Nikon 4809 SB-910 Speedlight Supplied with; AS-21 Speedlight Stand; SW-13H Nikon Diffusion Dome; SZ-2FL Fluorescent Filter; SZ-2TN Incandescent Filter; SS-910 Soft Case

by Nikon

• Improved user interface
• Improved Thermal Cut-out protection
• New Hard Type Color Filters
• New Soft case
• Expanded Auto power zoom from 17-200mm

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0050YG3CU
• Item model number: 4809
• Batteries 1 Nonstandard Battery batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #8 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Flashes > Shoe Mount Flashes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 30, 2011

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Engineered for both FX and DX-format D-SLRs, the SB-910 offers unparalleled lighting performance in the field and in the studio. Featuring Nikon’s versatile i-TTL (intelligent through-the-lens) metering for on camera or wireless flash control, the SB-910 can operate as a hot shoe mounted Speedlight, remote unit or wireless Commander. And with refined operability including illuminated buttons for use in low light and improved thermal cut out protection, the SB-910 is the perfect partner to your Nikon camera.

Unparalleled lighting performance

Seamless integration with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System

The SB-910 Speedlight operates as a hot shoe mounted Speedlight, remote unit or wireless Commander (with up to four channel options) capable of controlling as many as three remote groups (A,B and C) and an unlimited number of SB-910, SB-900, SB-700 or SB-R200 units. With a host of pro flash features, including precision i-TTL flash control, Manual with Power Ratio, three illumination patterns for specific shooting environments, wide zoom range from 17–200mm and streamlined controls and menus, it’s no wonder that Nikon is the overwhelming choice when it comes to flash photography.

On the road or in the studio, the perfect partner

Real world simplicity with advanced automation

At the heart of the SB-910 is Nikon’s i-TTL flash control which enables Nikon Speedlights to share critical exposure information with CLS compatible D-SLRs. All of the complex lighting calculations are computed for you instantly with consistently accurate results in just about any lighting situation. Using the SB-910 as a Commander or in concert with the SU-800 Commander or D-SLR with built-in Commander operating as the Master controller you can wirelessly manage and fire up to three groups of remotely positioned SB-910, SB-900, SB-700 and SB-R200 Speedlights. Additionally, each group can contain any number of Speedlights and any mix of these Speedlights. SB-910 can also be set as a Remote Speedlight for complete system integration and control.

Improved control and convenience

Versatile flash for enthusiasts and professionals

SB-910 offers an improved interface adding a dedicated Menu button and illuminated buttons for control in low light. Additionally, hard type color correction filters are now used, providing durability and convenience when used with a camera set for Auto white balance. And when taking pictures in certain situations such as in rapid sequence, to prevent the flash tube from overheating an improved thermal cut out protection has been adopted that slows recycling instead of cutting off the flash.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 86 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally seem to have fixed the SB-900 overheating issue May 24, 2012

By Sir Coogs A Lot

Format:Electronics

I was a bit surprised when I saw Nikon had introduced the SB-910 relatively quickly given the old SB-800 was around for longer when the SB-900 introduced so my suspicion is they got very tired of dealing with the overheating issues that the SB-900 had. Granted for many people those issues were not THAT big of a deal since believe me, having to wait 10 minutes for a flash to cool down during an automatic "time out" is far better than frying your flash; however, for pros who are about to take that picture of a ring being put on a finger, or the first kiss, etc. this is a very big deal and the SB-910 addresses that.

Physically, you can't tell the two apart unless you look closely. The color correction gels on the 910 are also hard and better built. Internally, the 910 takes much longer to overheat and when it does, it slows down the flash rate (not sure about power) instead of just shutting down. I had fun playing with this flash (I don't own it yet since my current SB-800 is more than good enough) but if I were to buy one today, this would be it.

Who should get this?

If you do many events where power is important (bouncing lights off ceiling), rapid recycles, etc. get this.
If you do a lot of off camera CLS work, get this.
If you have an SB-900, I'd probably hold off.
If you have an SB-800 and don't need the easier controls, hold off.
If you have an SB-600 and need more power or a flash commander, get this.
If you have an SB-700 and need more power get this.

If you're just an average shooter who uses flash now and then at the kids' party or as fill flash here or there or just want an commander, the SB-700 is good enough.

If you're strapped for cash and don't need a commander, find a nice used SB-600...possibly used SB-800 if you can find it at $300ish, get that.

74 of 88 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars SB-910 much needed upgrade (from SB-600) December 26, 2011

By D. Santos

Format:Electronics|Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is for the Speedlight SB-910. As of the time of this review, this flash's reviews are being combined with the SB-400 and SB-700.

I have owned two flash units prior to this, the Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras, and the Nikon SB-400 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras before that. The jump from the SB-400 to the SB-600 was significant; while the SB-400 worked well in landscape, the inability to tilt the bulb to the side, as well as the lack of CLS/wireless capability, limited lighting profiles to only one or two options. Both the SB-600 and SB-910 have these options, so why bother upgrade?

The SB-600 has a zoom range of 24mm-85mm, with a 14mm option with use of the wide flash adapter. The SB-910 has a zoom range of 17-200mm, and goes down to around 11mm (from what I recall) with the use of the adapter. It complements the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II Nikkor Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DX-Format Digital SLR Cameras well, as well as the Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye Nikkor Lens.

User interface is THAT much better. I have not used the SB-700, 800, or 900, so I do not know the progression of the UI, but something major happened between the SB-600 and 910. The interface on the 600 was not intuitive; the manual had to be read in order for one to navigate it's functionality. For instance, two buttons had to be held down to enter the options menu to change it into a remote unit; even then, there were almost cryptic symbols and and abbreviations that had to be deciphered in order to enable that functionality. Never mind figuring out which button advanced the menu and which one changed the option. With the 910, most of its functionality can be comprehended via the LCD screen.

The SB-600 is still a great addition to anyone's setup, it just needs some time to get acquainted with. Beyond the reasoning for the upgrade, a few items worth mentioning about the SB-910:

Pros:

1. UI is simple and easy to navigate. As stated above, the SB-600 took a bit of reading to understand how to operate. The SB-910 has a dedicated menu button, modes button, a scroll wheel for changing options, an OK button, etc., so no two finger gestures needed. There's a temperature display on the unit as well, so you know when it's about to melt. Display shows a number of different pieces of information: ISO, zoom, aperture, range... the list goes on.

2. Built in wide flash adapter and bounce card. The SB-600 had the wide flash but not the bounce card. Not only that, but the SB-910 comes with a fluorescent and incandescent removable filter, as well as a diffuser.

3. External ports. Behind the Nikon logo under the LEDs is an external power port. Thought it was just a decoration at first. On the side is a sync port.

4. Remote/master switch. A dedicated switch that allows for easy mode change. It was done through the menu on the SB-600 and was such a hassle. It's nice to be able to make the change on the fly with the flip of a switch.

5. Amazing recharge cycle. Pointing straight forward, the 910 has been able to keep up with the continuous shot modes for some time (tested up to 6fps).

Cons:

1. Larger/heavier than the SB-600. With the LCD screen displaying all that it can, and the flash quite a bit more powerful than the 600, it's not surprising. But the weight increase is noticeable, especially when the camera already weighs a bit without the flash on top.

2. Battery drainer. I've gone through 4 sets of Eneloops in a day with this guy. It takes 4 AA batteries, so I went through a case of 16 in under 24 hours.

3. Takes up a lot more space in the bag. Obviously, a larger unit would take up more space. But the case is not elongated like the SB-600. It's more of a square, and the 910 stores in the L position, not the I position like the 600 does. This is because the filters store in the area below. If not using the case, it can be stored in the I position though, and only thicker by a few millimeters.

4. Not sure who's fault this is (mine, Adobe, Nikon), but all of my photos are pitch black in Lightroom. I have to run all my photos through Auto Tone once just to see the pictures, but they come out exposed properly afterwards. I'm guessing it's the TTL-BL mode. The raw photos are fine when viewed through the camera's LCD, though.

5. Does not come with external power or sync cord. Would've been nice to have thrown in given the price. Jut a FYI in case anyone was curious.

Overall, a nice upgrade to fill in some gaps that the SB-600 left.

39 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Improvement Over the 900 March 2, 2012

By W. Kurtz

Format:Electronics

I used the older SB900 model before this one and was constantly frustrated with the incessant overheating when I was doing event photography. Happily the SB910 corrects this fault to large degree and performs much better in this regard. The unit is easy to use as a basic flash on camera. Just pop it on and you are ready to go. However that is not really using all the potential of the product. There are numerous powerful features built in for off camera flash and modifying the light output for a much more natural look than direct flash. Many Nikon DSLRs can control this unit using their small built-in flash. It's all in the detailed instructions. As far as my experience, the flash has performed perfectly. It cycles quickly provides a great deal of light and helps make amazing pictures. It is also much easier to use than its predecessor. I am very happy with the this flash, so much so that I own two of them.