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SB-700 vs SB-910


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7 replies to this topic

#1
Daniel

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The SB-700 verses the SB-910.

 

I presently own the SB-910 and do not like how fast it can eat up a set of batteries. I’ve used it for an indoor arena shoot with the Nikon D800e / 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 combo. The flash would light up my front subjects but the back ground would be dark.

 

My plan this time is to use the Nikon D750/ Nikkor 24-70 2.8 combo but thinking of buying the SB-700 to use with this combo under the same circumstances in an arena.

 

The reason I am thinking of using a less powerful flash is to save battery life and get more flashes out of a set of batteries. Lithium batteries aren’t cheap.

 

Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.  



#2
TBonz

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Well, you know I don't use flash very often, but I have the SB-600.  It does quite well on batteries compared to previous flashes I've owned, and I really haven't had any issues yet.  That said, it isn't like I push it that hard...it has always had plenty of reach for me but I'm not shooting in an arena either.  In a big space, you might be better off bumping the ISO and shooting natural light unless there is a need for the flash...I would expect that in the same situation, the SB-700 would give you less background light and I expect it would have to work harder to do it...If you are just looking for a short range "fill flash" for the front side, I would assume pretty much anything from an SB-400 up would do that depending on how far away you are...I might have used my SB-400 more than my SB-600 although the 600 always came out when I needed the reach or power...


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#3
Merco_61

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The SB-700 isn't *that* much more economical on power and as it will always use a larger part of the charge in the capacitors to achieve the same light output, there is a risk that you will encounter the slow-down even with Lithiums.

To keep cost under control, you could try Eneloops. They are very much different from other rechargeables.

Raise the ISO now that you have the D750 and don't be afraid to drag the shutter for a nice background. The flash will still freeze the main subject.


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#4
Ron

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Even if the SB-700 isn't that much more economical as far as battery consumption is concerned (I don't have an SB-910 so I really can't make a comparison), it does have it's advantages. The whole kit & caboodle comes in a package that's about half the size of a box of tissues. It's very convenient to have that much flash power taking up so little space. But the guys are right... it's not going to have the same big blast of light that the SB-910 has. However, I've found it to be more than adequate for most of what I do... as long as I don't try to turn night into day.

 

--Ron

 
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#5
Daniel

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Thanks guys I will opt out of buying the SB-700 and use the 910. I am billing the person I am shooting for , for the batteries but I hate to bill her 18$ a set. lol 



#6
Russ

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Um, just turn the 910 down?

Use a higher ISO or slower shutter to bring the background up?


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#7
dcbear78

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Eneloops are the way to go. I think I carry about 12 of them in my bag at any one time.
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#8
Daniel

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I bought 4 sets of Lithium batteries and 3 sets of rechargeable batteries charging right now. Hopefully that will last me for the 12 hour shoot tomorrow. Also will try your advice Russ. Will let you guys know how it goes. 


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