Review: Nikon SB-700 Speedlight

Comparison Summary

Now just looking at the above comparison of specs, what we on the surface is that the Nikon SB-900, unexpectedly, leads in many areas of performance and functionality. However, there are some important distinctions between these three flashes in the Nikon speedlight lineup.

Nikon SB-700 vs Nikon SB-900:

In comparing the new SB-700 to the flagship SB-900, what this choice comes down to is increased flexibility with the SB-900, with more power, control, and connectivity options. For the user that doesn’t need all that the SB-900 offers, or who is willing to make a few concessions, the SB-700 offers very close performance in a smaller, cheaper package.

Furthermore, the SB-700 actually trumps the SB-900 in a few important areas, the most prominent of which is the new, smarter thermal protection scheme. In my tests, I found that the SB-900 reached its critical heat cutoff after just 1:43 and 25 full-powered flashes. The SB-700 on the other hand went for 8-minutes with only a slowing of the recycle time, and would have gone longer if I hadn’t concluded the test out of sheer boredom.

Nikon SB-700 vs Nikon SB-600:

Comparing the Nikon SB-700 to the Nikon SB-600 that it replaces, we see a huge improvement with better features across the board for almost all areas except for flash power and the price. While the SB-700 commands a $100 premium, it seems well justified with the numerous improvements and expanded features.

End Notes

I think the fact that the SB-700 replaces the SB-600 but compares more naturally to the flagship SB-900 is a big testament to just how big of a leap forward this speedlight really is.

As I see it, the price of the Nikon SB-700 says it all – this new speedlight sits squarely between the flagship Nikon SB-900 and the outclassed Nikon SB-600 that it replaces. $100 up and you get the flexibility and power of Nikon’s flagship. Down-market, the SB-600 packs roughly the same power in a less polished and less full-featured package.

To me, the SB-900 is like a sports car. If you need to go fast, you’re going to want that extra juice. The SB-700 is like your commuter car – it’s not going to go as fast, but it’s essentially more practical in almost every other way. With faster controls, a more intuitive interface, and nearly the same flexibility, all in a smaller, lighter package, and this new flash is hard to deny.

On top of that, one big thing to love about the SB-700 is its new thermal protection, which simply slows down the rate of fire instead of locking you out completely as the SB-900 does. Big win here for shooting on-location and in quick-fire situations.

I personally work with a set of three Nikon SB-900s and two Nikon SB-600 speedlights, and while I won’t be replacing any of my current flashes outright, I will definitely grab a couple 700s when the inferior 600s inevitably kick the bucket. Even at $100 saving, I don’t think that there’s any reason to buy a Nikon SB-600 at this point.

If you can give up a little power and a little flexibility (and can live with limited CLS commander abilities), I think the SB-700 is your new flash.

Where To Buy – Recommended Retailers

The Nikon SB-700 tested in this review was provided by B&H Photo Video in NYC. If this review and other content on FlashRAW was helpful to you, please consider supporting this site and purchasing your photo equipment any of the links in this review:

• Nikon SB-700 Speedlight @ B&H
• Nikon SB-700 Speedlight @ Amazon.com

• B&H Photo
• Amazon.com

Questions? Comments?

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