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Nikon SB-700 Unboxing

Nikon has started shipping their next iteration of award winning Speedlights. This new flash, the SB-700 is destined to be a favorite for all Nikon owners. The first feature I see is the continuation of the redesigned UI and button layout from the SB-900. This is much more intuitive and easier to switch between modes. Owners of the SB-600 and SB-800 (Me included) have complained about how difficult it is to switch from one mode to the other (On camera, remote, master). To me it seems as if this flash is the replacement for the SB-600 although its price is higher in the low $300s, about $100 less than the SB-900 but still $100 more than the SB-600 ever was.

Allen’s Camera has this flash in stock and will ship to the USA and UK for a competitive price. Call today 215-547-2841 and ask for the Fro price.

The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) is a great way to easily and inexpensively plunge into the world of off camera flash. Any camera with a CLS compatible Master flash can be used just by turning the feature it on. Other users (Nikon D3, D3s, D3x, D3000, D3100) can alternatively buy two Speedlights and get the same effect. When using the CLS system you can set the remote flash power from your camera without having to walk over and adjust it on the stand. Wireless TTL is also supported in the CLS system and works quite well. Purchase an inexpensive light stand and softbox/umbrella and you are ready to go without the need for an assistant! I also can’t wait to try out the new three lighting patterns; standard, center-weighted and even–available.

Nikon SB-700 SpeedlightNikon SB-700 SpeedlightNikon SB-700 Speedlight

Other features of the Nikon SB-700 Speedlight

  • Auto detection of DX or FX sensor size
  • Three illumination patterns–standard, center-weighted and even–available to match every shooting environment
  • Autofocus assist lumination
  • Wireless TTL control as master or slave
  • Firmware updates via Nikon DSLR
  • Temperature sensor to prevent overheating and damage
  • Auto detection of filters and diffusers for optimal flash patterns and output

Complete specs after the break…

Electronic construction
Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry
Guide number (35 mm zoom head position, FX format, Standard illumination pattern)
28/92 (ISO 100, m/ft.), 39/128 (ISO 200, m/ft.)
Illumination pattern
Three illumination patterns: standard, even and center-weighted
The light distribution angle is automatically adjusted to the camera’s image area in both FX and DX formats
Effective flash output distance range (in i-TTL mode)
0.6 m to 20 m (2 ft. to 66 ft.) (varies depending on camera image area setting, illumination pattern, ISO sensitivity, zoom head position and lens aperture in use)
Flash mode
i-TTL, manual flash, distance-priority manual flash
Other functions
Test firing, monitor pre-flashes, AF-assist illumination for multi-point AF, and modeling illumination
Multiple flash-unit photography operation
Advanced Wireless Lighting, SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography
Compatible cameras
All cameras compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System (other cameras can be used but functionality is reduced)
Flash exposure control set on the camera
Camera sync modes: slow sync, red-eye reduction slow-sync, front-curtain sync, rear-curtain sync, rear-curtain slow-sync

Photography functions: auto FP high-speed sync, FV lock, red-eye reduction
Bounce capability
Flash head tilts down to 7° or up to 90° with click-stops at -7°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°

Flash head rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right with click-stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°
Power source
Four AA-type alkaline (1.5V), lithium (1.5V) or Ni-MH (1.2V) batteries
Flash-ready indicator
Fully recycled: lights up
Insufficient flash output for correct exposure (in i-TTL or distance-priority manual flash mode): blinks
Flash duration
Approx. 1/1042 sec. at full output
Mounting foot lock lever
Provides secure attachment of SB-700 to camera’s accessory shoe using locking plate and locking pin to prevent unintentional detachment.
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 71 x 126 x 104.5 mm (2.8 x 5.0 x 4.1 in.)
Weight (without batteries)
Approx. 360 g (12.7 oz.)
Included accessories
Speedlight Stand AS-22, Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-14H, Incandescent Filter SZ-3TN, Fluorescent Filter SZ-3FL, Soft Case SS-700