Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System USA

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

I recently took a trip to the island of Borneo and did some macro photography of fungi and small insects. Another person had a similar system and the images looked much better than I had. I probably will not travel with all of the parts (just the two flashes, the ring, and adapter for my lens) but it is great to have all of them. I found it easy to set up the system once I found the option to set my built-in flash on my D300s to commander mode in the E3 custom setting item.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

Very good close-range macro flash kit. For my purposes I found it best to purchase a third SB-R200 flash head. I use it indoors and out with D700 and D300 cameras. The batteries are expensive but last and last. Very versatile kit. Recommended.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

I bought this light system to take pictures of insects and so far I am satisfied with the results I am getting.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

This was not my first choice for a Macro flash. I had the choice of either Metz M15, Sigma EM140, and Niknon R1. There were a few other bottom feeders but they were not even considered.

I initially bought one of the 3rd party macro flashes listed above, and while it was supposed to recognize iTTL, it did not. So I returned it, and bought the R1 - which works perfectly.

I am using a Tokina 100mm Macro, so I had to buy a step ring to get the flash to mount as the Tokina is 55mm, and the Nikon does not come with this size adapter ring.

While I know that Nikon only makes rings for their lens filter sizes, they need to get beyond that as these days, if you don't maximize the heterogeneous capability of your product, you eventually lose market share.

If you need a step ring, just make sure you buy a metal one. There are some plastic rings on the market, and I am not sure if they would be good enough for this purpose.

I can use the D90 in remote commander just fine with this flash, and I setup Group A on the left unit, and Group B on the right so that I can control the balance between them.

Note that a lens such as the Tokina has an externally focusing mechanism (the lens barrel moves in and out during focus), as opposed to lenses such as the Nikon 105mm AF-S which is internally focused.

For this reason, the lens must be manually focused so you don't damage the lens motor from the added weight of the flash. But - this is true of ANY macro flash mounted to such a lens, not just the R1.

But that is not an issue as my camera doesn't autofocus well at close macro ranges anyway (without the R1 attached of course). It's just about a given that macro = manual focus.

I could recommend a few improvements though:

Weight: This was the heaviest of all of the units I looked at. Perhaps Nikon could have made a remote battery case to off-load the battery weight.

Batteries: CR123? Why? Nikon should be using AA or AAA batteries like everyone else. It ends up that CR123s are only a minor inconvenience though as I have found that on-line, they are no more expensive than AA or AAA. I just have to remember to order ahead.

I wish the SB-R200s had 1/4-20 tripod mount threads built into their base like Canon's MT-24. In contrast, you have to use the little stands Nikon supplies as they have 1/4-20 threads in them. This is rather Micky-Mouse.

You can buy a couple of Really Right Stuff 1/4-20 adapters, but they are expensive, and make it even more Mickey-Mouse. It would have been so easy to put threads on the SB-R200 to begin with.

And finally, that huge case. I could pack my lunch in it. And all of the little pieces that could easily get lost, it all seems a little silly and disorganized to me.

These negatives resulted in 4 stars to an otherwise flawlessly operating unit.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

We're using it for close up dental photographs and the amount of extra flash is amazing. still learning, but so far so good. less intimidating than the other macro flash we have

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

I ordered the r 1 to compliment my 105mm micro nikkor lens on a d7000 body. The macro work is with plants and there sutle detials. The case is a bonus and the kit has a wide array of adaptors. It assembled nice and easy and works seamlessly with the sb 700.I am happy I made the purchase. Adam colorado

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

Great light on the fly. Light, easy set-up, well thought out design. A must have for really close up work at high F-stops. After having this lighting system, you will wonder how you got along without it. Made for the Serious among us!

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

The product is just great to use, very easy to set up, very easy to understand, and comes in a nice case. I rate it 4 instead of 5 stars because you have to be very careful locking the flash ring onto the rings that go on the camera lens. In some cases it feels like both the top and bottom of the flash ring are attached to the lens ring, but in fact the bottom can be still loose. This makes it possible for the flash ring to detach and fall off the front of the camera. It is not hard to ensure that both top and bottom of the flash ring are attached properly. But it must be tested before assuming so.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

First impressions - great! Sharp, almost shadow-free images with 105mm macro lens. Storage case for system was an unexpected bonus. Non-standard battery (CR123) was a the only negative.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

[...] A little disappointed in the manual. There are really no instructions on how to use this product, only example photos of what you can do with it. I was a little misinformed about how it would perform with the products I had already and it's going to take some time to become familiar with how to use this system. Overall though, I am satisfied with this product and always happy with my decision to stick with Nikon!

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

I use this solely for macro/micro work on the Sigma 150 2.8 HSM EX and Nikon 85 3.5G Micro lenses. So far, I much prefer it on the Sigma glass. It provides great light. The only things I don't like about it is the cheap ring and plastics used to hold the ring to the lights.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

the owners manual is a little confusing because of the different ways of triggering the flash, and continual reference to the D70. Some of the plastic parts may not stand up to rough usage. The kit is nicely packed and comes with most of the accessories that you would need. It is very light and is easy to attach to the camera. I'm looking forward to some nice weather to get outside and do some macro nature photography.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

I use the R1 and my 300S for nature closeups, portrats,altering lighting with my SB600 flash.
Very easy to set up and combine with other flash units. Lets you create interesting lighting on grey days.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

I've never used a more versatile lighting system.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

I can use three SB200 lights with it, and they can be used off the ring . Very flexible and creative unit.Extremely pleased with the results.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

This product not only is on the money for close-up, but handles a diverse range of mutli-flash situations so well. I used the 200's with an 800 and the pop-up on my D700 to cover a very wide group in a night shot and it came out perfect.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

I use this Speedlight System for closeup work in the field, primarily macro on small animals and insects. These subjects can be a challenge, requiring great depth of field and a close approach, but not allowing for studio positioning. The 4804 R1 on my D300 has allowed me to capture magnificent images of creatures that only remain still for one or two quick shots. If time and subject allow, tripod and electronic shutter release are useful, but the small size and light weight of the R1 allows me to use it handheld when necessary. On the down side, the case is a bit of overkill unless you have unlimited ability to carry things along on an excursion. And it is somewhat a budget stretcher. But all in all this is a well crafted and designed instrument that serves a difficult purpose extremely well.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

I used this to take cadaver dissection photos for a textbook as well as macros of insects and flower. The kit integrated flawlessly with my 300 S. The system allowed for use of 105 2.8 Macro, an 80-200 2.8, a 24 2.8 and a 50 1.4 lenses with quick switchovers as the dissection quickly progressed. The screw on rims, the easily attached ring with the lateral flashes still provide a solid base. I found the ability to hold the flashes at different heights and angles allowed for a degree of creativity unavailable in a standard ring flash. The images are sharp and well saturated. The only problem I have is that the diffusers did not fit. I have not had time to contact Nikon[...] regarding this.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

Great for macro shots of flowers and insects.

Comments about Nikon 4804 R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System:

[...]It really is like having a mini studio for close up shooting. The R200 flashes work faultlessly with the Su-800 commander. I had to add the ur-5 adapter ring to my kit, because I shoot with Nikon's 60mm macro. I was torn between this close-up system and a ring flash. After buying and shooting with the close-up kit. I am certain that, I made the right choice. I am going to enjoy all the different lighting options, for some time to come. Where a ring flash couldn't have even come close to offering the same choices or possibilities in lighting. My images taken with the close-up system are greatly improved over those taken without it. I can hand hold the camera even in poor lighting conditions and control depth of field as my subject demands. Once the system is in place you never notice it, the weight isn't even an issue. I had bought the Su-800 commander earlier. So I was glad to see, I didn't have to buy it again in the Nikon Close-up system. For Nikon macro photography this system is a must have and it opens a whole new world up of macro subjects with studio lighting effects.