Discontinuation of SB 800 flash

[mrsisu]

Well the rumor mill states that the 800 flash has been discontinued and replaced by the $415 SB 900. Assume this true. Not sure the 900 offers enough for the way I shoot to even think about it. How about you?

[epayne]

Hi Don,
It is not a rumor, the SB-800 is no longer being produced and all back orders were canceled. The only ones avaiable new are already on the dealers shelves.
I have both an 800 and a 900 and find that the 900 is quicker for me to navigate the menus for setting to remote mode. Further the new SB-900 has better beam control for focusing the light and auto FX / DX body recognization. It is noisier than the 800 when the zoom motor is running and cannot accept the fifth battery the 800 can to enable quicker recycling. I have read that the 900 has a thermal shutdown that will turn it off if the unit gets too hot. I know that the batteries get hot if used for lots of quick full power shots. There is a thermometer gauge on the LCD, I have not had mine shut down yet but I have not really stressed it. I have also read that using an external battery pack like a Quantum Turbo or NIKON SD-9 the unit will fire without generating as much heat as the majority of the heat is from the internal AA batteries when used to recharge the capicator.
It is bigger as well and my Better Beamer for the SB-800 will not properly fit on it, I am keeping the older SB-800 however since the remote protocol has not changed. The software is upgradeable on the SB-900 via a USB port to insure full compatabily with new cameras and other accessories.
In short I like the new unit better but not enough to sell my old SB-800 and buy another 900.

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region

[mrsisu]

Hi Edgar and thanks for your comments. Very informative and helpful.

[epayne]

Hi Don, I need to learn how to better utilize the flash equipment I have. One good source of strobe information and ideas I have found is the site.

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

The tutorials there are excellent IMHO and free. I think a nature photo strobe workshop would be well recieved as a possible addition to the annual meeting. Realizing that the NIKON and CANON systems are not the same they must share many similarities in using multi lights remotely. About as creative as I have gotten is placing the strobe behind flowers for dramatic back lighting effects. I really enjoyed NIKON'S painting with light contest in Charleston earlier this year.

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Chapter

[epayne]

B&H still shows the sb-800 in stock if anyone is interested.

What made me think of this is the new NIKON SCHOOL DVD, A Hands-on Guide to Creative Lighting. I just got it and find it to be very informative on using the NIKON speed light Creative Lighting System in real world applications. It is hosted by Bob Krist and Joe McNally.

They cover using the wireless ttl aspect of all of the NIKON cameras and strobes that support the protocol. I found it to be well explained and demonstrated. It made me want to get the flashes out and experiment. And maybe add another flash to the kit.

If you have ever struggled to get information from the user manual that was digestible you will appreciate this DVD.

If you are looking for ways to creatively add or modify light in your images I suggest you give it a look.

Edgar Payne,
Charlotte Region

[chandsa]

Hi Edgar,

Thanks for sharing the information regarding the instructional DVD and the link. I have a SB-800 I have rarely used it. This will motivate me to learn the creative side of lighting. Once again thanks for sharing the information.

Cheers!