randyspann
Senior Member
- First: I prefer no flash! But sometimes you just can't get decent shots without a flash. The question which one? SB-N5 or SB-N7? Who has experience? (I like the SB-N5 because no batteries needed)
v1 with flash? SB-N5 or SB-N7
- Thread starter randyspann
- Start date
Phillydog1958
Senior Member
SB-N7
Guide Number
18 m/59 ft. (at ISO 100) with wide panel 10 m/33 ft. (at ISO 100)
Effective flash range (i-TTL)
2 to 66 ft. (0.6 to 20 m) (varies with ISO sensitivity, bounce angle, and aperture)
Bounce Function (Rotate)
Flash head tilts up to 120° with click-stops at 0°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120° (without lock mechanism)
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
2.3 in. (57.4 mm) x 2.7 in. (68.4 mm) x 2.5 in. (62.3 mm)
Approx. Weight (without batteries)
3.2 oz. (92 g)
SB-N5
Guide Number
8.5 m/27.9 ft. (at ISO 100, 20°C/68°F) to 12 m/39.4 ft. (at ISO 200, 20°C/68°F)
Effective flash range (i-TTL)
2 to 66 ft. (0.6 to 20 m) (varies with ISO sensitivity, bounce angle, and aperture)
Bounce Function (Rotate)
Vertical: Flash can be rotated up 90° from horizontal with stops where the flash is pointing directly ahead and at 60°, 5°, and 90°
Horizontal: 180° right to 180° left, with stops where the flash is pointing directly ahead and at 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180°
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
2.0 in. (50 mm) x 2.8 in. (70.5 mm) x 1.6 in. (40.5 mm)
Approx. Weight (without batteries)
2.5 oz. (70 g)
I've not owned the SB-N5, but I do own the SB-N7. Its a good flash and does what it's supposed to do. You're sacrificing power, if you go with the SB-N5, but maybe that's OK for you. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend, also. Nikon has both units on their site. There is only a $10 difference between the 2. Check out Amazon, ebay, etc . . . I'd go with the newest -- SB-N7.
Guide Number
18 m/59 ft. (at ISO 100) with wide panel 10 m/33 ft. (at ISO 100)
Effective flash range (i-TTL)
2 to 66 ft. (0.6 to 20 m) (varies with ISO sensitivity, bounce angle, and aperture)
Bounce Function (Rotate)
Flash head tilts up to 120° with click-stops at 0°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120° (without lock mechanism)
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
2.3 in. (57.4 mm) x 2.7 in. (68.4 mm) x 2.5 in. (62.3 mm)
Approx. Weight (without batteries)
3.2 oz. (92 g)
SB-N5
Guide Number
8.5 m/27.9 ft. (at ISO 100, 20°C/68°F) to 12 m/39.4 ft. (at ISO 200, 20°C/68°F)
Effective flash range (i-TTL)
2 to 66 ft. (0.6 to 20 m) (varies with ISO sensitivity, bounce angle, and aperture)
Bounce Function (Rotate)
Vertical: Flash can be rotated up 90° from horizontal with stops where the flash is pointing directly ahead and at 60°, 5°, and 90°
Horizontal: 180° right to 180° left, with stops where the flash is pointing directly ahead and at 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180°
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
2.0 in. (50 mm) x 2.8 in. (70.5 mm) x 1.6 in. (40.5 mm)
Approx. Weight (without batteries)
2.5 oz. (70 g)
I've not owned the SB-N5, but I do own the SB-N7. Its a good flash and does what it's supposed to do. You're sacrificing power, if you go with the SB-N5, but maybe that's OK for you. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend, also. Nikon has both units on their site. There is only a $10 difference between the 2. Check out Amazon, ebay, etc . . . I'd go with the newest -- SB-N7.
Phillydog1958
Senior Member
One more difference between the 2 units is that the SB-N5 does tilt and rotate left and right. The SB-N7 tilts but has no lateral rotation. That's the biggest complaint against the SB-N7, when comparing to the SB-N5.
randyspann
Senior Member
Thanks for the info Phillydog1958 - SB-N7 make the most sense.
Same here. When I do use the SB-N5, it is mostly for fill with bright backgrounds. I usually dial it down to -1 or -0.7 too.