SB 800 or SB 900...

[paul_b.1]

Hi, I moved recently over to Nikon , buying D300, and I wonder witch flash to get ...I am a wedding photographer.

Any advice would be nice...,thanks.

[2yellowdogs]

<p>The SB-900 is great, but it's big and expensive. I shoot 15-20 weddings each year. I have a couple of SB-800s (plus a few sb-26s) and they do everything a wedding photographer could ask. I just can't see spending the extra money on the 900.</p>

[paul_b.1]

I am a major flash user, generally shooting under natural light using flash for fill and for interior shots as well ,with flash bounced at 45'. Only casual , I burst 4 to 8 rapid shots.(3f/s), and I'm concerned about the new thermoswitch placed in SB900.

[gabesouza]

<p>As a photojournalist I'm not keen on using flash but it must be used sometimes...I have used the SB-800 from everything from indoor events for just a little fill light to night football games, and I don't think the SB-900 is that much better. I've seen/tested one and all that seemed different was that it was a bit bulkier. You'll be fine with the 800.</p>

<p> </p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>The main concern about the SB-900 is that it is huge. You can see the following image in my portfolio showing an SB-900, 800 and 600 side by side (1st image):<br /><a href="../photodb/folder?folder_id=880792">http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=880792</a><br>

The 2nd image shows an SB-900 on a D300.<br>

<br />The SB-900's thermostat feature can be switched off so that it is a complete non issue in case you don't want to use it.<br />The SB-900 has a big advantage that its zoom head can adjust to cover 200mm as well as to cover the DX frame so that you can focus and conserve your flash power, especially if you use a lot of telephoto. Otherwise, the SB-800 is fine and cheaper.</p>

[photo5]

<p>I think the SB-800 is better. If someone thinks they need something like the SB-900, probably better to go with something like a Quantum Qflash.</p>

[dean]

<p>The 900 just gives you a few more options. One of the big things I like about it is that you can change gels much easier than the 800. If you are doing weddings - you might like the variable scene coverage too.</p>

[frank_skomial]

"The SB-900 has a big advantage that its zoom head can adjust to cover 200mm" - that makes sense to use less light when not needed by concentrating the beam, and thus extending the life of the batteries.

 

However, I believe the Auto iTTL, Auto iTTL/BL, have the same maximun range of operation with both flashes. You could hope that concetrating the beam you could reach farther? - yes, but not in any automated mode, you may have to use Manual mode ? and paying premium for that ?

 

Since the exposure deciding factor resides in the camera sensors and not in the flash sensor (except Auto Thyristor mode), there is no longer range automation advantage with SB-900.

[chawn_crawley]

<p>Just curious, but wouldn't one be able to achieve a similar effect to the 900's zoom capability by adding a snoot to an 800? I understand that there are power differences, but...</p>

[paul_b.1]

<p>Thanks for all the help guys...I think you talk me out from buying SB900...Here, in Europa, the price of SB800+SB400 = SB900. SB400 will be my second flash (backup).</p>

[rob_piontek]

<p>The sb-400 is not suitable as a backup flash for weddings. Get at least the Sb-600.</p>

<p>The head on the 900 can swivel 360 degreees, the 800 only 270. You can 'break' your 800 to go the whole way, though. CLS user interface is supposed to be better on the 900.</p>

[wentbackward]

<p>SB800 is a fine piece of kit if you don't need the extra features. CLS and the whole wireless gig from Nikon is superb, I'd be tempted to get a 600 and an 800 instead of a 900 (ok slightly more expensive). When I had a D300 I loved popping up the internal flash and having two independent flashes controlled from within camera, I think the simplicity of a creative multi flash setup for wedding photographers is simply awesome (I've seen the results).</p>

[wentbackward]

<p>Also, you probably won't use the CLS interface on the 900, you'll do it all direct from your D300 (The D300 pips the D3 here!!).</p>

[ShunCheung]

<p>Chawn, a snoot only blocks stray light; it has no optics to concentrate the light beam.<br>

To get a similar effect on the SB-800, you can buy products such as the "Better Beamer" or similar that has a fresnel lens to concentrate the beam. Those products are designed for 300mm lenses or longer, so the SB-900 power is not as strong but you can avoid a somewhat annoying attachment on your flash.</p>

[paul_garland]

<p>The SB-600 is getting cheaper all the time, and it is a nice strobe. I just ordered another one.</p>

[paul_duncan2]

<p>I have the 600, 800 and 900. The 900 is quicker and simpler to use as well as having the extra power for those times that you need it, to get the shot.</p>

[elyone]

<p>wow the 900 is huge. Thanks for the side-by-side Shun. It seems larger than an SB26.</p>