As a photographer, you’re likely no stranger to the challenges of capturing high-speed moments. Whether it’s freezing the motion of a fast-moving subject or illuminating a dimly lit scene, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial. One such tool is high speed sync (HSS), a feature that allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds above the usual sync speed of 1/200s or 1/250s. But which Nikon Speedlights offer this advanced capability? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Nikon Speedlights with high speed sync, exploring the features, benefits, and limitations of these powerful flashes.
The Importance of High Speed Sync in Photography
High speed sync is a game-changer for photographers who need to capture fast-moving subjects or work in bright lighting conditions. With traditional flash systems, the maximum sync speed is typically limited to around 1/200s or 1/250s. Anything faster, and the camera’s shutter would open and close too quickly for the flash to illuminate the entire scene, resulting in a partially lit or “black band” effect. HSS, on the other hand, allows the flash to fire multiple times during the exposure, creating a seamless, band-free image even at high shutter speeds.
But HSS is not just for action photographers. It’s also an essential tool for shooting in bright sunlight, where the camera’s built-in flash may not be powerful enough to overcome the ambient light. With HSS, you can shoot at apertures like f/1.4 or f/2.8, creating beautiful bokeh and shallow depth of field effects, even in the brightest lighting conditions.
Nikon Speedlights with High Speed Sync: A Comprehensive Overview
So, which Nikon Speedlights offer high speed sync? The answer is: not all of them. In this section, we’ll explore the Speedlights that do support HSS, along with their key features and specifications.
Nikon SB-5000
The Nikon SB-5000 is the flagship of the Nikon Speedlight range, and it’s no surprise that it features high speed sync. With a guide number of 113 feet (34.5 meters) at ISO 100, the SB-5000 is one of the most powerful Speedlights in the Nikon lineup. It also boasts advanced features like wireless control, AF assist, and a wide-angle adapter for 14mm lenses.
The SB-5000’s HSS capabilities are truly impressive, with sync speeds of up to 1/8000s possible in compatible camera modes.
Nikon SB-910
The Nikon SB-910 is another high-end Speedlight that offers high speed sync. With a guide number of 111.5 feet (34 meters) at ISO 100, it’s almost as powerful as the SB-5000. The SB-910 also features advanced wireless control, AF assist, and a built-in wide-angle adapter for 12mm lenses.
The SB-910’s HSS capabilities are slightly more limited than the SB-5000’s, with sync speeds of up to 1/4000s possible in compatible camera modes.
Nikon SB-700
The Nikon SB-700 is a mid-range Speedlight that still packs a punch when it comes to high speed sync. With a guide number of 92 feet (28 meters) at ISO 100, it may not be as powerful as the SB-5000 or SB-910, but it still offers plenty of versatility.
The SB-700’s HSS capabilities are similar to the SB-910’s, with sync speeds of up to 1/4000s possible in compatible camera modes.
| Speedlight Model | Guide Number (ISO 100) | HSS Sync Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Nikon SB-5000 | 113 feet (34.5 meters) | Up to 1/8000s |
| Nikon SB-910 | 111.5 feet (34 meters) | Up to 1/4000s |
| Nikon SB-700 | 92 feet (28 meters) | Up to 1/4000s |
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nikon Speedlight with HSS
While high speed sync is a critical feature for many photographers, it’s not the only factor to consider when choosing a Nikon Speedlight.
Power and Recycle Time
The power of the Speedlight, measured in guide number, is a critical factor in determining its ability to illuminate a scene. A more powerful Speedlight will be able to light up larger areas or subjects at a greater distance.
Recycle time, on the other hand, refers to the time it takes for the Speedlight to recharge between flashes. Faster recycle times are essential for high-speed photography, where every millisecond counts.
Wireless Control and Radio AWL
Wireless control is a convenient feature that allows you to control multiple Speedlights from a single camera-mounted unit. Radio AWL (Advanced Wireless Lighting) is a more advanced system that uses radio frequencies to communicate between Speedlights, offering greater range and reliability.
AF Assist and Modeling Light
AF assist is a feature that helps the camera’s autofocus system in low-light conditions by emitting a brief flash of light. Modeling light is a continuous, low-power light that allows you to preview the effect of the flash on the subject.
Conclusion
High speed sync is a powerful tool in the photographer’s arsenal, and Nikon Speedlights with HSS offer a range of creative possibilities. From the flagship SB-5000 to the mid-range SB-700, there’s a Nikon Speedlight with HSS to suit every photographer’s needs.
Remember, when choosing a Nikon Speedlight with HSS, consider not only the high speed sync capabilities but also the power, recycle time, wireless control, and other advanced features that will help take your photography to the next level.
By understanding the features and benefits of Nikon Speedlights with high speed sync, you’ll be better equipped to capture stunning images in even the most challenging lighting conditions.
What is High-Speed Sync and how does it work?
High-Speed Sync (HSS) is a feature found in some Nikon Speedlights that allows the flash to synchronize with the camera’s shutter speed even when it exceeds the camera’s x-sync speed. Normally, when the shutter speed is faster than the x-sync speed, the flash will not fully synchronize, resulting in a black band or cut-off in the image. HSS allows the flash to fire in rapid succession, creating a stroboscopic effect that illuminates the entire image, even at high shutter speeds.
When HSS is enabled, the Speedlight fires a series of rapid flashes during the exposure, creating a continuous burst of light that keeps up with the camera’s shutter speed. This allows photographers to use flash at shutter speeds up to 1/8000th of a second, giving them more creative control over the image. HSS is particularly useful for capturing fast-moving subjects, or for creating a shallow depth of field in bright lighting conditions.
What are the benefits of using High-Speed Sync?
One of the main benefits of using High-Speed Sync is the ability to use flash at high shutter speeds, which allows photographers to capture fast-moving subjects or create a shallow depth of field in bright lighting conditions. This makes it ideal for sports, wildlife, and action photography, as well as for capturing portraits in bright sunlight. Additionally, HSS can be used to create a more natural-looking image, as the flash can be balanced with the ambient light to create a more subtle, natural effect.
Another benefit of HSS is that it allows photographers to use a wider aperture, which can create a more pleasing background blur and draw attention to the subject. This is particularly useful for portraits, where a shallow depth of field can help to separate the subject from the background. Overall, HSS provides photographers with more creative control and flexibility when using flash, allowing them to capture a wider range of images and effects.
What Nikon Speedlights support High-Speed Sync?
Nikon’s current lineup of Speedlights that support High-Speed Sync include the SB-5000, SB-500, SB-400, and SB-300. These Speedlights are all compatible with Nikon’s i-TTL flash system, which provides advanced flash metering and exposure control. Additionally, some third-party Speedlights may also support HSS, but it’s essential to check compatibility with your specific camera and flash system before purchasing.
It’s worth noting that not all Nikon cameras support HSS, so it’s essential to check your camera’s specifications to ensure that it is compatible with HSS. Additionally, some older Speedlights may not support HSS, so it’s essential to check the specifications of your Speedlight to ensure that it is compatible with this feature.
How do I enable High-Speed Sync on my Nikon camera?
Enabling High-Speed Sync on your Nikon camera depends on the specific model and camera settings. Typically, you’ll need to go to the camera’s menu, select the Flash/Shooting menu, and then choose the High-Speed Sync option. You may also need to select the correct flash mode, such as TTL or Manual, depending on your specific camera and Speedlight setup.
It’s essential to consult your camera’s manual or online documentation for specific instructions on how to enable HSS on your particular camera model. Additionally, you may need to adjust your flash settings and exposure compensation to achieve the desired effect. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different settings and test your results before shooting an important event or session.
What are the limitations of High-Speed Sync?
One of the main limitations of High-Speed Sync is that it requires a significant amount of power from the Speedlight, which can result in faster battery drain and reduced flash range. This means that you may need to use more powerful Speedlights or external battery packs to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, HSS can sometimes produce a lower light output than normal flash mode, which may affect the overall exposure of the image.
Another limitation of HSS is that it may not be compatible with certain flash modes, such as Rear-Curtain Sync or Slow Sync. Additionally, some cameras may have specific restrictions or limitations on the use of HSS, so it’s essential to consult your camera’s manual or online documentation for specific information on how to use this feature. Overall, while HSS is a powerful tool, it’s essential to understand its limitations and use it judiciously to achieve the best results.
Can I use High-Speed Sync with other flash modes?
Yes, High-Speed Sync can be used in combination with other flash modes, such as TTL, Manual, and Repeating Flash. However, the specific flash modes that can be used with HSS depend on the camera and Speedlight model. For example, some Speedlights may not support HSS in Manual mode, while others may only support it in TTL mode.
When using HSS with other flash modes, it’s essential to understand how the different modes interact and affect the overall exposure of the image. For example, using HSS with Repeating Flash can create a stroboscopic effect, while using it with Manual mode can provide more control over the flash output. Experimenting with different flash modes and settings can help you achieve the desired effect and expand your creative possibilities.
Is High-Speed Sync compatible with wireless flash control?
Yes, High-Speed Sync is compatible with wireless flash control, which allows you to control multiple Speedlights remotely using a commander unit or camera. This provides more flexibility and creative control, as you can place Speedlights in different locations and adjust their output and settings wirelessly.
When using HSS with wireless flash control, it’s essential to ensure that all Speedlights are set to the same channel and mode, and that the commander unit or camera is compatible with HSS. Additionally, you may need to adjust the flash settings and exposure compensation to achieve the desired effect, as the wireless signal may introduce additional latency or variability in the flash output.