Nikon SB-910 review

Nikon SB-910 Professional Flash. Nikon SB-910 is suitable for all modern Nikon digital SLR cameras. If you find your camera in genealogy plate of Nikon cameras, then your camera can work perfectly together with the Nikon SB-910.

Nikon SB-910 Flash Review

Nikon SB-910 Flash Review


In order to fully understand all the features and subtleties of the Nikon SB-910 flash, you need to read the instructions, or remove it for several days. It so happened that I did not have instructions in the kit, which is a definite minus of the configuration. But since I shot for a long time on SB-900, then sorting out the SB-910 settings was easier than ever since the SB-910 was almost a complete copy of the older flagship (in the past) professional flash SB-900. My comparisons of SB-910 and SB-900 You will find a little lower, but for now the main points when using the SB-910 flash.


1. The flash can automatically recognize DX and FX format cameras, but if it was not recognized, then in the camera menu, you can set the type of camera on which the flash is used - DX or FX. Depending on this setting, a minimum focal length will be available when using the built-in diffuser card. For DX it will be 10mm, for FX it will be 14mm. Considering that 10mm for DX and 14mm for FX is a kind of wide-angle chapel for Nikon lenses, you shouldn't want more. The flash will be able to provide scene lighting for both the DX wide-angle Nikon 10-24mm f / 3.5-4.5G ED AF-S DX Nikkor and the FX full-frame Nikon 14-24mm f / 2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor.

2. The flash is very large 17-200mm zoom... In fact, when used on DX cameras, the zoom is available from 10 to 200mm, which is 20X. Considering that the most common focal length range for ordinary photographers working at full frame is 14-200mm (14-24, 24-70, 70-200), the flash can work with the most common optics.

3. The Nikon SB-910 has a very large guide number 34. The guide number, roughly speaking, is responsible for the flash output. This means that the flash is powerful enough, more powerful SB-700, SB-600 and as powerful as Nikon SB-900.

4. Good delivery: comes with a square case, two color filter, dispersion dome and foot stand.

5. Nikon SB-910 has all the little thingsthat are so indispensable when shooting: card diffuser, button illumination, quick reload, auto focus infrared light, color filter support, smart overheating program, quick latch on the shoe (there are other types, for example in Metz-48 instead of a latch - a nut).

6. The SB-910 flash is heavy - 410 grams, such a flash will be rather inconvenient to use on a younger line of cameras, such as Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D50, D3000, D3100, D5000, D5100 etc., since the flash introduces serious weight imbalance in the camera-flash kit.

7. Angle of rotation of the head - full 360 degrees. The swivel head is fixed with a button. You have to press the button quite hard to unlock the current position of the head.

8. One of the most important features in the SB-910 is possibility of command mode for controlling other flashes (Master), as well as operation in slave mode (Slave). Slave mode supports 3 groups and 4 channels. IN command mode SB-910 can control two groups of flashes via protocol Nikon CLS. This is a very important function for me, as the creative lighting system Nikon CLS will allow you to take interesting pictures with light sources located in different directions from the camera itself. Well and SB-910 has SU-4 mode, which allows you to control the flash on cameras without the flash command mode.

9.SB-910 supports fast FP synchronization with exposures up to 1/8000, this is an indispensable thing, when shooting in the afternoon with flash... The flash has special connectors for external power supply and control via a cable - for studio and serious professional photography - these are very important details. The connectors are covered with rubber bands, an ordinary user is unaware of their existence.

10. Nikon SB-910 has three different light fill modes - standard, flat, center-weighted. The type of illumination of the front and back objects, as well as their intensity, depends on the choice of the template. All other characteristics and features of the flash can be easily found on the manufacturer's official website, for example here.

Nikon Sb-910 illuminated with an umbrella on the clearance from the top left

Nikon Sb-910 illuminated with an umbrella on the clearance from the top left


Disadvantages of Nikon SB-910:

1. The kit does not include instructions. The case that comes with the kit is not designed to carry the flash on your belt or photo bag. For example, in Nikon SB-900 In the kit came a cover that is comfortable to wear on the belt, and when the flash is not used on the camera, quickly put the flash in the holster case. For me personally, it’s important to have such a cowboy flash holster.

2 IN Nikon SB-910 no battery indicator.

3. The overheating indicator turns on after 20 shots of the Nikon SB-910 at full power 1/1 - not enough for a professional flash. Also, the overheating indicator cannot be turned off.


Personal impressions:

The flash is very similar to Nikon SB-900... Perfectly assembled, you really feel professionalism. The Made in Japan lettering is pleasing to the eye. The menu is really, very convenient, button illumination is not particularly needed. As always, recharge rates are highly dependent on batteries - don't believe in all these races of recharge rates of 2.3 seconds, better stock up on a good set of rechargeable batteries. The Nikon SB-910 is a photographer's tool that you want to use all the time.


Nikon SB-910 and Nikon SB-900 Flash Comparison

Comparison of SB-910 and SB-900

Comparison of SB-910 and SB-900

The most important difference in the SB-910 and Nikon SB-900 is the implementation of thermal protection control. When working with Nikon SB-900 with the overheating mode on, the flash after a series of firing simply goes into cooling mode, the overheating image appears on the display. At the same time, neither switching on, nor off, or any other dances with a tambourine will bring the SB-900 to life. It's a disaster for dynamic shooting. Try to explain to the young at the weddingthat you need to wait a couple of minutes for the flash to cool down ... It's even worse that the SB-900 starts beeping terribly when it overheats, this is also not acceptable, especially when shooting in the temple, weddings etc. When using the SB-910, the flash overheats at the same rate as the SB-900, but does not turn off, but simply blocks the flash. This is also very bad, especially when shooting important - imagine - the flash works, but does not give a light pulse. Overheating greatly affects the nerves of the photographer and the subjects - in my opinion, this the biggest flaw SB-910. Of course, the SB-910 seems to be better than the SB-900, but very serious advantage of the SB-900 above the SB-910 is the fact that the SB-900 can turn off thermal protection and sound. I have been shooting for two years on the SB-900 with the thermal protection turned off, sometimes I shoot very intensely, and there is nothing for the flash, it gives impulses even when the temperature goes off scale - after all, for a real professional, a successful shot is much more important than saving on equipment (I managed to melt to smithereens Metz-48) The thermal protection on SB-910, alas, cannot be disabled.


Also, in the SB-910, the sound control function in the slave mode is more conveniently implemented - you no longer need to go into the menu and turn the sound on or off (as is done in the SB-900), but just press one sound control button. An audible alert in slave mode tells you when the flash has recharged - an indispensable thing for creative lighting, strobe lovers will understand me.

Button changes - one button on the SB-910 was reprogrammed, and it now launches the flash menu, in the SB-900 it was necessary to press and hold the OK button for this. Also, the very control of the buttons has been slightly changed, but on the SB-900 and on the SB-910 the control is very, very intuitive. Everything incomprehensible must be looked for in the instructions.

The zoom (zoom) of the SB-910 is noticeably quieter than that of the SB-900. The 900-tka is generally very noisy when it is turned on and initialized.

Another positive aspect of the SB-910 is color plastic filterswhich are very easy to install on the SB-900 were gelatin filterswhich are rather inconvenient to install on a plastic diffuser. True, it’s easier to buy other filters for the SB-900 than for the SB-910.

Nikon Sb-910 illuminated with an umbrella to the clearance from the top right

Nikon Sb-910 illuminated with an umbrella to the clearance from the top right

Here are the prices for the Nikon SB-910:

All Nikon SB-910 Prices


Hack and predictor Aviator

The Nikon Speedlight SB-910 is an excellent professional flash, a slightly improved version of the SB-900. To all lovers, I highly recommend SB-700, and for professionals I do not particularly recommend getting an SB-910 if you have an SB-900.

Thank you for attention. Arkady Shapoval.

Add a comment:

 

 

Comments: 204, on the topic: Review of the Nikon SB-910

  • Ruslan Kondratenko

    I ask for help in the problem. The ttl-bl mode has disappeared, the rest is all there. Already I did the settings and how I couldn’t do anything. I will be very grateful for the answer.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      In spot mode, the BL fill mode does not work. Perhaps the problem is this.

  • Serhio

    I tried to light the SB 910 using the D90 and D7000 cameras. Fires only in conjunction with the internal flash. And I wish the built-in flash didn't interfere ...

    Settings:
    1) C
    2) ”-”
    3) Group A
    4) Channel - 1

    On flash:

    1) Remote
    2) Group A
    3) Channel - 1
    Do not tell me how to make the built-in flash not work (if this is possible at all)?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The flash sends command light pulses, this is the basis of the Nikon CLS. You can only turn off the main pulse of the built-in flash.
      Must be so
      Mode C, Built-in Flash “-“, Group A or B - “TTL or M”

  • Serhio

    THANKS.
    Those. light pulse does not affect the picture? Does he just ignite the driven flash?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, this is described in the Nikon CLS section -
      “Note 1: when using the built-in flash as a Master (control mode" C "), you can turn off the built-in flash itself to illuminate the subject (the built-in flash mode must be" - "). Thus, the built-in flash will only issue command signals and will not take part in the general lighting scheme. ”

  • Paul

    Hello Arkady. I got SB 910, but there was a problem. I can't turn off the pre-flashes. I went over everything I could. Nothing works. The most interesting thing is that the preflashes disappear only when you set the shooting mode on the camera to “auto”. But shooting in automatic mode is somehow not for me. Can you tell me how you can turn them off? Tomorrow I'm shooting the wedding, the first try of the pen, so to speak, and I would not like to miss an important moment due to the fact that the preflashes are triggered. I would be very grateful for your answer.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The pre-flashes are almost invisible, maybe it will help you https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/08/fotoxitrosti-chast-8/ . If you do not have a professional camera, then using the flash in automatic AA mode will not work without flashes.

      • Paul

        Maybe this is somehow called differently, because before the main breath I have 3 powerful anticipations. Camera Nikon D80.
        Thanks for the link.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Check that the red-eye reduction flash function is not turned on on the camera; it often does this.

  • Alexander

    without instructions, it’s because it’s gray, it came in a double bass, that's all sadness, but no one will say how such a nuance affects the build quality or the rejection algorithm on the conveyor, but if you take iPhones bought in the states and here, the difference between them is noticeable, the staff are worse they catch the network and are better knocked down, but the Nashen’s backlash has lids and everything’s okay with the reception (but as for the reception, the question is still good, in the states there are strict restrictions on the norms of brain irradiation)

  • Sergei

    Arkady, good evening! I want to use the 910th and D90 in conjunction with the radio signal (so that the built-in does not blaze). Is this possible without the purchase of additional equipment?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Without add. radio control equipment is indispensable. But you can control the Nikon CLS using the built-in flash as the control, while the built-in flash itself can be disabled.

  • Sergei

    Well yes, that's what you have to do. Annoying just that the reception window on the slave needs to be set in the field of view of the leading puff.

  • Don

    Thanks Arkady for a good review.
    I recently became the owner of this wonderful device and its disadvantages would include axial play in the shoe, as well as a discrete squeak of zoom.
    As for overheating, I would not be so critical, but it was still more likely I tested in cooler conditions +20.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      900tka creaks at a zoom much stronger.

  • anonym

    Hello Arkady!
    I have a problem similar to Ruslan Kondratenko. He wrote to you earlier, but could not find an answer. I also do not configure TTl mode on the 910 model. Fotik NikonD300s. Tell me how to recover. Thank you in advance.

  • Marina

    Hello Arkady!
    I have a problem with flash 910, similar to that of Ruslan Kondratenko, he wrote to you earlier, but could not find the answer to his question. I lost TTl mode on a 910 flash, although I previously shot with it. Currently, separately without connecting to the d300s camera, I set this mode on the flash; when connected to the camera, it disappears. Please tell me what happened and how to fix it? Thank you in advance.

  • Lydia

    Arkady, hello! Tell me please! I am a beginner, I want to learn how to photograph and take good pictures. I have a Nikon d5000 and a 18-55mm lens. I want to buy another lens (55-200; 55-300; 70-300mm) - I haven't decided which one yet. And also the issue of the outbreak concerns. I think sb700 or 900 or 910. I look to the future, and I don’t want to spend money on lenses and flashes every year or two. Then, over time, I want to buy a lens for macro photography. I'm taking courses. I want to photograph everything)))) please tell me!

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Everything is very simple - if you have money - take SB-910 + 70-300, no money, take something simpler.

  • Lydia

    Thank you))) in fact of the matter, I would take it as you advise, but there isn’t much extra money. And as for the lens for macro shooting, would you advise which one to take in the future?

  • Lydia

    Thanks a lot. I just look like the updated 910, but it costs a little cheaper than 900. It's strange. And another question: do not recommend a lens for macro shooting for the future?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      There are different lenses for macro, for a start, I would recommend using the macro rings and see if you really need it. From experience I will say that the passion for macro photography quickly disappears after you understand what difficulties this is associated with. Personally, I use this for macro - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/10/tamron-sp-af-90mm-macro-obzor/

      • Arkady Shapoval

        The review indicates that 900 is better for 910, just read it once. To begin with, I would advise the macro rings, macro is a difficult business, usually people stop their fascination with macro simply by photographing flowers, where the magnification of ordinary lenses is enough.

  • Lydia

    Thank you very much

  • Roman

    Arkady, you are a classic! Your photos are already being torn apart by a photomagist

    • Arkady Shapoval

      They probably don’t have the means to hire a person to write to them.

  • Paul

    Good afternoon, I have a question: fotik d3100 puff sb910 - no matter what settings the flash does not fire, in 90% of cases the red indicator is on, if I understand correctly, it means that there is not enough power. and in the other 10 there is simply nothing, just a strange sound, there is a 3-fold quiet silk, like from the place where the lamp is. Please help, or it broke (sometimes it worked at first), or I'm sloppy

    • Arkady Shapoval

      If it does not respond to pressing the red lamp-button of the tester, then there may be something with the lamp, I advise you to contact the service.

      • Paul

        Thank you

  • Jeanne

    Hello, Alexander! Please tell me, I'm a beginner photographer, I have a Nikon D7000, an SB-910 flash, I bought it 2 days ago, along with batteries and a charger. The problem is that after a full charge of the batteries, after about 20 frames, the flash goes into "rest" mode (the screen shows a picture of incomplete charging), I do not understand if this is the case in the batteries or in the settings or in general in the flash ??? I am very worried, because it costs a lot, but I pinned great hopes on how it is possible to work like this at all if it does not work .... ((((((Thank you in advance for your answer.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      These are problems with the batteries. I advise you to take high-quality exercises and good acces.

      • Jeanne

        Thank you very much, and if not difficult, tell me which ones to buy? I think the charger has acquired a good (about 1500 p.) ENKATSU electric, batteries of the same manufacturer Ni-MH 2800 mAh 1.2V
        (made in China), 1 year warranty on batteries.

  • sergej

    Arkady hi! On the question of Jeanne, about the batteries, but the charger is nothing if the other manufacturer ???? and indicators such as 1800 vs 2400 ??? (on the batteries)

  • anonym

    Canon has released an external professional flash with radio communication - goodbye to radio synchronizers! .. And it's a shame for us SB-cam: (...

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, this is a super step forward.

  • Boris

    Good evening Arkady! I am considering an sb 7000 flash for my d910, they offered nissin mg8000 in the store, although 910 is there too, the money is almost the same! Advise which is still better to buy! Thanks in advance for your reply!

    • Kolya Minaev

      Nissin is the best replacement for the original, for a reasonable price ... There will be no problems with this company.
      I have an old Nissin Di-622 Mark II for Nikon i-TTL
      Never let me down.

  • Mark

    Good afternoon! In flash 910 there are settings that no one is discussing, such as their diaphragm or something. Is there any practical experience of their use. Sorry I'm not good at English.

  • Andrei

    Arkady, thanks for the description, and, most importantly, for the comparison of puff. Hint, such a question about usability, I use the CLS master and the usual puff mode, constantly switching them. On my sb800, it's a long time to press and hold the center of the joystick, scroll through the menu, go to the drop-down list of switching master-remout, comand, again hold the center of the joystick for 2 seconds ... Nikon fellows, made a separate mode switch in 900 ke. You write that in 900 ke you need to hold down the button to enter the menu. To switch cls, the same is then it is necessary to squeeze with a delay, or these modes are quickly switched? those 910 for cls / normal is more convenient than 900? Thanks in advance !!

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Slave / Master on 900 and 910 are switched using the flash trigger itself - very convenient.

  • Andrei

    Thank you. You can hope that in the menu with "holdings" of the buttons in the sb900 they shoved not the most popular parameters)))

  • Jeka

    hello Arkady, I wanted to be interested in you, I have a photo d5100, I plan to buy a donut but don’t know which 910 900 700. Will all functions work on 910?

  • Andrei

    hello Arkady, I wanted to be interested in you, I have a photo d5100, I plan to buy a donut but don’t know which 910 900 700. Will all functions work on 910?
    in the instructions for the photo you have a table of compatible accessories. All puffs will work there, and sb 600 b sb800

    • Arkady Shapoval

      With the d5100, all flash functions will not work, since the d5100 does not support many functions. The main automatic modes will work, I advise the SB-700 for d5100.

Add a comment

Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer in Kiev Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2023

English-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2012/03/obzor-nikon-sb-910/comment-page-2/

Version en español de este artículo https://radojuva.com/es/2012/03/obzor-nikon-sb-910/comment-page-2/