Nikon SB-900- She’s not big, she’s my flash! + Strobist Review
The Strobist is nice enough to show us a SB-800 next to an SB-900 and, as I’ve read elsewhere, it’s much bigger!
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I got a chance to play with a new Nikon SB-900 speedlight over the last few days and I gotta say, it’s a pretty sweet flash. Long story short: Nikon has just extended their lead in the flash department.
…First impression: It is much bigger than the SB-800. Didn’t really seem any heavier, but definitely takes up more space.
…It’s the most sophisticated refractor/reflector system I have ever seen on a flash. They actually modulate the tube with respect to both the front fresnel and the polished, rear reflector. This gives you the ability to shape the internal qualities of the beam, too.
…Big on the advantage list: Recycle time absolutely rocks at 2 seconds with no accessory battery back.
…The bar-coded Nikon gel thing is a little gimmicky — it sets your camera’s WB to the “appropriate” setting. The special Nikon gels could easily be duped with a template and some liquid paper. You will not need to re-up with the official Nikon gels ($$) if you do not want to.
…Goofy, but cool: At full power, the discharge sounds like a blaster from Star Wars (”pew, pew, pew“). Recycling is almost silent. And oh-so-fast.
…A “thermometer” in the rear display shows you if you are starting to red-line it.
…The hot shoe is a new, thicker size that will not fit many current accessory shoes. McNally dropped one out of a Justin Clamp, which is a staple lighting tool.
…The new AS-21 foot must be used because of the new shoe size.
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July 27th, 2008 at 12:34
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