Speedlights output quality: SB-600 better than SB-900 ?

<p>Hello,<br /> <br /> I use a Nikon D80 and I have an SB-600 with a Sto-Fen diffuser. I've bought yesterday an SB-900 that came with a diffuser in the box (I bought the SB-900 mainly for its capability to be a master on camera, the SB-600 can only be a slave and sometimes I need a flash on camera and a second one remote). <br /> <br /> After I've done some quick tests , I'm a bit worried because with the same settings (ISO, white balance, flash angle, zoom angle) with the flashes mounted on the camera hot shoe in the bounce position (45 degrees with the ceiling) I find the output of the SB-600 better (better illuminated, more pleasing, a bit warmer) than the SB-900 that's 2 x the price.<br /> <br /> Did any of you observed the same results. It's like the diffuser that come with the SB-900 let less light through it (and the photo temperature is cooler, less pleasing, not that well illuminates. I<ve tried to compensate the SB-900 (+0.3, +0.7) but it does not make the result better (there is more light of course but the overall result is not better). <br /> <br /> Do I have a bad copy or what?<br /> <br /> Thanks for your inputs.<br /> <br /> John</p>

<p>While I have a SB-600 I can't say that I've given it any type of work out. I do use SB 800 and 900 and between the two I prefer the SB900. And in my case, I am usually dialing in negative flash compensation. In this case, I would simply say it's a matter of learning the "quirks" of you current equipment. If I were really concerned about it, I would put put both flashes in manual, along with the camera and take some shots. In this case, assuming you shoot full power, the SB900 should have noticeably more light. I would set the WB on the camera to flash and use a flash shutter to avoid the ambient light from affecting the color. If memory serves, the D80 wasn't known for it's metering. IE, the newer D90 was said to be better in that regard and perhaps a D90 communicating with the SB900 might make for a better combination. Not saying that you can't use the D80, but again, I think it's just a matter of learning how each piece works together.</p>

<p>Did you try the same tests without the diffuser, or possibly swap the diffusers between flashes? I Know they won't fit perfectly on the "wrong" flash, but you can get close enough to quickly tell if the diffuser has anything to do with it. Then you can go from there. I have found that auto white balance sometimes contributes to inconsistent results, so setting a fixed WB can also eliminate another variable. I can't imagine why the 900 should be under-illuminating the scene as compared to the 600, if all the exposure controls are consistent.</p>

 

<p>I have noticed my SB900 is cooler in color temp than my SB800. And the hot shoe plate is much thicker. I don't like either of these points (I must gel the 900 when using both in tandem, and the SB900 actually will not fit in my Justin clamp and a few umbrella adapters). But I would never trade it for an SB600 or another SB800. It is a much better tool; easier to control, more powerful and more flexible... t</p>

Are the SB600 and 900 the same age?

One of my friends had told me that the colour temperature of flash tubes warms up as they get older. He was talking

about monoblocs.

I am also aware that the temperature of some flashes varies slightly with output.

I wondered whether these could be factors in your temperature observations.