Thoughts and Opinions:
This is a useful tool that I have used with my photography. It is not the fanciest flash but I personally find that it does the trick quite nicely. I use it with the Nikon CLS system most of the time so I can have the flash off my camera. The flash is fairly easy to use however it is not that user friendly. But I don't have enough money to justify buying a new flash just so that it is easier to use.
The flash pumps out enough power for my use but I am not doing anything too crazy with it. The ability for the head to swivel and tilt up is useful. However I believe that usually comes standard with flashes of that level of flash.
The SB-600 is no longer being manufactured sadly, however it was a great starting flash. I personally do not do enough flash work that I have a need for a SB-700/800/900 yet. For my flash work I just want the ability to have good lighting that I can control however I have not tackled anything to large that I need more than just my one SB-600.
Usage:
I use the most basic Opus lighting system with a light stand, adaptor and umbrella. I also have a simple diffuser for it as well. This is how I help create a larger light source to create better lighting for my portraits.
The flash comes out for all my portraits now for the most part. Any portraits inside I will have my umbrella setup out. I use my flash for events as well which gives nice lighting if the venue doesn't have good light.
Also having a flash around is nice because then you can stop down a little to get more depth of field which is nice. A group shot is a good example when it is nice to use a flash. It is good to gain more depth of field so that people are not out of focus in the shot.
It is nice to use rechargeable batteries for the flash. I have 2 sets of 4 AA's with a charger for them. I just swap out the batteries with charged ones. Usually a good idea to have back up batteries.
Pros:
- Not too expensive
- Simple
- Good build
- Reliable (I've had no issues with it)
The flash comes out for all my portraits now for the most part. Any portraits inside I will have my umbrella setup out. I use my flash for events as well which gives nice lighting if the venue doesn't have good light.
Also having a flash around is nice because then you can stop down a little to get more depth of field which is nice. A group shot is a good example when it is nice to use a flash. It is good to gain more depth of field so that people are not out of focus in the shot.
It is nice to use rechargeable batteries for the flash. I have 2 sets of 4 AA's with a charger for them. I just swap out the batteries with charged ones. Usually a good idea to have back up batteries.
Pros:
- Not too expensive
- Simple
- Good build
- Reliable (I've had no issues with it)
Cons:
- Controls are not that user friendly
- Doesn't have much of a range for focusing the light (zoom)
- Not being made anymore
Sample Images:
- Doesn't have much of a range for focusing the light (zoom)
- Not being made anymore
Sample Images:
 |
| Portrait, SB-600 |
 |
| Portrait, SB-600 |
Conclusions:
The SB-600 is a very useful tool I have found for my photography that I do. I would suggest investing in a flash if you do a lot of portraits and you want to control your lighting more. Also I would suggest a flash instead of going all out with continuous lighting with studio lights. Personally I like the versatility of a off camera flash. It is small, light weight and you don't have to lug around the studio lights and batteries around. Also the off camera flashes fit into camera bags easily.
All and all if you have the money it is a useful tool if you think you will use it.
The SB-600 is a very useful tool I have found for my photography that I do. I would suggest investing in a flash if you do a lot of portraits and you want to control your lighting more. Also I would suggest a flash instead of going all out with continuous lighting with studio lights. Personally I like the versatility of a off camera flash. It is small, light weight and you don't have to lug around the studio lights and batteries around. Also the off camera flashes fit into camera bags easily.
All and all if you have the money it is a useful tool if you think you will use it.
No comments:
Post a Comment