Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras, Standard Packaging
Quick take
The Nikon SB-700 is a portable Nikon Speedlight designed for Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) photographers who want a more capable on-camera flash, plus flexible wireless flash control. It is built around Nikon’s precision i-TTL flash control and offers fast recycle times with common AA batteries, along with built-in wide coverage and useful diffusion and filter accessories. The biggest buying caveat is compatibility, features work best with Nikon CLS-enabled cameras.
Pros and cons
Pros
- i-TTL flash control with Nikon CLS compatible cameras for more consistent exposure with an on-camera flash.
- Wireless operation supports commander and remote use, which helps when you move beyond fill-flash.
- Wide multi-step auto zoom coverage (24-120mm range) for versatility without constant manual changes.
- Fast recycle times, roughly 2.5 seconds with NiMH or alkaline batteries (and about 3.5 seconds with lithium batteries).
Cons
- Full functionality is intended for Nikon Creative Lighting System cameras, while other camera brands may have reduced features.
- Battery door reliability is a noted weak point in limited feedback, so take care when swapping AA batteries.
- No PC sync option is mentioned, so studio-style triggering may require alternative solutions for some setups.
What buyers think
Buyer feedback is strongest around practical versatility, especially for photographers who already use Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Many people describe the SB-700 as an appealing middle ground between Nikon’s larger, higher-power models and simpler alternatives, because it delivers strong performance without the same bulk. Users also highlight convenience features that make it easier to switch between on-camera and wireless work, including straightforward commander/remote operation and handy built-in diffusion. Setup and handling are generally viewed as straightforward for Nikon CLS users, and the flash is often characterized as a “workhorse” upgrade from a built-in pop-up flash.
At the same time, buyer-review evidence is limited on certain design reliability topics. One recurring theme in the feedback is that the battery compartment door design may be fragile compared with older Nikon Speedlights, so battery changes should be done carefully.
Who this flash is for
- Nikon DSLR owners who use Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS): If you want i-TTL performance and wireless control that integrates with Nikon CLS setups, the SB-700 is built for that workflow.
- Photographers who want more than a pop-up flash: It is a straightforward step up for indoor and outdoor fill light, and for creating more controlled lighting than the camera’s built-in flash.
- People who value portability: Compared with larger Nikon speedlights, the SB-700 is positioned as a more manageable option when you need your bag to stay light.
Key features that matter in real use
i-TTL and Nikon CLS wireless control
The SB-700 focuses on Nikon’s precision i-TTL flash control when paired with compatible Nikon CLS cameras. It also supports wireless operation, allowing you to set the unit up as a commander or a remote flash in wireless flash systems. That makes it useful if you are learning off-camera lighting, or if you want to expand beyond direct flash for more natural-looking contrast.
Zoom coverage and quick recycling
The flash head uses multi-step auto zoom coverage intended for a wide 24-120mm range, helping you match framing without constant manual adjustment. For shooting pace, the SB-700 lists an approximate recycle time of about 2.5 seconds with NiMH or alkaline batteries (and about 3.5 seconds with lithium batteries), which is helpful for events, portraits, and continuous shooting scenarios where you do not want to wait between pops.
Built-in diffusion and color filters
The included accessory ecosystem supports creative and practical lighting needs. You get a diffusion dome to soften direct light, plus hard color filters (incandescent and fluorescent) intended to help with color balance when using those lighting types. This can be particularly useful when you are mixing available light with flash or working under non-daylight conditions.
Battery and power considerations
The SB-700 runs on four AA-size 1.5V batteries. Battery life depends on the battery type, with approximate flash counts listed at around 160 flashes with alkaline batteries and about 260 with NiMH. In real-world terms, AA compatibility can be convenient, especially when you travel or shoot for long stretches, but you should still handle the battery door carefully based on limited feedback about the compartment design.
Pros and cons (expanded)
Pros
- Better on-camera flash results: i-TTL with Nikon CLS integration helps improve exposure consistency compared with simple manual or pop-up flash approaches.
- Wireless flexibility: Commander and remote operation supports off-camera setups without relying solely on external radio triggers.
- Versatile light shaping: Diffusion dome and additional color filters support softer lighting and more accurate color balance in mixed or specific lighting environments.
- Manageable size for a working kit: Buyers frequently frame the SB-700 as a practical complement to larger Nikon speedlights when portability matters.
Cons
- Compatibility limits outside Nikon CLS: The flash is designed for Nikon cameras compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System. If you shoot on a different brand, you may not get the full feature set.
- Battery door caution: Some buyer feedback points to the battery door design as a weak point when changing AA batteries, so use steady pressure and avoid forcing it open.
- Less ideal for certain studio workflows: Studio lighting integration may require extra equipment depending on your triggering method, and the listing does not highlight a PC sync connection.
Price and availability
The SB-700 is typically positioned as a premium Nikon Speedlight compared with entry-level alternatives. If your goal is simply a basic upgrade from a built-in flash, a cheaper option may be tempting, but the SB-700 tends to make more sense when you will actually use its CLS features and wireless capabilities.
Verdict
Choose the Nikon SB-700 if you shoot Nikon DSLRs that support Nikon Creative Lighting System and you want a compact speedlight that does more than direct flash, it also supports wireless commander and remote setups. It is a strong option for photographers who want a balance of power, portability, and practical light-shaping accessories. Skip it, or plan on using it with reduced functionality, if you are not in the Nikon CLS ecosystem or if your triggering workflow depends on connections not clearly covered here.
FAQ
Is the Nikon SB-700 compatible with all Nikon cameras?
It is designed for Nikon cameras compatible with the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Other Nikon models can often be used, but the feature set may be reduced compared with fully compatible CLS cameras.
Does the SB-700 support wireless flash control?
Yes. It supports wireless operation, including commander and remote use, which lets you control the SB-700 in wireless flash setups.
What size batteries does it use?
The SB-700 uses four AA-size 1.5V batteries.
How fast is the recycle time?
Approximate recycle time is listed as about 2.5 seconds with NiMH or alkaline batteries, and about 3.5 seconds with lithium batteries.
Does it include diffusion or color filter accessories?
Yes. It comes with a diffusion dome and includes hard color filters intended for incandescent and fluorescent lighting.
Is it a good upgrade from a built-in flash?
For Nikon shooters using CLS, it is a practical upgrade that can improve flash control and expand lighting options, especially for fill light, indoor scenes, and learning off-camera lighting.
Specifications
| Product Title | Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras, Standard Packaging |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Flashes > Shoe Mount Flashes |
| Brand | Nikon |
| Manufacturer | Nikon |
| Model Name | Accessories |
| Model Number | 4808 |
| Screen Size | 3 Inches |
| Color | Clear |
| Item Weight | 12.7 Ounces |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon |
| Battery Average Life | 1 years |
| Flash Sync Speed | Camera Dependent |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Guide Number | 92/28 (m/ft, ISO 100, STANDARD) |
| Number of Batteries | 4 AA batteries required. |
| Wireless Technology | {MY |
| Mount Type | Hot Shoe Mount |
| Has Self-Timer | No |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 10"D x 10"W x 12"H |
| Compatible Devices | Nikon cameras with i-TTL flash metering |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Exposure Control Type | Manual, Manual Flash (with Nikon Creative Lighting System digital and 35mm SLR cameras), i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with CLS compatible cameras |
| Camera Flash | On Camera |
| Built-In Media | Accessory |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| UPC | 018208048083 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00018208048083 |
Available variants
Style
- SB-700
Product Packaging
- Standard Packaging
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