Nikon SB500

tcole1983

What do you think? I only have an sb400 and have always wanted something a bit more. Compared to the other available flashes now.

PB_PM

It looks like a good starter flash, great to take for traveling, or to use as a compact commander unit. It doesn't have the power of the big two (aka SB-700 and SB-910), but is compact, has LED lights for video, and can still command other flashes. Not to mention the price means you could grab two or three for the price of an SB-910 and have more control of the lighting of a given subject.

Bokeh_Hunter

In all honestly I would go for a good 3rd party flash. More power and much cheaper.

spraynpray

Bokeh_Hunter is prolly right, and I'm going to try that direction one day, but after reading the spec, I'd use the SB700 unless I needed that LED light.

I had an SB400 that I sold when I got my SB700's but I do regret that as it would be handy for macro and traveling light so make sure you keep that little flash.

Pistnbroke

Personally I think its a load of junk like the 300...Too tall ,stupid video light .no good at all . Will stick with my SB400 and get a couple of spares. To reduce shadows you need the gun close to the lens ...hammer heads put it further away .. The Meikie Mk300 is a good SB 400 replacement and does high speed sync. I have taken 10s of thousands of wedding photos inside and out with the SB 400 and never wanted or needed anying else.
Remember when you turn the flash ON on a modern nikon the iso goes to 4x the base iso so you got lots of range from an SB400

tcole1983

I have actually thought about going back to an sb600. I don't do tons of flash work but it would be nice to have something more powerful than the sb400.

@spray I wouldn't get rid of my sb400. I love it...nice and small and doesn't add much weight or anything to the camera compared to the bigger flashes.

PaRealtor

As a Realtor, I "Was" ordering the SB-500 for my new Nikon D750..... No? Go straight to the SB-700 flash?

Pistnbroke

Pa realtor....If you are not obcessess with shadows and weight then yes the 700 would be a much better deal particularly if you have one gun. But there are much cheaper flashes from Yongnuo like the Ex565 ..be very careful as some of the yongnuo guns have similar numbers and look the same but are only slaves ...the YN468 is also very good.REMRMBER that only Nikon guns are compatible with the CLS system when mounted on the camera the YN guns will not fire remotes via CLS but will work as slaves in CLS systems.... Any gun that says fits Nikon and Canon is not iTTL and should be avoided. YN guns are of high quality as they make the flashes for Canon

PaRealtor

Thanks!
I'm Learning So Much here at Nikon Rumors!!!! =D>
Now, I don't want shadows, especially indoors. Will the SD-500 prevent that?

MikeGunter

Hi all,

@PaRealtor - Like everything in photography, it depends - upon what you're doing, your expectations, and your budget, and what you may be planning down the road.

A SB700 or SB910 might be better for you if you're planning to fill a large or largish venue or shoot a little more remotely using the D750's light as a trigger or getting another light to trigger the flash.

Or getting a CLS trigger.

I rarely shoot without a 'fill' light, but then others don't use fill light at all, so everyone is different. There's a lot of crayons in the box. Going to FX is going to be expensive (probably) so, welcome to the official 'opening of the wallet'.

My best,

Mike

PaRealtor

$$$$$$ )
Yes, I've been saving for a D800 (after all of the complaints about the D600). Then, the D750 showed up, and I think that's the camera for me! The Tilt Screen is Perfect for Real Estate!
I expected the expenses, but just want to make sure I don't purchase something I don't need.
Size does matter. I want to use for family photos, outings and school events too.
SD-910 is Huge, I'll stick with the SD-700.

heartyfisher

@PaRealtor - you dont need a flash to "remove shadows indoors". Flash is a light source that is used to light the scene or modify the light in the scene. It may sound obvious but you need to consider why you are using the flash. Since buildings and rooms don’t move much ;-) a tripod is the best tool for getting more light! A touch of HDR is also really great for brightening the darker areas and equalizing the internal and external lightings to some extent. Turning on all the house lights is also good. Although you can do some nice artistic and dramatic lighting with multiple flashes and CLS you wont want to scare potential buyers away with eerie lighting ! :-) its usually better to bring along and swap in high wattage light blubs and one or 2 portable pretty lamp stands even if they are not pretty you can put them in the darker areas out of sight and just let the light wash in.

NSXTypeR

I might get one at some point just as a small light for my macro work. Or I might spring for a SB700, which seems like the better overall decision.

I don't shoot much anymore, so there's no real rush.

PaRealtor

Always have to change light bulbs!!!
Will do!
Thank you Mike & HeartyFisher & All Others for Excellent Advise!!!!

tcole1983

Bleh. I had a SB700 in my shopping cart, but I can't convince myself that I will ever get $300 of use out of it. I barely even use my SB400. My friend has an SB600 or 800 I can use for the wedding this weekend.

PaRealtor

I know. Other reviews say, the SD-500 is all I need. However, I can pick up the SD-700 refurbished for just a couple of dollars more. So, I figure, after hearing from experts in this forum, why not get the SD-700 from B & H Refurbished Department! I've been using the office flash on my D7100.

PaRealtor

Ok. Now, I want to hear what others are going to use the SD-500 for???

KnockKnock

Have the SB400 and always wished it would rotate sideways, so the new kid is tempting. If I had a commander-capable body, I'd love to shoot with it as primary, and use something like an SB500 closer and off-angle to a model. Also have studio strobes which kick out tons of light, so looking for something in-between. Don't do video, so the SB700 seems like it makes more sense....

Pistnbroke

Realtor asks about shadows...Try this two shot test ,any flash will do . Put flash in the camera shoe and shoot someone head and shoulders about 3 ft from a wall. Do it in landscape and portrait.
ON the landscape you will have littlle shadow ,,under the ears yes but on the portrait you will have a long shadow down one side ...which is easier to remove in photoshop?
These two shots will teach you all you need to know about shadows
ie a flash above the centre line of the lens produces minimum shadows and the nearer to the lens the better

tcole1983

I just found a good priced sb600 that I am going to buy...should do the trick for me.

spraynpray

Have you tried the SB700? The UI of the D600 is cr@p. :-O

Just sayin...

tcole1983

Nah but I think for amount I will use and cost savings...it seems like a decent choice. If I get it , it is under $200.

PaRealtor

Realtor asks about shadows...
Thanks! Usually, I don't see any shadows. I was under the impression that they would "appear" if I used a smaller flash. Originally I asked about a lighter flash to cut down on weight, but I'm going to take your advice and stick with the SD-700. You're right, it's a better deal.