my hands before buying. What you should pay attention to?
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On the general appearance, the battery compartment, mounting on the camera (shoe) and of course on the foot - everything should be working.
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thanks)) *
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Thank you for the review. I decided to buy this second-hand flash for my D90. Since before that I did not hold outbreaks of this class in my hands, the question arose of how to check it when buying. I will have the opportunity to fully test it on my camera. What exactly needs to be checked? You need to make sure that there are no mechanical damages, check that it flashes corny and correctly works out the exposure in the TTL mode. How to check zoom, autofocus and slave mode? What else to check?
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The zoom can be set manually, or, in the “forehead” position, the flash will react to the zoom of the lens; when the focal length is changed on the lens, the flash must adjust to it automatically, while it hums a little. There are many functions, but the ones described by you are enough for testing.
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Slave mode, as I understand it, put on the camera and on the flash and check. How to check autofocus backlight? What should I see when it is turned on? If I am not mistaken, there is not the same lamp as on the D90 itself, but something else.
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The lamp gives a slightly red light, it will be visible on close objects.
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Thank you!
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How to check lamp operation? Have you tried with Nikon D300 on the same exposure parameters in the room SB-600 and SB-900 SB-600 gives a warmer shade in the picture (color temperature) and SB-900 is cooler? this is normal? Or is it a lamp on the SB-600?
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In general, the lamp either works or does not work. The color temperature can fluctuate slightly, it also depends on the age of the plastic on the flash, over time it just turns yellow.
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then you can catch balance in the camera!
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I have not found a more suitable section, so I am writing here. It would be great to see on your blog a review of the most primitive Nikon SB-400 external flash. Despite its obvious backwardness compared to its older brothers, it allows you to get reflected light and is very compact - it fits in a jacket pocket. It is not necessary to compare it with the SB-600 and higher - it is clear that they are better in most parameters, but when I began to use it instead of the built-in one, the pictures in the room became much better.
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As soon as it falls into my hands, I will do a review.
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Arkady, good afternoon. on D80 and 600 and 700 will do? Say nothing about the Raylab R-50TTL variant?
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Suitable, about Raylab R-50TTL I can not say anything.
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Thank you Arkady for excellent articles.
Can you please tell me how convenient it will be to use this flash remotely? Nikon D80 camera. I take it the SB-600 should be positioned so that the camera's built-in flash “sees” the front of the flash? Those. is it most convenient to use an umbrella for reflection? If the flash just stands on the side (eg 45 degrees to the subject), will it “see” the built-in flash commands?
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It is convenient to use, Nikon CLS works well enough, the flash can catch commands with the help of reflections, for more details here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/06/nikon-cls-master-slave-mode/
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