Godox V860ii vs Nikon SB 910 -Which One is the Best?

Which camera flash is better: the Godox V860ii or the Nikon SB 910?

Both Godox and Nikon offer camera flashes that cater to different needs and budgets. Godox has gained a reputation for providing budget-friendly options while maintaining good quality and performance. On the other hand, Nikon's SB-910, being a first-party device, initially comes at a higher price point but offers excellent flash duration and high-speed sync capabilities. Nikon also has other notable flashes like the SB-5000.

Now let’s check out specs and features before we get to the details.

Features

Godox V860ii

Nikon SB 910

Guide Number

196.85' / 60 m at ISO 100 (200 mm Position)

34 m/111.5 ft. (at ISO 100, 35mm zoom head position

Auto Zoom Head

Yes

Yes

Bounce Head

-7 to +90°

 -7° or up to 90°

Swivel Head

360°

180°

Wireless Operation

Optical Pulse (TTL/Manual)

Up to 49.21' / 15 m (Master, Slave)

Radio (TTL/Manual)

Up to 328.08' / 100 m (Master, Slave)

/

Internal Power

1x Rechargeable

4 AA batteries (alkaline, Ni-Mh or Li-Ion)

Flash Duration

1/300 to 1/20000 seconds

 1/880 to 1/38500 seconds

Recycle Time

Approx. 0.1 to 1.5 Seconds

Approx. 0.1 to 1.5 Seconds

Flash Modes

Hi-Speed Sync, Second-Curtain Sync

 i-TTL Mode

Auto Aperture Flash Mode

Non-TTL Auto Flash Mode

Distance-priority Manual Flash Mode

Manual Flash Mode

Repeating Flash Mode

Flash Compensation

-3 to +3 EV (1/3 EV Steps)

 -3 to 3 EV in 1/3 EV

Wireless Channels

32

4

Wireless Groups

3

3

Battery Life

Approx 650 full power flashes

10 shots with throw-away Alkaline. 165 shots with 2,000 mAh eneloop. 190 with 2,600mAh Ni-MH

Dimensions (W x H x D)

2.5 x 3 x 7.5" / 64 x 76 x 190 mm

5.7 x 3.1 x 4.4 inches, HWD. 145 x 78.5 x 113 millimeters

Weight

15.17 oz / 430 g

18.410 oz/ 521.9 g

 

Price and Size

The Godox V860II offers an attractive price point compared to the higher-priced Nikon SB-910. With a starting price of $179 on Amazon, the Godox flash provides excellent value for photographers on a tight budget who still want to achieve high-quality flash photography. It offers reliable performance and quality that can meet the needs of many photographers. The SB-910 goes for $499.

Furthermore, if you already own a Nikon camera flash and are looking for an additional unit as a backup, the Godox V860II is a great option. It provides compatibility with Nikon cameras and offers similar functionality and performance at a more affordable price compared to the Nikon SB-910. Both the Godox V860II and the Nikon SB-910 are designed to be relatively compact and portable camera flashes, so there is no significant difference in size between the two units.

Godox v860ii vs Godox TT685

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Flash duration and Recycle Time

The Godox V860II offers a flash duration range of 1/300 to 1/20000 seconds, which provides photographers with the ability to freeze fast-moving subjects and capture high-quality details. This wide range allows for versatility in various shooting scenarios, especially when photographing action or sports.

On the other hand, the Nikon SB-910 has a flash duration range of 1/880 to 1/38500 seconds, with a minimum flash duration slightly slower than that of the Godox V860II. Indeed, both the Godox V860II and the Nikon SB-910 have recycle times ranging from approximately 0.1 to 1.5 seconds. Recycle time refers to the duration it takes for a flash to recharge and be ready for the next shot after firing at full power.

For instance, imagine you are capturing moments at a wedding reception, where timing is crucial. A camera flash with a 2-second recycle time at full power would be too slow and could cause you to miss beautiful and critical moments. However, if you have a camera flash with a recycle time of 0.1 to 1.5 seconds, you can take more shots in quick succession.

Flash Modes and Battery Life

Both the Nikon SB-910 and the Godox V860II offer a range of flash modes that can be helpful in various shooting situations. However, the Nikon SB-910 comes with a broader selection of flash modes, such as Non-TTL Auto Flash Mode, manual mode, and i-TTL Mode, among others. These options allow photographers to have more control over the lighting and achieve accurate lighting effects in different scenarios.

We think that Nikon SB-910 can be a good choice for experienced photographers who are familiar with different lighting techniques and want precise control over their flash output. By adjusting the flash modes, photographers can fine-tune the lighting to achieve the desired results.

Indeed, battery life is an important consideration when choosing a camera flash. In this case, the Godox V860II and the Nikon SB-910 have different battery life specifications.

The Godox V860II is known for its impressive battery life. It is capable of providing approximately 650 full power flashes on a single charge. 

Nikon SB-910 has different battery life performance in different situations, here are some information comes from the kenrockwell:

  • 110 shots with throw-away Alkaline.
  • 165 shots with 2,000 mAh eneloop.
  • 190 with 2,600mAh Ni-MH
  • 230 with AA Lithium

Which Flash is Right for Your Photography Needs

Type

Godox V860ii 

Nikon SB 910 

Portrait Photography

 Excellent

Excellent

Event Photography

Excellent

Excellent

Studio Photography

Excellent

Excellent

Environmental and On-location Photography

Excellent

Excellent

 

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