Used Nikon SD-9 Hi-Performance Battery Pack

2021-12-13T12:44:49

This is ok. It helps. I don't use mine much anymore. It's easier to just change batteries in the flash unit more often.

Jean J.

2018-02-02T02:37:21

Works well.So far used it twice and I'm completely satisfied.

adam k.

2016-07-11T09:02:23

It is a must have for wedding photography as it powers the flash bursts and therefore reduces your recycle time enabling you to get the shot at the correct exposure. When it works it is 5 out of 5 stars but they seem to be prone to failure. We have bought 7 of these so far and keep 3 on hand due to the likelihood of one failing when you need it most. The mean time to failure is about 30 weddings. There are other brands and other types of powering the flash but when you compare the recycle times they just don't seem to do as well.

JOE H.

2016-06-17T20:00:00

Does everything it is advertised to do. Amazing for strobist or event photography. No idea what the fuss over the plastic battery holders is in other reviews. This is the same plastic as the battery grip insert and that has lasted for years of hard use. This is a wonderful tool: get it.

JSSDallas

Originally posted at

2016-06-01T08:35:05

Works like a charm. Not concerned about my speedlight stalling on me. Used it on a couple of shoots and worked as expected.

JOHN M.

2014-11-06T19:00:00

I bought the 9 on special-order so had no chance to try it or hold it. The build quality is not as good as the 8A. The plastic feels more fragile. What is worse, however, is the design. The use of clips to hold each battery is poor design, especially in colder climates where they will snap off, as one reviewer noted. I'm worried. Luckily, I also have an 8A, so I won't be without a battery pack. For $300, the design and the build quality should be far better. I've decided not to recommend this product outright so as to suggest potential buyers compare it first to another solution before deciding whether to buy it. Nikon should improve the SD-9 or reduce the price.

Mark

Originally posted at

2014-06-13T21:00:00

Stopping in to order "another" SD-9 I'm what you may refer to as a Heavy User of the SD-9 units... I shoot an average of 32 weddings a year and also use them for beach shoots, portrait sessions and everything else in-between. This pack lasted three years and now I think something is simply wrong with the cord. Returned from a wedding and was unloading at the gear bench... I have a recent habit of putting batteries on testers to see what level they are on after a full day of shooting. The SD-9 batteries were still fully charged, so I knew I had a problem with it. I set up two SB-910 flashes up with fresh batteries.. added the SD-9 to one of them, then performed test flashes at 1/1 power... yep, they recycled at the same rate. Nothing being provided by the SD-9. So, I'm back to order another one to replace the non-functioning unit. Why five stars? Because I am happy with the years of abuse I've put it through, and the overall performance of the pack. I twist the cord, pull it too far, expose it to all manner of bad weather and cycle it fast, heating it up so much that is serves as a pocket warmer! If you're using the SB-900 or SB-910 units, this will give you a strong additional resource. The SB-900 over heats at the same rate with or without the pack. I like the pouch it comes with as I can just put that on my shoulder strap or belt... easy to load, convenient single plug and pretty decent construction overall. I definitely recommend it. Voting with my $$$.

FREDERICK D.

2014-03-10T21:00:00

I needed this! My SB900 flash & SD-9 battery pack work great together.Faster & greater power flash output,without heating up the unit. Speedy recycling & compact. Wished I had purchased it sooner!

DEBRA M.

2013-08-26T21:00:00

Great addition to the SB-900 or SB-910. Instant recycling and I can go all day long. It comes with a holder that can be clipped to your belt. What I did is take advantage of the Kirk L Bracket on my camera, a Kirk plate, and the screw on part of this unit. I just screwed the entire pack onto the side of my camera. Makes a big camera bigger, but gives me freedom to move without getting the cord caught on things or wrapped around me. If you are going to take a lot of flash pics or need fast recycling, this is for you.

Jim T.

2013-07-22T21:00:00

This has made speedlight use a breeze. Recycle times are incredible. Very consistent performance and power that lasts all day using my Nikon SB-910 speedlight. Can't believe I waited so long to make the purchase.

PAUL H.

2013-05-11T21:00:00

I bought two so I would have a backup or put one in my pocket for on-camera flash and one for the off-camera flash. A great product that does what it is supposed to do. Add batteries. Connect to flash. Fire away!!

PHILIP W.

2012-11-05T19:00:00

I chose the SB-9 because all my other equipment is Nikon. The SB-9 is light and compact and slips onto my belt for convenient usage. It really does recycle my SB910 quickly for multiple, consistent flash bursts and I use it all the time. My only negative is the build quality of the internal battery holder. I've had to send mine back twice in three months for under guarantee repairs. The plastic battery holders inside my SB-9 shear off when inserting the batteries, meaning the AA size batteries are loose inside the holder. Maybe Nikon should use better quality plastic or use another material as the plastic is under stress every time the batteries are removed and replaced. Apart from this, I'm really pleased with the performance of the SB-9.

Busy S.

Originally posted at

2012-07-23T21:00:00

You will not be disappointed with this product.

DRM

2012-07-22T21:00:00

When using bounce flash all day , and fill during a 90deg sunny wedding, I would not have got the 780 shots that I did if I was not using the power pack. Full power blast, Recycle, full power blast, recycle......

JESSE C.

2012-07-22T21:00:00

You cannot do without this flash accessory. The flash recycle time drops and the flash does not overheat. I bought one for each flash. I love them.

JOE H.

2012-07-15T21:00:00

This power pack provides consistent output and excellent flashes. I have had three continuous 4 fps shots with flashes. Flashes came on each and every shot. However, this SD9 power pack is used only to shorten recycle time. That means your SB90/910 must have good batteries in it, as the battery pack cannot be used alone. Therefore, it should not be called an external power source, but as a supplementary power source to the main SB900/910. Nothing is mentioned in the manual about this requirement. As for the ready lights, none illuminates even with 8 fresh batteries. Called Nikon to ask about these questions, a rep had to put me on hold twice to consult with her manual or whomever before answering. Bottom line, the manual needs to be rewritten to avoid confusion.

Mr D.

2012-05-13T21:00:00

Great build consistant with Nikon's line of equipment. Lengthens usage of flash units during photo sessions.

Phil W.

2012-03-20T21:00:00

After using one for a while, I bought another one for a second speed light. It really improves the recycling speed. Fits easily on the tripod with built in velcro attachment or if hand holding speed light, it fits nicely in a big pocket.

Lynette

2012-02-15T19:00:00

I think this has been my best purchsae in a long time. If you are frequently using your stobes at high output or utilizing high speed sync you NEED this product. It keeps my SB-900's from over heating and lets me fire them off at blazing speeds. I was frequently having my lights over heat and loosing valuable time while they cooled down, this is no longer an issue with the SD-9.

RANDY L.

2012-02-05T19:00:00

A must have item if you are doing wedding and event photography with off camera flash. Works well with both Nikon SB900 and the new SB910.

Ravi S.

2012-01-08T19:00:00

my flash doesnt over heat any more but it hasnt help with cycling time the instuction are useless

andre

2011-12-02T19:00:00

By itself, on or off camera, it is powerful and easy to use to handle most situations with ease. The iTTl feature works well in quickly changing atmosphers/lighted subjects (Such as Wedding Reseptions and Events). Pair it with one or more 900's with the Remote or Master setting, and let the creativity begin. Would be 5 Stars, but the high temp shut down feature is a catch 22 (Can be avoided by use of the SD-9 Battery Pack).

BianchiEV2

Originally posted at

2011-09-18T21:00:00

This SD9 mated to my SB900 is an unbeatable combo !! I also tether it to a lightstand when I need my shoe flash with a softbox,umbrella etc... Easy to load and use , when attached to my waist with the belt loop I often forget it is there.

DONNY J.

2011-09-17T21:00:00

Flexable uses either 4 or 8 "AA" batteries.

Beas

2011-09-10T21:00:00

Ever have to photograph the handshake & smile with the VIP? One after the other. The Nikon SB-900 flash itself will overheat quickly. Same true in corporate or family event photography. This product is a champ. Just wish the battery compartment container was not a jigsaw puzzle and a spare for quick refill is expensive plastic.

MARTHA R.

2011-09-04T21:00:00

Pretty good but overpriced.

MIGUEL M.

2011-09-03T21:00:00

I use several SD-9 packs when I need power without delay. Examples, weddings at moments when rapid recycling of the SB-900 is a must! I also attach these units to my remote speedflash stands. Holds 8 AA or 4 AA batteries snug and secure. Padded holder velcro straps onto harnesses or camera bag strap conveniently. Also slides into vest or suit jacked inside pocket. Cable is long enough to reach the on camera strobe from your belt. Only complaint is that is not cross compatible with the SB-800 units, so I have to carry other battery pack styles for those. (would be nice to have one pack that works with all my Nikon Speedlights) It came with a screw which would allow the user to mount it on the bottom of your camera. I can't imagine doing that with the weight, though if you did mount it, batteries can be exchanged without detaching from the screw mount. For performance, 8 batteries in a pack are definitely an advantage over the prior design with 6 batteries. This is a MUST for fashion and runway assignments. No time for battery changes there... Sports would also probably be a great use for these, but I'm not a sports photographer. The pouch design allows you to place it so the cable runs out of the left or right side, so is convenient for left of right side attachment. I like it, I'd purchase it again... very pleased.

FREDERICK D.

2011-08-21T21:00:00

Purchased this to shoot my sister-in-law's wedding. Was torn between this and a quantum pack for my sb-900. Went with this due to it being cheaper and the batteries being easily replaceable. I was blown away by how well this kept up. I put 12 2000mAH eneloops (4 in the flash, 8 in the pack), and shot 2400 photos with flash. Most was fill flash in a dim reception hall, but there was a fair amount of near full power pops needed to fill due to some serious sun backlighting at the ceremony. The flash was overheating, but kept on going just fine (I keep the thermal shutdown on the flash off), and considering I got 2400 shots with flash without having to change the batteries, I was truly amazed how well this worked. Never had any recycle time issues at all either, the camera buffer filled up before the flash slowed down if I was shooting a burst. The only downsides to it are that it really doesn't mount on the bottom of your camera in the tripod socket. It's a nice idea, but it's way too huge and awkwardly positioned to make it useful, so keep in mind you'll have to mount it to your belt or a strap or something. It sits fine in a pocket as well. The only other issue i had with it was the plug once pulled out of the flash when I was first trying it out. It's a snug fit, but still just a friction fit, however a little gaffers tape or electrical tape keeps it nice and secure. Overall I'm super happy with this purchase. While the Quantum packs allow you to get different cables for other flashes, for me the ability to swap out easily obtainable AA's as well as the lower price were more important to me.

ALAN C.

2011-03-11T19:00:00

I have only used this pack a few times but i am suprised how much easier it makes my experience. the flash works when its needed and the extra weight is fine. it may be a bit pricey for a piece of plastic but what isn't?

cactus

Originally posted at

2011-01-11T19:00:00

If you want to get the most from your SB-900, you should own this battery pack

Robert L.