Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras - Old Version by Nikon
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Digital camera reviews of Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras - Old Version
Digital camera Review: Easier to use than I expected
Summary: 5 Stars
SB800 flash, was a lot easier to use than I expected and has helped a lot in my work, I am allready thinking of getting another one to use a slave unit, mmmm maybe even moreDigital camera Review: Easy and powerfully effective
Summary: 5 Stars
To explain a little, I used to work in the Photographic retail business. I've been a round many brands, and seen a lot of different guns. Believe it or not Nikon flashes we're used by Canon professionals. I had a customer who changed from his Nikon F4 to and EOS 1 after seeing all the shots he'd lost during winter Olympics. He came in and traded all the Nikon in for EOS kit. (stay with me here) well he kept his flash guns as they are always handy for slave work. He bought Canon's guns and hated them, just for kicks he tried Nikon on his Canon.....and yes great results!
The reason for relaying this story is that Nikon make by far the best TTL guns on the market. Many people have always complained that Nikon under-exposes but this is to preserve the highlights.
This gun seems just to be perfect in so many ways. I use this on a Nikon D80 and also have a SB600. I bought the SB800 as I wanted a greater range. On the SB600 I used a Sto-fen diffuser...this is great for close up's and gives you a good natural light...however it will reduce the range. The great thing about the SB800 is you have one of Nikon's designs included that does the same.
I'd really recommend this for anyone who needs that great power output. If you need slightly less and want to save a few bucks go for the SB600. I'm happy with both guns. I only really got the SB800 as I needed an extra gun, I nearly bought another SB600; but the idea of extra range came in handy.
Great flash I'd recommend some NIMH rechargeable batteries, these give more flashes than regular batteries, plus recycle faster. A great idea is some good quality Sony's on a fast 1 hour charger. Go for the highers MH...I got some 2500's and charger for around $30.
It comes with said diffuser, soft case, stand for wireless iTTL and extra 1 AA battery clip.
Digital camera Review: Electric Sun
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the Speedlight to take to Europe with a new D100. It worked fantastic. I was able to light the ceilings of every church and castle we visited. The light is bright and very fast. The color digital image was true to the actual color - no yellow tinge at all. Close-ups were great. NO red-eye on any shot and no washed out images. I took about 1200 pictures and used the Speedlight on about 500 of them. Everyone was perfect. Took the shadows right out of the pictures in bright sunlight. There should be no doubt about whether it is worth the dollars - it is every one of them.Digital camera Review: Essential component for Nikon photographers!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is not a "flash unit" but rather an essential digital and lighing component for any photographer using Nikon equipment.
The included manual already does such a good job of confusing both the potential user and recent purchaser that I think I will just describe what I have learned about my SB800 units in plain english.
First of all let me clear up one issue that a few people, myself included, found initially frusterating and at times confounding.
That is .....entering Custom Settings Mode.
First - PressPower On/Off to turn unit to ON.
Then - Press Mode button followed immediately by the Power On/Off to turn Off.
Then - Immediately press Power On/Off again to turn On.
Then - Press and Hold the Select dial for two seconds till LCD changes to Custom Settings menu. (Make sure
the LCD pointer is not highlighting any sub-menu such as Channel or Group)
Ok...done. Remember that if you plan on changing Custom Functions quickly!
Onto why I label the SB800 as an essential component.
-Integration with the D200 Custom Settings Flash menu.
Specifically the Built-In Flash submenu where you can select TTL, Manual, Repeating Flash or Commander
Mode.
-Ability to fire SB800 units set to Remote( SB800 Custom Menu) via the D200's onboard flash set to
Commander Mode. (D200 - Custom Menu- Flash/Bracket-Built-InFlash submenu).
-High Speed Sync up to camera's highest shutter speed when used in SB800's AA(Auto Apperture), ( SB800-
Custom Menu-A/AA mode), TTL-BN (Balanced Fill Flash) and D200's P, S and A modes.
-Included accessories such as filters, stand and plastic Soft Box.
If I had to point to one thing I know now that I didn't know several months ago it would be that the included manual does eventually become comphrehensive.
If I had to name a single unexpected surprise feature it would be that you can use the SB800 without firing the flash as an enhanced auto focus module.
Yes and I mean very enhanced!
Simply go to SB800 Custom Menu and then to Fire On/Off and click to Off. Make sure D200 camera AF Area Illumination is set to either Auto or On.
Then prepare to be amazed as the SB800 deploys a cross pattern infrared light to assist Auto Focus in low light conditions instead of the camera using the annoying white light PreFlashes to assist.
Suddenly I was achieving accurate AF into rooms that to my naked eye were almost completely dark. Certainly to dark to see to focus visually at all.
That is one heck of a nice surprise in my opinion!
Good luck!
Digital camera Review: Excellent Choice For the Nikon D200
Summary: 5 Stars
This is another Nikon item I've used for several years without a misfire. Years ago when I first became interested in photography, even before I obtained my MA in Fine Arts Photography I realized there were only two 35 mm cameras that had all of the features and support I was looking for. Those two brands were Nikon and Canon. I still believe that either is a great choice. I made my choice based on the Nikon F that one of the Marine Corps Combat Photographers attached to my unit was carrying. It had a rather large piece of shrapnel stuck in the front of the camera body and covered with duct tape. It had been working just fine in that condition for a year, through 110 degree temperatures, 90% plus humidity, daily downpours, and yes shrapnel. I figured if a Nikon could hold up under those conditions it was the camera system for me. For over 40 years that has held true. The SB-800 is just another example of what I expect and demand from Nikon. It is also why if there is a Nikon product that does the job I don't buy an aftermarket replacement.
The other reviews have all of the technical details but great technical proficiency sitting in the repair shop doesn't get the image captured. This is a great and reliable flash unit.