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Designed for professional photographers and photo enthusiasts, the SB-800 offers new features when used with Nikon's new D2H professional digital SLR camera. These features include advanced wireless control for multiple SB-800 speedlights that are controlled by a master speedlight, new Auto FP high-speed sync, new Flash Value (FV) lock, flash color information communication for improved color accuracy and a new Wide-Area AF Assist Illuminator that is tailored to the D2H's new 11-area Multi-Cam 2000 AF sensor module. Combined with other Nikon digital SLR cameras, the SB-800 offers performance comparable to the highly successful Nikon SB-80DX speedlight.
In the process of developing their new D2H Digital SLR, Nikon has created a completely speedlight flash system that could both harness the technology incorporated in this new camera system, and respond to professional photographers' needs. The resulting SB-800 speedlight features new i-TTL advanced wireless control capabilities that will find creative uses in studios, remote locations and any number of picture-taking situations where photographers need to carry a compact, versatile and powerful light system.
Advanced Wireless Lighting Control for Easier Creative Lighting - The SB-800 speedlight system features wireless technology that enables photographers to fully control up to four groups of SB-800 speedlights wirelessly. This set of four includes one Master Controller and three remote groups - each of which can contain any number of SB-800 speedlights for total lighting control. A majority of features for speedlights within each group can be individually controlled from the Master Controller. These settings are made and confirmed on the Master Controller's large dot-matrix LCD screen. All speedlights within this wireless arrangement can operate in i-TTL mode for completely automatic flash exposures -- which are calculated via a new monitor pre-flash function that measures light from each source and combines them with overall camera exposure readings - producing an accurate, well exposed photograph with balanced lighting. Each group within the wireless arrangement can also be programmed to different flash modes such as i-TTL AA, or Manual mode, or any combination of these modes.
One of the most appealing features of Nikon's i-TTL wireless system is the ability to adjust flash compensation settings on the fly for each group of speedlights, from the Master Controller. This makes controlling light output from speedlights placed in hard to reach locations simple and effortless. The SB-800 makes multiple flash photography as easy as using a single speedlight mounted on a camera, without the hassles of cables or stands. In addition to wireless flash capabilities, the SB-800 offers significant new features designed for high-speed photography and exceptional overall accuracy.
- Auto White Balance Adjustment using Flash Color Temperature Information: The SB-800 achieves a high level of color accuracy when used with the D2H digital SLR camera. With changes in the duration of light emitted by a speedlight, there are slight variations of color temperature. Using the D2H in Auto White Balance mode, the SB-800 communicates these slight variations in color data back to D2H and the camera's auto white balance system implements the fine adjustment needed for overall excellent white balance.
- FV-Lock: FV-Lock (Flash Value Lock) is comparable to the way an AE-Lock functions in a camera. Once the camera measures a correct flash value, the SB-800 locks this value until the photographer resets it -- helping to maintain the flash value for correct exposure of the subject.
- Auto FP High-Speed Sync Flash: The SB-800's Auto FP function can automatically fire the speedlight in i-TTL mode at shutter speeds up to 1/8,000 second, offering excellent opportunities to use flash in bright light with fast aperture lenses.
- Modeling Flash: A modeling flash feature in the SB-800 fires a stroboscopic burst of light for approximately one second, allowing photographers to visually confirm lighting and shadow effects before shooting.
- Quick Battery Recycle Pack: Included with the SB-800 Speedlight is the SD-800 Quick Battery Recycle pack that cuts recycling time in the SB-800 to as short as 2.7 seconds for full power manual flash.
- Additional features in the SB-800 include zoom coverage, bounce and rotating flash head, large LCD read-out panel, accessory filters for special color effects and emulation of fluorescent and incandescent lighting, robust locking flash shoe, and autofocus assist light.
Seamless Functionality Within Nikon's Total Imaging System - The SB-800 offers 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash function with Nikon's F5, F100, N80 and N75 35mm film SLR cameras and offers Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash with the N65 35mm film SLR camera. The SB-800 also provides D-TTL performance with Nikon digital SLR cameras including the D1x, D1H, D1, and D100. With the new D2H digital SLR camera, the speedlight offers advanced i-TTL control. The D2H is also fully compatible with all DX-series Nikon speedlights, including the SB-80DX, SB-50DX and SB-28DX.
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I love it it dose the job well.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Virginia Beach, VA on 10/29/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I use it for "off the wall" shots and portrait photography. The SB-800 is very easy to use and is somewhat intuitive as far as getting it to do what I want it to do.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Lenexa, KS on 9/23/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
Great flash that only runs on 4 AA batteries, most bang for your buck!
I added the 5th battery and the recycling time improved greatly
from Garden Grove , CA 92841 on 9/8/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
Easy to use
from New York on 9/4/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
This is an excellent companion to the D300 when used for flash fill-in, bracketing with flash, general use beyond 15 ft.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Wrens, Ga on 8/22/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I use this product as my general flash. It is a fantastic piece to own, but comes with a little difficulty to learn how to use properly.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Dover, NH on 8/20/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
Nice flash with a wide range of features. I use for weddings and portraits.
from Richmond County N.C. on 8/20/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
The Light it gives off is great
from Corryton, TN on 8/19/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I use the SB-800 as the flash for my Nikon D-70 for all of my photograghy needs.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Mount Dora, FL on 8/14/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I was amazed at the results, first time use. The way the flash controls many of the D70S settings were mind boggling!
[3 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
from Glencoe, AL on 8/13/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I considered purchasing the SB-400 & 600, but opted for the 800 to use with my D40X. It was a great investment! The colors in my photos are so true to life now. I've used it when photographing my children playing indoor & outdoor sports. I am able to get a crisper shot from the stands because of the great lighting from my flash.
Another "PRO" to this flash is that it is really great on the batteries. I use rechargable Energizer batteries and I have fired MANY flashes (too many to keep up with the count) and have not had to charge them as of yet!
without flash
Tags: Without Product
with SB800
Tags: Using Product
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Corning, CA on 8/8/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
This flash is a great improvement over my previous flash, the Nikon SB-80DX.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Truckee Ca on 8/8/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
Great flash for the money, dose everything needed, not hard to use, easy to keep on camera, can also use remotely.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Sherman, Tx. on 8/7/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I am a truck driver and I use the SB 800 to light various landscapes and buildings at night and in the daytime when needed. The light has survived the dirt and harsh life of an over the road truking environment.
from Worcester, MA on 8/1/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
This flash is a must have for any photographer with a Nikon DSLR camera
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Mesa, AZ on 7/28/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
My bigest beef with this flash, an dmost of Nikon's newer ones, is that there is no external power pack for longer shooting and faster recycling. When shooting in daylight as fill the 2750mAh set of 5 batteries barely lasted 50 shots before the flash powered off.
Kat
Tags: Using Product
Hannah P
Tags: Using Product
[3 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I appreciate the command mode, simple but yet amasing how this speedlight can control other speedlights. I shoot fashion shows and weddings, and I love how fast this SB-800 re-cycles. Hands down, very amasing quick setup menu is so user friendly and overall high quality. Personally, I need to thank Nikon, thanks a lot.
Keiko Matsui
Tags: Using Product
Newleyseds
Tags: Using Product
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Tuscaloosa, AL on 2/29/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
The SB-800 is extremely versatile for a various array of photography projects from sporting events to portraits. The wireless feature enables multiple flashes to be used for great studio work or for those special lighting needs. It also works great with the SB-600 in the wireless mode as well. There are just too many great features to discuss them all, but this is the flash to have.
[2 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Fayetteville, GA on 1/1/2008
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I used my aunt's on vacation and i could see a major differance in my photographs!!!!!!! A good differance!!!!
[2 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Houston on 11/29/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
Thought i dont personally own one... Got a chance to use my cousins... The performace when compared to the Nikon Speedlight products that i used was quite quick.
I dint find a significant problem except for weight. difficult for carrying and holding the camera for long while trying to capture a specific emotion.
[2 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Salt Lake City, UT on 9/18/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I love my sb-800. I am going to go buy another one to try the wireless set-up. I use this flash for all my portraits and nightime photography. It works great.
[0 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Maimi, Fl on 9/5/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I recomend this flash to my colleges!
[4 of 5 customers found this review helpful]
from LaBelle, FL. on 6/29/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
The SB800 has saved me when doing night shoots and helpped with shadows during the day. The best money ive spent!!!!
[5 of 5 customers found this review helpful]
from Lansing, MI on 6/8/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
As a new user of this product I would reccommend it to anyone. It does use batteries quickly, but always have rechargeables as backup 4 to go and 4 in the charger. besides that I can find no down sides.
[3 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
Such a great enhancement to you indoor photos. A million times better then the built in flash for many of nikons SLRs. [...]
Bounce sb-800 flash in DARK kitchen
Tags: Using Product
[2 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
from pittsburgh pa on 3/2/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
love it, different angles of rotatin, love experimenting with it
bruno
Tags: Made with Product, Using Product
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
from Midland, MI on 2/19/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
The SB-800 works great.It is a little complicated,but not too much. But what you get for a little time,it's worth it. It works very well with my D-50.
[3 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
from Temecula, CA on 2/18/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
This flash works perfectly with the cls (creative lighting systme) If you have a Nikon D80 or higher the wireless system works amazing with multiple flash units and spectacular lighting situations.
Tags: Using Product
[5 of 5 customers found this review helpful]
from Tempe, AZ on 2/17/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
Plain and simple if your relying on the on camera flash to do your work it's time to switch. I first was looking at a flash since I just couldn't stand my on board flash but needed some external lighting for such things as sports and low light portraits and also fill flash for some modeling. I choose the 800 for the fact that it did just a few things better such as faster recycle time, brighter output and I think it's swivel neck unlike the 600. The best thing I like about this flash is the fine tunning and how quick it was at refreshing. On a fast shutter speed this flash can keep up with my demands for shooting continuously pretty well. Also for portraits and fill flash you can get the light so nice that it looks like you shot a photo with just natural light. Everything is exposed but one can also done that down if he/she wants. Some might think about saving [...]$ or so and settling with the 600 but I can honestly say that it's worth the extra amount. Although its made out of plastic it is still sturdy "not heavy" just that it feels like a solid piece. Also on camera it's secure to the hot shoe and is not wobbly. If your in doubt try to rent it but I'm sure once you see how well this product works you'll fall in love with it just like I did.
Shot with SB800 + CS2 Filters
Tags: Made with Product
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Fair Hill, Maryland on 2/17/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
I have had a great experience with this product. It has never let me down. I have found that when I Photograph most things with it the flash needs to be bounced. It is very powerful when used straight on. The only other bad thing is that it can only be a slave flash for the D70 or higher. All in all I love the SB800 and would highly recommend it.
My son
Tags: Using Product, Bounced off Ceiling
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Renton, WA on 2/17/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
A massive flash for the price. Slave, hair light, master or fill, this can do it all. I'd never leave home without it. The manual is a little difficult to understand at times, but who needs it...just get out there and use it!
[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
This is by far the BEST speedlight I have ever seen. Nikon far exceeded my expectations with this design.
Easy to use and extremely versatile - as usual with Nikon products however, I wish their manuals were more user friendly.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from W-S, NC on 2/17/2007
Comments about Nikon Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash:
Like the wireless feature.