Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras Reviews

• Why I chose the SB-800 over the SB-600

  
  By A5JLAU2ARJ0BO on 2005-01-21
  I won't repeat the wealth of information the other kind reviewers have already given. I'll just focus on why I decided to cough up the extra $100 to get the SB-800 instead of the less powerful SB-600.
  
  Compared to the SB-600, the SB-800 has the following extra features:
  
  1) Much more powerful, as reflected in the GN.
  2) Slightly faster recycle time with the standard four AA batteries. It also comes with a battery holder that holds a fifth battery which cuts down recycle time by 1/3 to 1/2.
  3) The SB-800 has non-TTL auto and auto aperture modes. (More on this later.)
  4) In wireless remote mode, the SB-800 can act both as the master and slave, whereas the 600 can only be a slave.
  5) It comes with a useful diffusion dome, which won't even fit on the SB-600.
  6) The SB-800 package also includes two colored gel filters.
  7) The SB-800 can do repeating flash (in the same exposure), for a strobe effect.
  
  Basically, both the 600 and 800 support Nikon's latest flash technologies, i-TTL (supported by the D70 and D2H only) and CLS (creative lighting system), in addition to all the TTL (through the lens) flash modes Nikon introduced in the past. The 600 is really a prosumer-level flash that's either TTL or manual, whereas the 800 is pure pro-grade with a lot of modes and options. The manual, evidently written by a Japanese manual writer, attests to its sophistication; understanding the manual will really require a Ph.D. in yoga so you don't stress yourself out.
  
  The 800's auto modes are what won me over in the end. The auto modes can set the flash output automatically on Nikon bodies that do not support any TTL (through the lens) mode. On those bodies, with the 600 you'd have to resort to manual, which is simply a pain in the butt, not to mention prone to error. The two non-TTL auto modes on the 800 are auto aperture and auto. You'll need to study the manual very carefully to figure out the difference; I still haven't, but I'm already enjoying the auto aperture mode. The availability of auto modes also means the 800 can be used on a wide range of Nikon bodies than the simpler 600.
  
  If you are deciding between the 600 and the 800 like I was, ask yourself the following questions:
  
  1) Do you have an extra $100-$150 to spend? If yes, the 800.
  2) Do you plan to use the external flash a lot? If yes, the 800.
  3) Do you have Nikon bodies (usually older manual ones) that do not support TTL (you can find out in the camera's user's guide)? If yes, the 800.
  4) Do you plan to do a lot of wireless flash photography and take full advantage of Nikon's Creative Lighting System? If yes, the 800.
  5) If you want to get a diffusion dome that fits the flash, get the 800.
  
  In the end, I think the SB-800 is a better long-term investment than the SB-600, despite the higher price. It's much more powerful and flexible, and even though it's an overkill for me right now, I imagine when my flash photography improves (and I'm trying very hard right now), it'll prove a very worthy investment.
  
  Feel free to drop me an e-mail at hotmail with any questions. BTW, if anyone knows of a good web forum that discusses how to use Nikon's flash modes and the CLS, please let us know. Thanks.
  
  

• Perfect flash for D100

  
  By A15N5D547HXVXL on 2004-12-01
  I just recently bought this flash for my D100.
  
  My wife wanted me to take a bunch of photos of her grandmother's small antique objects - pieces of jade, little carvings on ivory, some vases, etc. I have never been happy with the D100's built-in flash, and my local camera shop suggested the SB-800 over several other Nikon models (after I told them I would also use it for photographing pets and some indoor photography while sightseeing).
  
  This flash is great. First of all, the color is natural... The photos I have been taking of jade, ivory, small glass objects, and even my pets (and my wife as a test subject) come out evenly exposed with no hot spots, especially when using the diffusion dome and pointing the flash up at the ceiling (when mounted on the camera, the flash can be turned, and tilted 90 degrees in about 10 degree increments).
  
  Second of all, it is FAST. It contains 4 AA batteries, with the option of adding a 5th in a small addition (so you can trade off between weight and recharge time). With all 5 batteries installed and fresh, it can keep pace with my camera's rate of 3 pictures a second for 5-6 flashes. After that, it needs less than a second to be ready to go again.
  
  Third of all, it makes using a flash brain-dead simple, At least attached to my D100 (and presumably the D70). It automatically adjusts itself based on the characteristics of my lens, the zoom, the distance to subject, backlighting, etc. I can still manually futz with settings if I want, but I don't have to to get a great shot.
  
  One accessory I would consider a 'must' for the flash is the 4 foot cable that lets you use it off-camera. Especially since my main purpose is to take photos of small objects, having side-lighting is crucial to bringing out the relief on things like carved jade. It doesn't come with the flash.
  
  

• Perfect Flash

  
  By A1UYX96F943BQB on 2004-12-28
  I bought this flash to use with my Nikon D70. I wanted a flash with plenty of power and flexibility, but smart enough to handle caluation of exposure when I just wanted to shoot. I was not disappointed.
  
  This flash works hand-in-glove with other elements of the Nikon system. When connected to the hot-shoe of my D70 the camera and flash instantly recognize each other. The default "TTL" mode (Through The Lens) gives consistantly well-exposed photos. If anything, the camera and flash tend to want to underexpose just a bit, but you can easily use the flash compensation to fix this. It appears that the Nikon folks are going for a more natural-light exposure, while I prefer a brighter picture. I usually set the flash to +2/3 and am always happy with the results.
  
  The SB-800 has many flash modes that can be used by the creative photographer for different situations. They include 2 TTL modes, auto-aperature mode, manual mode, and a repeating flash mode. The RPT mode lets you set the flash power and frequency in Hz and the flash repeatedly fires during the exposure. Great for experimentation.
  
  The flash head tilts to 90 degrees straight up, and swings completely around to 180 degrees - backwards. It has a red focus-assist lamp which works wonderfully.
  
  The SB-800 comes with a number of accessories that come at an additional price for many other flashes. An extra battery attachment is included, which decreases the flash recycle time. A flash diffuser dome is also included to give a softer lighting effect. Two light filters are included to match the flash to background lighting for more natural white balance settings. They even include a nice padded case.
  
  The Sb-800 takes 4 AA batteries, and you can use the optional battery case to add a fifth to decrease recycle time. The batteries last a long time - see the manual for the battery life that Nikon documents. I can go all day without recharging my 2300 ma AA's.
  
  This flash also has a number of wireless modes. When using the D70's internal flash as the "Commander" I can trigger the SB-800 and the camera and flash will communicate the exposure information back and forth with a series of brief flashes, then fire the exposure flash. It really works, and works well. The SB800 can also use a SU-4 remote mode, which will trigger the flash when it "sees" any other flash fire, so any camera could trigger it.
  
  This flash is not inexpensive, but it works wonders for the photographer who wants flexibility and good exposures. I now find myself wanting another one, to use in a wireless group and expand the flexibility. I recommend it without reservation.
  
  

• Electric Sun

  
  By A2NGF2ZEPGI6JF on 2004-07-09
  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.
  
  

• Incredible flash right out of the box.

  
  By A3NL6J5EFKILK3 on 2004-10-22
  I just received my SB800 a week after placing my order and was so anxious to use it, I didn't even bother reading the instructions. Popped in the 4 AA's, attached it to my D70, and started shooting at everything in the house. I am really impressed with how easy it can be to use and yet, so sophisticated and complex if you want to venture into the full capabilities of this flash. This is probably the best accessory that I can imagine for my camera. My camera's built-in flash tended to be quite harsh and unflattering whereas the SB800 produces much more pleasing lighting effects, especially when using the diffuser and bouncing off a wall or ceiling. Using the flash off the camera in the wireless mode is probably the most fun. It is interesting to see the variations of shadows and light in a portrait pose simply by moving the flash relative to the subject. The exposure was always correct and consistent. Also, it is surprisingly light and unobtrusive for something so powerful. This is a must have if you have a Nikon D70.
  
  
• Very Good Flash
  By A1QDKO8ZFJZ509 on 2004-12-26
  Simply excellent. Got this flash on Xmas day and in ONE day I'm getting the best results from the camera ever. Wireless mode is great and the flash zoom function is quite effective. I do think this is a large flash. I wish it was the size of the SB600 instead. The 800 is a lot more capable than the 600 and well worth the extra bucks...more power, built in bounce card, diffuser dome that switches zoom to wide mode, built in SU4 mode, 5th battery case shortens recycle times and gives more juice and so on. There are also a couple of gels and a stand. It all packs into a smallish case. On top of the D70 you have a BIG camera around your neck! You'll feel a bit like Jimmy Olson waiting for the next big story to break! The camera balance is certainly compromised to a degree, but you can get use to it. The display also shows camera settings which is very nice. Press the display button on the D70 and both displays light up. If you're not experienced with a flash like this, study the manual and experiment before using on people. The flash is VERY powerful, far beyond built in flash types, so go easy on the eyes!
  [...] Happy shooting!
  Capt RB
  
  
• Essential component for Nikon photographers!
  By A35AIS4474UJDT on 2006-04-17
  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!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• A must have for your D70
  By AGVB3UZIPFHEF on 2005-07-03
  After reading the reviews I bought the 800 over the 600. After reading the manual I was about to send it back (too complicated), but decided to give it a try anyway.
  
  Don't let the manual and all the things this flash will do scare you off. Just put it on your camera and in about 5 minutes you will figure out the basics, and the basics are amazing: Pefectly exposed shots with color to match. Straight, bounce, diffused, it doesn't matter.
  
  As has already been noted, this model comes with a diffuser, which is a nice touch and a way to remove the harshness from flash photos. Like "natural" makeup, this flash can make your photos look more natural. After all, photography is all about light, so you're not really cheating -- just using all the tools at your disposal.
  
  
  
  
• All in One
  By A5EK9YI0YJ3GM on 2006-03-01
  I do have to say, being a semi-pro photographer, this one item has made a vast difference in many of my shots. It has allowed me to get studio like shots (to an extent) without having to use those giant studio flashes that cost thousands of dollars. I was able to just set up a few hot lights and use the SB-800 off camera thanks to that amazingly wonderfull wireless feature and got great quality shots for what I needed to do. Also, being a concert photographer, in low light areas this works great especially since most tour managers don't take to highly of Flash use, it allows me to be farther back and get a great shot since I know have a little more fill light to work with. The SB-800 I do have to say is by far one of the few products that you won't regret paying a high price for. I had originally thought of getting the 600 and decided to go all out and get the 800 after reading all the featuers it has that the SB-600 doesnt. This product, coupled with my D70 and DR-6 right angle viewfinder (another great investment you should all look into) give me so many great shots, I do have to say the only design flaw about the SB-800 is that I can't use the DR-6 while the flash is on the camera unless I buy a bracketing system. Most of the time though, When I am useing the DR-6 I am at an angle where the pop-up works just fine but there have been a few times that I wish I could use the 800 as well. So for those who are unsure between this and the SB-600, go with this product. Now all I have to do is find a better lens then my Sigma 28-300 and I am all set. Anyone know where to find a good deal on the 18-200mm Nikor Lens? If so someone (if there is a way) please email or contact me I have a myspace search my company
  Hope this helps at least one person
  Brad
  Premier Images
  
  
• Great flash
  By A344VCIOO3EG21 on 2007-01-26
  One of the features the SB-800 has that the SB-600 does not is Auto-Aperture. It has a sensor on the flash that can detect reflected flash in order to achieve proper exposure. I'm sure that in complex setups i-TTL is more accurate, but in informal testing it achieved the same results. Why is this important to me? No preflash! My wife has an extremely quick blink reflex that results in closed eyes when I use a preflash. Flash exposure lock is one solution, but my D40 doesn't support it. Even on cameras that do, it is an extra step to take a picture, and some people see the preflash and think you've already taken the picture.
  
  The SB-800 also has a diffusion dome, gels, an optical slave, a little more power, and several other useful features that the SB-600 doesn't.
  
  On the downside, the manual is really long. While the flash having lots of capabilities is good, it means figuring out how to do something can take a while. Read and practice before trying to take crucial shots.
  
  Overall, I love this flash. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Nice, however, NIKON is a joke
  By AYFCMX6EMIPKE on 2005-09-10
  Get the 800. First off: The LCD on the 600 is hard to see. The 800 can go into AA mode. It is more powerful, thus giving you more light at f.16 etc. Allowing for more depth when you wnat it. It has a modeling light. It has the abilitly to accept cords, the sb600 cannot. 100 more, I know, but it may be useful 5% of the time. I would guess, even more. Also, the sb800 comes with the diffusion/softening filter and 2 gel filters. This would cost 15+.
  (...)
  Why is Nikon a joke? Call them, tech support to find out. I do not think that Nikon USA has anyone there who knows what they are doing or knows the camera or flashs they sell. You call and they read you the manual. I can read!! Nikon is a strange company. Despite their obvious stupidity and lack of customer care, (rude and poorly trained people who work their)their cameras and flash are good. I would consider a Cannon had, like many,if I did not already have nikon lens and an F100. First, I would call Cannon and ask a question on a product that you looked at and see if they can answer the question. The chance is they can't . If they could then Nikon would have been gone a long time ago. So, get your Nikon and be prepared to spend many hours trying to figure out advanced flash features. The book/manual does not tell you anything. They give examples but do not explain anything.
  I still have some questions and will figure them out in time... NOT FROM NIKON TECH SUPPORT, however.
  Best Regards
  
  
• The flash to use with the Nikon digital SLRs
  By A2XRMQA6PJ5ZJ8 on 2006-02-14
  This is THE flash to use with Nikon's SLR digital cameras. It supports iTTL on the D50, D70/D70s, and D2H, and TTL on the D100. The D70s with the SB800 (my setup) is an absolute joy to use. The SB800 features plenty of power and a fairly fast recycling time. With iTTL, you will generally get very well exposed pictures. It is great for fill-flash, which can alleviate those harsh daylight shadows and bring a good photograph to life.
  
  The SB800 has too many features to detail here, but the main thing about the flash is that when used in combination with one of Nikon's digital SLRs, especially the D70s, D50, D200, or D2h, you can generally expect very nicely exposed photos through Nikon's excellent through-the-lens metering. The photographer can set the camera on one of several more or less "point and shoot" modes, or exercise creative control by a variety of exposure adjustments. This is a flash that can satisfy the professional while allowing excellent results from the amateur.
  
  The unit uses 4 (or 5) AA NiMh batteries. It comes with a battery accessory that allows the camera to use 5 rather than 4 AA batteries--this causes the unit to recycle faster and provide more shots.
  
  The SB800 is what you need if you are using a Nikon digital SLR camera. Mine is a permanent part of my D70s.
  
  
• Great Product... much better than the SB-600
  By AZYBS95EWNCKZ on 2006-11-04
  I also have the SB-600 and this product, the SB-800, is much better - and worth the extra $100. It is much easier to use since it has a simple menu structure and not the wierd button combo selections of the SB-600. The flash output is better, the recycle time is better and you can use the flash as a commander for other wireless flashes. Also the extra battery holder for a fifth battery reduces recycle time further and never comes off my unit. The diffusion head is also included so you don't have to buy a separate one from Stofen... works great.
  
  
• Great Flash
  By A1HBHYF31QHURL on 2006-01-15
  Three great features of this SB800 Flash:
  1. Very Powerful and with the standard diffuser which is part of the unit can produce enough light for very wide angle lens. Great for indoor photos if you want to show what the house looks like.
  2. Can be used as a slave unit in its remote mode, being triggered by the camera built-in flash (without a cable). When the camera built-in flash on my D70S is set to the "Commander" mode the flash communicates with the camera through the lens to provide proper lighting for the subject.
  3. Even though the flash set-up is quite complicated, Nikon service provided via telephone is out of this world. You can always get to talk to a Nikon representative within minutes and the guys know what they are talking about and take you with great patience through every step necessary and make sure you do what you need to properly. Other manufacturers can learn from Nikon what goog customer service is all about.
  
  And about Amazon - The purchase arrived on the day promised, nicely packed. I have been recommending Amazon to all my friend and will be a repeated customer for sure.
  
  Thanks Amazon.com
  
  
  
• First time external flash - oh my!
  By A3NDRLILKU6559 on 2006-02-23
  Just bought my first SLR (D50) and my first external flash (SB-800 AF). I didn't know what to expect, but I was amazed! I could take the flash into a very dark (mostly candle lit) and large (40'x65') room and take a shot that looked like daylight. As far as the speed, its amazing - I can shoot off 12 shots in continuous mode on my camera and the flash will keep up (sometimes it will miss a shot or two - still trying to figure that one out). So far, I couldn't be more pleased!
  
  
• Why is it a good idea to buy SB-800
  By A2A37CA2585XG7 on 2006-06-23
  Here is my point. When you buy a digital SLR, most likely in a couple years there will a newer model available with some better features for the same price. But lenses as well as flashes a not changing that fast and keep value much longer. So from a purely financial prospective, it's always better to invest more in the long lasting lenses and flashes and less in the DSLR body.
  
  Another point. Most people don't need all advanced feature of the modern flashes and can probably easily survive without them. But also almost everyone sooner or later finds him/herself in a situation, when the place is just too dark and too big. So it's more likely you'll need just more raw power then any of the advanced features.
  
  So the bottom line, since a general purpose flash is usually a long term investment, if you have a choice, try to get the most powerful one.
  
  
• Preliminary review: just about every feature possible
  By A3ACJFFFKHLZ0P on 2006-07-25
  Nikon designed this unit to exploit the possibilities of their latest digital SLRs while still being compatble with their oldest F-series cameras. The SB-800 is more expensive than the SB-600, but it gives you more control and more light. You may find more light to be critical if you want to use bounce flash to soften shadows.
  
  I would have given the SB-800 five stars if the user manual had been a little better. Nikon obviously tried very hard to provide good documentation, and to make the user interface as intuitive as possible. But, a unit with so many features and modes inevitably will require effort to learn, and will present cases where you are working against the built in automation. Expect to make a large number of experimental shots if you really want to learn how to use this unit.
  
  My chief plea to Nikon would be for a more straight forward explanation that cameras like the D50 DO NOT HAVE TTL FLASH. The so called i-TTL uses pre flashes and computation to set up a calculated flash rather than a real time measurement during the exposure to quench the flash. One would normally expect the same result, but not if a slave flash is used.
  
  One of the beauties of the SB-800, however, is that it can be used as a slave unit using its own sensor to determine when the master unit is firing, even if (as in the case of a D50 using its built in flash) the camera and the SB-800 are not communicating i-TTL info via IR pulses.
  
  
• the way to go!
  By A5SC3J9QD19EO on 2006-06-04
  Bought it together with the D50, 6 month ago.
  Simply the best choice for digital Nikon SLR, superior compared to the high-end flashes for the analog Nikon cameras.
  
  Within a range of up to 60feet this flash will brighten very smooth, no red eyes, the press will focus perfectly.
  
  But you need the 5th battery, and you better spent the money for high-end batteries, don't use "consumer-type" rechargeable ones. They will last for a very short time only, not enough to fill a 1GB card!
  
  
  
• A must have for any Nikon DSLR user
  By A1FFS3MDV3IODW on 2006-09-09
  I would not be able to imagine shooting without the SB-800, it's just so integral to my photography. My only gripe is the TTL preflashes which can cause some people to blink of half-blink by the time the main flash goes off. But you can easily get around this by using FV lock.
  
  Fill flash is perhaps the most excellent function of the SB-800. I usually stop it down about by -1.3EV to -1.7EV to get imperceptable results.
  
  
• Impressive Unit
  By A1CLS326NEN86Y on 2006-09-11
  I purchased this Speedlight for my D70s. It is easy to take out of the box and fire up. But it's capable of a lot more than your standard portraiture and vacation shots.
  
  I have been using this unit for in-store photography and it's worked wonders. The included filters help balance out the horrific fluorescent lighting found in most stores. While it's highly intuitive, I can also control it's output.
  
  This is an essential part of any Nikon package.
  
  
• First impressions
  By A3FNCCOVNV4CK6 on 2007-04-17
  I recently upgraded to a Nikon D200 with the 18-200 Nikor zoom and purchased the SB800 flash to go along with the camera. As many people have stated in the D200 reviews its a great camera. What is amazing is how fantastic the flash complements the D200. I have only started to exploit the power of this flash but so far it is unbeatable. The camera, lens and flash all work together as a fantasic system. The exposure metering of the sytem is amazing. I have used it in full program mode and let the system do the thinking. The results were expectedly good. When I started pushing it more, for example putting the camera in full manual mode and letting the flash figure out how much extra light was needed it did not miss a beat. Similar amazing results were found with bounce flashes, diffused flashes, and even mulitple flashes per exposure to get a strobe effect. All had well balanced exposure.
  
  There is a bit of a learning curve with the flash. For example, you have to learn what the different modes are, how they are represented on the LCD screen, and how to adjust them. Its not difficult but it does take a bit of time to become familiar with them.
  
  All things considered, an amazing product that I am sure I will ejoy using for years to come.
  
  
• Skip the SB-600 and buy the 800
  By A30VFRUR0TKZKK on 2007-06-19
  This flash is excellent, powerful, cycles fast and does a few interesting new things with the D200. My favorite thing to do is use the SB-800 off camera and trigger it with my in-camera flash.
  
  
• Great flash, but the manual needs work
  By A1EUBE7G87VQ1Q on 2007-06-28
  Very nice flash. I have had it for about 1 week and have tested it indoors and outdoors. I can immediately tell the difference in the photos - particularly indoors. Red-eye has been eliminated and the ability to bounce the light off the ceiling really gives an interesting ambience to the pictures. It is quick and the display is easy to follow.
  
  I have a Nikon D80 and the built-in flash was not giving me very good pictures in my house (we have a lot of intense can lights which give a 'spotlight' effect, but also cast harsh shadows on people's faces). Also, most of the time I am trying to take pix of two young boys (under the age of 5). Challenging lighting and subjects that will not sit still make for difficult photographs, hence the need for a DSLR and, ultimately, the Speedlight. This flash has been great - charges quickly and doesn't seem to blind the kids. That is important.
  
  Only two complaints:
  1) It is heavy. I'm not used to using a DSLR or external flashes, so it does take some getting used to. (I was always using a pocket sized point and shoot camera prior to upgrading)
  2) The manual is confusing. I tried reading it page-by-page for a few nights but that was useless. Instead I just started taking lots of pix and experimented indoors and outdoors. The flash unit itself is pretty intuitive to use and now I only refer to the manual when I have a question. I would have given this 4 stars if the manual was more helpful.
  
  Bottom line: I'd recommend it to anyone. Definitely worth the money and the improvement in my photographs.
  
  
• This flash rocks!
  By A1AXBTSCO64XVI on 2005-12-10
  I purchased this flash for my D50 and it exceeds my expectations. It is powerful, fast, and versatile. Well worth the money and a huge improvement over the built-in flash. Highly recommended!
  
  
• The Sun In a Box
  By A1IH1GXC3TE7HJ on 2007-03-08
  Lets face facts,if you know what you are doing most any strobe can be tamed to do the job. The only limitations are power and the ability to control it. The Nikon SB-800 is a dead on accurate flash that is capable of hundreds of lighting tasks. What sets it apart is that you can take the main SB-800 & have it control a second or countless other SB-800 flashes with relative ease & absolute precision time & again. You don't need extra cables & triggers in most situations. Its worth its price tag , it delivers the goods!!!
  
  
• Excellent Flash - Nikon SB-800
  By A1CT0QW3N6G4UL on 2005-08-29
  Although I have not yet used all of it's features, the SB-800 has proven to be a marvellous Flash. I highly recommend it for the D70.
  
  I cannot say the same for Amazon's service. It took 6 days for an "overnight" delivery.
  
  
• It's worth every penny . . .
  By AN7QTAV3PFM3P on 2006-12-05
  Don't think twice. This flash attachment is so versatile you'll squeeze every penny out of it even if you only use half it's features. I use a Nikon D-200 and before that a D-70. And, I own two (not one, but two) of these amazing flashes. I've used them in a variety of ways together: one on the camera while the other is in remote mode; both remotely triggered by the camera's flash; and finally - one of my favorites - both off camera using the Nikon SC-28 TTL Coiled Remote Cord (a 9 foot extension that attaches to the flash shoe on-camera for use instead of either the on-camera flash or the SB-800 being on-camera). I've found this helpful for eliminating the camera-based remote triggering flash, which often causes subjects to blink at the very moment the picture is taken. I might have it elevated above the camera on a light stand or, if in the field, just in my hand off to one side or another. But, back to the SB-800: I've never taken so many perfectly exposed flash pictures in my life. And, with the SB-800, I know that the possibilities are endless.
  
  
• Awesome flash
  By A3M9NLLT9MNPU on 2007-05-14
  This flash on a Nikon camera using iTTL (through the lens automatic) makes great pictures. The flash is very powerful, automatically adjusts to the width of your zoom lens (up to 105mm) and is one of the reasons that Nikon is so well known for being the wedding photographer's choice of camera. It's a superior system to anything out there on a capable Nikon (I used a D2Xs and D70s, but everyone with a D40 and up will love this flash).
  
  
• Good flash, unimpressive build quality, some quirks
  By AOBWQX84JB0NV on 2008-07-21
  I'm a professional photographer and have three of these (one that's four years old, the others are much more recent). I quite like these versatile and powerful flash units. But rather than repeating the thumbs-up comments that all the other reviewers have already left, and in the interest of "keeping it real," here are a few cons.
  
  * Build quality is so-so. It's not as outrageously flimsy as the way-overpriced SD-8A external battery pack that I usually pair with these flashes, but neither does the SB-800 inspire the confidence that Nikon's pro bodies and pro lenses do.
  * After using the single-pin flash terminal on the side of the SB-800 about 100 times, the thin metal sheath around the center pin worked itself loose from my older unit. The flash (now out of warranty) has to be sent in for repair.
  * It's a puzzling and annoying oversight that there are no battery indicators on any of Nikon's modern flash units. Even the just-announced SB-900, which will retail for close to $500, lacks that feature, despite the fact that Nikon has had about FIVE YEARS (since the release of the SB-800) to correct that obvious shortcoming.
  * The other thing that makes me curse the SB-800 under my breath at times is that it has no proper on-off switch. It has a recessed power button instead that's not exactly the height of responsiveness. If the flash is off-camera and in sleep mode, you can't just turn it off. You have to wake it up from sleep first by pressing the power button, then let go, then press the button again in order to eventually power the unit off. It wastes precious seconds -- and at a wedding, seconds really count. An actual switch like on the cheapo SB-400 would be much, much better (quicker).
  * Other parts of the user interface are just as inadequate. The flash settings are considerably harder to change with the controls on the back of the unit than they ought to be -- the menus leave a lot to be desired. It's not as bad as with the even more confusing SB-600, and with patience you can figure it all out, but 'intuitive' is hardly the word here... I know half a dozen photographers who will be buying a SB-900 unit for its supposedly improved interface alone.
  * Nikon cautions users against using the flash too intensely. They want you to take no more than 10 to 15 flash shots in quick succession at full power. After that, you're supposed to let the flash cool off for 10 minutes. Yeah, that'll work if you're shooting an event -- just go on a ten-minute coffeebreak every time you've fired the flash a dozen times rapidly.
  
  Don't get me wrong: The built-in wireless capabilities of both the SB-600 and SB-800 are tremendous, and the SB-800 is a really useful, powerful and (mostly) dependable performer. But the "perfect" flash, as some have anointed it -- nice thought, but no.
  
  
• Versatility and more
  By A3GS5LX1VRJAB5 on 2005-08-02
  Although I have only had the SB-800 for a few weeks I am totally impressed with it's versatility. It undoubtedly exceeds my expectations and capabilities. Used with my D70 I feel I am now prepared to take any picture in any ambient lighting environment that I may be challenged with. The instructions booklet is not an easy read but full of options which I hope to master.....someday!
  
  

• 3-Year Extended Service Plan - Covers Electronic Items $501-$1000 - Repair
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• Energizer® "AA" Alkaline Batteries "AA" 12-pack
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