Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

I have SB-600 and this SB-900 is the world apart excellent product. VERY easy to use, calibrate from tge back panel. A bit bulky, but that doesn't matter to me. Best flash for Nikon.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

This is certainly a very nice flash, and will serve any need well. It has plenty of things to like about it, such as taking 4 AA's, instead of 5 for SB-800, increased zoom range, fast cycle times, and improved user interface. On the other hand, this unit is BIG, and a bit heavy. Also for the price, you can get 2 x SB-600s. If you need the features this unit offers, then yes, I highly recommend it. Otherwise might want to get 2 x SB-600s instead.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

An excellent speedlight that is eons ahead of the SB800 in terms of ease of use, durability, and ease of setup. Being a semi-pro that has started doing portraits, this lens has been a god-send - fast recycling with Eneloop batteries, amazing reach, and very well built. Don't worry about the "overheating" issues, new firmware via download takes care of it.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

I originally bought the Nikon SB-600 for its smaller size and simplicity. I bought it for my D-80. The SB-600 sometimes exposed OK but other times was under by about 2-3 stops; plus there was a substantial shutter lag. The face colors were cadaverish.[...] exchanged it for the more expensive SB-900.The SB-900, while bigger and offering features I will probably never use, is very powerful, with almost no shutter lag and right on in terms of exposure. I find the diffusion filter that comes with it, helps soften the harsh light the SB-900 emits.In all, this unit works well even though pricy. I guess you get what you pay for.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

I am getting into digital flash photography. My last rig was a film N80 with a basic SB-50DX. The D90 and now with the two SB-900 flashes and the MPEX 2 light Strobist kit are a HUGE step up!!! Can't tell you how easy it is to use the 900. The learning curve is so easy they are so intuitive. The fact that it rotates both ways is huge plus. I am fairly new at this, so I don't always consider the infrared port (I use CLS) when I position the flash, but thankfully it doesn't matter, as all I have to do is turn it around and rotate the head. I love how easy it is to go from different modes like TTL and Manual, and from master to slave. With Nikon's CLS it is a cinch to change the power of my two flashes, and go from TTL exposure compensation to straight manual from the camera. As an example, I can set one flash to manual and change the power to where I want it, and leave the other on TTL +/- a few stops compensation to easily get what I want, or better still, find a something awesome that I wasn't looking for, and play some more - and keep learning!!! I find my self experimenting with new techniques seeing results that I never thought I would be capable of producing.I doubt I will ever grow out of this flash (in digital those are famous last words), and feel that even for the novice - if they can afford it, this is a great flash. I didn't look at the SB-600, so I can't do a direct comparison, but I can safely say the the 900 is NOT too complicated for a newbie enthusiast. I am sure that one can argue that for someone who doesn't need all the features you can spend money more effectively on a larger number of SB-600s. I don't think I can counter that argument seeing beautiful pics on Flickr with hobbyists using SB600s, but can only comment on my own use of the 900. Not sure what comes with the SB600, but the 900's inclusion of accessories like a stofen style diffuser and gels etc is a good touch. Small bonuses like auto white balance when using the nikon gels is the cherry on top (thankfully the relatively new D90 has this feature, although the semipro D300 - which is older doesn't).Now I am saving up for another (third) SB-900, and the Nikon iTTL compatible Pocket wizards when they come out!!!As far as buying from Abes; it was awesome.[...] Next purchase - definitely from Abes - hopefully they will have the PW's for a good price when they come out.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

This is a perfect unit for off camera lighting and manageing multiple flashes. However it is more than twice the cost of an SB600 that has only slightly less light power and a few less features. I have 2 SB600's and one SB900 on a D300. This is an awesome combination that makes mobile studio lighting a lot easier to manage. The ease of use on the SB900 is far superior to the SB600.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

GREAT FOR GENERAL USE AND PORTRAITS, NOT SO GOOD FOR WEDDINGS DUE TO THE OVERHEATING AFTER CONTINOUS SHOOTING.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

This flash, like everything else Nikon is excellent as far as overall quality however this is not a flash for event photographers that need multiple shots taken in a brief period. The flash (I use a quantum battery pack) has nice range and excellent light coverage but the auto shutdown feature whines (quite loudly) and shuts the unit down after multiple shots in a short period.

The SB-800 was far more reliable.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

Great for compact travel, can load up to 6 strobes in carry on case. Good remote abilities via PC hot shoe and Pocket Wizards which for my applications is favorable to Nikon's CLS although I have used both.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

I haven't come up with anything yet that disappoints me.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

This is one of the best flash units that I have used. Finally, Nikon has implemented the scrolling wheel rather than the up/down/left/right buttons. This makes it a lot easier to use the flash. As far as the usage, There's no limit to what you can do and also the number of flashes you can use as the slave units. If you had a built-in commander unit in your camera or using an SU-800, you can control 3 groups of flashes to get the optimum flash output/lighting that you had in mind.

I would also recommend that you view the Creative Lighting System DVD by Nikon that features Bob Krist and Joe McNally.

The only con is that it is a bit bulky, but for the features, I'm not complaining. That's just the fact.

Good Luck and Creative Shooting.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

This SB900 flash is just great. The communications between the flash and my D-80 Nikon works great to produce better pictures than I would get with any other flash. I am pleased with the pictures I get and the recycle time is very short for most pictures. My only 'con' is the size and bulk of this unit. Just another purchase from Abes of Maine that was a great experience.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

Advanced flash with lot of options.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

Very innovative features. A tad too big and pricey.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

As a wedding photographer where lighting is unpredictable to say the least; The SB900 is the perfect lighting tool for any condition. Whether I need a bit of fill for the shadows or I need full even bounce flash, the SB900 gives me the exact output i need EVERYTIME! Add on the sd-9 battery pack and it brings the recycle time to ONE SECOND. It will even tell you when its overheating. The dedicated commander- remote switch is handy as well. Over all the most versatile and powerful flash i have ever used.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

This flash does it all!!!

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

A clever piece of euipment that can be used in a veriety of circumstances. For proper portrait work I use a professional light system (Profoto),

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

The little jem replaces all radio slaves and cables. All wireless control of up to four sb-900, oh yes that is a large investment but for any location, interior,groups,wedding receptions, you can dial up or down the slave sb's and ttl me baby.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

I have used several different strobes, and I must say that the SB-900 is a winner. It is very intuitive to use, and after less that 1 hour I had the hang of all it common functionality. I always had problems when using flash units, since I am accustom to using studio lights. The menu system is awesome, even a novice to flash photography can master it. I shoot a lot of sports for a regional magazine and to get the publication quality I often set up strobes. I decided to give the SB-900 a try, and I must say that it was a surprisingly pleasant experience. This is not to say that it is better that multiple strobes, however if you only need to get a few dozen shots this will fill your needs. At one recent sports event there was a photographer who used several SB-900’s mounted throughout the gymnasium, and all were set at ¼ powers, he shared with me his images, and they were good enough for publications’. This unit has made so much of a believer of me that I may get several more, and use then instead of lugging around my White Lightnings. I know that I said earlier that nothing can match multiple studio lights, and I still stick by that if I was going for a cover shot, but for inside the magazine the SB-900 can clearly get the job done.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

It's better than SB-800.
It's more Easier to control lighting.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

I have used many other flashes, NIKON,CANON, SUNPAK,VIVITAR This is the best on camera flash ever made....PERIOD

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

I brought this flash to shoot a wedding and a birthday party. I must say I was very impressed with the light quality and the ability of the flash to fill the room. I hate photos with shadows and ones with poor light distribution. This flash performed much better than the SB800. I was bragging how well my pictures were coming out to other people who were taking pictures. I was amazed at the detail it captured without blowing out the highlights. It is expensive, but it is worth it, if you really want great photos each time.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

The new menus and control buttons/switches are a big improvement over the SB-800. Although the unit is larger than the SB-800, it shouldn't be an issue if you have a large enough camera bag. The CLS features are great! I plan to buy another SB-900 as soon as I find the cash.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

Love this flash and the fact that it adjusts the WB to what ever gel I am using

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

I can not believe the speed of this unit. I upgraded form a SB50, it's like night and day. My friend checked it out and she wishes they came out with it before she bought the SB800.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

Highly recommended. The best speedlight available for Nikon. Super capabilties for CLS. Great build quality and battery life. Buy it without hesitation.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

an excellent flash. well built, very reliable, easy to use. It may be a little pricey, but its well worth the investment. comes with some nice accesories,that other brands charge you for.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

I found the SB-900 to be a huge asset. I am still learning about many of the features but so far it's been great. It may be a little overwhelming to someone who is a new comer to digital photography.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

A very versatile, powerful flash. Great for portraits, fill and general all around photography

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

An improvement over the SB-800. Better range, faster recycling (with only 4 batteries), DX/FX proper lighting, easier to configure and change. I sold both my SB-800s and bought 3 SB-900s.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

Excellent flash with many features. Very easy to use.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

Manual a quick read. Plug and shoot. Great integration with D300.

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

This is just a great piece of equipment, true costs a "bit" but it's the top of the line you get what you pay for!

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

Definately Recommend! I use the SB-900 as a remote mounted on a light stand w/umbrella (but always take it with the camera when out). It is easy to interface as a remote with my D90 and the compensation adjustment is pleasingly dynamic. When out shooting, I also use it as remote mounted on a small travel tripod--for backlight, fill, etc--and enhance otherwise blasé compositions. It works extremely well as primary with a 18-105 zoom I often use. I recommend acquiring this flash--if you don't enjoy it, I'll buy it from you!

Comments about NIKON SB-900 AF Speedlight:

Upgraded from the SB-800 and this unit is worth EVERY PENNY.