Nikon SB-800 Review
Note: This review was written prior to the release of the SB-900, and an addition has been made at the end to reflect the SB-900s new features.
Introduced in 2003, the SB-800 became the standard flashgun for most pros and advanced amateurs using the Nikon system.
For those coming to flash photography for the first time, or are perhaps upgrading from earlier non TTL speedlights, the SB-800 includes several operating modes to suit just about every need. These are:
- i-TTL for use with Nikon CLS compatible bodies
- D-TTL for use with Nikon bodies that at not CLS compatible
- Non-TTL Auto Aperture flash for use with CLS compatible bodies
- Non-TTL auto flash for use with CLS and non CLS compatible bodies
- Distance Priority Mode
- Manual Flash
- Repeating Flash
The SB-800 also includes an SU-4 Optical Slave Mode allowing it to be triggered optically by another flash, a PC Sync input for standard wired triggering, and a TTL multi flash input terminal!
The User Interface
The user interface is functional, if perhaps a little clunky. While some of the functions are easily accessible, others are buried inside a multi level custom menu system. The dot matrix LCD display is a little coarse, but serves the purpose by providing a blank canvas on which to display the many options.
Starting on the right, the ON/OFF button is pretty self explanatory, and is used to turn the power on and off, or to recover the SB-800 from standby mode. Below and to the left of the power button is the ready light, which illuminates when ever the SB-800 has recycled and is ready to fire. In the center is a multi-selector pad that allows for up, down, left and right movement together with a button (SEL/select) in the center. Pressing and holding the SEL button for 1 second will cause the SB-800 to enter the custom functions menu, more on this later.
To the left of the multi-selector is the flash test button (press to test fire the SB-800), and above that is the MODE button.
Modeling Flash
On the back of the flash head itself is a modeling light button, and pressing (and holding) this button causes the SB-800 to emit a series of low power flashes to aid in visualizing where light and shadows are falling. This is particularly useful when setting remote speedlights in order to ensure they are covering the areas required, and ensuring that light is not spilling outside of the desired areas. It's far easier to use the modeling light when adjusting functions such as the zoom than it is to take a shot with a camera, and check the results frame by frame.
Flash Output Compensation
Flash output compensation can be set directly on the SB-800, or when mounted on a camera hot shoe, via the camera's own flash output compensation functions. The compensation range is from -3EV to +3EV.
Wireless Master & Wireless Remote
Where the SB-800 really shines is the ability to operate not only on the camera's hot shoe, but also in both Wireless Master and Wireless Remote modes. As a Master the SB-800 can control itself and up to 3 other independent groups (A, B & C) on one of 4 different channels. This allows multiple photographers to be working in close proximity without accidentally triggering each others' strobes. With the SB-800 operating as a master + 3 remote groups (each of which can have multiple members of the group), this makes for a very powerful yet very easy to use portable flash system. See here for a guide to Master mode.
Disable the Master
If output from the Master flash is not required it can be disabled, leaving only the remote groups to fire. This is perfect for getting the flash off-camera and avoiding those horrible flat looking shots. The remote triggering is actually done via visible light, so while many people claim the the Master won't actually fire during the exposure, this is not true. Test this by taking a shot of the camera (with the Master mounted and disabled) in a mirror! The actual amount of light emitted from the Master (when disabled) is a fraction of a normal flash, and for most situations will not significantly contribute to the overall exposure. However, it becomes a problem when the disabled master flash is too close to the subject, and in these situations it is advisable to tilt/rotate the head to that it's no longer pointing at the subject.
Wireless Remote Mode
In Remote mode, all exposure settings are disabled on the SB-800 itself, and the mode, such as TTL, A or M, together with any flash output compensation is set on the Master. The only critical items to check when in Wireless Remote mode are the Channel, the Group and the Zoom setting. See here for a guide to Remote mode.
Changing to Wireless Master or Remote (CLS)
Changing from standard mode to Wireless Master or Wireless Remote requires several key presses and takes several seconds. The functions are hidden in the custom functions menu which is activated by holding the SEL button for 1 second. Once in the custom menus, additional key presses are required to select the Wireless (CLS) modes, then hold the SEL button again for 1 second to exit. It's easy once you've done it a couple of times, but it's harder than it should have been. See HERE for a complete guide to Remote mode and HERE for Master mode.
SU-4 Optical Slave Mode
One function that Nikon included in the SB-800 is an SU-4 optical trigger mode. Turned on within the CLS custom menu, it sets up the SB-800 to work as a dumb optical slave to other flashes. In this mode the zoom and power output can be selected manually, allowing power output from 1/1 down to 1/128. It's a great feature if you run out of remote groups, because now you can have unlimited remote flashes all independently set to the required power and zoom levels.
Audible Beep
Another great feature is the ability to turn an audible beep on or off. The beeps are different depending on the modes, but essentially they can be used to confirm that a wireless remote fired, and also that it has re-cycled and is ready to fire again. This can help prevent misfires because the flash was not yet fully recycled. However, when shooting in sound sensitive environments, such as a wedding, it's a definite bonus to be able to disable the beep!
Accessories
The SB-800 comes complete with a carry case, including a belt loop, a set of gels that can be used to modify the light temperature of the SB-800 to match the ambient light, a table top stand (that also has a screw mount for tripods or light stands), a dedicated diffusion dome and an extra battery holder.
Extra Battery Holder
The normal battery door can be removed and replaced by this additional battery holder, allowing 5 batteries to be used instead of the normal 4. The benefit of this is decreased recycle times, which is especially helpful when using the SB-800 at full power, or close to it.
As an optional extra, Nikon also offers the SD-8A external battery pack for those who need faster recycling yet.
Head Rotation
One major disappointment is that while the head tilts between -7˚ (i.e. down) and +90˚ (up), it only rotates for a total 270˚. Looking from the back of the SB-800 (which is where will are likely to be most of the time), the head will rotate 180˚ to the left (so it's now pointing back at you) but only 90˚ to the right. This means there is an entire 90˚ of rotation not available. Most of the time this is of no importance, but I can see a few people being inconvenienced, especially when shooting in portrait mode.
Conclusions
The SB-800 is without doubt the best flash Nikon has ever made (see added notes below). The powerful yet easy to use CLS functions make the SB-800 a compelling buy for multi speedlight situations. The small body, powerful output, reliable TTL metering and fast recycle times make this a must have tool for any serious photographer needing portable lighting systems. There are some minor niggles, such as the head rotation that need to be worked around, but on balance, I would rather work around those few things and have the benefit of CLS rather an a fully rotating head and no CLS!
Added Notes
Nikon released the SB-900 in July 2008, and many of the minor complaints about the SB-800 have been addressed, including the user interface & head rotation issues. Unless you need to travel with as small a unit possible, it is perhaps worth looking at the SB-900 as an option.
Also see links to :
SB-600 vs SB-800 vs SB900 Guide Numbers