Andrew Horton

Finally, the last piece has been added to the puzzle… well, the last major piece.  I purchased my SB-900 AF Speedlight from Nikon yesterday to complete the major accessories I needed for my camera.  If you don’t know, I’m currently shooting using a Nikon D90 with an Nikkor 18-105mm DX VR lens.  I post the pictures on this website.  See flickr to the right.

The price tag is a bit steep on this puppy but it really packs a punch at $487.50 with shipping (and no tax!).  Now, I need to decide if I want to use rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries.  Take a peek at the specs on this piece of pie!

• Includes AS-21 Speedlight Stand, SW-13H Diffusion Dome, SJ-900 Color Filter Set, SZ-2 Color Filter Holder, SS-900 Soft Case; Requires 4 AA Batteries (not included)
• Guide Number 34/111.5 (ISO 100, m/ft), 48/157.5 (ISO 200, m/ft)
• Control up to three remote Speedlight groups and an unlimited number of compatible Speedlights – The SB-900’s Wireless Commander Mode offers wireless control at the master Speedlight position. Four wireless channel options allow you to manage wireless conflicts in multiple photographer environments.
• Streamlined controls and menus – The Rotary Select Dial sets key flash functions quickly a prominent Master and Remote control switch simplifies wireless operation.
• FX/DX format identification – Automatic FX/DX switching optimizes light distribution angle.

When it comes down to the wire between performance and convenience, sometimes you have to say “lesson learned”.   In this case, its a bit of both.  I recently purchased a Satechi (seen on the right), combo timer/grip.  After struggling with the instruction manual (and its not just me, believe me), I got fed up and just purchased this Opteka timer (seen on the right).   Don’t get me wrong.  The Satechi was not a bad purchase.  Infact, it was cheaper then Nikon and works great. 

[Above] The Opteka Timer Remote Control Set combines many features into one with a self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer, and exposure count setting feature. The timer can be set anywhere from 1 sec. to 99 hrs., 59 min., 59 sec. A new dial enables you to easily enter the numeric settings with a single thumb. The LCD panel can also be illuminated, and the alert sound can be turned on/off.

[Below] LCD Timer Vertical Battery Grip for Nikon D80 and D90 makes photographing in a vertical position much easier and provides a better handling of your camera especially when you are using heavy lenses. The battery grip provides more energy for your camera than a normal storage battery would. The battery compartment holds either two lithium batteries (original or third-party manufacturer) or a battery magazine for six AA NiMh batteries. It is also equipped with a vertical-grip shutter button, dial, AE lock/FE lock button, and AF point selector button to enable exposure time setting etc. as well as the infrared remote sensor function. Continuous Shooting with set interval function (1 second-100 hours), Multiple Frame Function (up to 99 frames), Single Frame long exposure function can be set between 1/8000 of a second up to 100 hours.