Nikon SB-910

Overview & Positioning

The SB-910 was the direct successor to the highly regarded SB-900 and was designed as a professional-grade dedicated flash. It was built for wedding photographers, photojournalists, sports shooters, and any serious enthusiast who needed reliable, powerful, and versatile lighting in any condition.

Key Features & Why It's a Pro Tool

1. Extreme Power and Performance:

   • Guide Number (GN): 34.5 (at 35mm zoom position, ISO 100, meters). This is significantly more powerful than the SB-500 (GN 30.5) and allows for illuminating subjects at greater distances or using smaller apertures.

   • Fast Recycling: Very quick recycle times, especially when used with a SD-9 Battery Pack (sold separately), which allows for rapid firing, crucial for event photography.

   • Overheat Protection: A sophisticated monitoring system protects the flash from overheating during rapid, continuous full-power firing. It temporarily reduces power output to prevent damage, a critical feature for professionals on a job.

2. Advanced Wireless Commander Mode:

   • The SB-910 can act as a Commander unit to control multiple groups of other Nikon CLS-compatible flashes (like SB-700s, SB-600s, etc.) wirelessly via optical pulses. This allows for complex, multi-flash off-camera lighting setups controlled directly from the flash on your camera.

3. Superior Build and Cooling:

   • Metal Foot & Sturdy Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of daily professional use. The metal hot shoe mount is far more durable than the plastic ones on consumer models.

   • Efficient Cooling System: Features a dedicated cooling fan and a tempestuous ribbed design to dissipate heat, allowing for longer shooting sessions at high output.

4. Versatile Lighting Control:

   • Wide Zoom Range: The head zooms from 17mm (with built-in wide-angle panel) to 200mm, providing precise coverage for everything from ultra-wide lenses to telephotos.

   • Multi-Function Bounce Head: Tilts from -7° to 90° and rotates 180° to the left and 90 °to the right for complete creative bounce lighting.

   • Modeling Light: Can trigger a pulse sequence that helps you preview the lighting and shadows of your setup before taking the shot.

   • Repeating Flash (RPT) & Stroboscope: Creates multiple flashes in a single exposure for creative effects.

5. Dual Illumination Patterns: Allows you to switch between Standard (even illumination) and Center-Weighted (concentrates light in the center for longer reach) patterns to match your shooting needs.

Technical Specifications (Summary)

• Guide Number: 34.5 (m, ISO 100, 35mm zoom, FX)

• Zoom Range: 17 - 200mm (Automatic or manual with FX/DX detection)

• Wireless Modes: Can operate as a Commander (master) or Remote (slave) in Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS).

• Power Source: Four AA batteries (Alkaline, Lithium, or NiMH recommended). Compatible with the SD-8A or SD-9 high-performance battery packs.

• Flash Modes: i-TTL, Manual, Auto Aperture, Distance-Priority (GN), Repeating Flash (RPT).

Who Is It For? (Ideal User)

1. Professional Photographers: Anyone who makes a living with their camera and needs a reliable, powerful, and versatile flash for events, weddings, portraits, etc.

2. Advanced Enthusiasts: Serious hobbyists who demand the best performance, build quality, and creative control from their equipment.

3. Users of Pro Nikon Bodies: Perfectly matched with professional DSLRs like the Nikon D3, D4, D850, etc., which often lack a built-in pop-up flash to act as a commander.