Nikon SB-900 flash : smart and powerful

published : Tuesday, July 01, 2008 | model : NIKON D700

Theme : Digital Photography | Accessories

Nikon introduced the SB-900 Speedlight to provide Nikon digital SLR photographers with a flash capable of a wide zoom range, increased versatility, faster recycling time, and a wealth of intelligent features to enhance the already vast functionality of the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS).

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SB-900 wide zoom range
The SB-900 offers a zoom range coverage from 17 to 200mm, to increase flexibility in a variety of shooting conditions, while automatically adapting itself to Nikon's FX or DX-format cameras. Additionally, light output has been increased to a maximum guide number of 48 (ISO 200 at 35mm FX-format and Standard). Photographers can now also select from three light patterns : "Center-weighted" provides the highest guide number and is suitable for images such as portraits, where light falloff at the image edges is of less importance. "Standard" provides a familiar pattern, similar to the SB-800, and is ideal for general photography and "Even" which delivers the most consistent edge-to-edge coverage, making it ideal for situations such as group photography. Additionally, Nikon's newest flagship Speedlight provides photographers with advanced wireless i-TTL capabilities allowing the utilization of multiple Speedlights with ease and confidence on location or in the studio.

Xenon Flash
The SB-900's innovative design has the Xenon flash tube and reflector system moving independently, allowing for a wider zoom range from an extreme wide angle of 17mm (FX) to the telephoto setting which reaches 200mm without the aid of accessories or as wide as 12mm in DX mode with the built-in wide-angle panel engaged.

Recycle Time of the SB-900
The SB-900 offers a quick recycle time of 4.0 seconds (at full power) with four Alkaline AA batteries which drops to a mere 2.3 seconds (at full power) while using four rechargeable NiMH batteries (about 25 percent faster than the SB-800 with its fifth battery attachment).

SB-900 an always up-to-date flash
For the first time, Nikon SB-900 Speedlight users will have the ability to take advantage of future performance advancements, by way of user-uploadable firmware. The user will be able to download the firmware onto a flash media card and upload it to the flash unit through select digital SLR cameras.

Intelligent flash system
The SB-900 Speedlight is Nikon's most intelligent Speedlight ever. When using the included fluorescent or incandescent filters and adaptor, the flash automatically recognizes what filter is being used and automatically adjusts white balance accordingly on the latest Nikon D-SLRs. Additionally, the SB-900 aids auto focus with a broader AF assist beam that covers a wide 20-105mm that is matched to all of the D3, D700 and D300's 51 focus points. The bounce and swivel capability of the SB-900 has been expanded to include: tilt up to 90 degrees, down minus 11 degrees, and a full 180-degree swivel left or right, allowing more creativity for on or off camera use, or as a remote Speedlight.

SB-900 for Nikon CLS
The SB-900 serves as the new core for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used in combination with Nikon SLRs, and supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a master or a remote Speedlight. While using one or more Nikon Speedlights wirelessly, photographers can use shadows, highlight details, and light complicated angles with ease. Along with the SB-900, the Nikon Creative Lighting System features a comprehensive assortment of personal lighting tools that include the SB-600 and SB-400, and the R1 and R1C1 Wireless Close-up Speedlight systems.

Available accessories
The SD9 Battery Pack boosts flash recycle time to a mere one second (at full power). For faster recycling or all-day shooting it accepts up to eight AA batteries. To enhance the weatherproof ability of Nikon D-SLRs, optional Water Guards will be available for select cameras to protect the connection between the flash and camera, allowing users to utilize the flash when weather conditions are less than ideal.

Price and availability of Nikon SB-900 Speedlight flash
The new Nikon SB-900 Speedlight is scheduled to be available in August 2008, and will have an estimated selling price of $499.95. The SB-900 will come packaged with the Speedlight Stand, Bounce Adapter, Color Filter Holder, Intelligent Color Filter Kit, Diffuser Dome and the Soft Case. The SD9 Battery Pack is also scheduled to be available in August 2008 with an estimated selling price of $230.00.