Nikon SB-900 Review - Page 1
On 1 July 2008 Nikon announced the introduction of the SB-900, and so began the next step in lightweight portable, hot shoe mounted speedlights, bringing several important new features not previously available on any brand.
The SB-900 is significantly larger than the older SB-800 model, incorporating a completely new (bigger) head design, so 3rd party light modifiers designed to fit the SB-800 are unlikely to fit the SB-900. A visual comparison of the sizes can be seen here, and a comparison of Features and Guide Numbers (GN) can be found here.
The new head design allowed Nikon to increase the zoom range from 14mm to 200mm (previously 14mm-105mm on the SB-800), and just as importantly introduce the option of 3 different illumination (light shaping) settings.
Another change which will likely having Nikon users jumping for joy is that the head now turns a full 180˚ in both directions, whereas the older SB-800 could only turn 180˚ to the right and 90˚ to the left. The moaning and groaning of users all over the internet on this topic was loud and clear, so it's hats off to Nikon for listening!
User Interface
The user interface has also been completely redesigned, making it generally quicker and more intuitive to use. There are still a couple of minor gripes, but overall I like the changes made. Whereas the SB-800 had a joystick style multi-selector, the SB-900 has a wheel that makes scrolling through options much easier. In the center of the wheel is an OK button, used to confirm any configuration changes, and also by holding the OK button down for 2 seconds, the user gains access to the custom settings menu. More on this later.
Soft Function Buttons + Wheel
Above the wheel is a set of 4 'soft' function buttons. The function of each button depends on what mode the SB-900 is operating in, but don't worry, Nikon helpfully puts the current function on the LCD just above each button. Not all buttons are active in all modes.
The buttons are used to select a context sensitive function (e.g. Group in CLS Master/Remote modes), and by pressing the same button again, the chosen function will cycle through all the possible settings. As an example, if the Group function is selected, pressing the Group function button again will cycle through the A, B, C & M Groups in sequence. Alternatively, once a function has been selected using the first button press, the wheel can then be used to scroll through all the settings more quickly. This is particularly helpful when adjusting the EV compensation or setting manual power output.
Also present are separate buttons to control the MODE (TTL, A, M etc) and ZOOM functions, which operate in a similar fashion. Select the Mode button to highlight the Mode for given channel, then press the Mode button again or use the wheel to cycle through the options.
Rotary Power Switch & Button
The power switch on the SB-900 is now multi-functional, allowing you both turn the unit on/off, and to select the master and remote functions at the same time. This is a major improvement over the way the SB-800 operated, because you no longer need to dive in to the custom functions menu to select the master / remote modes, making it much easier and certainly quicker to switch between them.
The power switch has an interlock button at the center, and this must be held down to allow the switch to move. This is a nice touch because it prevents the switch being turned accidentally, such as when placing the SB-900 in the protective carrying case. The button and switch are a little on the small side, making operation a little of a fiddle for someone with larger fingers, but given the choice of the old SB-800 way or the new SB-900 way, I would take the SB-900 switch every time.
FX/DX Auto Detect
Now that Nikon have got their act together and entered the FX market place, first with the D3 closely followed by the D700, the SB-900 also now supports the auto detection of FX/DX frame sizes (on supported bodies), and will adjust the settings accordingly. Nikon published Guide Numbers (GN) for both FX and DX, and a comparison with the SB-600 and SB-800 can be seen here.