Nikon SB-400, SB-600 & SB-800 ???

[shadowlands]

I currently own the Nikon SB-400. I love it. Can't beat it for the price.
I'm planning on obtaining the SB-600 in a month or so.
What are the recycling times on each?
I'm just wanting to know how many pics each one can take per second, please.
What about the SB-800 as well?

[Mad Dawg]

Based on my SB-600 experience, using fresh rechargable batteries, normal flash power, recycle time appears to be within 4-5 sec. If your needs are for faster cycle times, the SB-800 or 900 may the way to go.

[shadowlands]

Really? Meaning we can only take a photo every 4-5 seconds?

[cyclohexane]

Meaning we can only take a photo every 4-5 seconds?

Yep. The SB-800 really isn't any faster unless you're using the fifth battery pack either.

4-5 seconds isn't really that bad. An arena lighting system drawing AC power usually can't get south of 3-4 second either without blowing up.

[OdzBodkinz]

Originally Posted by shadowlands

Really? Meaning we can only take a photo every 4-5 seconds?

Only if you're fully discharging the flash capacitor each time.

[stbear]

New SB800s might be hard to find now that the SB900 is available.

[Mad Dawg]

Originally Posted by shadowlands

Really? Meaning we can only take a photo every 4-5 seconds?

The camera will still click off as many frames as it is can, but the flash will only fire once it has recharged. So if you are shooting in a continuous burst, lets say for 10 secs, the flash may only fire off two or three times during that time. Of course recycle time is heavily dependent on the remaining charge of the batteries. Now that I thinking about it, I wonder if flash rate will increase if the flash power is reduced and ISO is bumped up to compensate for the reduced light?? May have to experiment with this.

[shadowlands]

Thanks everyone.... I'm retarded when it comes to flash-photography.
I currently own/use the SB-400, but I'm making Santa (my wife) get me the SB-600 for Christmas.

[Joves]

It all depends on how high the flash is set. I set mine manually and, I usually set my SB600 in the negative range so the recycle times are way faster. Also the type of battery will change that. Those expensive Lithiums are much faster than Alkalines or, the rechargables. What Im waiting for now is the newer smart rechargable smart lithiums, the current ones will fry your flash.

[WayneF]

Originally Posted by Joves

Those expensive Lithiums are much faster than Alkalines or, the rechargables.

No, that is backwards. The lithiums do hold some power, but their internal resistance is high, and they are the slowest to recycle. NiMh rechargeables are the fastest. See your SB-600 manual page 19 (similar is also in all the other SB flash manuals too):

Lithiums, max recycle time 4.0 seconds
Alkalines, max recycle time 3.5 seconds
Recharable NiMH, max recycle time 2.5 seconds.

These times are for fully charged batteries recycling after full power flash, until the Ready light is on, ready for next shot. Partial flash power will be faster. When the recycle time becomes slow is how you know you need to open aperture or increase ISO. Partially discharged batteries will be slower, so also when too slow is how you know you need to replace the batteries.

[JDN]

Agree with Joves. Too many variables to nail down a recycle time. I often have mine set 2/3rds to 1 stop negative and it will recycle almost immediately on regular batteries.

The 600 is a great flash especially with the D90 since it can be controlled remotely by the camera. Great way to get started with off camera without having to invest in Pocket Wizards or stuff like that. At least until you know you like it and want to get really serious about remote flashes.

[Joves]

Those times are based on the whole TTL system, which I never use. I find it over exposes myself.

[nutwithacamera]

Assuming indoor flash photography for the winter (of kids) which is what I'm doing, you'll be beating the heck out of your flash with the 18-200VR which slows down too much (f/5.6). You might consider picking up the 35/1.8 or a 50/1.8. Shoot them at f/2 or f/2.8 and that's a whole lot less flash power you'll be needing for whatever you're doing. With a few stops of additional speed, you won't need to hit full power on the flash as much and it'll recycle a lot faster. I have no problems getting about 1 shot per second off at ISO 400, 1/125s, and f/2.8 or faster. You'll never be able to go at full continuous shooting frame rate no matter what (3+ fps) but with some fast glass you can shoot plenty fast.

And yes, get some good rechargeable batteries. They make a HUGE difference over alkaline. I use Sanyo Eneloops which are great (picked up at Costco).

[Dirk]

i just love my metz af36 flash ..

[Sara Nelson]

I personally would get the SB-800 vs. the SB-600. I have both and use the 800 all the time. The 600 is for backup only, although I started out with it, the 800 is better for what I do. One day I will get a Metz!

[Dratom]

I have 4 SB-900s and every chance I get I trade one off for a SB-800. I only have 3 SB-800s and would be happy to have all 800s and no 900s. Good luck in finding 800s at a reasonable used cost. Most times I find them they cost more than a used 900. The 900 works ok, but overheats in no time and doesn't allow the quantum battery pack to power it. the only issues I have ever had with the 800s are the IR focus assist quits working when they start to get warm, but I also have about 50,000 flashes on each unit. I have switched to quantum for most of my wedding work just for pure reliability and recycle time.

Oh, I fully believe the SB800 is a great flash, but the menu system is not the most friendly.