the Nikon SB-900 flash units

dangin

i just got a pair of the new SB-900 flash units in yesterday and overall have been quite pleased with them. my initial thoughts here

pros:
: awesome zoom range
: new menu system
: not much heavier despite the size

cons:
: plastic threading on hotshoe adapter stand
: price YOWZA!
: it's bigger than the SB-800/600 units

anyone else get one yet?

geospatial_junkie

Would you recommend it over the SB-800? I'm thinking of picking up either an SB-900 and and SB-600 or two SB-800's.

dangin

geospatial_junkie wrote:

Would you recommend it over the SB-800? I'm thinking of picking up either an SB-900 and and SB-600 or two SB-800's.

it really depends on what you're shooting. if you find yourself needing the extra zoom range, then definitely get one. shooting down the aisle of a church at a bride during the processional is one example of when the extra range comes in handy. conversely however, i've shot weddings with my sb-800 flashes for the past few years and have had overall good success with them.

if you're looking for a flash with increased light output, then stick with the SB-800, as you're looking at less than 1/2 stop difference. that way you can get 2 good flash units as opposed to 1 better flash and 1 glorified slave flash.

dan's 2nd rule of photography: buy the best equipment you can afford; you won't regret it.

Harryb

Thom Hogan's review of the SB-900 has a lot of info on the unit.

geospatial_junkie

Thanks for the info. I've read Thom Hogans review and to be honest, I'm still on the fence. I am planning to shoot weddings and will be using a full-format D700 to do so. Part of me tells me to stick with the SB-800's due to the D700's great low-light capability and the other side just wants his NEW TOY!

Guess, I'll have to do more reading...

dangin

geospatial_junkie wrote:

Thanks for the info. I've read Thom Hogans review and to be honest, I'm still on the fence. I am planning to shoot weddings and will be using a full-format D700 to do so. Part of me tells me to stick with the SB-800's due to the D700's great low-light capability and the other side just wants his NEW TOY!

Guess, I'll have to do more reading...

i've got a wedding to shoot this saturday; complete with a light-challenged church and group shots in strong midday sun. i'll let you know how the sb-900 compares in performance to the sb-800.

i was shooting some test portraits last night and can say that there is a small, but definitely noticeable difference when using the 900 vs. 800 on lightstands bouncing into an umbrella. i think this is due to the 900 having a somewhat wider angle that allowed for better light coverage into and consequently out of the umbrella.

so far, my opinion is that while the sb-900 is improved over the sb-800, it doesn't justify the big price difference.

Darren Troy C

dangin wrote:

i've got a wedding to shoot this saturday; complete with a light-challenged church and group shots in strong midday sun. i'll let you know how the sb-900 compares in performance to the sb-800.

i was shooting some test portraits last night and can say that there is a small, but definitely noticeable difference when using the 900 vs. 800 on lightstands bouncing into an umbrella. i think this is due to the 900 having a somewhat wider angle that allowed for better light coverage into and consequently out of the umbrella.

so far, my opinion is that while the sb-900 is improved over the sb-800, it doesn't justify the big price difference.

PLEASE do!!! I've been waiting anxioulsy to hear/read a real-time review on this monster. I'll be waiting patiently for a Monday morning "how-to".

geospatial_junkie

Same here!

dangin

Idlewild wrote:

PLEASE do!!! I've been waiting anxioulsy to hear/read a real-time review on this monster. I'll be waiting patiently for a Monday morning "how-to".

it's a little past the morning, but i can say that overall i'm pleased with the SB-900. i wouldn't necessarily run out and buy it over a SB-800 unless you really have the need for it. the only real significant differences IMO are the improved zoom range and overheating safeguard. i've got more thoughts on the subject on my blog: http://danielgin.blogspot.com/2008/08/nikon-sb-900-follow-up.html

geospatial_junkie

Thanks dangin. That was very informative. I think I'll stick with the SB-800's.