Features:

  • Portable, Versatile Speedlight Unit
  • Nikon's Precision i-TTL Flash Control
  • Complete Flash Head Positioning Freedom
  • Hot Shoe and Wireless Operation
  • Wireless Flash Control
This is my second one

Much cheaper than the 900 or 910, easy to use. It's plenty strong enough for portraiture. (Dare I say sometimes too strong even when dialed all the way down when you are in close quarters and can't move it back and your modifiers only modify so much?). Believe it or not, 1/128th of a second is occasionally a little more than I want. I've used it at up to 30 feet (ish) at events and gotten some light on the scene. My true problem is that my camera's sync speed (1/250) isn't high enough to suit me for action shots shot with a wide open aperture in bright light, even with an ND filter and my camera doesn't have a flash sync override feature. That's not the speedlight's lack. I use plain old rechargeable AA batteries - no buying some esoteric hard to find or insert batteries. I used to shoot all day events for a park and always had plenty of juice left. The ONLY time I ever ran out and needed to swap in a new set, was when I shot 700+ pictures for a wedding. I've read that the flash will slow down if it is getting warm (versus shutting off in the 900). It's never been a problem for me - any slowdown has been barely noticeable, if indeed, it's even happening. But again, I'm shooting mostly portraits or things that aren't zooming around. If you are wanting to shoot stop action, multiple frames, over and over, you will likely get some heat-caused slowdown. (Nikon users, be aware that shooting in Jpeg instead of RAW/NEF and turning off Active-d lighting in your camera will bring back some frame speed for you-just an FYI). I bought my first around two years ago and have used it well - I do try not to ABUSE it however. Nothing has ever broken off, it still works great. Hence my decision to add another one for more light control that's portable. If you are looking to buy your first flash - I recommend it. It has more capabilities than the lesser versions and it's not hard to learn. Get a Dummies book, or the DVD that Nikon put out on this speedlight if the manual makes you blind. You will outgrow a lesser flash faster than you think if you plan on using flash in general. The iTTL feature is nice. You will also have the choice of using it in manual or with your guide number. I've since purchased Flex5 radio triggers by Pocket Wizard that will work without requiring line of sight and also work with the iTTL feature. I've put out a little money on all this over the last two years, but not an exorbitant amount and my equipment is shaping up around my needs fairly well. (When I win Lotto, I'll finally buy a full frame camera) ;) The only thing I can really complain of, which users of even the 910 have posted - is "Nikon-why don't you put a battery charge scale on it?" It'd be nice to know.

Fast recycle time and good Nikon quality

Works great. Sips batteries and the flash recycles from a full-power blast remarkably fast compared to my older Canon 550EX that I came from. It seems a bit pricey for what it is, but overall I'm pleased with the results and the build quality. One feature I miss is multi-flash capability. That is, sequential strobe output at a user-specified frequency. My 20 year old 550EX had this feature and could strobe from 1-200 Hz. Really useful for creative shots. I didn't use it enough, though and couldn't justify the significantly higher cost of the SB-5000 as a hobbyist. Some reviewers complained that the push-button on the side to allow swivel and tilt is difficult to actuate. The button has a rubber cap which does sort of mute any tactile feedback from the mechanism, but after a day or two I found it to be a non-issue. Would definitely make the same purchase again.

Great for covering events!

I'm mainly an event photographer and I don't shoot directly into the sun very often, so these SB-700s are absolutely perfect for me. I use them mainly on camera or with radio poppers and they never fail me. In the past when I've shoot with the SB-900 for weddings or other events, it would do the trick with power but it's recharge rate wasn't as good as the recharge rate is on these. Choosing your photography gear has as much to do with the manner in which you shoot and the subject. If you're in need of a workhorse location flash...this is a great one.

Great Speedlight!

I am currently completing an advanced photography course that requires using an external flash, so I started searching for a great, affordable one several months ago. After reading countless reviews online, and following a few fellow photographers' suggestions, I decided to go with the Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash. I was a little hesitant to purchase a refurbished model, but I'm glad I did, because it works like a charm. No problems with it, so far. It came with everything a new model is supposed to have, except the instruction manual and the "A collection of example photos" booklet. It would have been nice to have those included, but I just searched for them online. I've had my SB-700 since February and am very pleased with my purchase. I recommend it!

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.

SB-700 vs SB-600

Prior to buying this flash, I already have an SB-600 and 2 Yongnuo 560II flashes, I chose to buy the SB-700 because I prefer my on camera flash to be a Nikon. Also, since my SB-600 flash has been in heavy use for the last few years, I figure I would have play less important role as a back up flash rather than the main on camera flash. Given my experience with the SB-600, I will make review a comparison of the two flashes. Yes, this flash is a lot more expensive than a new SB-600 from a few years ago but I think for an extra hundred buck, it's worth the price. First, the head rotate 180 degrees both ways which could be quite helpful in some situation. The menu system is much more intuitive and I find that that the thump wheel in the back make it a bit easier to change power setting and I do like the Sb-700 screen better over all. No question that the SB-600 work very well and it has been my work horse for years but the SB-700 was definitely and upgrade. If you want to get into off camera lighting, the SB-700 can be an excellent master and it does offer much more flexibility than just a pop up flash. That said, I still prefer cheap radio triggers over the Nikon CLS system, but it is neat. The last thing that I like about the SB-700 is that is has the thermal indicator so you have a clue as to how hard you are pushing flash and if you have to slow down, I definitely want to be in the loop as to how my gear in doing while I am shooting. The bottom line is the SB-700 is definitely worth the price and it's excellent flash, If I have my choice, I would get an SB-700 for my main on camera flash, and more of the cheaper SB-600 for off camera flash but Nikon doesn't make the SB-600 anymore. That and I think asking $200 for a used SB-600 is a ripped off, that's how much it cost new, spend the extra hundred and get a new SB-700 instead.

Purchased one 2 years ago; I'm looking to buy 3 more.

I purchased my SB-700 two years ago at BH photo in NYC. I could not be happier. Dollar for dollar I think it is the best Nikon flash around. I now have a Nikon SB-910 in the kit and while I don't regret the purchase as it is a fabulous flash, and as others have mentioned it has a bit more power, I think the extra $200 dollars would better be spent towards another SB-700. I can only speak for my shooting style but I seldom need the full power pop from the 910 so the extra power while nice in the limited instances I need it would probably be made up for with a second and close to a third SB-700 for the price. This would open up even more options. I have added the Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 transceivers to the mix and the SB-700 performs perfectly. As though it was mounted on the camera with full control from both a D7000 and a D800 through flash compensation. I have lit entire gymnasium widths for dozens of people and not been dissatisfied. I think the biggest highlight for me is the battery life. I use three sets of Rayovac ni-mh AA in them and I can shoot for hours on a single set. I have only run into the thermal slow down a couple times and the use of the pocket wizards has eliminated that as it can cycle intelligently between two speedlights to beat the off occasion I have run into this. Update: I have since purchased another one and I love it. I don't have the need for the sync port or external power packs so I am avoiding the SB-900. I would rather buy one of these and another PocketWizard FlexTT5 than an SB-900. This fits my workflow. I work with photographers that wouldn't trade their 900s for anything.

Great speedlight for the serious amateur

I researched this light carefully and the many Amazon reviews were extremely helpful and that is why I'm adding my two cents for others who are looking into adding an attachable flash to their Nikon camera (mine is the D3100). I'm an 85 yr old trying to get more "serious" about doing really good photography. I'm into flower macro photos, photos of my wife and family members, and anything else I can get in front of a camera that looks interesting. On the first few uses of this light indoors with my wife as subject and doing a lot of light bouncing, the results were astonishing. This delivers a very soft light and learning to bounce it is rather easy. Soon thereafter, I ordered the cable that enables you to remove the light from the camera, and also bought a light box ($13) that wraps around the speed light for use in macro and close up portrait photography. I do not expect to ever have more than one of these so the expansion cord was the most inexpensive way to get more latitude in where the light comes from on to the subject. It works well, though it will help to have a helper to hold it or a tripod for your camera while you hold the light. The Nikon light system is nothing short of amazing. You'll get better photos with this light even if you don't hardly know what you are doing.

Nikon SB-700 is All You Need

The SB-700 is a very capable and powerful flash. I have used it on multiple venues, both casual and professional, with excellent results. I pair it with a Nikon D750 body attached and off-cam remotely. As an experienced shooter, I never felt I needed a larger flash to cover what I do. Most users may not need a larger flash for averge shooting conditions - this includes; groups, couples, individual portraits, products, industrial photography. Example, the SB-700 has plenty of reach for wider group shots out to 10-12 ft. coverage at 35mm/f-4 to f-5.6. I rarely need to go above ISO 400 for near dark conditions. Higher ISO quality camera bodies are now making larger flashes obsolete. If you are a novice the Nikon TTL system is as simple as set, point and shoot. As a beginner you will get fantastic results in full auto mode with most modern Nikon equipment. Do not be intimidated with an external speedlite as a beginner, they are fun, easy to learn and creative. Advanced users will appreciate the lightweight handling, flexible control options and battery efficiency. I rarely need to shoot at full power and am usually dialing power back. For daylight portrait work I pair this with a 24” octagon softbox for perfect fill light using remote triggers. The price of an SB-910/5000 can almost buy you two SB-700’s. That’s a great value. I can shoot any venue with a 700 and often use more than one for shadowing. The recycle is instant while off full power for hundreds of firings on the same batteries. Hey, the SB-700 works for me, put it to work for you. It’s a great tool and superior quality over aftermarket budget flashes. Now go shoot some pictures!

Excellent Speedlight!

It's a little frustrating for me as I had a SB-28 for my old film Nikon, but it had to be used manually on my D90. This baby works wonders! It adjusts to the camera and ambient light with amazing ability. I shot a concert recently that wasn't lit for photography. I did some shots with the flash and some without. The flash gave my beautiful pictures without drowning out or lighting up everything. I no longer gets complaints about my flash being too bright.

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