Nikon Announces New Top-End Speedlight
In addition to the new D700 announced today, Nikon has also shown us the new SB-900 flash, which will replace the old flagship model, the SB-800. So what’s new? The SB-900 is slightly less powerful (a guide number of 34…
In addition to the new D700 announced this day, Nikon has also shown us the new SB-900 flash, which will replace the old flagship model, the SB-800.
So what’s new? The SB-900 is slightly less powerful (a guide number of 34 instead of 38), but has an extended zoom range, able to cover 17-200 mm without a diffuser panel (and 14mm with the panel). You can also select the shapes of the light; center-weighted, standard and “even” (which gives a flat edge-to-edge light). It will also spin through 180ยบ in either direction in addition to the tilt function.
Nikon states that recycle (recharge) times are quicker, although the SB-900 uses four AA batteries, one less than its predecessor. Most unusual is a gel auto-detection feature: when used with a D700 or D3, the flash will tell the camera the color of any colored gel attached and the camera will adjust white balance automatically. We’re not sure if it does this by actually looking at the gel or if you’ll have to use special Nikon-only filters. We hope not, but we wouldn’t be surprised.
Another small tweak, most useful for the manual flashers and Strobists out there, is the addition of a dial to adjust the output power. This should make things a lot quicker. It’s an incremental upgrade rather than a radical new product. But then, it’s a flash, so what do you anticipate? SB-800 owners need not rush out to purchase replacements. If you’re in the market, though, it’ll cost you $500.
Product page [Nikon via Photography Bay]
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