NikonSB-700 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras, Standard Packaging

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).

Considered getting the SB900 or the SB800 models. The SIZE of the SB900 is HUGE and considerably more expensive. It has a little more power, but for my purposes I don't need a MAX power system. I'm not trying to light up a school auditorium or sports arena. The SB800 was an option, but it is an older model. The SB700 had good reviews, and after seeing that it has a KNOB on the back to set it for "remote" or "commander" to wirelessly control other wireless flashes instead of having to drill down through menus to make those settings it was a no-brainer to choose this model.I use the SU800 wireless controller to control the SB700 wirelessly as well as the R1C1 macro lights. No cable running anywhere to get tangled up, short out, fray or develop loose connections. The flash has a built in wide angle diffuser that stores INSIDE the top lip of the flash head as well as a mini-bounce flash card. Handy. And it comes with custom molded color filters for incandescent and fluorescent lighting. There is a micro switch on the flash head that these filters activate to communicate with the camera to set white balance accordingly. (nice touch) Recycle times are FAST, especially if you turn the output power down a bit. Rarely do you really need FULL flash power... instead you are relying on the metering to cut OFF the power with iTTL (Nikon) metering. So... why not turn down the flash a little in the first place. Makes for MUCH faster recycle times and extends battery life.The flash head swivels almost 360 degrees on the body and tilts from a DOWNWARD angle of about 15 degrees to slightly over 090 degrees vertically. That covers almost every conceivable angle you'll need for a flash.I use this flash primariy with a Nikon D7000 body. But, it also works fine with the other bodies I use... a Nikon D70, D90 and Fujifilm S5PRO (which is actually a Nikon D200 with Fuji sensor and firmware). It works flawlessly with the SU800 wireless controller for off-camera use as well. Or, you can run it via a corded cable system like the SC series cord with or without the infrared focus assist module.I like the size and light weight. Plan to run NiMh rechargeable batteries in it. Some models of NiMh batteries now have a 15 quick charge capability to have one set in the flash and another set on the charger when shooting a major event (like a wedding or other event where LOTS of flash will be required).Summary: Similar feature set to both the SB900 and SB800, but better layout of buttons and knobs instead of relying so much on menus. Is smaller than the SB900 and similar in size to the SB800. Maybe a tad less power than either the SB900 or SB800, but not enough to be a deal-breaker for my purposes. Don't forget that it comes WITH the MOLDED COLOR diffusers for different lighting and will auto-set white balance with they are used. Nice unit.