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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 908 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (614)
- Fast recycling (597)
- Good power output (583)
- Consistent output (560)
- Durable (502)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (183)
- Heavy (174)
- Pricey / poor value (29)
- Slow recycling (27)
- Runs hot (10)
Best Uses
- General purpose (653)
- Portraits (609)
- Fill flash (545)
- Night photography (392)
- Photojournalism (345)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (218), Pro photographer (200), Photo enthusiast (181), Semi-professional (96), Professional (80)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (403), Yes (18)
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".
Reviewed by 908 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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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:
Great dispersion, not harsh like on-camera flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I purchased a refurbished SB-900, and it arrived in very good condition, with all of the accessories. It actually looked better than a lot of the used equipment I've purchased through craigslist! Everything is working fine, and except for the packaging, could have been sold new.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I LIKE IT.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Very good flash! a bit big, but it has all the applications one needs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Overheats
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I am consistently disappointed in this very expensive flash. My SB-900 overheats every time I use it for more than a handful of pictures. Sometimes it is okay for portraiture, as long as there is plenty of time between shots. I just did a beach shoot a couple of nights ago. I was photographing 5 different families. I had time in between each shot as I was positioning them. In less than 1/2 hour time, less than 100 images, the flash overheated. I was losing daylight, so the shoot was over.
It has overheated at every event I used it at. I performed the firmware update and that seemed to help ever so slightly.
I can't even describe how disappointed I am that I spent so much money for something so unreliable. I wish Nikon offered a recall. Now I am looking to "down grade" to a SB-800, which I know doesn't have that problem. I may just go for a Q-flash. Shame on you Nikon!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I use it mostly as an off camera flash, ocassionally on camera. Shot an event last night using the SB900 on camera, no issues with it overheating, etc...Lots of features very customizable. Definetly a worthwhile purchase, considering its about 100$ less than the SB-910.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This is the second SB-900 I've purchased 'cause it is so simple to use. And, when shooting a wedding, things are always sooo fast paced that I don't have time to enter into a ton of menus to change settings, etc. It's simplicity at it's finest. And, ordering through B&H, as always, was super fast. Thanks, guys!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I use this as part of my light system at weddings. It is often attached to a trigger that sets off 2-3 more stobes. I like that I have a really solid strobe on my camera that can be used in almost any situation or capacity. The control of the quality of light is super helpful and I feel as if I have not even scratched the surface on what it can do.
Excited to work with it more and more! I own several Sb-800 and Sb-600 and I am impressed by the features of the Sb-900 vs the others.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Pocket wizards
Pros
- Built-in reflector card
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Excellent hot shoe lock
- Fast Recycling
- Good range power
- Powerful Output
- Simple power supply
- Versatile
Cons
- Complex controls
- Poor user guide
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
More than enough power for most applications. Works well with a ring-flash adapter. TTL & Auto modes are very accurate.
A bit complex, and the user guide could be a lot better written, but a little patience and experimentation gets you through.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- 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 have an sb-600 and have frequently thought, 'it can't be that much better, it's still just a flash." but really the quality of light that comes out of this thing is A LOT nicer than my 600. It is a lot bigger than I thought it would be but definitely amazing difference.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I bought this flash to go with my new NIkon D800, which I have pre-ordered. It hasn't come in yet but I have been testing and using this flash to get familiar with it. My previous flash is an SB-800 and I've had some older SB units, all of which have been great. Only recently in the last couple years did I start to experiment with the wireless Creative Lighting System which is great. It allows me to do some of my shoots in a simple manner whereas I may have previously lit them with heavy and cumbersome power packs and strobes. It also allows me to just put one flash off of the camera for a better, more directional light or even a hair light or accent light. The only negative about the CLS is if your off camera wireless flash doesn't pick up the Commander signal from the camera. This is easily fixed by using Pocket Wizard units with the flash. The SB900 is POWERFUL and reliable. The controls and menus are easier and faster to use than on my SB800. I only put one Con and that was being bulky, and in fairness, I'm sure they'd have made it smaller if they could, but it has incredible zoom range and power, and I imagine that takes up space to incorporate. I had seen reports of overheating with heavy full power use. Time will tell if that's an issue for me. I don't believe it will be as my shooting never requires me to take 50+ full power flashes, one right after the other. If I did, I'd have spent the extra money on the newer model, but I'm trying to save money where I can. Nikon SB's are great flash units! I plan to add more of them to my arsenal and hopefully use less AC strobes in certain situations.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I have two SB-600's and this blows them out of the water! The features of this flash allow you to have so much more control over the quality of your image. This is a must have!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
It is simple to use and it can give you a lot of new posibilities to do photographies. In one way its does your camera heavier, but give you the possibility to use it separate of the camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
The product is 100% original. Works fine.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Weddingevent photography
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I was looking at the SB-910, and it offered nothing more for a substantial increase in price, so I picked up two of these. The SB-900s are true work horses of the Nikon speedlight fleet and as a working wedding photography professional, these flashes really get a workout with me, but like another well known brand says... "they take a beating and keep on ticking!"
Only reason they did not get 5 stars is that silly thermal protection that shuts off the flash if abused a bit. Nikon should have put out a firmware update that addressed this, instead they put out a way more expensive flash that does nothing more except have a modified thermal protection circuit. Being careful and slowing down a little when using TTL (or using manual power settings) addresses/reduces your chances of overheating these units by 90%!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I have purchased 3 of thes sb-900 speedlights. I use them for wedding photography and portait work. I recently started using them with the pocket wizard mini and flex system. I can't say enough good things about these little lights. They pack plenty of power to use them off the camera with an umbrella or large softbox. You wont be disapointed!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
- OVERHEATING
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Photojournalism
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I purchased 2 SB-900s to upgrade from SB600 and SB800s.
The SB900s have some great features and accessories and the menu is easy to navigate.
But the issue of these units over heating and cutting out is an absolute frustration.
I use the units without the pre-flash and monitor their use, but I still get caught out during busy periods with the units cutting out.
I hoep this can be solved some time soon by Nikon.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
As a portrait and wedding photographer, this product works wonders with its slave feature. It allows you to use numerous flashed from different angles. In one shoot, we've used the orange gel to create a "fire-like" glow on the models that were roasting marshmallows around a camp fire.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
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:
Amazing love how easy it is to use and shoot with
the speedlight
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Smokey
Me loving my nikon sb900 speedlight
Images shared by Smokey
Me loving my equipnment
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
The SB-900 is powerful and very versatile. The controls are straight forward and easy to use. An upgrade from the SB-800. TTL functions are superb. No complaints here.
- 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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