compatible with Nikon digital SLRs and other select Nikon cameras * fully automatic and manual modes * wireless remote operation * 4 selectable frequency channels * vertical and horizontal angle adjustment * number of flashes: About 200 per set of fresh batteries * weight: about 10.6 oz. (without battery) *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent primary or secondary speedlight
As a longtime (30+ years) pro Nikon shooter, I’ve always relied on Nikon Speedlights to mate with my various Nikon cameras. I’ve never been disappointed with the excellent results.

The introduction of Nikon’s iTTL (intelligent through-the-lens) flash system is a major step forward for flash photography. I’ve owned the SB-600 for more than a year and it’s never let me down. I use it as a primary flash for travel (lighter in weight than the SB-800 and SB-900) with my D300 camera. It’s also an excellent secondary flash when used in wireless mode with the other Nikon speedlights. With three or four speedlights, I can achieve quality studio and location lighting effects that rival my pro strobe units AND have complete creative control over the lighting.

If you’re serious about photography, I’d recommend the SB-600 over the SB-400. The additional cost gives you not only more power, but many advanced features that you’ll come to use and appreciate.

Get the Omni-Bounce difusser for the SB-600 and you’re good to go!

5 Stars Best choice for most Nikon SLR owners
I purchased the SB-600 for my Nikon D5000. While the D5000 and other entry-level Nikon DSLRs (e.g., DX40/60/3000) do not have the built in Wireless Commander, I think the SB-600 is still a better investment than the SB-400 for entry/mid-level Nikon SLR users.

The SB-400 has a limited ISO 100 guide number of 21/68 (feet/meters) at the 18mm zoom head position. The SB-600 has a limited guide number of 30/98 at ISO 100 when set to the 35mm zoom position. In other words, unless you want a flash unit that is only slightly more powerful than the built in flash of your camera, or just want to extend the life of your camera’s battery, the SB-600 is a more powerful and versatile flash unit. It will swivel sideways and straight up for more bounce options, and has a built in diffuser panel. Other advantages over the SB-400 include a built-in AF Assist lamp and power zoom. I found the AF Assist works very well in dim light.

The LCD has an easy interface for changing modes or manual adjustments, and is illuminated making it easy to see in dim light. As with Nikon’s other current speed flashes, it supports Auto ISO sensitivity, and red eye reduction.

While my camera does not have built-in wireless commander, with the SB-600 I do have the option of purchasing the SU-800 ($250) to utilize the 600′s wireless capabilities. As for comparison to the SB-900, I’m just a novice user, so the differences between the SB-600 versus the higher-end SB-900 (and 800) is not really significant for me considering the jump in price. The major differences that I see are wireless commander mode, lens coverage, optional power supply, and non TTL auto mode (which I don’t need). The recycle times on the SB-600 are comparable to both SB-800 and 900 units. Moreover, the SB-900 has an overheat protection feature that can abruptly shut the unit down at critical times, so the SB-600 (and 800) is a great back-up even for pro users.

The photos I’ve taken with my D5000 have come out excellent. I’ve used the bounce flash, even with high ceilings, and had excellent results; and compared to the built in flash in my camera, the difference is huge. Except for professional photographers and prosumers with specific needs, for its price I think the SB-600 is the best choice for most Nikon SLR owners.

5 Stars Surprising improvement
I have generic flash units and i have light kits but i was not prepared for the improvement this unit made to my photos. I have struggled with low light photography since the dawn of man but the very first time i set this unit into my hot shoe i fell in love with it. I use this with my D90 and i just love the results. I was leery about spending hundreds of dollars on a flash unit but if you care about your photos you are just going to have to sacrifice some dollars. No regrets, this unit is excellent quality and is a must have for nikon cameras.

5 Stars Nikon SB-600
There are other flash units out there for about 1/2 the cost and to be honest I haven’t used any of them. Ken Rockwell’s review was very helpful in helping me make my decision to buy the Nikon product. I was surprised at the difference the flash makes in my photos when using the SB-600 as compared to the built-in flash on my Nikon D90.

5 Stars Phenomenal lighting! Wish I would have bought sooner!
I have taken my indoor photos to a whole new level with this flash. I bought it for my friend’s wedding and I wish I would have gotten it sooner.

I am using in conjunction with my Nikon D40 and a new Stroboframe Press-T Flash Rotating Bracket for portait photography. See review and photos there…

Flash features that I love:

1. Full tilt – from 90 degrees to 180 degrees with several stops – I bounce off the ceiling most of the time for lovely natural lighting

2. Built in pull out diffuser that can also be used for angle bounce

3. Head rotation from -90 degrees to 180 degrees (perfect for portrait photography with a flash frame to point to the ceiling)

4. Flash refresh rate is fantastic! I set the camera on a tripod and with the remote took many family photos in a row! Especially necessary when there are crying babies in the group!

5. Batteries last a long time

6. Includes nice protective case for flash

Buy/More Info

rechargeable lithium ion battery for use with compatible Nikon digital SLR cameras * rated at 7.2V, 1080mAh *

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Needed battery
This battery is being used as an extra battery for my Nikon DSLR. It has worked in the way I need: power. I just went with the name brand because of the fear factor of third-party horror stories.

1 Star Sudden Death – No Warranty
I have had two of these go from working to DOA and the charger not even recognize there is a battery in it. I called Nikon and was told by a very rude customer service person that Nikon offers no warranty at all on their batteries. One of these batteries had been charged three times and the other 10 times at most. Don’t waste your money on the Nikon brand. I have had good luck with the CTA brand replacement and it costs 20% of what the Nikon brand does.

5 Stars Would buy again
Not sure how much you can say here… It’s a Nikon battery. I’ve bought off-brand batteries before and had bad luck. So, I won’t do that again. Bought this one as a backup for my D5000. A backup battery, in my mind, is a must have item. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been taking photos and found the battery to be running low. With a backup, you just swap batteries and keep shooting. Got it fast, in good condition, free shipping and at a much better price than in store.

5 Stars Great battery, great price
Just purchased my DSLR Nikon D5000; wanted a backup battery. The store offered them from $65-$90, this was a bargain at under $60. Glad to have found it.

Buy/More Info

L1)NIKON 50MM F1.4G AF-S LENS (2180)

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great lens, especially for low light, no flash work
It’s fast and great optically. For portraits or poorly lit subjects where a flash is not allowed (or not wanted) this is the perfect lens. On a DX format camera it’s a bit long (field of view is about 75mm equivalent) for some inside work, a 28 or 35mm focal length might be a better option (but 1.8 is the faster you can get in those focal lengths).

5 Stars Good stuff. Worth every penny.
I had two of the previous generation of 50/1.4 AF before owning this lens. I’ve tried both versions on a D2x, d90, a d300, d3, and d3x. This is the better version, and it’s really the top of the heap, short of the MF 1.2 or a bloody Leica. So if you want sharp and AF simultaneously, this is your best bet.

Yes, it could be a touch sharper wide open. It could also be five times more expensive. It’s sharper edge to edge than the old version at all settings. It’s sharper in the corners than the Sigma or the Canon 1.2.

All around I’m quite happy.

I am nervous about only one thing: while blowing dust off I tapped the rear element with the plastic tip of my blower bulb. It made a quite resonant “TING”. Looking at the diagrams on Nikon’s site, it is a very thin element. Moreso than the previous generation. For the most part, this seems to be a much more robust build than the previous 1.4AF. (I owned two because I pretty nearly destroyed my first one…it did still work even so.) But that rear element does give me pause and I now try to shift it forward before and after mounting it (when I can remember).

Optically, can’t complain. Focus doesn’t seem any faster or slower than the previous version. It’s more comfortable to hold since nothing spins or moves externally while it’s focusing. It’s quieter, which is nice in the dim situations I often use it it.

It actually focuses properly on my d90, unlike other fast nikon glass. (I’ve tried many d90′s and it seems that d90′s just don’t focus precisely with their center point with large aperture screw driven lenses.)

Good stuff. If you shoot film or FX get one. If you have a DX, get the 35/1.8 AFS. If you have the 35/1.8 AFS, get this too! If you are using your Nikon DSLR for video, you should get like ten of these. Ok, maybe one. But still, it’s that nice.

Hope you found this useful. Enjoy shooting!

4 Stars Nice for DSLR without the internal motor
This is an excellence “fast” lens – very sharp and the auto focus is fast and accurate. This is one that you want when shoot in a low light environment where flash is not permitted.

Having said that, however, it is so much more expensive than the Nikkor 50mm f1.4D without significantly improvement on the optical quality. If you own a entry level Nikon dSLR (e.g., D40/x, D60, D3000, D5000) without an internal motor to power the D-series lens (or lenses without internal motor of their own) then, you will like this one. If you own a more advance dSLR (D80, D90, D300/s) then, you are better off economically with the 50 f1.4D.

5 Stars Sharp, well constructed, and AF-S; great normal lens!
Pro’s:

I initially got this prime because it was THE ONLY lens at the time that had an f-stop less than 2.8 AND AF-S on my old D40x BACK in December of 2008 (other than the $6,000 200 f/2).

Thankfully, Nikon updated their DX AF-S lineup this year aggressively with the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras as well, but I’ll review that later.

This is a bokeh machine, not as creamy and perfect as the Nikon 85 1.4, but pretty nice. But bokeh is a personal thing, and some people find it a little nervous in this lens (your call).

AF-S is dead silent, hunts very little in low light, and tracks well.

Light weight and a nice hood is included.

Works awesome on my N75 film body (and I can’t WAIT to use it a D700!!)

Con’s:

AF is apparently slower than previous 50mm models that are AF only (not AF-S).

A bit long on a DX body to be considered “normal”(75mm equivalent), but still useful as a portrait lens (just not AS close as say a 85mm on an FX body).

I just don’t use it as often as I’d like and always reach for the 35 1.8G as my “go to” prime ONLY because 50mm on a DX is too long for a general purpose lens.

Upshot:

A worthwhile purchase, an excellent AF-S revision to older models, and perfect choice for those AF-motor-less users (D40/x/D60/D5000) who need a portrait/fast prime lens. Also works on FX/Film bodies (but not compatible with film bodies prior to the N75 era, ie

P.S.

I have also found DxO Optics Pro v 5.0, Elite Edition Photo Enhancing Software for Mac & Windows. a priceless software tool with this camera/lens combination (This “module” is available with my D200 + 50 1.4G, helps give my shots an “extra stop” of noise reduction.). I always shoot RAW images and use DxO to convert to TIFF or jpg.

5 Stars Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens
Good basic prime lens. Bought it because it is a required/suggested/recommended lens for many photo classes & exercises. Forces you to get closer to your object. Is closest to “human eye” observation. Not an expsensvie lens: I read great reviews on this lens.

Buy/More Info

35mm f/1.8 standard lens * designed for Nikon DX SLR cameras * ideal for everyday use * minimum focus distance: 12 in. * minimum aperture: f/22 *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great Lens For the Price
I do a lot of photo editing with the pen tool and wanted a lens that had less chromatic aberration than my kit zoom. I am very satisfied with results and the speed. I had initially seen a review of this lens on the Photoshop User website. If you are looking for a prime lens and are on a tight budget this bears looking at. I am shooting with a D80.

5 Stars A must have lens!!!
This lens is a must have. It will instantly make you a better photographer. I’ve used this lens on all holiday events inside the house and all pictures are perfect. It’s great for low light photography, portraits and it also produces a nice bokeh. This lens has always been in my camera ever since I had it. Well worth the money. So far I’m very satisfied with this purchase.

5 Stars As Advertised
Lightweight and fast, this lens works beautifully with my D40. The autofocus is accurate, but the ease of manual override is a nice advantage. If you’re thinking about buying one, you should.

5 Stars Lovely fist full of prime lens
As others have noted, while it’s mostly plastic, it’s got a heft to it that says serious lens. This is my lens of choice whenever I can fit the subject into its field of view. I love the low-light ability and the sharpness of the resulting photos. Hard to beat the price, either.

5 Stars Sharp and fast lens!
I use this lens far more than I thought I would. It is sharp across its entire f-stop spectrum, and very sharp from f/2.0 through f/11. No discernible chromatic aberration. An ideal indoor / low light lens.

Buy/More Info

This 5.8x zoom, designed exclusively for use with Nikon’s DX-format, features Nikon’s VR image stabilization and is perfect for portraits and action. The wide-ratio 5.8x zoom
Compact, versatile and ideal for a broad range of shooting situations, ranging from interiors and landscapes to beautiful portraits–a perfect everyday zoom. Vibration Reduction is engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens and enables handheld shooting at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Super People Shooting Lens
If I know I’m going to be shooting people, you know, a wedding, bar mitzvah, baptism, birthday party, especially one with children and clowns, then this is the lens I use. If I take both bodies, I’ll have a wide angle on the other one, so I can get good group shots inside. The 16-85mm range of the camera translates to 24-127mm in real world photography and that’ll give you good wide angle shots and allow you some pretty good closeups from across the room or yard, plus the 80 to 120mm range is perfect for portraits.

This lens isn’t all that expensive and you’re buying better than excellent optics, Nikon quality (the build on this lens is as good as you’ll find on any lens made today) and VR that works (it’s almost like going a couple stops lower).

You might wonder why I’d opt for this lens for people shooting events over the very nice Nikon 18-200mm or the Tamron 18-270mm, well this lens weighs less, focuses faster, takes sharper photos and I’ve never ever wished I’d had a longer lens at an event, well once, when I shot a wedding in Huntington Beach. It was a beach side condo and there was some good surf action going on, great waves, but that had nothing to do with the wedding.

If you want a longer range than the kit lens, this could be a good walkabout lens and there have been days when I’ve used it for that, though I prefer the more compact Nikon 18-55mm for everyday use and one of the above mentioned wide to long telephotos for vacations. Still if you shoot a lot of people or are planning to, you’ll find this lens will serve you well.

5 Stars A great upgrade and overall excellent lens
I want to say that when I first got this lens for Christmas I was utterly disappointed, not because it wasn’t a good lens, but I had my heart set on a prime lens. Well, I pushed my sadness aside and mounted it on my D60. The first thing I noticed about it was the size, it was significantly larger in every way possible over the 18-55mm kit lens that came with the D60. The only thing that didn’t change was the f-stop. It was sort of heavy mounted on the D60′s tiny body but that is something that is easily overcome. The picture quality and the overall use of the lens is where it started to win me over.

I was shooting inside all day with f/3.5, ISO 800 and shutter speed of 1/6 of a second. The pictures came out crisp and clear with the aid of the vibration reduction, whereas my 18-55mm would be a hit-or-miss. I found it great that I could go from shooting wide angle shots to mid-range telephoto shots without having to switch between lenses. I began to see a difference between the quality of my old 18-55mm and the 18-105mm. The 18-105 is the older brother of the 18-55mm kit lens, and it is more useful/ The focusing ring on the lens can override the auto focus. If you are someone in my situation with a three point AF D60, then this comes in handy considering that the focus isn’t always where you want it to be. The feel of the lens was different. It felt like it was made of plastic and rubber on the outside, which isn’t bad and doesn’t inhibit the ability of the lens to do its job, it just feels sort of cheap if you are obsessed with having the best built thing possible. The feeling of cheapness, isn’t something to be concerned about, so long as you realize that the lens is meant for picture taking and not groping. The sheer portability of the lens doesn’t seem to be an issue, it is just bulkier then the 18-55mm, especially on the puny D60.

The lens is the kind you want to have if you enjoy having versatility in your range but don’t want to put more money towards the 18-200mm lens. I look forward to using this lens a lot more and seeing what it can do. Like everything else, it’s flaws are just something that the user will have to learn to overcome. But if you are looking at buying D40, D60 or D5000 I strongly suggest buying the bodies only and buying this lens.

5 Stars Bought this for a short vacation
I originally got a 18-55mm lens with my Nikon camera and decided to buy the 55-200 as my second lens but found that changing out the lenses was a hassle. When I decided to take a short vacation that was about 2000 miles away, I didn’t want to deal with carrying the different lenses around so I bought the 18-105mm. It was one of the best things I ever did. I almost feel like it is the only lens needed for general photography. I chose this particular one because the customer reviews were so good. All my photos with this lens are wonderful. They look professional and that is the point when you buy a good lens from Nikon.

5 Stars Great all-purpose at the right price
Seems like everyone recommends the 18-200 mm VR lens, but at a cost of over $600-700!

Instead, this lens for about half the cost will cover most of the useful range of the 18-200. The VR works great on this lens, especially at 105 where the lens performs admirably.

A very good upgrade to a kit lens with more versatility, a more solid feel and VR to make your telephoto shots much better.

5 Stars My perfect lens
I had been looking for the perfect lens for portraits. This lens covers the exact zoom length I need, while retaining the wide angle.

I was nervous about getting a refurbished camera lens. No problems at all. In fact, you would never even know it’s a refurb.

It’s not a “fast” lens. But, you won’t get a fast lens with VR. That’s ok. It’s easy to make up the difference with shutter speed. And for doing photos in a church, where it’s rude to use a flash, it opens up enough. Again, shutter speed helps there. Plus, shooting in RAW makes all the difference in the world.

Lenses are personal. Just do your research, and figure out what you need.

Buy/More Info

Fast enough for shooting in just about any type of light, this is an ideal first lens; perfect for full-length portraits, travel photography or any type of available-light shooting. The Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor lens delivers distortion-free images with superb resolution and color rendition. Accepts 52mm filters.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Good lens for the money, but there are better
I’ve owned two of these. Good image quality, but not quite as good as the new AFS version.

The filter ring is plastic. I could care less, but I did drop it repeatedly and chipped off a 3/4″ section of the filter ring. After some sanding, thing still works. That’s why I bought a second one–I shoot weddings and looks count. Using gear with large pieces missing just won’t fly. Also knocked a good chunk off the aperture ring.

I’m quite sure that this lens could survive normal use. However my first sample dropped off a four foot stage onto concrete. Repeatedly.

If you don’t plan on dropping your lens onto concrete, or rolling around a mosh pit with your camera, or running from wild animals in the forest, this lens will probably do.

If you want something with dust sealing, a more solid build, and must have autofocus in the nikon system, get the AFS 50/1.4. If you want compatability with film bodies AND autofocus, get this lens. If you want AF and the best sharpness, get the AFS version.

Moral of the story, use UV filters. They may not prevent your lens from getting damaged, but if I wasn’t using one, my original 50/1.4AFD wouldn’t still be functional (even with missing chunks) today.

4 Stars is a dream
I waited 2 yrs to buy this lens, and let me say one thing.. ITS AMAZING… the DOF and the creamy backgrounds are amazing, Exspecially on a D700, or even on a D70s. As for portraits outdoors, indoors sharp and love availible light(natural). On lanscapes brillant, I love it. Exspecially on my D700, I got star effect shooting my Christmas lights this yr…

Yes it is exspencive but worth it’s weight in gold.

5 Stars lens
Very well constructed, great photo’s, just a little hard to use for me…takes a little getting used to because of short focus.

5 Stars Worth Every Penny
While the 50mm 1.8D is much cheaper, a comparison to this lens shows that you get what you pay for.

The price difference is about picture quality, and not necessarily maximum aperture size. Having tried both of them out, the 1.4D gives me better results all around. Objects appear crisper, colors have more pop to them, and the bokeh is smoother.

As is generally the case, the extreme f-stop settings leave something to be desired. Depth of field, when it comes to f/1.4, is so small that I rarely ever use it.

I almost always focus manually, so it didn’t bother me too terribly much that I couldn’t autofocus with my D60 (I’ve since upgraded to a D90.) In those moments of laziness, though, I really wished I had sprung for the 1.4G.

This is the one lens I carry around with me at all times. Whether I’m out shooting in the city, out in nature, portraits, or anything in between, this lens will find it’s way onto my camera. It’s a great snapshot lens for parties, too. The wide open aperture is like staring into an abyss.

The 1.8D is a decent lens, and really can’t be beat when it comes to price. As an investment, though, the 50mm 1.4D is the way to go.

5 Stars Great lens
I have been using this lens for a while. It is the lens that spends the most time in front of my D700. This is the perfect available light/walk around lens. If you are good at not shaking when you move you can get away with 1/4 second shots with this lens. Wide open the lens isn’t the best there is but I don’t look at the pictures with a magnifying lens anyway. Remember when using the lens you have to use the foot zoom feature, walking closer or further away from the subject. And the 50mm was pretty much the only lens Henri Cartier-Bresson used, if it is good enough for him it is good enough for me.

Buy/More Info

i-TTL (intelligent through-the-lens) flash exposure control * four-position tilt flash head (tilts up from horizontal to 60, 75, and 90 degrees) * approximate guide number at ISO 200: 98.4 ft./30 meters (at 18mm zoom head setting) * compatible with select Nikon SLRs using the Creative Lighting System including the D40, D50, D70s, and D200 * uses 2 “AA” batteries (not included) *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars What a difference!
Wow, totally dig this flash! After using the built in flash since owning my D40 (& not being happy with the results alot of times!) for 2 yrs, this is so refreshing & inspiring! I saw reviews on amazon with photos of what this flash does & it’s totally delivered Beautiful results from bouncing the flash off the ceiling. This was one big easy step in furthering my photog hobby skills!

4 Stars Fantastic lighting upgrade
I have have been using this unit for 2 weeks and am impressed with the improvement offered with indirect light bouncing off nearby surfaces vs the on-board unit. The SB-400′s capability to aim the flash in multiple angles is not thoroughly detailed in store or official documentation when it is easily its greatest feature. I sometimes wish I whent with a flash with a bit more horsepower and twist aim, but I figured learning the art was more important than the gadget. Overall a simple no frills great improvement from my D5000′s on board flash.

5 Stars For users with a Nikon with ittl only “D40″
This add-on flash is compact and works flawlessly on Nikon camera with iTTl systems. Using the built-in camera flash will consume your cameras’ battery life a lot faster this possible causing you to lose that perfect moment. There are huge benefits of bounce over compared to the direct flash on the Nikon model and body you own, maybe overwhelming. This unit gets great reviews for its size and its multi angel bounce, this unit will bounce off high ceilings and distant walls but it’s great for many occasions and engagements.

Overall by using this unit instead of the built-in flash of one’s camera, you will get more shots from the camera since its power source is two independent AA batteries and not the camera. It’s compact it’s great for its size ability and price.

3 Stars Not as good as the SB-600
I got this to go with my Nikon D40. It is an improvement from the built-in flash for sure, but not as good and versatile as the Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras. I ended up returning this one and buying the SB-600 instead.

Pros for the SB-400 are size and price – best for portability. It is definitely an improvement over the built-in flash for light quality and ceiling bounce.

Biggest weakness is that I can’t use it for portrait photography bouncing off the ceiling. Please see review of Stroboframe Press-T Flash Rotating Bracket for details.

5 Stars Travel Light
While not as versatile as the more expensive and featured Nikon flashes, it does the job while remaining small enough to throw in the camera bag for small events, parties, day trips, etc.

Buy/More Info

70-300mm F4-5.6 DG Macro for Nikon… The Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO for Nikon has a built-in motor that allows autofocus with all Nikon digital cameras. These lenses incorporate a macro feature with maximum magnification 1:2 at the 300mm focal length. It is suitable for various types of shooting conditions. The 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG MACRO for Nikon is a telephoto zoom lens with excellent value for money and optimized for use with digital SLR cameras. This telephoto lens has a 1:2 maximum magnification at the 300mm focal length. It is ideal for portraits, sport and other types of photography. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass provides excellent correction of chromatic aberration. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. Hood (LH635-01) supplied.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Well worth the money.
I bought this lens as a birthday gift for my wife. We use it with our Canon Digital Rebel XT and it works perfectly. The lens has a very good picture quality and is very easy to attach/remove from the camera. Of course, it comes with lens covers for both ends of the lens and they are very good quality covers; actually, IMO, better than the lens covers that our Canon lens came with. They stay on well and provide great protection for traveling.

The lens has a switch on it to go from normal photography to macro shots. Overall, I was impressed with the quality and ease of use with macro photos with this lens. It is easy to take good quality macro shots with this lens (and trust me, I’m a beginner!).

Overall, I am very well pleased with this lens and think you will be too!

1 Star JUNK!!!
Save yourself the trouble. I purchased this lens to use for some basic shots around the house during the Holidays. First, every photo is very soft in the corners. You need to crop the edges away or darken the outer portions of the photo to be usable. More troubling, the AF motor stopped working after aprox 75 shots. Just stopped working and has only a faint clicking noise. Junk!! Going back after 2 days and 75 shots…

Bought the Nikon 55-200mm AF-S VR today for $50 more and it’s sharper, has better contrast and colors, and since it’s a Nikkor lens, it should make it past 75 photos.

You get what you pay for, get the Nikon…

5 Stars Holy picture taking batman!
Love this lens! I have a Sony DSLR and a Minolta SLR and I love that I can use the lens on both. Picture Quality is great. The lens is heavy, but what do you expect, it’s huge.

2 Stars Nice image quality, Autofocus stops working
Let me start by saying this is a great lens for the money as far as image quality and macro features and most reviews here are accurate. But apparently they didn’t have the disapointing problem I ran into. After only about 3 days of normal use the autofocus failed and would only turn in one direction. I sent it back for an exchange (Amazon did the exchange with no hassle) and the replacement worked fine for a few days of shooting high school football and wildlife. But then lo and behold, the exact same thing happened again! I don’t think it’s the camera (Nikon D40) as my 3 other autofocus lenses work fine, and I checked/ cleaned the contacts. The lens was used gently with no rough impact or banging, it just stopped working while shooting pictures. The lens seems to be clicking and struggling to turn in the other direction and appears to be draining the battery doing it, as the lo battery indicator comes on while trying to focus. Then I read a review on the web that said the motor on the Sigma might be too torquey for the plastic gearing, stripping it. I really like the lens’s image performance and thought about keeping it anyway, but unfortunatley am going to have to just return it, as 160 bucks is a little too much for a manual focus only lens.

4 Stars Sigma lens for Nikon DLSR
I bought this Sigma lens after much consideration. I have used a friend’s Nikon lens and it took beautiful pictures. However, being that I am a recreational picture taker and I shoot mainly my boys sports teams, I opted for a more economical lens. I must say that for my needs and for the money difference, so far, this lens has not disapointed me yet. I have shot amazing football pictures and I am very happy with it’s performance.

Buy/More Info

designed for use with select Nikon digital SLR cameras * capacity: 7.4V/1500 mAh * warranty: 30 days *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Nikon quality
This battery is the same as the original that came with my camera. I expect it to be just as long-lasting.

5 Stars Standard Nikon Battery, Great Quality
On a recent trip to Sedona, Arizona, I encountered a photographer’s worst nightmare: dead battery!. Sulking in the corner as my wife snapped photos with her iPhone, I resolved never to let this problem happen again. I bought another battery from Amazon that night, and would encourage every other photog here to do the same thing. A spare battery, don’t leave home without it!

5 Stars A battery… what’d you expect?
Its not just a battery though; its a Nikon battery. My advice is to always buy the name brand when it comes to things like batteries. Its a small extra investment that will give you the peace of mind of knowing your camera won’t short out on you.

5 Stars Nikon EN-EL3e Battery Purchase
I’m completely satisfied with every aspect of this transaction and product quality. The price can’t be beat for genuine Nikon EN-EL3e batteries. The ordering process was straight forward, response and delivery was prompt and accurate. I would purchase from this merchant again and gladly refer my friends here as well. This was a total thumbs up experience. Many thanks for zero frustration!

5 Stars Nikon Quality
I will only use Nikon batteries in my cameras. I have tried the bargain brands but was not impressed with the quality of the batteries. In my experience, Nikon batteries will outlast the bargain brands charge-for-charge and in total lifespan. I purchased several cheaper batteries for a long trip to Africa, and a single Nikon battery lasted longer than two of the other brands. I will not repeat my mistake. Nikon batteries are more expensive than the alternatives, but in the end the expense is justified by solid performance.

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The SB-900 i-TTL Speedlight leads the Nikon Creative Lighting System by delivering the portability, power, and versatility to support any photographer’s creative lighting imagination. The SB-900 works as a wireless standalone flash, or you can use it as a commander or wireless remote light source. In commander mode, the SB-900 controls up to three remote Speedlight groups and an unlimited number of compatible Speedlights, with four wireless channel options helping you manage wireless conflicts in multiple photographer environments. The flash also offers streamlined controls and menus, including a rotary select dial that sets key flash functions quickly, along with a prominent master and remote control switch to simplify wireless operation.

Photographers working on zoom photos will appreciate the SB-900′s expanded auto power zoom coverage, which ranges from 17 to 200mm in the FX format to 12 to 200mm in the DX format. Photographers also have the choice of three light distribution patterns: standard (for general illumination), center-weighted (for portraits), and even (for groups or interiors). Finally, the SB-900 automatically identifies mounted color gel filters and adjusts the camera’s auto white balance setting (available with select Nikon digital SLR cameras). Other details include automatic FX/DX format identification; user-friendly firmware updating; flash tube overheat protection; and a drip-proof mounting foot cover.

Technical Specifications

• Guide number: 34 meters/111.5 feet (ISO 100), 48 meters/157.5 feet (ISO 200)
• Electronic construction: Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry
• Flash exposure control: Slow sync; red-eye reduction in slow sync; front curtain sync; rear curtain sync; rear-curtain slow sync; auto FP high-speed sync; FV lock flash
• Lens coverage: 17 to 200mm (FX format, automatic mode); 12 to 200mm (DX format, automatic mode); 12 to 17mm (FX format, automatic mode with built-in wide-angle panel deployed); 8 to 11mm (DX format, automatic mode with built-in wide-angle panel deployed)
• Bounce function (tilt): Flash head tilts down to -7 degrees or up to 90 degrees, with click stops at -7, 0, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees
• Bounce function (rotate): Flash head rotates horizontally 180 degrees to the left and right, with click stops at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 degrees
• Minimum recycling time: 4 seconds with alkaline-manganese (1.5 volts); 4.5 seconds with lithium (1.5 volts); 3 seconds with Oxyride (1.5 volts); 2.3 seconds with Ni-MH (2,600 mAh)
• Flash duration: 1/880 second at M1/1 (full) output; 1/1,000 second at M1/2 output; 1/2,550 second at M1/4 output; 1/5,000 second at M1/8 output; 1/10,000 second at M1/16 output; 1/20,000 second at M1/32 output; 1/35,700 second at M1/64 output; 1/38,500 second at M1/128 output
• Required power source: 4 AA-type batteries in the following types: alkaline-manganese (1.5 volts), lithium (1.5 volts), or Ni-MH (1.2 volts)
• ISO range: 100 to 6,400
• Optional power supply: SD-9 high-performance battery pack, SD-8A high-performance battery pack, or SK-6 power bracket unit
• Ready light: Yes
• Minimum number of flashes: 110 with alkaline-manganese (1.5 volts); 230 with lithium (1.5 volts); 190 with Ni-MH (2,600 mAh)
• Wireless flash modes: Off, master, master (repeating), remote, and SU-4
• Wireless communication channels: 4
• Wireless groups: 3
• Dimensions: 3 x 5.7 x 4.7 inches (W x H x D)
• Weight: 14.6 ounces
• Supplied accessories: AS-21 Speedlight stand, SW-13H diffusion dome, SJ-900 color filter set, SZ-2 color filter holder, SS-900 soft case

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars SB 900
First wedding I used it on The Flash died while the wedding party was coming down the aisle

Have used SB 800 and SB600 and never had this happen before

5 Stars Don’t overcomplicate things … This is a great flash
First, let’s focus on the most important. The flash has a lot of features, but nothing, let me repeat, nothing is more important than the raw power it can produce. If you were to ask a single question about a flash – ask about the guide number. The higher it is, the more options you have. You can reach objects far away, can bounce flash off the walls, put some filters – a lot of things you just can’t do at all if your flash is not powerful enough. So if you look at the Nikon line, the SB-900 has this advantage.

Second, if you look that the DSLR bodies, there is a lot of progress there and in a couple years you can get a much better body for the same price. The lenses and flashes on the other side are not changing that much and hold value over many years. So if you have a choice it’s a good idea to get the best lense and flash you can afford so they can last forever and upgrade the cheaper bodies time to time.

So these are two big reasons to buy SB-900.

Now let’s think why would you not buy this flash.

If you read the reviews below, there is a lot of arguing about which batteries to use and the thermal shut off. You know, yes, they all have their points but in most of the real life situations all those concerns a way beyond reasonable.

What else is not good about this flash? Well, the noise. If you have a zoom lense, every time you zoom in or out, the flash will adjust the mirrors to provide good coverage and that’s causing some noise. It’s ok outdoors or at a party, but if you try to take pictures at a concert, that could be distracting. (Yes, you can lock the mirrors in a wide position and give plenty of raw power you should get by without moving those mirrors in most case)

Well, the menu and the controls could be easier to operate but that’s not a deal breaker. And, of course, the price. It’s quite expensive.

So overall, this is really an amazing flash. Because it’s so powerful, it can light up a huge areas or using filters or bouncing it can create some very nice lighting effects which you just can’t do with a smaller flash, so if you can afford it – it’s not a bad flash at all.

4 Stars Bulky
The only real con of this flash is it’s sheer size, as it occupies what used to be two lens pockets in my Kata camera bag. The flexibility to use as a bounce flash and the overall operation of the flash is wonderful.

A diffusion dome, some colored filters/holder, a fabric case, and a flash base (for use when the flash is not directly mounted on the hot shoe) are all included.

5 Stars SB-900 Initial observations
I’ve been using my new SB-900 with a Nikon D3S and have great results. I previously used an SB-800 and liked that unit very much. I had not heard anything about the thermal cutoff until reading a couple of reviews on Amazon, so I gave my unit a test. I could not duplicate any cutoff problem. I use it as delivered and did not turn off any thermal protection. I fired it multiple times and it recycled very quickly and never hesitated. The recycle time is faster than my SB-800 with the extra battery add-on.

5 Stars THE benchmark in ease of use, expandability, and system integration!
Great flash, and my second entry into the Nikon CLS system.

I needed something to work wirelessly with my D200 using the commander mode (remember to also purchase the Nikon SG-31R IR Panel for Built-in Flash Repl – Nikon 4905 to mount over your built in flash so you can wirelessly trigger the remote flash), something with a bit reach, and FAST recharge time.

For a naive user, the SB900′s menus are a GOD sent – easy, quick, intuitive, the way it should’ve been.

There is some buzz on the web that early adopters had flashes that overheated and would shut down during events. . .how to combat the problem? Use Sanyo Eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargable Batteries w/ Charger, or get the battery pack for the SB900, which attaches with a wire and reduces recharge time and disperses heat better.

I personally have never had a problem with my SB900 recycling fast and overheating.

Looking forward to Nikon updating the SB600 with this user interface!

Worth buying.

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