Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash USA
- Price: $494.95
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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.
| Type | Shoe mount |
| Guide No. |
|
| Angle of Coverage |
|
| Vari-Power | 1/1 to 1/128th |
| TTL Dedication | Yes (only supports i-TTL) |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Coverage |
17 to 200mm (FX-format, Automatic mode) 12 to 200mm (DX-format, Automatic mode) 12 to 17mm (FX-format, Automatic mode with built-in wide-angle panel deployed) 8 to 11mm (DX-format, Automatic mode with built-in wide-angle panel deployed) |
| Zoom Head |
In 35mm format (FX format): |
| Off Camera Terminal | Nikon Type PC Terminal (SC-15 or SC-11), & TTL Terminal (SC-19 or SC-18) |
| Recycle Time |
|
| Power Source | Four 1.5-Volt "AA" batteries; alkaline, lithium, NiCad or NiMh |
| Dimensions | 3 x 5.7 x 4.7" (78 x 146 x 119mm) |
| Weight | 14.6 oz (415g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 890 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (602)
- Fast recycling (586)
- Good power output (573)
- Consistent output (548)
- Durable (490)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (178)
- Heavy (172)
- Pricey / poor value (28)
- Slow recycling (25)
- Runs hot (9)
Best Uses
- General purpose (644)
- Portraits (598)
- Fill flash (534)
- Night photography (385)
- Photojournalism (340)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (212), Pro photographer (193), Photo enthusiast (178), Semi-professional (96), Professional (80)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (387), Yes (17)
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 890 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
- 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
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
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
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Very good product, tried it out a few times. I can't wait to play around with it more and use it in creating my shows and portfolios for the future. Many settings each giving you flexibility with your work. I also recommend getting an off camera cord to go along with your speedlight to be able to better control the direction and positions of your light off camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I am a fairly new product, but so GLAD I made this purchase. It has truly helped in shooting!
Only CON for me:
Make sure to buy RECHARGEABLE Batteries. I ended up going through about 24 regular batteries in TWO days. You need 4 AA Batteries for it to work. The rechargeable tends to last me the whole session and part of the next, so I have 2 sets.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Easy to use. The LCD screen it's friendly for the user. I tested it in one of my wedding works and I noticed right away that this flash is a MUST HAVE in your gear. It makes your pictures more professional and the final result is awesome!
I would buy at least to more, you can have your own professional studio in your house!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- 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've started using this flashlight in here, in NYC, I came to have some vacations and I ended up enjoying them sooo much! Taking pictures with the flashlight have been really cool and I am really thankful to you, because everytime I go and buy in your store, you bring me the best advices to use my photography gear and if I want to buy something new you explain the entire details of it. Thank youuu!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Nikon SB900
- Vertical Camera holder
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
The thing that is great about the SB-900 is it universal for me, it handles my short shot and long distance shoots. I love it!
thanks,
Terri
Monroe, NC
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Terri the photographer
Sample photo
Images shared by Terri the photographer
On the road shot
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I have seen the negative reviews of the SB-900, but I like the unit. I have only had the unit shut down to overheating once (that was due to me constantly firing it a max power repeatedly). It is a powerful flash unit that has been very versitile for me. I have put the flash through its paces through 18-200mm range. I find I get very even lighting at the long ranges.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I have retired and this is my hobby out side of active sports. I have 14 grand children so lots of opos. The first pass went well with a wiggly 9 month old. Now for the Christmas day festivities. I found I was able to removre shadows, hight light, and soften + no red eye.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
It's a great addition to my gear. Only down side I have encountered is how quick the batteries drain. I maybe get 100 flashes before the recycle time increases and power decreases significantly.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
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. Great use of modified power settings
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Industry standard
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
- With soft boxes
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
The SB900 is a great product and use it all of the time for shooting models both indoors and outside.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I bought this late in the product cycle and any issues are well known by now, namely the thermal cut-off "problem". This is a feature-rich speedlight and a good starting point for someone wanting to take advantage of Nikon's great CLS.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoor events
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Wedding photography
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I put this purchase off for a long time due to the expense but I am really happy with it. Price is high but B&H is a responsible place to buy and no shipping cost helped.
- 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:
Works wonderfully, no complaints other than it is just a hair too tall when in my bag leaving the contacts sticking up. Easily solved/protected with a cold shoe bracket. Does everything you ask of it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Just purchased the SB-900 AF Speedlight and love the flashes remote function. Taken several pictures with the flash mounted on a tripod away from the camera. The results were excellent. Would purchase this product again.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Love that you can just lock it on the hotshoe, and you are ready to go. It adjusts its own settings as you change the zoom. Used it at the 45 angle. Seems to work well when bouncing flash off of a lower ceiling. When the ceilings are to high I love the quick pull out bounce card. Perfect!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Over heat
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
good even lighting ,but will over heat ,i think Nikon should offer a discount toward the new sb910 flash to persons who purchased the sb900 because of the over heating problem
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Excellent flash no questions!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I'm looking for a flash for a couple months, and finally chose this one. Works perfect, with a built-in connection with my Nikon D300s. And the box includes all the basic associations.
- 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: $9.95
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Brackets
- Price: $34.98
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $69.95
- Price: $14.99
Flash Pouch
- Price: $24.99
Flash Adapters
- Price: $199.00
Flash Accessories
- Price: $99.95
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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