Like many other reviewers, I am a huge Nikon CLS (Creative Lighting System) user. I shoot with a Nikon D300s, MBD10 Grip, 2 SB-900's, 2 SB-700's, Pocket Wizards, full line of Nikon lenses, clamps, etc... I photograph by the two L's: Light and Lens; light being the most important element. This is where Nikon Speedlights excel and the SB-700 is the perfect companion / compliment to the SB-900.
The SB-900 is a very large high-powered flash. In fact, I was surprised when I first opened the box and soon came to learn it could be a pain to pack when I went light (as in weight). The SB-700 was a welcome sight since, at times, extreme portability matters. In short, I was looking for slightly less power than the SB-900, just in a smaller package. I considered any other features (such as commander mode) to be a bonus. This was on the heels of just purchasing two SB-600's (later sold on EBay), which I found counter intuitive due to the menu system and need to press multiple buttons at the same time to adjust settings. Plus, the light output from my SB-600's seemed a little harsh and warm in the center.
The SB-700 is functionally the same as the SB-900. If you learn the SB-900, you know the SB-700. I measured power output of the SB-700 (92 feet spec) at less than the SB-900 (131 feet spec) and greater than the SB-600 (though specs say it should be a little less at 92 feet versus the SB-600 98 feet). Essentially, I use my SB-900's as key light(s) in most situations. So, it not only is a great compliment to an SB-900 but also a suitable replacement (in lieu of) for the SB-900 if you are on a budget. In fact, I judge the SB-900 to be overkill unless you are a semi-pro or pro photographer.
The on-board flash controls are simply incredible. I also find the LCD screen far better than the screen on the SB-600 or even the SB-800 (old Nikon flagship flash). The flash is easy to adjust on the move and very intuitive. Build quality is what you expect from Nikon, which is very good to great, though I am a little concerned about the battery door. But, unless you are juggling your flashes, I do not seen anything to worry about. Plus, the SB-700 comes with a built in bounce card (needed by the way) whereas the SB-600 did not. Additionally, with the SB-700 you get filters, a decent case, diffusion dome, and stand.
Word on the dreaded "thermal issue." The SB-900 contained a thermal shutdown feature to prevent the user from essentially melting the flash. The SB-700 will instead slow down recycle time to about 3.5 seconds compared to the rated 2.5 to control the temp. Trust me- most people will never encounter this situation unless they try. It's just something not worrying about. Therefore, this would be a great 2nd flash for advanced shooters and great first/primary flash for beginners to intermediate shooters. But, I do agree with Ken Rockwell that most users who buy non-professional (consumer grade) DSLR bodies could easily go with an SB-400 flash. So, if you are in this category, you may be able to save a few hundred dollars and get everything you need. If you decide to upgrade later, your equipment is scaleable and resell-able (Nikon gear retains value very well).
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This Item  Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras, Standard Packaging | Recommendations  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $326.95 | $84.90 | $229.00 | $69.99 | $229.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, May 9 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 9 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 9 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 9 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 9 |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | LETWING | FotoPal | Voking Digital | HolaFoto |
| flash sync speed | Camera Dependent | 1/8000 seconds | 1/8000 | [1/200 or higher] | 1/8000 |
| mounting type | Hot Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount | Cold Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount |
| compatible mountings | Nikon | Nikon and TTL autoflash | Nikon | Nikon | Nikon Cameras |
| mounting type | Hot Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount | Cold Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount | Hot Shoe Mount |
| battery quantity | 4 aa, 1 lithium ion, 1 product specific | — | 1 lithium ion | — | 1 lithium ion |
| guide number | 92/28 (m/ft, ISO 100, STANDARD) | 36 | — | 92 | — |
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 4.1 x 2.8 x 5 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 12.7 ounces |
| ASIN | B0042X9L6A |
| Item model number | 4808 |
| Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #20 in Shoe-Mount Flashes |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 13, 2010 |
| Manufacturer | Nikon |
| Language | English |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here. [PDF ]
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Portable Powerhouse will Take your Photography to Another Level
If you're thinking about upgrading from your camera's integrated flash, then this unit is a no brainer. The quality of your pictures will skyrocket if you use this flash to provide additional light and bounce it appropriately off of the ceiling or wall. It's also a great unit that is flexible to accommodate your growing skill and equipment. The SB-700 has easily replaced my SB-900 for mobile lighting at events, gatherings, and while traveling. It offers nearly the same light output as its big brother while being imminently more portable. It's also much easier to use than the old SB-600's limited user interface. It also integrates well into a multi-light setup. I use a set of pocket wizards to trigger an SB-900 key light, and this SB-700 as a fill. It's a powerful and flexible setup that with a couple of cheap umbrellas and lightstands offers outstanding output.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2011Style: SB-700Product Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase
- Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2013Style: SB-700Product Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
- RajuReviewed in Singapore on August 14, 2021
Wow, this speedlight detect fast and easy to use
Style: SB-700Product Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase -
RAQUEL CRISTINA DE CASTROReviewed in Brazil on April 8, 2025
Muito bom
Style: SB-700Product Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase - TuftyReviewed in Australia on June 21, 2021
Top quality, bottom price.
Style: SB-700Product Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase - K. TaylorReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2012
SB700.
Style: SB-700Product Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase - Chetan SomwanshiReviewed in India on May 12, 2015
Awesome flash.....Awesome results.
Style: SB-700Product Packaging: Standard PackagingVerified Purchase
