There are many minor and major upgrades, changes and differences between the SB900 and the SB800 speedlights, below are the most important of those comparative changes, some pictures and an animation demonstrating the two side by side, and a full technical analysis of their specifications to help you more thoroughly compare the SB800 vs SB900 side by side:
1) Key Differences between SB800 & SB900
Size:
At about 25% larger than the SB-800, the SB-900 is noticeably bigger, and users of the old 800 will definitely notice this first and foremost and start pondering open minded ways to economize and fit it in their camera bag. On the plus side of size, the LCD now displays more and better information, and the build quality is more weather proof and rugged.
Zoom Range:
Another impressive change from the SB-800 versus the SB-900 is the newer and much wider zoom range. It provides a huge 17-200mm auto zoom range up from the previous and limiting 24-105mm on the old Speedlight SB 800
Dual Compatibility between FX & DX:
User’s of the old model will be pleased to hear that the SB900 auto detects FX full frame and DX and automatically changes settings for light distribution between them. A major benefit for both FX and DX lens owners.
Interface & Controls:
This is one of the most revamped & tweaked areas of the new Speedlight SB-900 Flash, and a welcomed and major improvement at that. The menu’s, controls, and interface functions of the new unit are just generally more thought out and much better for control, function, and usability as a whole once you learn how to utilize it all properly.
Recycling Times:
An improved booster circuit on the SB900 Flash improves recycle time and battery consumption, using four AA batteries it will almost match the SB-800 @ 5AA
Adjust Thermal Protection & Indicator:
An important new feature that will save you potentially hundreds of dollars, the thermal protection is automatically on with the option to manually turn it off, and will auto shutdown the unit if it approaches melt-down mode saving you from buying another SB-900.
Full 360 Degree Rotation:
Now the unit can swivel 180 degrees to the left and 180 degrees to the right… A major and common reported problem from older speedlight flash users and a sure to be favorite comparative difference among many people.
Firmware Updating:
With the new ability to download firmware updates and continually upgrade your SB900 by plugging in a memory card while mounted to your camera, updates developed for this unit will continually fixing problems and adding new stuff.. Such an example reported in Nov. is that a new firmware update will fix the problem with the units Thermal Cutoff being set too low, and with a simple update, one doesn’t have to suffer with this problem nor buy a new flash, it can be simply fixed in seconds
Price Increase:
The Nikon SB900 Speedlight Flash is definitely a considerable amount more expensive right now, and with SB800 units soon to be absolutely discontinued and replaced by the new and improved version, prices on the 800 are at truly great prices.
Missed something that should be on the list? Leave message in comments section belowand let us know!
2) Animation comparing SB-800 vs SB-900 size:
Below is a small GIF picture comparing the size differences of the SB-800 and SB-900 mounted. For all those not in the know, the 900 is the bigger one.
4) Tech Spec SB900 vs. SB800 Chart / Table
Below is a full chart comparing the SB-800 vs SB-900’s technical specifications for those that one every last detail, leave a comment if we have forgot absolutely anything anyone might want to know when looking at the details of the SB800 vs. SB900 Flashes:
| Model # | Nikon SB-800 | Nikon SB-900 |
|---|---|---|
| List Price: | $420.99 | $570.00 |
| Week’s Best Price: | (See Best Prices) | (See Best Prices) |
| Weight | 12.3oz (350g) | 14.6oz (415g) |
| Size, WHD | 2.8 x 5 x 3.5 in. | 3.0 × 5.7 × 4.7 in. |
| Flash Duration |
|
|
| Flash Exposure Control | i-TTL Balanced | i-TTL |
| D-TTL | Camera’s sync modes: Slow-sync; Red-eye reduction in Slow-sync; Front-curtain sync; Rear-curtain sync; Rear-curtain Slow-sync Shooting functions: Auto FP High-Speed sync; FV Lock flash | |
| TTL Auto Flash | ||
| Manual | ||
| Lens Coverage | 24 to 105mm | 17 to 200mm |
| Min # Flashes (alkaline) | 130 | 110 |
| Bounce Angle (degrees) | -7 to 90 | -11 to 90 |
| Left Rotation (degrees) | 180 | 180 |
| Right Rotation (degrees) | 90 | 180 |
| Optional Power Supply | SD-7 or SD-8A | SD-8A or SD-9 |
| Recycle Time (Alkaline) | 4 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Recycle Time (Lithium) | 6 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| Recycle Time (Ni-MH) | 2.7 seconds | 2.3 seconds |
| Wireless Flash Modes | Off | Off |
| Master | Master | |
| Master (RPT) | Master (RPT) | |
| Remote | Remote | |
| SU-4 | SU-4 | |
| Power Output Range | 1 to 1/128 | 1 to 1/128 |
| Non-TTL Auto Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Commander Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Light Pattern | No | Yes |
| Firmware Updating | No | Yes |
| Gel Filter Identification | No | Yes |
| Overheat protection | No | Yes |
| Accessories | Speedlight stand | Speedlight stand |
| Soft case | Soft case | |
| Diffusion Dome | Diffusion Dome | |
| Color Filter Set | Color Filter Set | |
| Quick Recycle Battery Pack | Color Filter Holder |
Is it safe to assume that the SB800 and SB900 can be used together in a wireless setup. For example, can you set up the 900 as the master and the 800 as the remote slave?
@Ken Michaelchuck,
Yes, it’s confirmed
@Jie Xu, Thanks for your input Jie, I am doing a writeup on this shortly for those that want a more detailed answer
Does anyone have a mesurment on the full body lengths of the SB900 & SB800 when the flashes are in the upward firing position? (such as in the photo “sb800 vs. sb900 laying” above) as would be needed for an appropriate carrying case? The 5.7 & 5.0 inch numbers are clearly for the flash height when in the forward firing position.
Thanks in advance!
I just received info through another source that the lengh for the SB800 w/o diffuser is 6.5 inches & for the SB900, also w/o diffuser, is 7.5 inches. Perhaps these measurements will be useful to others.
Regards,
George
Hi, two questions please…
Is the 900 backwards-compatible with older CLS-compatible DX bodies (eg. D200, D80, D70)? One review I read suggests that this is not the case.
Also, can the firmware be updated from these older cameras? Nikon’s web site suggests that this is not possible (only D300/700/3 can be used).
Thanks!
@Michael Sanders,
Firmware updating from older cameras?
It is my understanding that yes, only these cameras (you missed the D90), D300/D3/D700/D90 can be used at this time to upgrade the SB900’s firmware.
There are also requirements for the elder to have updated firmware themselves to successfully utilize this feature (D3 requires at least firmware v2.0 and D300 requires at least v1.10)
Is SB-900 Backwards compatible with older CLS DX bodies (D200, D80, D70)?
It’s my understanding with confirmation from many online sources that these models are indeed compatible in full with the CLS features of the Nikon SB900…
Taken from the official specs and user manual: “All cameras compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System” where other non CLS-compatible cameras can be used but with obvious reduced functionality
More on this and 100% clarification soon; as a full backwards-compatibility and functionality list is soon coming
@admin,
Thanks so much for this clarification. I look forward to the compatibility matrix for absolute confirmation.
Thanks again and best regards,
MJS
Seasons Greetings from eastern Canada.
I have the Nikon D200 and the 300 cameras and the SB800 flash. . Can I mount the SB 900 on my 300 camera for example and mount the SB 800 flash on a tripod and use it as a slave (wireless) I have done something similar in the past for shooting boiler rooms etc. Is there a sensor in the SB800 that picks up the flasah from the SB900?
Sorry for all the questions. That’s the penalty you pay for having knowledge on thesubject !!
@Artie Irwin,
Yes, I have both and the 900 has a switch on the back that lets you que it up as a master (sending) or slave (receiving). Both the 800 and 900 can be set to group or channel (4) designation so only the proper signal will fire them. I use my 800 and 900 as remotes receiving the fire signals from my built in D300 flash.
Why isn’t the SB-900 TTL-compatible with my Nikon F100 and F5? Will there be a firmware update that fixes this problem? How can I do the firmware update without having to buy a current Nikon D-SLR as host for the update?
@John Meyers,
SB-900 is mechanicly made just for iTTL and it’s not a firmware fault/bug. If You need an update – than go to someone who can do it on D3(x)/700/300 body, or to fave photo-store…they’ll do it.
Does anyone know the difference between the new AS-21 stand and the older AS-19? I need a replacement stand for my SB-800. I assume the AS-21 would work, but would like to hear from someone who knows. Thanks.
What? Recycle time 2.7 with Ni-MH?
My 800 does 4.5 with GP’s best Ni-MH.
Can anyone confirm this 2.7 with his own example?
could you please tell if the sb900 is fully compatable with the nikon d200
hope you can help.
Hi Folks
I have a tech question about the thermal shut down feature. I have a D80, Sb900, Gary Fong , combo.
After shooting around 30-35 shots of a stage show in fairly bright stage lighting, I found the flash to start lagging to the point were the thermo protection kicked in. (batteries fully charged) that was it I had to switch to my trusted SB800. Is this a common practice of the new SB900 or could I have maybe had a bad unit. I returned the flash to the retailer seeing it was close to the return polices date. I use the flash for fill with the Gary Fong shooting a total of about 150-200 photos per show. Please let me know your thoughts on this issue. I really would like to give the flash another chance but I need more solid proof that it was just maybe a defected flash.
Thank you Ron
Great article! Love the animation
Question, will the SB900 work as well as receive updates for the Nikon D50?
Patiently awaiting your reply.
Cordially,
Carl “CMAN” Duchane
Just bought one and used it at a wedding. It was constantly overheating and wasted a lot of time during the day. Ended up using my sb600 which powered on!
I recently upgraded from the 800 to 900 and haven’t been very happy. I’m wondering what I may be doing wrong. With the 800 I’d often shoot 1/30th of a second to balance the ambient light with great natural, sharp results. With the 900 it’s very blurred, I find I have to push the flash to full power and raise the shutter to 1/60 to get a sharp image and at that point it starts to look very washed out and remedial. Also when bouncing up or off to the side I seem to get a very apparent hot spot to whichever side it’s facing where with the 800 again I would always get a very natural effect. Any ideas?
Go with an SB-800 if you are not a press photographer. SB-800 is cheaper, lighter than SB-900 and it has many features that SB-900 has.
If you have a D3 or D700, go with SB-900. If you have D80, D90, D60, D70, D40, go with SB-800. If you have D300, D200, go with either Sb-800, or SB-900. It is your choice
. I just checked prices for used SB900/800 and they are about the same excellent 800’s as used 900’s. Wonder why? I own 2 800’s and an SU800 and looking for a 3rd. Wondering to myself how can this be. Why the demand for the 800?