Nikon Speedlight SB-300 review

I was a proud owner of Nikon SB-400 speed light and considered it it a greatest tiny (value formoney ) TTL flash ever existed. Sure it lacks power and lateral tilting capabilities, but it is decent enough. You don't look like a wedding photographer while using it, it's has a low profile and it only takes 2 AA batteries so it as light as a flash can get.

But I was wrong as Nikon released SB-300 it latest addition to beginner flash segment, with even lighter profile and it only takes 2 AAA batteries, when it comes to the weight considering flashes, it is as light as any flash can go but...and it is a big but, it power does not cut it. I can deal with lower recycle times, and quick battery drain if flash is of some use, but sadly the SB-300 is more or less a toy. 

As sad it is Nikon has discontinues it SB-400 speed light and SB-300 new kid on the block, so while looking for a flash for my newbie brother I considered SB-300, and despite of its mostly negative reviews, I was little skeptic that how bad it could be? 

Here is the test fire results of SB-400 (former) and SB-300 (later) with almost same setting, and zero flash compensation, pointing upwards bouncing off the 9 feet ceiling (which is a considerable a very small room). below is the SB-400 result. 

SB-400, F1/6, ISO 100, 110mm

Thought SB-400 did not created the second Sun here but you can see the subject was properly light up, and have some what accurate room lighting condition. 

On the second hand when I tried the SB-300, shot below. 

SB-300, F1/6, ISO 100, 120mm

The shot was complete disappointment, the image was dark, and not that very good, considering the ceiling was very low.

Sure I could have boosted the flash compensation and have gotten the same result as sb-400, but considering the ceiling was low (only 9 feet) and room was small, I was expecting bit more in that condition, because int the real world the rooms are ceiling both are gonna be bigger, and you flash compensation will max out.  

So should you buy SB-300? 

No, If you are even a little bit serious about photography (armature photography), you should pass this flash, you will get plenty of professional third party flashes in this category, at cheaper prices (but bulky). It is sad that SB-400 is discontinued, but if you are very picky about the low profile and low weight of the flash, I think the SB-500 speed light is the proper and forward replacement for SB-400. But SB-500 is very poorly priced and you will get a semiprofessional third party flash in that price range. 

And Yes, Though SB-300 can't be your primary on camera flash, it be companion for those small mirrorless camera, who prefer pocket profile over picture quality, but some bouncing flash is always better than your on camera emergency flash light.