SB-400 to SB-600

July 3, 2008 | Filed Under Accessories/Equipment, Announcement, Photography, Thoughts

My 52mm HOYA Circular Polariser was sent yesterday after the payment was cleared. Today, my SB-600 Speedlight was sent as well. I can’t wait to play with both toys. I’ve even downloaded the flash’s user manual and read halfway through cause the seller couldn’t find the manual. Too bad my Nikon D60 cannot be used as a commander (to control the flash wirelessly off the hotshoe).

So I’ve made an impulsive decision when I bought the SB-600 online. But that’s not without any proper reason. I noticed that even though I’ve been using my SB400 with my self-made SB-400 flash bounce diffuser, (portrait orientation) shots has been coming out with harsh shadows from the side of my subject. The only way to reduce the shadow is by bouncing off the ceiling in portrait orientation, but is quite impossible unless my flash is able to rotate horizontally.

So here, I’ll list out the main reasons I upgraded to an SB-600 from my SB-400:

Ability to rotate horizontally (hence the ability to bounce off the wall even in portrait orientation).

Faster recycle time.

More powerful flash.

Ability to get more creative with the shots (with different diffusers/colour gels (which I probably wouldn’t use)/etc.

Controls on the flash itself which saves heaps of time.

As I am keen to further my knowledge in flash photography (especially in portrait and food), this buy won’t be regretted