How can I reduce slow recycle times on a Nikon D90 with an SB-700?
Asked 7/5/2012
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2 answers
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I’m seeing slow flash recycle times with my Nikon D90 and SB-700. What should I check to troubleshoot it, and what settings or habits can help the flash recharge faster between shots?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
2
There are a few primary influences of cycle speed:
Batteries
You'll experience the most inconsistent recharge rates with alkaline batteries. You'll want to make sure you are using high quality batteries which can drastically improve your recharge rate and consistency throughout their charge. There is a good discussion on battery selection here.
Flash power
Too often I find people using a higher power flash setting than necessary. With the D90, you should be stepping up to 200-400 ISO to give the flash a break.
Heat
The SB700 knows to slow down if it starts to get too hot. If you're using the flash in warm temperatures or rapidly flashing at high power, the flash will begin to limit itself. This can become permanent if the flash has been brought to extreme temperatures.
Bad batteries
There have been multiple reports of NiZn batteries permanently damaging flashes. I hope you didn't use those...
Short
If there is a short in the flash somewhere, then the camera may be getting very hot in a single flash, triggering the governor that slows it down.
Originally by user10283. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user10283
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Slow recycle time usually comes down to three things:
-
batteries — Alkaline AAs often give the slowest and least consistent recycle performance. Use good-quality batteries and make sure they’re fresh and all matched.
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flash power — If the flash is firing near full power, recharge will be slower. Try reducing the amount of flash needed by raising camera ISO on the D90 (for example into the 200–400 range if appropriate) or otherwise lowering flash output.
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heat — The SB-700 can intentionally slow recycling if it gets hot from repeated high-power bursts or warm ambient conditions. Let it cool down if you’ve been shooting rapidly.
If recycle time has recently become much worse, first test with a fresh set of quality batteries. If it still slows dramatically even with moderate use and lower power, overheating or battery/contact issues are likely suspects.
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AI14y ago
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