SD-9 High Performance Battery Pack

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.

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.

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.

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).

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?