I would like to buy this little but very capable flash to complement my SB-700, but it seems that all vendors have it listed "on backorder". Is it because Nikon decided to stop making it, or are those just temporary supply problems? If it's dicontinued I can't find a flash in the Nikon line up that would replace it. Suggestions?
Has SB-R200 been discontinued?
- Thread starter andrek666
- Start date
For general photography (as opposed to macro), one opinion is that the camera internal flash would be a much better plan than the SB-R200. The SB-R200 is a tiny flash, only 60% of the power of even the internal flash.' Works at macro distances, but I wouldn't call it "very capable".
Guide Numbers.
SB-R200 GN 33 (feet)
Internal flash GN 40 (feet)
SB-700 GN 92 (feet, DX, 24mm)
I should have been more precise. I already have a 7100 and SB-700, but now I am looking for an external flash that could be used wireless as a slave fully compatible with CLS system. For a commander I would use my SB-700 mounted on a hot shoe. I was considering SB-R200 as a slave to bring up highlights for a portret photo. But it seems that Nikon has discontinued this product, most likely because it was, as you say not really very capable for a general use.
So, I am now trying to decide for my external slave between a 3rd party flash or a used higher-end Nikon (for example, SB-600). Leaning towards a Nikon one, because of CLS compatibility
So, I am now trying to decide for my external slave between a 3rd party flash or a used higher-end Nikon (for example, SB-600). Leaning towards a Nikon one, because of CLS compatibility
I don't know anything about its status, but B&H says Back-Ordered. If it were discontinued, they would be the first to know, and would say so. If interested in it, I'd click their Stock Alert, to be notified when it is back in stock.
The best place for a fill light is by the camera, near the lens axis, to fill the shadows that the lens sees without making an additional set of shadows of is own. The internal flash is ideally placed there, and could still be commander too, to operate remotes, like the SB-700. That would be back 7 or 8 feet from subject, but the internal flash should have power to do it. maybe not f/8, but Guide Number 39 at 7 feet is f/5.6, and you want it to be down a stop or two anyway, for ratio, so then the main light and exposure could be f/8.
CLS is really the name of the entire Nikon flash system now. The Commander part is named AWL (Advanced Wireless Lighting)
With the AWL commander, you will want to use FV Lock, to prevent lots of pictures of the subject blinking.
Some less expensive Chinese flashes work with the AWL Commander. I have a Yongnuo YN-565EX, about $80 I think, and it does it well, with more power than the SB-700, however this part of its menu is a little awkward.