JohnD3 Loc: Raleigh, NC

OK, I'm finally going to come out of the shadows and ask a question.

Recently at the NC State Fair I was shooting photos of our grandson (imagine that) with my D7100, using a 18-200 DX VR lens. Due to the movement of the rides and the harsh fall sunlight it seemed that a degree of fill flash would be helpful; however, I do not feel that the built in flash on my camera was adequate in many of the situations (especially where a bit of distance was involved). My regular flash unit is a Nissin Di586 which I have found to be excellent; but, it is a bit cumbersome for walking around a crowded fairground all day. My research led me to the Nikon SB-300 and SB-400 flash units, both seem to be very compact and capable of providing the additional oomph I am seeking.

My questions are for anyone having experience with these units:
- is my thinking correct here and will either of the flash units fit my criteria; and,
- based on some comparative discussion I have read, which unit would be superior.

In closing let me say how much I enjoy the forum and what a great learning tool it is proving to be for me.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I previously owned an SB400 flash and liked it for its compact size. However am not sure how much exposure control it offers - unless your camera has options which will allow you to control its power. As I recall the SB400 had some TTL features, but am not confident how much lattitude they give you.

Found this link to a review of several Nikon flash units:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Nikon_SB-300_vs_Nikon_SB-400_vs_Nikon_SB-500_vs_Nikon_SB-700/BHitems/999547-USA_471717-USA_1082606-REG_734997-USA

CO

I have a SB-400. It's surprisingly powerful considering its diminutive size. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued. I wouldn't even consider the SB-300. It only uses AAA batteries as opposed to AA batteries. It has a 5-6 second recycle time.

You might go straight to the SB-700. It has more power and much greater capabilities. The head can swivel in all directions and it has a zoom head that zooms according to the focal length of the lens. I use my SB700 all the time now instead of the SB-400.

JohnD3 Loc: Raleigh, NC

Appreciate the thoughts CO; however, my direction is toward the size not the power. As I stated I already have the Nissin which is serving all my needs within the range of the SB-700, its just too big to carry around for limited fill flash purposes.
Your thoughts on the SB-400 echo those of Ken Rockwell and do have me leaning in the direction of purchasing a used unit.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Check out the SB500 - a little larger, but not unwieldy and more functional.

JohnD3 Loc: Raleigh, NC

rjaywallace, thanks for the reference.

The SB-500 is about twice the size of the 300 or 400; so that is a very critical factor. Also, I am not looking for the expanded functionality; my plan is to simply use it as a fill flash that is more powerful than the camera's builtin.

Frankly were it not for the recycle time on the 300 the choice would be simple; trying to decide how large a factor that would be since the guide number difference seems minimal and and the 300 is significantly smaller & lighter.

CO

I like the SB-400 that I have. It's a jewel of a flash. I only wish that the head could swivel from side to side. I'm sure you can find a used one in excellent condition. There might still be some new ones around.

Pegasus Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

The SB400 is a very nice, small albeit quite powerful speedlight. It's very handy and you can even keep it in your pocket if need be. I also have the SB700 but that is a much bigger unit. I think for your purposes the SB400 would do just fine.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

A pack of matches is small and inexpensive.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I have the SB300 and I like it very much although it has limitations. Its diminutive size makes it easy to carry. Its well made. Guide number is 59' @ ISO100 as opposed to 39' for built in Nikon flashes. It does not swivel but folds up from forward to 60, 75, 90, 120 degrees. At 120 it will bounce back over head which works great in normal sized rooms. It uses two AAA and max recycle time is 3.5 seconds with NiMH batteries. Its very fast at close ranges.

By attaching envelope sized white paper to the flash with a rubber band it softens the light by dispersing it. Good for portraits or macro. Its not for everyone and it is expensive compared to 3rd party flashes but hard to beat if you want a shirt pocket flash for a Nikon.

I almost forgot to mention. Nikon says the guide number for the SB-400 is 30' @ ISO200.

Pegasus Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

Learn to read; it's 30 METERS @ ISO200, or 98.4 feet.

What a maroon.

JohnD3 Loc: Raleigh, NC

rjaywallace you are exactly correct re: book of matches; however, their guide number is abysmal, even compared to the 300 & 400.

JohnD3 Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thank you joer. I've been considering the guide numbers (by the way I knew what you intended) and possibly the guide of 69 (400) v. 59 (300) is more significant than I had originally thought.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Yes I made an error but your problem is much more serious. Have a good day, if you can.

Pegasus Loc: Texas Gulf Coast

It was an egregious error and it shows that you do not think when you write. The other GN values you provided for the SB-300 and the built-in flash are in feet at ISO 100.

Why would you provide a GN value for the SB-400 in meters AND at ISO 200 when you're comparing it to the other flashes? The GN for the SB-400 at ISO 100 is 69. Says so right there in the book. But instead you provided the value in meters (calling it feet) AND at another ISO.

You stated that you had the SB-300 and that you liked it, so you subconsciously cut down the SB-400 and misrepresented it. Why pick meters when the foot value was such a continuation of the series: 39/59/69? You just wrote blindly, without thinking.

Everybody makes mistakes, especially me, but that one was a doozy.

25 lashes with a wet noodle, and go to your room without dinner.

And please don't worry about me. I always have a nice day.