Auto Aperture flash In addition to Non-TTL auto A flash (see below), the SB-800s built-in sensor correctly controls the flash output in combination with data automatically transmitted from the camera and lens to the SB-800, including the ISO sensitivity, aperture, focal length, and exposure compensation value (p. 38). Non-TTL auto flash The SB-800s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected back from the subject, controlling the SB-800s light output automatically to give the correct exposure (p. 40). Distance-priority manual flash Based on the ISO sensitivity value and aperture, the SB-800 controls the light output according to the distance value entered (p. 44). Manual flash The flash always fires at a specified output in combination with the aperture and light output level (p. 46). Repeating flash The SB-800 fires repeatedly during a single exposure, creating stroboscopic multipleexposure effects (p. 48).
Compatible with CLS (CLS*) The SB-800 is connected to cameras compatible with CLS* (p. 8). Power zoom function The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted to match the lens focal length (p. 26). Manual zoom-head position setting You can adjust the zoom-head position manually (p. 26). Canceling the power zoom function The power zoom is canceled, and the zoom-head position can only be adjusted manually (p. 26). Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally The zoom-head position can be adjusted if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally (p. 117). ISO sensitivity Represents the ISO sensitivity value (p. 24). Flash output level compensation Represents the flash output level compensation value (p. 56). Underexposure Indicates the underexposure value, showing that the light might be insufficient in the TTL auto flash mode (p. 33). Standby duration Represents the time before the standby function is activated (p. 67). The wide-area AF-assist illuminator is activated The wide-area AF-assist illuminator comes on (p. 62). The wide-area AF-assist illuminator is canceled The wide-area AF-assist illuminator does not come on (p. 62).
Flash firing canceled The SB-800 does not fire but the wide-area AF-assist illuminator still comes on (p. 62). Control buttons being locked Control buttons (except the ON/OFF, Modeling illuminator and FLASH buttons) are locked (p. 12). Red-eye reduction Red-eye reduction control is activated (p. 58). LCD panel illuminator Pressing any control button turns on the LCD panel illuminator (p. 119). Beyond the flash-shooting distance range The subject is beyond the flash shooting distance range. : the closest available distance, : the farthest available distance (p. 30).

1.1-12/ 3.7-41 0.8-9.0/ 2.6-29 0.6-6.3/ 2.0-20 0.6-4.5/ 2.0-14 0.6-3.1/ 2.0-10 0.6-2.2/ 2.0-7.3 0.6-1.6/ 2.0-5.2 0.6-1.1/ 2.0-3.7 0.6-0.7/ 2.0-2.6 _
1.3-14/ 4.1-46 0.8-10/ 2.6-33 0.7-7.0/ 2.0-23 0.6-5.0/ 2.0-16 0.6-3.5/ 2.0-11 0.6-2.5/ 2.0-8.2 0.6-1.8/ 2.0-5.8 0.6-1.2/ 2.0-4.1 0.6-0.8/ 2.0-2.9 _
1.9-20/ 6.2-66 1.3-15/ 4.3-49 1.0-10/ 3.1-35 0.7-7.5/ 2.2-25 0.6-5.3/ 2.0-17 0.6-3.7/ 2.0-12 0.6-2.6/ 2.0-8.7 0.6-1.8/ 2.0-6.2 0.6-1.3/ 2.0-4.4 0.6-0.9/ 2.0-3.1
2.0-20/ 6.6-66 1.4-16/ 4.6-52 1.0-11/ 3.3-37 0.7-8.0/ 2.3-26 0.6-5.7/ 2.0-19 0.6-4.0/ 2.0-13 0.6-2.8/ 2.0-9.3 0.6-2.0/ 2.0-6.6 0.6-1.4/ 2.0-4.6 0.6-1.0/ 2.0-3.3
2.4-20/ 7.8-66 1.7-19/ 5.5-62 1.2-13/ 3.9-44 0.8-9.5/ 2.8-31 0.6-6.7/ 2.0-22 0.6-4.8/ 2.0-16 0.6-3.4/ 2.0-11 0.6-2.4/ 2.0-7.8 0.6-1.7/ 2.0-5.5 0.6-1.2/ 2.0-3.9
2.8-20/ 9.3-66 2.0-20/ 6.6-66 1.4-16/ 4.6-52 1.0-11/ 3.3-37 0.7-7.6/ 2.3-26 0.6-5.3/ 2.0-19 0.6-4.0/ 2.0-13 0.6-2.8/ 2.0-9.3 0.6-2.0/ 2.0-6.6 0.6-1.4/ 2.0-4.6
3.0-20/ 10-66 2.2-20/ 7.4-66 1.6-18/ 5.2-59 1.1-13/ 3.7-42 0.8-9.0/ 2.6-29 0.6-6.3/ 2.0-21 0.6-4.5/ 2.0-15 0.6-3.2/ 2.0-10 0.6-2.2/ 2.0-7.4 0.6-1.6/ 2.0-5.2
3.4-20/ 11-66 2.4-20/ 7.8-66 1.7-19/ 5.5-62 1.2-13/ 3.9-44 0.8-9.5/ 2.8-31 0.6-6.7/ 2.0-22 0.6-4.8/ 2.0-16 0.6-3.4/ 2.0-11 0.6-2.4/ 2.0-7.8 0.6-1.7/ 2.0-5.5
3.6-20/ 12-66 2.5-20/ 8.3-66 1.8-20/ 5.8-66 1.3-14/ 4.1-47 0.9-10/ 2.9-33 0.6-7.1/ 2.1-23 0.6-5.0/ 2.0-17 0.6-3.6/ 2.0-12 0.6-2.5/ 2.0-8.3 0.6-1.8/ 2.0-5.8
With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached With the wide-flash adapter in place TTL auto flash operation is not possible at this ISO sensitivity. For ISO 1000, use an aperture 2/3 of an f/stop smaller than the aperture for ISO 1600, or 1/3 larger than the aperture for ISO 800. *5 Programmed TTL Auto Flash with the F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004, and F-301/N2000. (ISO 25 to ISO 400 for the F-401s and F-401/N4004)
About the flash shooting distance range
Compose the picture and shoot with flash
Confirm the cameras sync mode.
For normal flash photography, use the cameras Front-curtain sync mode.
Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-light on the SB-800 or in the cameras viewfinder is on, then shoot.
v Set the cameras flash sync mode to Front-curtain sync.
With cameras featuring a Rear-curtain sync flash mode, make sure the cameras flash sync mode is set to Front-curtain sync.
For other flash sync modes, refer to Slow-sync flash (p. 58), Red-eye reduction with slow-sync flash mode (p. 58), or Rear-curtain sync (p. 59). Refer to the cameras instruction manual for details on the flash sync mode.
v If the ready-light blinks after shooting, the light might be insufficient for correct exposure.
In the TTL auto and Non-TTL auto flash modes, when the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-lights on the SB-800 and in the cameras viewfinder blink for approx. 3 sec. Depending on the camera in use, the ready-light on the SB-800 or in the cameras viewfinder lights up. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

Auto Aperture flash

Make the necessary settings on the SB-800 and camera, press the shutter release button slightly, then press the FLASH button to fire the flash. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.

Non-TTL auto flash

Make the necessary settings on the SB-800 and camera, then press the FLASH button to fire the flash. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.
Exposure compensation and flash output level
Exposure compensation allows you to take well-balanced pictures by intentionally modifying the flash exposure. This is useful when a subject of extremely high or low reflectivity is included in the scene or when you want to create flash photographs to match your creative preferences.
Some plus compensation may be necessary when the background includes a mirror, white wall, or other highly reflective surface. Likewise, some minus compensation may be required when the background is dark or includes subjects of low reflectivity. Making exposure compensation for both the main subject and background, the main subject only without affecting the background, or the background only without affecting the main subject are possible, depending on the flash shooting situation.
Exposure compensation on the SB-800 can be performed in these ways:
Exposure compensation Making exposure compensation for both the main subject and background Making exposure compensation for the main subject only Available flash mode All flash modes Usable camera Cameras in all groups
TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash
Cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, cameras in Groups I to III, and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL. Cameras in all groups Cameras in all groups
Manual flash mode Making exposure compensation for the background only Flash shooting at slow shutter speeds
Making exposure compensation for both the main subject and background
In TTL auto flash mode and Auto Aperture flash operation Use the cameras exposure compensation function to modify both the SB-800s flash output level and the background exposure. For details, see your cameras instruction manual.
The exposure compensation value set on the camera is not displayed on the SB-800s LCD panel. Exposure compensation beyond the usable ISO sensitivity range cannot be performed (p. 24). For example, with an ISO sensitivity of 100, if you try to make an exposure compensation of +3 steps on the camera (equivalent to ISO 12), which is out of the usable ISO sensitivity range (ISO 25-1000) of the SB-800. In this case, exposure compensation up to +2 steps (equivalent to ISO 25) is possible.

compensation

Making exposure compensation in Non-TTL auto flash and Manual flash operations Exposure compensation is performed by intentionally modifying the correct aperture.
In the Non-TTL auto flash mode, the correct exposure can be obtained when the same aperture is set on the camera as that set on the SB-800. Therefore, to make exposure compensation, vary the aperture set on the camera while retaining the aperture set on the SB-800 or vice versa. In the Manual flash mode, calculate the proper aperture for the correct exposure from the guide number and the shooting distance (p. 43). Then, use a larger or smaller aperture on the camera to make exposure compensation. As a basic guide, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens to make the main subject brighter or a smaller aperture to make it darker.
In TTL auto flash mode and Auto Aperture flash operation Making exposure compensation for a flash illuminated main subject without affecting the background exposure by adjusting the SB-800s flash output level is called flash output level compensation (p. 56).
This compensation can only be performed with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, cameras in Groups I to III, and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL.
In Manual flash mode Making exposure compensation for only the flash illuminated subject by intentionally modifying the SB-800s flash output level (M1/1 to M1/128).
For cameras in all groups.
Making exposure compensation for the background only
Set the cameras exposure mode to Shutter-Priority Auto (S) or Manual (M), and set the shutter speed to one slower than its flash sync shutter speed.
With cameras providing slow-sync, set the cameras flash sync mode to Slow-sync (p. 58) to bring out background details in low-light situations. For details, see your cameras instruction manual.
Making exposure compensation for the main subject only
Exposure compensation and flash output level compensation

u Using the SB-800 off-camera
When using the SB-800 off-camera with the TTL Remote Cord SC-29, autofocus flash photography in dim light is possible, because the SC-29 features an AF-assist illuminator function (p. 111).
t Canceling the SB-800s flash firing but not the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator
Using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800
Use the provided quick recycling battery pack to install five batteries to shorten the recycling time (p. 19). Notes on using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800
With the SD-800 attached, be sure to use five batteries. Be sure to replace all five batteries, including the one in this pack and WARNING the four inside the SB-800, with fresh ones at the same time. Do not mix battery brands or types, or use old with new batteries. Otherwise, the batteries may leak corrosive liquids, become hot, or explode. This battery pack cannot be used when the Power Bracket Unit SK-6/SK-6A is attached to the SB-800.

Battery chamber lid

Battery chamber lid attachment index Quick recycling battery pack lock switch The battery chamber lids for the SB-800 and SD-800 are identical.
Attaching the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800
Slide the SB-800s battery chamber lid in the direction of the arrow to open.
Push the battery chamber lid back in the direction of the arrow to remove it.
The lid can be easily removed if pushed back past the perpendicular position.
Install the batteries in accordance with the i and j marks, as shown.
Open the SD-800s battery chamber lid to install an extra battery, following the i and j marks, as shown.
Close the battery chamber lid by sliding it into place while pressing down.
Align the index mark on the SD-800s battery chamber lid with the corresponding index mark on the SB-800 and attach the battery pack by sliding it into place.
Be sure to slide the battery pack until the SD-800s lock switch clicks into place.

Detaching the SD-800.

1 Push up the SD-800s lock
switch, then slide it to detach.
the 2 Insert one of 3 Inserthinge, the hinges of other the SB-800s battery chamber lid, as shown. as shown.

4 Close the battery

ISO sensitivity (p. 24) Wireless flash mode (p. 72) Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode (p. 89) Non-TTL auto flash mode (p. 38) Standby function (p. 21) Selecting the distance unit of measure (m, ft) Power zoom function (p. 26) Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally (p. 117) LCD panel illuminator (p. 119) LCD panel brightness (p. 119) Wide-area AF-Assist Illuminator (p. 62) Canceling flash firing (p. 62) Other functions

Custom settings

Setting Custom functions
Press the e or f button and c or d button on the Multi Selector to choose the desired custom functions to be set, then press the g button.
Press the e or f button to highlight the preferred setting.
Press the c or d button to adjust the LCD panel brightness
Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. or press the b button to return to the normal setting mode.
Details on Custom settings (Bold: default setting)
The available ISO sensitivity range is ISO 3 to 8000. Pressing the e or f button increases or decrease the value in increments of 1/3 step. Pressing the e or f button continuously increases or decreases the value quickly. 100

ISO sensitivity (p. 24)

Wireless flash mode (p. 72)
Setting the flash mode in wireless multiple flash photography. OFF : Canceled MASTER : Master flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode MASTER (RPT) : Master flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode (in Repeating flash) REMOTE : Remote flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode SU-4 : SU-4 type wireless flash mode
Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode (p. 89)
When the SB-800 is used as a wireless remote flash unit, you can activate or cancel the sound monitor function. ON : Sound on OFF : Sound off
Non-TTL auto flash mode (p. 38)
Setting the Non-TTL auto flash mode. AA : Auto Aperture flash A : Non-TTL auto flash

Standby function (p. 21)

Adjusting the time before the standby function is activated. AUTO : With a camera body that is compatible with TTL auto flash (p. 8), the SB-800 turns off when the cameras exposure meter turns off. 40 : 40 sec. 80 : 80 sec. 160 : 160 sec. 300 : 300 sec. - - - : Standby function canceled
Selecting the distance unit of measure (m, ft)
Setting the distance unit of measure on the LCD panel to either meters m or feet ft. m : meters ft : feet
Power zoom function (p. 26)
Setting to activate or cancel the power zoom function, which adjusts the zoom-head position automatically. OFF : Activated ON : Canceled
Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally (p. 117)
Setting to activate or cancel the zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally. When set to ON, the zoomhead position display is framed. OFF : Manual setting canceled ON : Manual setting activated

LCD panel illuminator (p. 119)
Setting the LCD panel illuminator to turn on or off. ON : Turn on OFF : Turn off
LCD panel brightness (p. 119)
Adjusting the brightness of the LCD panel. Available brightness levels are graphically displayed in 9 steps on the LCD panel. Press the c or d button to adjust the brightness.
Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator (p. 62)
Setting to activate or cancel the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator. ON : Activated (AF-ILL appears on the LCD panel) OFF : Canceled (NO AF-ILL appears on the LCD panel)
Canceling flash firing (p. 62)
Setting to activate or cancel flash firing of the SB-800. When it is set to OFF, the SB-800 does not fire but the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator still comes on. ON : Firing activated OFF : Firing canceled (AF-ILL ONLY appears on the LCD panel)
Information on advanced flash shooting techniques using the SB-800 is described in this section.
Overview of multiple flash operation
Multiple flash photography allows you to create more natural-looking pictures by using several flash units to emphasize the subjects shape or eliminate shadows. The following wireless multiple flash operations are available: Multiple flash operation Advanced Wireless Lighting (p. 76) SU-4 type wireless multiple flash (p. 84) Usable cameras Cameras compatible with CLS No limitation Usable Speedlights Only those featuring CLS such as SB-800 for both the master and remote flash units. Master flash unit: Speedlights compatible with wireless flash operation, those compatible with the TTL mode, or the builtin Speedlights on cameras so equipped. Remote flash unit: Except the SB-23, all Speedlights compatible with wireless flash operation or those connected to the optional Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4. Speedlights compatible with the TTL mode. Speedligthts SB-11, SB-14, SB-140, and SB-21B cannot be used with the F-401/ N4004 or F-401s/N4004s as either master or remote flash units.
Multiple flash No limitation operation using cords (TTL multiple flash (p. 90) operation is not possible with digital SLRs.)
Its not possible to use different types of multiple flash operations together. Wireless multiple flash operation using Speedlights featuring CLS is called Advanced Wireless Lighting. For cameras compatible with CLS and digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, set the master flash units flash mode to Auto Aperture B flash or Non-TTL auto A flash in SU-4 type wireless multiple flash operation. In multiple flash operation using cords, multiple flash shooting in M (manual) mode only is possible.
t Master flash unit and remote flash unit(s)

Wireless multiple flash shooting
Read the following when setting up the SB-800 as a remote flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting and SU-4 type wireless multiple flash modes.
Flash set-up in the Advanced Wireless Lighting
Set up the camera, master flash unit, and remote flash units as shown in the figure below.
Less than approx. 10m (33 ft.)

Group C

Be sure to direct the light sensor window of the remote flash unit toward the master flash.
Approx. 5 to 7m (16 to 23 ft.)

Within 30

Group B

Master flash unit

Group A As a basic guide, the effective shooting distance between the master and remote flash units is approx. 10m (33 ft.) or less in the front position, and approx. 5 to 7m (16 to 23 ft.) at both sides. These ranges vary slightly depending on the ambient light. Be sure to place all remote flash units that are set in the same group close together. For the effective shooting distance between the master and remote flash units in SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting, refer to page 85.
v Setting up the master and remote flash units
In most cases, position the remote flash unit(s) closer to the subject than the camera, so that light from the master flash unit can reach the light sensor of the remote flash unit(s). This is particularly necessary when holding a remote flash unit in your hand. Data communication cannot be performed properly if there is an obstacle between the master unit and remote flash units. Take care not to let light from the remote flash unit enter the camera lens directly or indirectly in TTL auto flash mode. Also, prevent light from entering the master flash units light sensor in Non-TTL auto flash mode. Otherwise, the correct exposure cannot be obtained. There is no limit to the number of remote flash units that can be used together. However, if too much light from other remote flash units enters the light sensor of the master flash unit, correct operation may be impossible. Practically, the number of remote flash units in Advanced Wireless Lighting should be limited to three for one group. Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS-19 for stable placement of the remote flash units. Be sure to perform test firing after setting up all flash units (p. 20).

See page 17 for more information on the TTL auto flash mode. See pages 38 and 40 concerning use of Auto Aperture or Non-TTL auto flash with digital SLRs not compatible with CLS. Flash operation can be confirmed by the ready-light or the beeping sound (p. 89).
Wireless multiple flash shooting in the M (manual) mode
Press the a button on the remote flash unit to activate the w (manual) mode.
Set the flash mode of the master flash unit to Manual flash.
Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal Manual flash shooting, then shoot.
See page 46 for more information on Manual flash.
Set the wireless flash mode of all SB-800s used as the master and remote flash units to SU-4.
t Adjusting the flash output level of the remote flash units in the w (manual) mode
Adjusting the flash output level manually Use the following equation to determine the proper manual flash output level of the remote flash unit, depending on your creative preferences.

GN = F x D

where GN is the guide number of the remote flash unit (in meters/feet), F is the lens aperture in use, and D is the distance between the remote flash unit and the subject (in meters/feet).
For example, with the SB-800s zoom-head position adjusted to 28mm when using an ISO sensitivity of 100 if a lens aperture (F) of f/4 is used and the subject distance (D) is 2m (6.6 ft.) away, then shooting a subject at a distance of 2m (6.6 ft.), and a lens aperture of f/4, then GN (in meters)= 4 x 2 = 8 GN (in feet)= 4 x 6.6 = approx. 26 Therefore, to get the correct exposure, refer to the Guide Number table (p. 42) and adjust the flash output level to M1/16. Refer to Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode (p. 42).
Adjusting the flash output level in Non-TTL auto flash (A); applicable when using a Speedlight compatible with Non-TTL auto flash mounted on the SU-4 as a remote flash unit Non-TTL auto flash (A) can also be selected on the remote flash unit. In this case, the remote flash unit controls the flash output based on the aperture and ISO sensitivity set on the remote flash unit, and automatically stops firing in sync with the master flash unit (p. 40).
Set the same ISO sensitivity on the remote flash unit as set on your camera. Set the same aperture on both the lens and the remote flash unit to obtain the correct exposure.

SC-18/26 SC-19/27

SB-16B SB-24 SB-25

SB-28/ 28DX

AS-10 SB-16A SB-17 SB-21A SC-18/26 SC-19/27 Using SC-18/26 or SC-19/27, up to five flash units can be used for multiple flash photography at a total cable length of 10m (33 ft.).
Flash shooting with digital SLRs cameras using
Supplied with the SB-800, the Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800 includes two filters: the FL-G1 for taking flash pictures under fluorescent light and the TN-A1 for use with incandescent/tungsten light.
Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 is also available as an option (p. 112).
Using colored gel filters with digital cameras
Purpose Balances the color of light from the flash to match that of fluorescent light Balances the color of light from the flash to match that of incandescent or tungsten light Creates interesting effects by changing the light from the flash to a different color Gel filter FL-G1 Adjust the cameras white balance to: Fluorescent

Incandescent

Optional color gel filters
Balancing light from the flash
With digital cameras, if you shoot flash pictures under fluorescent light with the cameras white balance set to Flash, the main subject illuminated by the flash will look normal. However, the background will come out green. To compensate, use the FL-G1 (green gel filter) to convert the light coming from the flash to the same color as fluorescent light, then adjust the cameras white balance to Fluorescent. Follow a similar procedure when shooting flash pictures under incandescent/tungsten illumination using the TN-A1 filter. In this case, set the white balance to Incandescent.
Available with digital cameras featuring white balance. You cannot set the white balance on the SB-800. Choose an appropriate white balance setting on your digital camera. For more details, see your cameras instruction manual. When using tungsten film with a film-based camera, use the TN-A1 (for incandescent/tungsten light) filter for more effective results.
v Notes on using colored gel filters
These filters are consumable items. When they extremely fade in color or deteriorate, purchase optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1. Colored gel filters may become deformed due to the heat generated from the flash head. However, this will not affect their performance. When taking pictures using repeating flash, do not use these filters, because they may become deformed quickly due to the heat. There is no difference between the front and back of colored gel filters. Even though they may be curled, this will not affect their performance. Likewise, scratches on these filters will have no effect on performance. The amount of exposure compensation printed on each filter is provided as a guide only. Be sure to make test shots to determine the actual amount of compensation required. To remove dust or dirt, wipe the filter lightly with a soft, clean cloth.

Nikon Diffusion Dome not attached
Attach the Nikon Diffusion Dome as shown in the illustration.
The zoom-head position is automatically set at 14mm.

Close-up flash operation

When the built-in wide-flash adapter is used, close-up flash shooting can be performed. The built-in wide-flash adapter diffuses the light from the flash to soften shadows. When the SB-800 is used off-camera, you can take more natural-looking close-up pictures.
Be sure to use the wide-flash adapter when taking close-up flash photographs. Be careful when using a long lens that the light from the flash is not obstructed by the lens barrel. Vignetting may occur in close-up flash photography due to the lighting situation, lens in use, focal length setting, etc. Therefore, make test shots before shooting an important assignment.
Flash shooting with two flash units (light bounced from the side and top) Shooting data: Camera: Focal length: Master flash unit: Remote flash unit: Aperture: Shooting distance: D2H 105mm SB-800 set to D SB-800 set to D f/22 Approx. 1m (3.3 ft.)
Flash shooting with one camera-mounted flash unit Shooting data: Camera: Focal length: Master flash unit: Aperture: Shooting distance: D2H 105mm SB-800 set to D f/10 Approx. 1m (3.3 ft.)

From the top

Example of close-up shooting with two flash units Illumination from the side and top provided by two flash units emphasizes the small subjects contours. Bounced light from the side softens the shadows.
Use either the SC-29, SC-28 or SC-17.
Set the SB-800s flash mode to TTL auto flash. Advanced operations
Position the built-in wide-flash adapter over the flash head. Press the c or d button to adjust the zoom-head position to 14mm or 17mm.
Tilt the flash head down to 7.
When the SB-800 is attached to the camera and used as the only flash unit, this position is recommended to ensure sufficient illumination of the lower portion of the subject in close-up photography. The dotted line below the underbar appears when the flash head is tilted down to this position.
Setting the built-in wide-flash adapter and adjusting the zoom-head position
Slowly pull out the wide-flash adapter all the way, and position it over the flash head. Then slide the bounce card back into place inside the flash head.
Press the c or d button to adjust the zoom head position to 14mm or 17mm.

When the wide-flash adapter is set on the flash head, the power zoom function becomes inactive and the zoom-head position is adjusted to 14mm or 17mm. To adjust the zoom-head position, go to the Custom Settings Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally (p. 67). To slide the wide-flash adapter back into place, lift it and push it into the flash head as far as it will go.
Calculate the aperture by using this equation and table. To ensure the correct exposure, use an aperture smaller than the one obtained from the equation.
ISO sensitivity Coefficient (m/ft)

25 1.4/4.6

50 2/6.6

100 2/6.6

200 4/13

400 4/13

800 5.6/18

1000 5.6/18

f/stop Coefficient Flash-to-subject distance For example, at an ISO sensitivity of 100 with a subject 0.5m (1.6 ft.) away and the wide-flash adapter in place, the suggested aperture is: f/stop 2 0.5 = 4 (in meters) f/stop 6.6 1.6 = approx. 4 (in feet) Therefore, you should use at least f/4 or an even smaller aperture, such as f/5.6 or f/8.
u When shooting subjects closer than 0.6m (2 ft.)
With the SB-800 attached to the camera, sufficient illumination of the subject cannot be obtained. In this case, use the SB-800 off-camera by attaching the optional TTL Remote Cord as shown below.
In Do flash operation where Monitor Preflashes are fired, when the SB-800 is used with D/G-type CPU lenses, you may not be able to get the correct exposure, because distance information from the lens is used. In this case, position the camera (A) and the SB-800 (B) at equal distances from the subject. For F5 cameras with the High-Magnification Finder DW-30 or DW-31, or F4 cameras with the High-Magnification Finder DW-20 or DW-21, use the optional TTL Remote Cord SC-24 instead of the SC-17.
Flash shooting in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed Flash sync mode (F5 only)
The farthest flash shooting distance cannot be read on the SB-800s LCD panel. In this case, use the guide number table and equation for calculating this distance, according to each zoom-head position. D (farthest flash shooting distance) = Guide number f/stop (aperture)
Guide number (m/ft.) in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed Flash sync mode

ISO sensitivity 400 800

2.5/8 3/10 3.6/12 4.3/14 5/16 6/20 7/23 8.4/28 10/33 12/39 14/46 16.8/55
143 3.5/11 5/16 7/23 9.8/32 14/46 19.6/64
Zoom-head position (mm) 50 3.5/11 5.5/18 6/20 7/23 8/26 5/16 7.8/26 8.5/28 9.9/32 11.4/37 7/23 11/36 12/39 14/46 16/52 9.8/32 15.4/51 16.8/55 19.6/64 22.4/73 14/46 22/72 24/79 28/92 32/105 19.6/64 30.8/101 33.6/110 39.2/129 44.8/147

9/30 9.5/31 12.8/42 13.5/44 18/59 19/62 25.2/83 26.6/87 36/118 38/125 50.4/165 53.2/174
105 10/33 14.2/47 20/66 28/92 40/131 56/184
1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place 2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached 3 With the wide-flash adapter in place For example, when shooting with an ISO sensitivity of 100, at a 35mm zoom-head position and an aperture of f/5.6: D = 14 5.6 (f/stop) = 2.5 (in meters) (farthest flash shooting distance) D = 46 5.6 (f/stop) = 8.2 (in feet) (farthest flash shooting distance)
Optional accessories, Troubleshooting, Speedlight care, Specifications, etc. are presented here.
TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800
The available types of TTL auto flash vary, depending on the camera/lens/ exposure mode/metering system in use. The following tables show the SB-800s TTL mode indicators and the corresponding ones used in the instruction manuals of Speedlights featuring no CLS when the flash unit is used with various cameras not compatible with CLS.
Refer to your cameras instruction manual for specific information on camera settings and functions. Exposure mode P : Programmed Auto S : Shutter-Priority Auto A : Aperture-Priority Auto M : Manual TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode
D E : Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor D F : Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, CenterWeighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash D : Standard TTL Flash
Metering system Y : Matrix W : Center-Weighted X : Spot
C D E : Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor for Digital SLRs C D F : Center-Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs CD : Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs
Cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode

Camera Camera Group

D1-Series
Digital SLRs not compatible D100 with CLS
1: 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs is set. 2: Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs is set. F5 Do DE2 P/S/A/M YW CPU lens (D/G-type) Do DE3 F100 P/S/A/M YW CPU lens (except for D/G-type) Do DF A/M W Non-CPU lens D P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens D D A/M WX Non-CPU lens D F90X/N90s P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens (D/G-type) 1 Do DE2 F90-Series/ P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens (except for D/G-type) Do DE3 N90 A/M WX Non-CPU lens Do DF F70-Series/ D P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens1 D N70 D A/M WX Non-CPU lens D 1: The A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G-type lens. 2: 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash is set. 3: Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash is set.