When it comes to camera flashes, photographers have a plethora of options to choose from, but two models that stand out in the market are the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT and the Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight. Both of these flash units are designed to provide high-quality lighting for professional and enthusiast photographers alike, but they differ in several key aspects.
Build Quality and Design
The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT has a rugged and durable design, with a metal hot shoe and a weather-sealed body that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. It weighs around 435g, making it slightly heavier than the Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight, which tips the scales at 360g. The Nikon flash also has a more compact design, making it easier to carry around.
Power and Coverage
The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT has a guide number of 60m (at ISO 100), which is higher than the Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight's guide number of 38m (at ISO 100). This means that the Canon flash can produce more powerful bursts of light, making it suitable for larger studios or outdoor shoots. The Canon flash also has a wider coverage area, with a zoom range of 20-200mm, compared to the Nikon's 24-120mm.
Wireless Capability
Both camera flashes have wireless capability, but the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT has a more advanced system. It can operate as a master or slave unit in Canon's radio-based wireless flash system, allowing for more flexibility and control over multiple flash units. The Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight, on the other hand, uses an optical-based wireless system, which can be more prone to interference.
Recycle Time and Battery Life
The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT has a faster recycle time of around 3.5 seconds, compared to the Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight's 4 seconds. This means that the Canon flash can fire more frequently, making it suitable for fast-paced shooting environments. The Canon flash also has a longer battery life, with up to 100 flashes per set of batteries, compared to the Nikon's 80 flashes.
Additional Features
The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT has several additional features that make it stand out from the competition. It has a built-in LED light that can be used for video or as a modeling light, and it also has a more advanced AF assist beam system that can help with focus in low-light conditions. The Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight, on the other hand, has a more basic feature set, but it does have a built-in wide-angle diffuser that can be useful for capturing wider scenes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT and the Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight are high-quality camera flashes that can provide excellent results in a variety of shooting situations. However, the Canon flash has several key advantages, including its more powerful output, faster recycle time, and advanced wireless capability. The Nikon flash, on the other hand, is more compact and lightweight, making it easier to carry around. Ultimately, the choice between these two camera flashes will depend on your specific needs and preferences as a photographer.
When choosing between these two camera flashes, consider the type of photography you do most often. If you need a powerful and feature-rich flash for studio or outdoor work, the Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT may be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a more compact and lightweight flash for everyday use, the Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight could be the way to go. By considering your specific needs and weighing the pros and cons of each camera flash, you can make an informed decision and choose the best flash for your photography setup.
