Matt Grayson over at ephotozine has recently took the Nikon Speedlight SB-900 Flash unit for a hands on test, and reports his findings and review in a recent article on Ephotozine.com, one of the internet’s most visited photography supersites:
Summary of Ephotozine’s Review on Nikon’s SB-900:
Grayson does a fantastic job of taking the hefty new SB900 flash gun and putting it through some hands on testing and trials, and gives a great structured review of the SB900 for DP supersite ephotozine. He breaks down his report well, and gives a lot of concise and to the point information, with out too much fluff or personal bias.
Modes and features of the SB-900: Great new interface, buttons and controls with the larger LCD displaying more vital information and the overall user experience on the menu side revamped to be easier and more effective; although it will take some time to get used to and at first is confusing and perhaps frustrating to old SB 800 faithful. New features and mode’s on the Nikon Sb 900 are very welcomed and the huge 200mm focal length up from 120mm being a major difference.
Build and handling of Speedlight SB-900: At nearly 25% larger compared vs. the Nikon SB-800, the 900 is definitely much larger and heavier, some that will require adjustment although it does bring the benefits of a larger LCD and more sturdy, weatherproofed design that is more durable. Major build changes include swivel rotation all the way around to 180 degrees comparing to the 90 degrees of the past, a major plus for many and left handlers.
Performance of Nikon’s SB900 Flash: Grayson took the SB-900 and tested and reviewed it in different aspects of direct light, bounced light and with the SB 900 off. Good comparative pictures posted on the ephotozine review showing off the difference between off, direct and bounced lighting as well as multiple pattern settings.
Pros of Nikon SB900 Speedlight Flash:
- Excellent, sturdy and weatherproof build quality
- Tons of features, modes and settings to take on many or every scenario with strong results
- Range extended to 200mm is much larger and a very big improvement compared to sb-800
Cons of Nikon SB 900 Speedlight Flash:
- Expensive compared to SB800 which will still be great option for average person, fire sale prices going on right now for SB-800 as it has been discontinued after being replaced.
- Will take some adjustment and getting used to, Entry and flow through menu’s and interface not clear from start.
Ephotozine’s Nikon SB-900 Flash Ratings:
- Features – 9 / 10
- Handling – 8 / 10
- Performance – 9 /10
- Overall – 9 / 10
- Verdict - Although not a big user of flashguns while preferring ambient and studio lighting settings, if all flash guns were as capable, strong and of this high standard, would definitely switch favoritisms. Model build quality as per Nikon history is extraordinary and although it is expensive at the moment at $425-$499, anyone who extensively uses flash in their photographic work should take a look at and consider the Nikon SB900 Speedlight Flash.
