Nikon Flash opinion question...

imanenigma

I have an SB-600 flash and a D300 camera. I am looking to purchase and additional flash.

Is the sb-900 ($425) worth the extra money over the sb-800($275)?

Why?

Thank you!

ARKreations

If you can find an SB-800 for $275 (in good working order) - jump on it. That would be a fantastic price for a really good flash. However, I suspect you might mean SB-600 at that price (although the SB-600 can be found for closer to $225-$250).

Unless you really need the extra power of the 900, IMO it isn't worth the cost difference. For the cost of the 900, you could come pretty close to 2x SB_600, or 1x SB-600 + SU-800, which give you more off-camera flash options.

Qarik

imanenigma wrote:

I have an SB-600 flash and a D300 camera. I am looking to purchase and additional flash.

Is the sb-900 ($425) worth the extra money over the sb-800($275)?

Why?

Thank you!

I don't have a SB-900. I have a 600 and 800. From my investiagations..if you are a begginer then it probably not worth it..if you are an advanced user or pro then it is probabaly worth it. In your case..if you have to ask..proably not worth it. The SB-800 is a great great flash.

The additiona features are extra zoom, more power, full 360 degree rotatable flash head, different adn some say easier menu lay outs, and some nifty extras like micro chipped gels. It is also heavier and bulkier.

imanenigma

ARKreations wrote:

If you can find an SB-800 for $275 (in good working order) - jump on it. That would be a fantastic price for a really good flash. However, I suspect you might mean SB-600 at that price (although the SB-600 can be found for closer to $225-$250).

Unless you really need the extra power of the 900, IMO it isn't worth the cost difference. For the cost of the 900, you could come pretty close to 2x SB_600, or 1x SB-600 + SU-800, which give you more off-camera flash options.

Thank you. You are right about the price. I just did a quick search on froogle.google.com to get the pricing. I saw your answer and checked closer. That price was some low-ball price from an unnamed vendor. I did a bit more research and found that the price was closer to $350-375 for the 800 and 450ish for the 900.

Thanks again!

imanenigma

Qarik wrote:

I don't have a SB-900. I have a 600 and 800. From my investiagations..if you are a begginer then it probably not worth it..if you are an advanced user or pro then it is probabaly worth it. In your case..if you have to ask..proably not worth it. The SB-800 is a great great flash.

The additiona features are extra zoom, more power, full 360 degree rotatable flash head, different adn some say easier menu lay outs, and some nifty extras like micro chipped gels. It is also heavier and bulkier.

Thank you... I do make a bit of money with my camera... however it is mostly natural light and I am trying to move into the portrait and strobist type of work. I don't have the money for both so I want to ensure I am getting the best value for my dollars.

kensington

I had my SB-800 for 3 years and loved it! Then in December I picked up an SB-900 and it KILLS the 800 that I loved. It is definitely bigger but it's quieter, seems to cycle faster (and quieter) and is much easier to use in regards to menus.

When I bought the 900 I was looking for an 800 but they were going for $380 and I found a 900 for $395, couldn't pass it up.

A few months later I picked up a used SB-600, so much easier to control the remote flashes with the 900 as the master!

Given your choices I would go for the 900 if the money is not a huge issue.

Cygnus Studios

kensington wrote:

Then in December I picked up an SB-900 and it KILLS the 800 that I loved.

I used the SB800's until I used the SB900. I immediately sold my 800's and now use the 900 and 600 as slaves. NO question about it, the 900 rocks. Worth every cent.

Art Scott

Cygnus Studios wrote:

NO question about it, the 900 rocks. Worth every cent.

agreeagree

DsrtVW

agree
I have the SB 600 and the 900 I would say yes it is worth it.

The 200mm reach really works.

Without Flash Nikon 200mm f2 after sunset


With flash same lens