The Nikon Speedlight SB-900 Nikon's Flagship Strobe Gets Bigger But More User-Friendly

摘要

Nikon's Speedlight SB-900 takes over the reins from the SB-800 as the company's flagship dedicated shoe-mount strobe. In doing so, it brings some noteworthy enhancements to the table, not least of which is an improved user interface, including upgradeable firmware (with compatible cameras-via the camera); DX/FX sensing to output appropriate spread of light for imaging sensor in use (not just the focal length); expanded zoom coverage (compared with the SB-800); choice of light-distribution patterns (for even coverage or centered on the subject); and color filter identification (with select cameras). Okay, some of these features are only supported on a few cameras at the moment, but I expect that this is a harbinger of what is to come and will apply to all future Nikon D-SLRs. And if you need a second flash for wireless muLti-flash, then this is also a step in the right direction, because the new interface brings some improvements in this area as well. Plus, Nikon packed a few accessories with this flash that are a step above those that came with the SB-800. On the other hand, if you feel the SB-800 is already too much in terms of size and cost, then you'll be disappointed by the new flash, which is considerably bigger and more costly, selling at around $469.