Nikon SB-800 Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 125'/38 m at 35mm) USA
This item can only be shipped to a US address.
Fully compatible with the latest Nikon digital and film SLR cameras, the SB-800 is currently the most advanced flash in the Speedlight range. As a replacement for the SB-80DX, the SB-800 shares the same specs, but now also features i-TTL control as part of the new Creative Lighting System (CLS), being introduced with the D2H digital SLR camera.
The i-TTL system supports Advanced Wireless Lighting and versatile functions for up to four groups of Speedlights, with 3 remote i-TTL speedlight groups controlled through the master SB-800. i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash flash control employs Nikon's new Advanced Data Communication system to introduce an improved method for the monitor pre-flash and wireless operation that marks an evolution in higher precision over Nikon's acclaimed D-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash control system and forms the core of the new Creative Lighting System.
NOTE: Requires SC-28 or SC-29 cables to maintain all i-TTL functions when used off-camera with D2H & D70 (or newer) camera.
- Multiple Flash Exposure Modes
-
- i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with Nikon Nikon D2H & D70
- D-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with Nikon D1 series or D100
- TTL Auto Flash with many film SLRs, including the Nikon F5, F100, N80 (F80), N75 (F75), N65 (F65) and FM3A
- [AA] Auto Aperture Flash
- [A] Auto Aperture Flash with many film SLRs, including the Nikon N55 (F55) and FM10
- [M] Manual Flash
- i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with Nikon Nikon D2H & D70
- Bounce Capability
-
Flash head tilts down to -7 degree or up to 90 degree
Flash head rotates horizontally 180 degree to the left or 90 degree to the right
- Stroboscopic Effect
- Repeating flash for creating stroboscopic multiple-exposure effect
- i-TTL
- Intelligent i-TTL system supports Advanced Wireless Lighting and versatile functions for up to 3 remote i-TTL speedlight groups controlled through a master SB-800 or with the "Commander" function of the D70
- Mixed Exposure Modes
- Individual flash mode settings ([TTL], [AA], [A] and [M]) are available for each of the four groups (including master controller) for easy total lighting control based on the brightness of the subject and not simply on general output ratios for each group
- FV Lock
- Flash Value Lock allows photographers to change the composition or zoom for the shot while maintaining desired lighting of the subject
- Distance Priority Manual Flash Mode
- User can set the distance and aperture, and the SB-800 automatically sets the power output, a great feature for manual flash [M] shooting at weddings and for product shots
- Colored Gels
- Allows modification of flash output to match background scene, especially useful for digital cameras where "white balance" can be controlled. Included are Tungsten and Fluorescent adjustment filters.
- SD-800 Extra Battery Holder
- The included SD-800 makes it possible to add a fifth AA battery to the flash, thereby extending the capacity by about %20.
- Improved Safety
- Safety lock on flash shoe
- LCD
- Large easily read illuminated LCD panel
- Standby Mode
- Adjustable standby mode can be varied from 40 to 300 seconds for conservation of battery power
| Type | Shoe mount |
| Guide No. |
|
| Angle of Coverage |
|
| Vari-Power | 1/1 to 1/128th |
| TTL Dedication | Yes (i-TTL; with the D2H, D-TTL, or TTL, depending on camera used) |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Zoom Head |
|
| Off Camera Terminal | Nikon Type PC Terminal (SC-15 or SC-11), & TTL Terminal (SC-19 or SC-18) |
| Recycle Time |
|
| Power Source |
Four 1.5-Volt "AA" batteries; alkaline, lithium, NiCad or NiMh One extra AA battery with SD-800 |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 5.0 x 3.6" (71 x 128 x 92mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 12.3 oz (350 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 368 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Consistent output (253)
- Fast recycling (213)
- Durable (186)
- Lightweight (165)
- Quiet (131)
Cons
- Heavy (38)
- Uses power quickly (5)
- Weak casing (5)
- Pricey / poor value (4)
- Eats batteries (3)
Best Uses
- General purpose (242)
- Portraits (238)
- Night photography (146)
- Photojournalism (138)
- Sports photography (82)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (123), Professional (91), Semi-professional (88), Tech savvy (15), Casual user (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
Your best bet with a Nikon DSLR
As a wedding event photographer, I push flash equipment to performance limits and have high expectations for the results I get. I struggled for quite awhile with several models of a certain high-priced flash ...Read complete review
As a wedding event photographer, I push flash equipment to performance limits and have high expectations for the results I get. I struggled for quite awhile with several models of a certain high-priced flash (name starts with "Q") that supposedly gave TTL ability with Nikon adapters, together with bare-bulb capability and higher power. Anyway, to make a long story short you are better off saving $1000's you can sink into some of these 3rd party systems and get a couple of these SB-800s. They have pretty reliable TTL & Auto exposures when used with Nikon DSLRs, they recycle fast with the 5th battery, and have reasonable power for most uses. I wish Nikon would come up with a wireless TTL system that used radio rather than optical. The problem with the IR system is that if you are outdoors, the sensor on the "slaves" needs to be facing and unobscured from seeing the "master" flash output (since there aren't walls etc. to reflect the signal). Also, I've experimented with using this wireless system for studio photography, but if you set up multiple channels for TTL remote control then there is an appreciable delay before the main flash exposure is made, while a quick sequence of pre-flashes communicate the necessary information. It's only a quarter second or so delay, but long enough for expressions to change or to cause blinks when doing portrait photography (very handy for product photography though). The delay is almost unnoticeable, but long enough that I don't use it for people photos. I mainly use the flash on a Custom Brackets bracket to keep it over the lens for verticals. Occasionally when shooting fast sequences like bouquet tosses, it will fail to recycle fast enough for one or two of the shots - but it's performance is still very good. I've been meaning to get the SD-8A battery pack which improves recycle time. People complain a lot about Nikon prices, but this flash is a good deal for it's performance and you won't have compatability issues. I think that Nikon's "improved" hotshoe mount is a pain though - the pin lock keeps it from inadvertantly sliding off the hotshoe, but it makes it incompatible with a lot of other hotshoe adapters and it is pretty "loose" in the camera hotshoe (wiggles around and feels like it's going to come off any time). Also, I'll add my two cents to other comments about the poor user interface. Nikon cameras are renown for having a great user interface (separate knobs & buttons for key functions, well placed, etc.). I just wish they would carry this through to the flash units so you didn't have to navigate through cryptic menus to make setting changes. I realize it's a challenge to provide controls for all the options that these have available, but more thought could certainly be put into it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Excellent Flash with one big issue
Excellent flash, but if you use for a event or wedding when you need to fire a lot, the flash will get warm and will shut off automatic, you have the option to turn...Read complete review
Excellent flash, but if you use for a event or wedding when you need to fire a lot, the flash will get warm and will shut off automatic, you have the option to turn the function off like i did, and then my flash just got Dead with one month and 3 wedding. I had to send to Nikon Warranty. I got two of SB900 and i will call the custumer service and ask if that is a problem to be fixed by firmware or by service, if don't i will stick with my Sb800. I you should do the same
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 368 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- Journalism
- Professional Work
- Special Events
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
I owned one before this one and had to buy a new one so i had to have one to use! it did not hold but about 18 months! then they charged me half the cost of a new one to fix it! trying to find a buyer for my nikon equipment so i can replace it all with cannon equipment!
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
Easy to use, powerfull strobe.
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Special Events
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
I was anticipating a great flash and I was not disappointed. I really like the off camera use, with my D300 commanding the SB800 as a remote. I've been usuing it on a stand with a speedlight adapter inside a small softbox as a travel portrait light. This flash has plenty of output to use the softbox.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Work
- Special Events
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
I have a perfect flash, which is helping to create a fantastic light on my pictures. The work well together with my D80. It also work well together with the built-in flash.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
- None I have experienced
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
Great light. Integrates seamlessly with my Nikon D200. I would buy or recommend this product again.
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
USED TO MODEL SESSION, IS A GOOD FLASH
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
- Uses Power Quickly
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
I just love this flash, specially for its power, and the wireless function.
Make sure that you get NiMH battery, Alkaline battery won't last 15 mns.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Work
- Special Events
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
using this flash has greatly enhanced the quality of the photos taken. the lighting is even, easy instructions and some tips too!
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
- Heavy
- Menu not well organized
- Uses Power Quickly
Best Uses
- Landscape
- ProductStill LIfe
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
It was a shock, but no surprise that the 800 has been discontinued. This durable and reliable strobe has been the workhorse for many photographers in many applications all over the world. The 800's commander mode opened up multiple strobe photography for me and many others. The use of strobes in landscape and outdoor photography reignited my passion for photography. The menu of the 800 (now eclipsed by the 900's much improved layout) gave me creative options that never failed to challenge me. As a stand alone speed light for off camera flash, the 800 is still my choice. But there are some things that could have been improved (some were in the 900). Recycle speed, battery life (I don't use power packs) , menu layout and options, weight, and bulk mounted on a D70 (not so bad on a D300). Those are relatively minor complaints given the service and the quality that 800's have given me in the past. While I am very please with the 900 (overheating not a problem for me), I still find myself reaching for the familiar and am a bit sad to see them go.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Always
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
Great flash! I was torn between this and the SB900. I'm really happy I went with the 800. The size is perfect.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
My ho-hum flash pictures are infinitely better with this flash!Weather as a supplemental, main or fill...this flash is cool
Pros
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Any time flash is needed
- Birthdays
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
I needed a second SB-800 to use in my photography work (mainly portraits). I typically use two SB-800's wirelessly with my D70 / D700 kit. I also use these with 5-AA's for more power and faster recycling. Why didn't I buy a new SB-900 since the user interface on the SB-800 is so _POOR_? (A) I'm used to it, (b) it keeps things consistent with my other speedlight(s), & (c) it's over $100 cheaper. The SB-800's are discontinued, so you'd better get one quick!
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
- Uses Power Quickly
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Night Video
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
I never thought a flash would be so great until I got the speedlight. The results are amazing and I don't even know what I'm doing. the only complaint I would say, if you take a lot of pictures, it burns through the batteries. It's rather expensive but worth every dime.
Pros
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
Nice to control my SB600 with the 800. Nice fifth battery to improve recycle time.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Work
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
This flash does a great job.
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
- Uses Power Quickly
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
Product is good, but the instructions are rather complex and convoluted. In some areas they are pretty vague and ambiguous. The illustrations are very small and one almost needs a magnifying glass to read some of them.
Pros
- Useful Flash modes
Cons
- Too expensive
Best Uses
- Special Events
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
Use with two other SB 800 Speedlights. Total system works well but difficult to change flash modes quickly. Would like more intuitive control of flash modes with a lock mode option. Line of site only use is restrictive -- would have liked radio control operation between remote flashes and the camera flash. Expensive considering what you get.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Special Events
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
From the first shot with the SB-800 on my D300, I have gotten vastly improved pictures. I am a rank amateur and was frustrated that my indoor and people shots just weren't up to my expectations. The speedflash instructions and examples resulted in a steep learning curve that yielded amazing results. I am still a rank amateur but my photographs will fool most other amateurs! I strongly recommend the SB-800!
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
Straight forward easy to use with D-300. Easily provides even coverage across the field of view.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Even Light Source
- Long Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Birthdays
- Professional Work
- Special Events
- Weddings
Comments about Nikon SB-800 Speedlight:
I use this flash for both on and off camera photography. I have used it both with the Nikon CLS environment along with the Cybersyncs from Alienbees. Works great with consistent flash and power everytime. To bad they are hard to come by anymore.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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- SS-800 Soft Case
- SW-10H Wide Angle Flash Adapter (Diffusion Dome)
- SD-800 Extra Battery Holder
-
Colored Filter Set SJ-800
Includes: TL-A1 Tungsten Filter & FL-G1 Fluorecent Filter - AS-19 Speedlight Stand
- 1-Year Warranty
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