Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash USA
-
Discontinued
Availability Details
CloseThis item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
Remember the Essentials
Batteries are not included. Please make sure to purchase batteries to operate the device.
The Nikon SB-900 Speedlight is Nikon's flagship flash unit, and the most advanced in the Speedlight range. As a replacement to the SB-800, the SB-900 shares many of the same functions, but also has some innovative additions and improvements. Its automated zoom head has been expanded to cover 17mm to 200mm lenses (in 35mm/FX format), and can cover this range in just 1.2 seconds. This flash now lets you select from three light distribution patterns: Standard, Center-weighted, and Even. It will also automatically detect if it is connected to a DX or FX format camera, and adjust itself accordingly.
The SB-900 can work as a stand-alone flash, or as part of a wireless group, either in Commander mode or as a slave (remote). The i-TTL system in this flash supports Advanced Wireless Lighting and versatile functions for up to four groups of Speedlights, with 3 remote i-TTL Speedlight groups controlled through the master SB-900. i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash flash control employs Nikon's Advanced Data Communication system. This system provides an improved method for the monitor pre-flash and wireless operation that marks an evolution in higher precision over Nikon's acclaimed D-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash control system, and forms the core of the Creative Lighting System.
Note! Please note that the SB-900 is only fully compatible with DSLR cameras that support i-TTL operation. With older cameras that use the D-TTL mode, only [A] Auto mode (non-TTL) is available.
- Multiple Flash Exposure Modes
-
- i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with Nikon cameras that support i-TTL (e.g. D3, D700, D200, etc.)
- [AA] Auto Aperture Flash
- [A] Auto Aperture Flash with many film SLRs, including the Nikon N55 (F55) and FM10
- [M] Manual Flash
- i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with Nikon cameras that support i-TTL (e.g. D3, D700, D200, etc.)
- Bounce Capability
-
Flash head tilts down to -7° or up to 90°
Flash head rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right.
- i-TTL
- Intelligent i-TTL system supports Advanced Wireless Lighting and versatile functions for up to 3 remote i-TTL Speedlight groups controlled through a master SB-900 or with the "Commander" function of compatible cameras.
- 3 Light Distribution Patterns
- Allows you to improve the light quality by selecting Standard for general illumination, Center-weighted for portraits, or Even for groups and interiors.
- Stroboscopic Effect
- Repeating flash for creating stroboscopic multiple-exposure effect.
- Mixed Exposure Modes
- Individual flash mode settings ([TTL], [AA], [A] and [M]) are available for each of the four groups (including master controller) for easy total lighting control based on the brightness of the subject and not simply on general output ratios for each group.
- FV Lock
- Flash Value Lock allows photographers to change the composition or zoom for the shot while maintaining desired lighting of the subject.
- Distance Priority Manual Flash Mode
- User can set the distance and aperture, and the SB-900 automatically sets the power output, a great feature for manual flash [M] shooting at weddings and for product shots.
- Colored Gels
- Allows modification of flash output to match background scene, especially useful for digital cameras where "white balance" can be controlled. Included are Tungsten and Fluorescent adjustment filters.
- Color Gel Filter Identification
- Flash automatically identifies mounted color gel filters and adjusts the camera's auto white-balance setting with select Nikon digital SLR cameras.
- Flash Tube Overheat Protection
- Includes a built-in thermal sensor that protects the flash-tube from overheating during sustained high-speed bursts.
- AF-Assist Illuminator
- The SB-900 provides improved AF assisting accuracy by being able to cover all 51 AF points with the D3, D700, and D300 (as of 7/2008), and with wider coverage from 20-105mm.
- Firmware Updating
- Allows uploading of performance enhancement developments to the SB-900 with select Nikon digital SLR cameras.
- LCD
- Large easily read illuminated LCD panel.
| Mount | Shoe |
| Guide No. | 111.5' (33.99 m) ISO100 at 35 mm position |
| Angle of Coverage |
104° - 12° Wide-Angle Adapter: 122° - 104° |
| Vari-Power | 1/1 - 1/128 |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Coverage | 17 mm - 200 mm (Full frame) |
| Zoom Head | Full frame: 17 mm - 200 mm |
| Off Camera Terminal | Proprietary |
| Recycle Time | Approximately 2.3 seconds - 4.5 |
| Power Source | 4x AA Alkaline, Lithium, NiCad, Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.0 x 5.7 x 4.7" / 7.62 x 14.48 x 11.94 cm |
| Weight | 14.6 oz / 414 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 863 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (580)
- Fast recycling (572)
- Good power output (559)
- Consistent output (532)
- Durable (474)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (174)
- Heavy (170)
- Pricey / poor value (27)
- Slow recycling (23)
- Runs hot (9)
Best Uses
- General purpose (623)
- Portraits (574)
- Fill flash (514)
- Night photography (370)
- Photojournalism (332)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (203), Pro photographer (187), Photo enthusiast (167), Semi-professional (96), Professional (80)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (364), Yes (13)
Most Liked Positive Review
Actually an Upgrade from the SB800...
I'm a full time wedding photographer, so speedlights are essential to me. I was really reluctant to upgrade from my trusty 800, which has always been awesome. It puts out plenty of light,...Read complete review
I'm a full time wedding photographer, so speedlights are essential to me. I was really reluctant to upgrade from my trusty 800, which has always been awesome. It puts out plenty of light, and works seamlessly with my D3 and D200.
But then my 800 was dropped on a sidewalk during a shoot and was slightly damaged. It still seems to work, but I can't take a chance with it going out during a reception.... so I bought a 900.
It is different than the 800 in a few practical ways:
It's bigger. It doesn't fit in the same camera bag slot in which I used to carry the 800.
It feels more solid. Could be the age of my last 800, but the 900 feels beefier and more robust.
There's a real on/off switch. This is great. I always was a little annoyed having to hold down the 800's on/off button to get the flash to not fire for a shot and then to hold it down again to turn it back on. With the 900, its just a quick switch to flip.
It makes weird noises. I notice when turning the flash on or zooming, constant little motor noises. It can be cool or a little weird, depending on the setting.
It includes a new gel holder, which fits over the front. I always used my own gels, not the over-priced Nikon kits, but I've been using it for kicks. Pretty cool, actually.
It has a bigger, better included diffuser box. Say "Adios" to Gary Fong forever. I even like it better than my Harbor Digital box. It puts out bright, even light and is great for bouncing.
It has a very cool control wheel and interface. ie: you push the button for compensation and turn the wheel to quickly select a value, or push the button for mode and turn the wheel. Once you get used to it, it's a much faster and more ergonomic interface.
It puts out more light. It's stronger than the 800, which is useful from time to time.
It is always lighting up the info screens on the camera body and flash for no clear reason. Which is quirky. It'll light up randomly which can't be ideal for battery life and is a little showy, IMHO. Hopefully, there is some obscure menu item to turn it off ("random lighting of info screen: on/off")
It is less likely, on a D3, to over light the main subject. I forever left my 800 on -2/3 compensation, but the 900 appears to expose the same without compensation.... nice.
So I like it, would recommend it and use it a lot with great satisfaction. I'm a little frustrated it's bigger than it's predecessor and think the high price begs consideration of other brands, especially the always-fashionable Q Flash.
Just a few thoughts. Keep up the innovation, Nikon
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good flash until it overheats
This is an excellent flash for an occasional photo. If you need to take a succession of photos, the flash overheats, emits a piercing squeal, and simply stops working until it has cooled....Read complete review
This is an excellent flash for an occasional photo. If you need to take a succession of photos, the flash overheats, emits a piercing squeal, and simply stops working until it has cooled. I have lost many photos as a result of this consistent inclination to fail. The only "clue" to the cause of the unit's failure is an icon of a thermometer on the Speedlght's LCD display. When I saw that, I opened the battery door and watched helplessly as I waited for the SB-(900 to cool.
The first time it happened, I was poised to take a "signature shot" in front of 150 - 200 people. I pressed the shutter button, the shutter clicked, and the Speedlight issued a loud whining alarm noise. People who had not been looking in my direction before the howling suddenly looked at me like I had a smoke detector on my head. The moment and the image were not recorded, but the consequences of failure were.
Anyone considering this flash should contact Nikon about the predictable overheating and failure of this equipment. Mine is less than 4 months old, so I am skeptical of any claim that "the problem has been fixed".
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 863 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This by far is the best speed light out their. I'm very impressed with the output of this light. I can't wait to use this at my friends wedding.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This is easier to use than my Nikon SB-800. Turn the switch on and it's ready to use. I can focus on my composition rather than my equipments. Enhances my photos in difficult lighting situations. TTL or fill flash, the pictures comes out good. No overheating unless you take 20 full power flash every second with the SD-9 attach, then the thermal protector kick's in and protect the flash. You can disable it and take a chance of burning your flash. 20 times full power flash will shorten to life of any brand of flash. I have use this flash with Nikon SD-9 power pack in events and sports photography and it has never overheated. This is a very good investment and a joy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I haven't done much with yet, but it seems great to me. Now the speedlight on my Nikon D700 is uptodate. I was using the SB- and I could not use it with its full possibilities (ttl, etc) though I was able to get nice photographs too. Anyways, I need to work more with this new one. I give 5 stars because I am pretty sure that it is waht it is worth.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I use this in my pro photography for portraits and sports. Works great. Simple. Fast recycling time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
THIS IS THE MOST GREATER PRODUCT YOU COULD OWN IF YOU DO PORTRAIT, WETHER COMMERCIAL OR PERSONAL....
GREAT WITH THE CLS SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
I HAVE 6 OF THEM !
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Professional Photographer, Everything is included Works great with remote flash........
But it is not that easy to configure. The manual is not written well. Both myself and another Photographer had to call B&H to figure it out. I must say the Rep from B&H was outstanding. He stayed with us until we got it working.(about 30 min). My hats off to the B&H Camera Dept. I am sorry I did not get his name.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Off-camera in softbox
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Used both on camera and off. Larger than what I'm used to (sb-600), but more features, brighter light, and feels sturdier.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- SB-600
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I'm using the flash for indoor events. It's comes with a number of accessories that I appreciated.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I recently shot 2 weddings and 1 sweet 16 with this flash in the range of 2 weeks. About to shoot a Concert for Insomniac. this flash is the best when it comes to recycling time and power.
one con is size. but other than that worth every $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$4
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Overheats quickly
Best Uses
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
It's a good product, but very complex to use. It overheats very quickly and takes twice as long to cool down. The SB800 was a much better product and more user friendly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I have used it for weddings with the SD-9 and MB-D10 and never had to refuel. Quick recycle and good for long distance shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
The flash is powerful and illuminates evenly. However, the batteries get too hot too quickly so if you need to take multiple shots the flash won't fire. When used as a remote or slave, it doesn't "see" the camera beyond ten feet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Overheats and Shuts Down
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Very powerful flash. I shoot in a variety of locations and it has helped me everywhere from the livestock barn to weddings to portraits. I love the diffuser that comes with it. It does get overheated however if you start making a lot of simultaneous shots and shut down for about 10 minutes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I have two SB-800's. One had to go in for repair, so I opted to upgrade to the 900. Love the controls, love the functions. Awesome unit! The only thing I miss is the fifth battery holder.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Close-up plants, animals. Also beautiful portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
makes remote control so much easier than sb800 perfect upgrade.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- High price
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Easy to use...powerful....accurate. I just purchased my number 5 SB900, I use them all in my studio with no problems at all. I have never had any overheat issue with any of them. This is as perfect a flash as it gets nowadays I really do not know how it could be better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I am in second year at university and this year requires use of flash. This product was highly reccommended by our tech guy at the university. Although weighty when attached to my D90 this is not a problem as it makes for a steadier hold. My photographs are wonderful with the light fill I used it for when photographing a Bar Mitzvah recently outside and the dress rehersal in the synogogue was wonderful with the flash. Eveyone was very happy with them. I find it easy to use and am at the moment working on using it remotely. This one came highly recommended by our lectureres as well. I am very happy with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This flash truly is the most advanced I've had. It adapts to any situation and has everything I need.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Professional Look
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
i love this flash! I finally upgraded my camera and thought maybe it's time to dive in and stop using the built-in! When I received the flash, I thought I bit off more than I could chew, but I dove in with both feet, charged up the batteries (the only con is batteries & charger have to be purchased separately) while flipping thru the user's manual, and off I went. I am an intermediate amateur and this flash has solved all my lighting problems. It has an easy to read and easy to use LCD panel. The controls are made so that using them is comfortable quick and handy. The flash head is totally adjustable and has a built-in bounce card & wide flash adapter and comes with all the accessories that you would need to get started and keep going for a while. I was scared, but I love this flash and would highly recommend it to any level of photographer!!!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $13.99
- Price: $189.95
Flash Diffusers
- Price: $9.00
Softboxes
- Price: $20.75
Bouncers
- Price: $14.95
Reflectors
- Price: $24.95
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $69.95
- Price: $14.99
What's in the Box
- SS-900 Soft Case
- SW-13H Diffusion Dome
- SJ-900 Color Filter Set
- SZ-2 Color Filter Holder
- AS-21 Speedlight Stand
- 1-Year Warranty
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