Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR
The Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash is an economical flash with complete TTL exposure support for digital SLR cameras. This version is dedicated to the Nikon I-TTL metering system.
The flash features an autofocus, auto-zoom flash head, which auto-senses the focal length of the camera's lens, and adjusts itself accordingly, within the range of 24mm to 85mm. It can also tilt and swivel for complete creative control. Additionally, there is a built-in slave mode, diffuser and reflector allowing further control and modification of the light output. It is an ideal economical all-around flash for any digital or 35mm autofocus SLR shooter. An optional stand is available.
- Head movements include zoom, bounce and swivel
- Built-in diffuser and reflector panel
- IGBT flash circuitry
- Slave Mode
| Mount | Shoe |
| Guide No. | 125' (38.10 m) ISO100 at 85 mm position |
| Exposure Control | Manual/TTL |
| Angle of Coverage | 24° - 85° |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Bounce Head | Yes, +0° to +90° |
| Swivel Head | Yes, 270° |
| Coverage | 24 mm - 85 mm (Full frame) |
| Zoom Head | Full frame: 24 mm - 85 mm |
| Compensation | None |
| Wireless Communication Channels | None |
| Wireless Groups | None |
| Power Source | 4x AA Alkaline, NiCad, Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | None |
| Weight | None |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 84 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
92%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (68)
- Lightweight (42)
- Versatile (37)
- Good power output (35)
- Consistent output (31)
Cons
- Slow recycling (11)
- Heavy / bulky (7)
- Heavy (3)
- Inconsistent output (3)
- Not durable (3)
Best Uses
- Portraits (62)
- General purpose (59)
- Fill flash (55)
- Night photography (29)
- Photojournalism (17)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (27), Semi-pro photographer (27), Casual photographer (13), Enthusiast (5), Pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (50), Yes (7)
Most Liked Positive Review
Save a buck
I purchased this primarily for the fact that it works off camera with a built in optical slave, something the SB-600 (for twice as much) doesn't even do out of the box. ...Read complete review
I purchased this primarily for the fact that it works off camera with a built in optical slave, something the SB-600 (for twice as much) doesn't even do out of the box. It's sensor is plenty sensitive, as long as you swivel the head to face the sensor towards your camera's built in flash. I've powered my camera's flash all the way down to 1/32 and had no problems triggering this flash. I haven't taken it outside, yet.
I use it with my D40. Mounted on camera, it's automatic settings, including i-ttl work just fine. When you bounce it, it automatically zooms the flash to 50mm. The head tilts and swivels in all directions. You can point the camera straight down and swivel and bounce the flash behind and above you.
The manual included left a little to be desired. I read the SB-600 has directions for a particular feature on page 38. The manual included with this flash is a large sheet, quickly describing features in clear English (unlike the 'manual' for my Cowboy Studio 2x160 w/s strobes that were practically indecipherable).
I'm happy I listened to my wallet. I would have bought the SB-400 and really missed out on the ability to trigger it off-camera without adapters or receivers. I might've bought the SB-600, and supplemented it with an optical slave, for more than twice as much. The SB-800/900 is just not possible in my budget.
I highly recommend it for anyone, especially if you're looking for all of the features of the more expensive OEM flashes on a budget.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good flash for the money
This flash is a very good choice if you do not want to spend the money for the Nikon SB-900, but want comparable flash strength and range (guide #). It even works ...Read complete review
This flash is a very good choice if you do not want to spend the money for the Nikon SB-900, but want comparable flash strength and range (guide #). It even works pretty well outside the published ranges. It does an excellent job of producing correct exposures in direct flash mode. The bounce capability and flexibility is also very good to excellent. I get best bounce results by taking a test shot or two and using manual mode.
It does have some limitations when used with my Nikon D5000. It often produces over exposures if the camera is set in Auto ISO mode. This is probably related to the observations below. It does not recognize camera ISO settings other than 200, 400, & 800. Also it does not recognize camera f-stop settings other than f/5.6, f/8, & f/11. The camera has several other ISO & f-stop settings in between and beyond those values. Also, the camera info attached to the picture file only records the flash mode as TTL-BL, never as iTTL-BL. I do not know if that is meaningful.
I am somewhere between a casual user and an enthusiast. I would recommend this flash for casual users with a budget and for many enthusiasts. I would probably not recommend it for really serious users who want perfect communication between camera and flash. That probably requires Nikon.
Reviewed by 84 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
- Inconsistent Output
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
Needed a flash in a hurry that wouldn't break the bank. This option by Bower surprised and came through. The flash seems well constructed (time will tell). On the 5th photoshoot the slide out diffuser broke off and I can't get it back into the slot. Which is irritating because it also helps to hold the bounce card in place. Been using standard Energizer batteries and need to switch to the best ones I can find. Heavy use, like for a fashion runway show the flash won't recycle fast enough or powerful enough. For shots where timing isn't tight, this flash is awesome. It also triggers my portable studio flashes without changing anything. Very handy!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
I use the flash for all of my indoor shoots. Does a wonderful job everytime. This flash is very easy to use, it sets itself. I havnt found anything that I don't like about the flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
I was in need of a flash far more powerful than the onboard one my Nikon D-80 is equiped with. Of course I wanted the latest and greatest Nikon, but I just couldn't afford it. After trying to shop around town locally I gave up and came here. Best decision I could have made. I decided on this Bower flash because it had all the features I felt I would be needing at a price I could manage. Tilt, swivel, zoom, syncs with the iTTL & can be used as a slave! Great deal. Had a chance to shoot with my basic flash studio lights also and was happy discover that everything synced together nicely just by shooting the way I always do. Such an improvement in my photos! Wish I had bought this sooner!!
Could have used a little faster recycle time, will have to test better batteries next shoot. There was some inconsistencies with exposure, but nothing a little Camera RAW editing couldn't fix. As I get used to shooting with the flash I'm sure I'll overcome those issues.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful Output
- Price
Cons
- Quality
Best Uses
- Back-Up
- Ocassioanal amateur
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
I tried to use this flash for my Real Estate Photo business. First unit lasted for 2 (two) days and refused to power up after 20 shots, so it went back to B&H.
The second one lasted 1 month, so I had to send it to Bower. The third one worked for 4 months and lost the TTL ability. I'm not getting the forth one. Not from Bower.
It may be good for ocassional amateur shooting, or back up unit. When it works, it works fine.
You get what you pay for.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Nikon SB600
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
No N CLS support, worked well with duracell rechargeable batteries, recle time 4-5 secs. Good for normal use. May not be a choice for fast photography
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
I bought the Bower SFD926N because as I didn't want to spend 2-3 times as much for Nikon models.
If you're in the same shoes, you won't be disappointed. For the price this is the great flash. My indoor photography has improved by great extent.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good to Learn
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Build Quality
- Reliability
- Slow Recycling
- Weak Output
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
This Flash is a great flash for the price. My dad saw no difference between this and the Nikon SB700. But he got it. This flash lasted me maybe 2 weeks before it wouldn't even power on. You get what you get for the price. I'm not even going to bother sending this back going to get it repaired then i'm just going to give it away. I'm never buying any Bower or SamYang branded product again. Just stick with the Nikon brand. It's around $200 more but your getting quality, and the support from Nikon Canada.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
Great flash (used with universal diffuser)for photographing people seated at dimly lit tables. Nice color and flattering light for groups 20 ft away
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Works with PW TT5
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
Just connected it to a Pocket Wizard TT5 and it worked great from my D7000 and D300 with a TT1 and AC3. Unless you need high speed sync, get this and a TT5 for less than a Nikon! Perfect 3rd flash for my portrait work. Will definately recommend this to my friends.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
I am a growing professional photographer, and am using this flash for portrait and wedding shots. It is very useful for both, but the built-in diffuser flap leaves a bit to be desired. This is a great value, and the diffused issue is not something that should knock it out of your priority list. I highly recommend getting this flash in combination with a Gary Fong Lightsphere, as the two work beautifully together. There are flashes with faster recharge times, but for the price difference this one works well. It is a slave if needed, and works well as one. Performance is further boosted by using eneloop rechargeable batteries. I would recommend this for sure.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
I found myself looking at the Bower SFD926N because I didn't want to spend 2-3 times as much for Nikon models with about the same functionality. If you're in the same shoes, you won't be disappointed: for the price you cannot beat this little flash!
Incidentally, the color is a bit lighter than my Nikon D90, and the plastic feels cheaper, but I'm more than willing to live with that...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
- Very Reliable
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
This is the best flash in its class against the competition. This would go hands down against my older SB600 for price difference, and is very close to my friends SB800 Just without the extra bells and whistles. Works great on my D7000. I would definitely buy it again.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
Great starter flash. Full Manual down to 1/16 and works TTL. I bought 2 and love them
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
OK, it's not the Nikon SB910 but I needed another remote flash for fill light, I read a good review about this one so I bought it. WOW. This is an amazing speedlight for the price. The TTL works perfectly for on camera fill as well as off. With a light modifier, the flash is even good for portraits. This speedlight works well as part of a group of speedlights off camera remote. Since that's what I wanted and since it works so well, I'm buying another. This is a nice speedlight for the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
Flash works as described. I bought this flash after reading many reviews to use on my d3000. Some have commented about how it attaches to the camera. It is secure. Not sure if I would carry it by it but I wouldn't carry a nikon flash there either. I like the ability to use the flash off camera as a slave unit. It fires after sensing the camera flash firing. I am having a problem getting my pop up camera flash to not over power it. It worked once awesome but I have not been able to duplicate it since. I lower the power of the on pop up flash but it seems to lower the Bower flash even though its detached and in slave mode. Its probably me and not the Bower flash. Other than that no complaints. Recycle time is 3-4 seconds with fresh recharchable batteries. Great Value
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
I bought this product to be one of two off-camera flashes. I have one Nikon SB600 and wanted an inexpensive flash to use for off-camera flash set-up. This flash works very well. It has more features than the SB600. It has an adjustable flash head. It can work in I-TTL mode or it can work as a slave flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
Got this to learn help learn about lighting for use with a D5000 in the fall/winter months. For the price it seems a good value. The recycle time initially with 1000 mah nimh was around 10 seconds, upgraded to 2450's and the recycle time at full power is around 5 seconds. Bounce and swivel are nice to have, although I can see where the dedicated Nikon units would be better wrt 180 degrees both directions, and build quality, features. The included optical slave is a handy feature for me as I can't do wireless ttl anyway.
A low battery indicator would be nice to have, instead of just using it until it becomes unpredictable, using it in manual mode when the batteries get low it will occasionally fire at full power even set at 1/8 or 1/16 power.
It feels cheaper than the dedicated Nikon units, and the shoe mount looks to be very fragile.
The gn is a little misleading because it was measured at the the 85mm zoom setting vs Nikon units measured at 35mm, it has plenty of power for my uses and way more than the pop-up. The built in wide angle diffuser does a good job of spreading light around more and gives me more saturated colors even when not bouncing, the white card is another handy feature.
Overall for the price, compared to the alternative oem units, a great bang for buck, coupled with a some of the "you get what you pay for".
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Inconsistent Output
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
I used this flash very shortly after I got it for club photography. Some of the photos came out great but some were far too dark. The strange thing was I could take the exact same photo from the exact same distance and sometimes it would be bright, sometimes not. Overall the flash works well, batteries last long, and the potential is there for great usability.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Batteries used up quickly
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
I have had great success with this flash when the batteries are fresh. It has fired almost every time. When the batteries begin to die (note the word begin) the flash suffers. It may fire, but the output of light may not be correct. I bought rechargeable batteries so I can charge one set while using a fresh one. However, with the charging time being 4 hours.....that may not work. If you buy one of these, buy several packs of batteries too. Not sure how long the SB series will go for on 4 AA batteries compared to the Bower.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Mis fired a couple times
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SFD926N Digital Shoe Mount Flash for Nikon SLR:
Im new to off camera lighting and I do not have an unlimited budget, so I decided to try this speedlight and I was impressed. The light works off camera without any special attachments and provides clear and crisp light with my D5000. I am sure there are better speedlights out there, but for the price I have not found a better one. Add this speedlight to your cart for a bargain buy. All things considered I am happy with my selection.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $1.23
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
Flash Diffusers
-
- Original: $9.95
- Save: $2.30
- Price: $7.65
Reflectors
- Price: $29.95
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $14.99
What's in the Box
- 1-Year Warranty
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