Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

I have several SB-800s and SB-600 so my primary basis for comparison is against those. Basically this strobe is excellent but some of the whistles and bells are of questionable utility.The things I really like about the strobe are pretty much the things that make the SB-800 great.- Remote capability via CLS system- Su-4 slave mode- External high voltage battery pack compatibility (plug on front)- Nice guide numbers for a battery unit.- Zoom that can be controlled manually or by the camera.- Selectable beep for when unit has recycled.- Can be used as a three channel master for Nikon's CLS systemThe things this unit does that are improvements compared to the SB600 and SB800 that I like and what motivated me to purchase it are:- Zoom to 200mm and not just 85 mm (600) or 105 mm (sb800).- Different beam patterns- Head rotates a full 180 degrees in both directions (requires a little surgery on an SB800 to fix this stupid problem on them)- Manual thumb switch for on/off and selecting remote and master modes instead of the slow menu system.These are what I wanted/liked and why I went for this strobe unit.The things I don't like or question the value of them:- I don't like the size. It is bigger than the SB800 some of which admittedly is needed for the zoom optics for the lamp itself but the lower body is bigger too. I can open SB800/600s straight out and stand them upright in a Think Tank camera pack but the 900 has to be folded 90 degrees and/or laid down and it takes up much more space.- The colored gel thing to automatically set the white balance with the camera is something I don't care for. I suppose some folks that want idiot-proof will like this but it is simply added cost with no benefit for most photographers who know enough to use gels. Much of the time we specifically don't want the camera to change white balance to tungsten if we put a CTO gel on the strobe. And the green gel to match the strobe to fluorescent lights is of little use because most fluorescent lights any more need more than just a green gel on the strobe to obtain an acceptable match. Green alone is ok for old fluorescent lights but most lights now need a green, full CTO and often a bit of yellow as well to make a decent match. So this feature adds cost but no value.- I have a real grudge against the 900 because it allowed Nikon to discontinue the 800. Bad move. I'll probably buy more 600s since you can get two of those for the price of one 900 and have more light to boot.- I have mixed reaction to the modeling light. I like that when you push the button it stays on for a couple seconds, kind of handy to let you use both hands for a brief moment to adjust things. However, with the 800 there were dedicated buttons, one to operate the modelling feature (it strobes at a fast rate and lower output so you can see how the light hits your subjects) and one to just trip the flash. The 900 has only one button and you have to select in the setup memu which function it will provide, flash or modelling light. That kinds of sucks.- The new Radio Poppers Jr Studio verson wireless triggers have a function and accessory (cube) that can provide manual control of the power for many TTL strobes. A thing called a "cube" makes the connection but electrically the 900 is different so it doesn't interface with the Radiopopper Jrs. like the 600 or 800 do. Sure the RadioPopper PX or older P1 system can provide manual control, sort of (its actually provided by the Nikon CLS), but the Jrs are less than half the price. Probably not significant for most photographers, just something a few will miss.Interestingly, the price of used SB800s are often, and most all old stock new ones are going for more than the new price for an SB900 so clearly the 900s aren't meeting some of the needs for many photographers. That is probably mostly the size thing, but many Nikon photogs have a collection of 800s and there is value in having stuff be the same, expecially with assistants helping you.

This review represents an update after nearly 3 years of heavy usage. See below for the update.-------------For all those of you, who are reading these reviews, and can't quite figure out why Nikon would make such a "deficient" product, as this SB-900, this review should forever put the debate to rest.It has been suggested that the SB-900 is a sub-standard unit, because it will "overheat" at times, causing it to shut down, until it finally cools off, allowing it to eventually resume operations. There are some reviewers on this site, that will lead you to believe that this "safety" feature is an engineering flaw and thus, all would-be buyers need to beware, and seriously look elsewhere.I recently purchased this flash and used it heavily during a conference this past weekend, in which I was one of two event photographers. Admittedly, I was a little cautious and reserved when I purchased this unit, secondary to several negative reviews regarding it's habitual "overheating malfunction".Reflecting on it's performance this past weekend, I am pleased to report that It was used heavily in all situations and it never "malfunctioned" - not even once. Obviously, there were a couple of times when I was too far from the subject, causing the unit to discharge at full power. But, as an observant user, I recognized that this was my clue that I (not it) was doing something wrong. Thus with minor and reasonable modifications, a good outcome was reliably achieved.Interestingly, the owners manual does state that if the unit is used too heavily, it can get hot and shut down temporarily, as a precautionary measure. But it must also be noted that the owners manual for both the built-in camera flash and the SB-800 say the very same thing! In other words, if ANY flash is abused, misused or in any way used in a manner that is inconsistent with its designed purpose, it will overheat and shut down.This is NOT a design error on the part of Nikon. The overheating will only occur if the flash is fully discharged upon multiple consecutive occurrences, on a subject that is too distant for the flash to appropriately illuminate. If the flash is found to shut down, it is a sign that one must move closer to the subject or add more flash units. Again, overheating and shutdown is NOT a design flaw, it more appropriately represents operator error.Additionally, the new design is truly welcomed! The controls are MUCH better placed and much easier to use. It recharges much faster and works very smoothly. I am very pleased with Nikon's new design and any logical user will feel the same. You will not go wrong with this unit and undoubtedly, will find it a pleasure to work with on a regular basis.In summary: Do not be mislead by those users who are using the unit inappropriately. If you have never caused your built-in camera flash or SB-800 units to meltdown or "freez-up" (pun intended), You will likely not experience any such event on the SB-900. It is a very well designed unit, is much easier to use, and functions much more smoothly than any flash Nikon has put out thus far.Enjoy!-----------------------Review Update 2.5 years later after MANY additional events.OK, now after having the flash for a total of nearly three years, using it under all circumstances, including weddings, & conferences, I can again conclude that the flash is a very welcomed update. It has NEVER shut down, although once, under unusually heavy usage, the temp did get unusually high and I was aware that it certainly could, but never did.The only conclusion that I can arrive at, is:1. My unit is fault-free and others are flawed???2. I am among the those not abusing the unit???3. I have realistic expectations and some others do not???Again, years later, after MANY heavy events, I have NO regrets whatsoever!Also, if the unit was such a lemon, why is a 3 year old unit, selling for MORE than it originally sold for new, on eBay???I would love to buy another unit, but I have a hard time paying MORE for a 3 year old unit then I paid for mine NEW, years ago!For all would-be-buyers, carefully take everything into account. The unit is truly a serious design upgrade from the SB-800. It works much better and again, I own BOTH units and only use my SB-900, for many good reasons.After years of usage, I can only highly recommend it and would dearly like to get an additional unit for similar events.------------------If you found this review to be useful, please place your vote, so others can benefit as well.Thanks!