Notes

Default: Functions and flash modes preset when shipped from the factory are referred to as Default settings in this manual. CLS: Hereafter, Nikons new Speedlight system Nikon Creative Lighting System is abbreviated CLS.
Marks used in this manual
v: Denotes important points to prevent malfunction or shooting failure. t: Useful points that should be remembered for better usage of the SB-800. u: Provides convenient reference information when using the SB-800

Supplied accessories

Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800

Speedlight Stand AS-19

Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-10H
Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800: FL-G1, TN-A1

Soft Case SS-800

Tips on using the Speedlight

Take trial shots

Preparation Make trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddings or graduations.
Have Nikon spot-check your Speedlight regularly
Nikon recommends that you have your Speedlight serviced by an authorized dealer or service center at least once every two years.
Using your Speedlight correctly
The Nikon Speedlight SB-800s performance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories including lenses. Camera/accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet Nikons criteria for specifications, and nonconforming cameras/accessories could damage the SB-800s components. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-800s performance when used with non-Nikon products.

Notes:

The Nikon N90s, N90, N75-Series, N70, N60, N55-Series, N50, N8008, N8008s, PRONEA 6i, N6006, N6000, N5005, N4004s and N4004 are sold exclusively in the U.S.A. The Nikon N80-Series, N65-Series are sold exclusively in the U.S.A. and Central and South America. The Nikon N2020 and N2000 are sold exclusively in the U.S.A and Canada.
Camera groups and available flash modes
In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras are divided into nine groups: cameras compatible with CLS*, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras in Groups I to VII unless otherwise noted. First, consult the camera group table to see which group your camera belongs to. Then as you read the manual, you will find specific information on how to use the SB-800 with your particular camera.
*CLS: Nikon Creative Lighting System (p. 5)
TTL auto flash mode (p. 37) Group Camera name

D-TTL TTL

Cameras compatible with CLS* Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS* I

D2H, D70

D1-Series, D100 F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F75-Series/ N75-Series, F70-Series/N70 F4-Series, F65-Series/N65-Series, F-801s/N8008s, F-801/N8008, Pronea 600i/6i F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000 F60-Series/N60, F50-Series/N50, F-401x/N5005 F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004, F-301/N2000 FM3A, FA, FE2, FG, Nikonos V, F3-Series (with the AS-17) New FM2, FM10, FE10, F3-Series, F55-Series/N55-Series COOLPIX 8400, COOLPIX 8800

When replacing batteries, replace all four (or five when using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800) with fresh ones of the same brand. High-power manganese batteries are not recommended for use with the SB-800. Always carry extra batteries when traveling. For details on batteries, refer to Notes on batteries on page 115.

CAUTION!

Do not use batteries not specified in this instruction manual, as this may cause them to explode, leak corrosive liquids, or catch on fire. Do not mix battery brands or types, or use old with new batteries. Otherwise the batteries may explode, leak corrosive liquids, or catch on fire. Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries in a battery charger. Otherwise the batteries may leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.
t Obtaining faster recycling times using 5 batteries
Use the provided Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800 to install five batteries to shorten the recycling time. See page 64 for more details.
When using four (or five) fresh batteries of the same type and the Speedlight fires at M1/1 output.
Batteries Alkalinemanganese Lithium Nickel NiCd (1000 mAh) (rechargeable) Ni-MH (2000 mA) (rechargeable) Number of batteries x4 x5 x4 x5 x4 x5 x4 x5 x4 x5 Min. recycling time (approx.) 6.0 sec. 5.0 sec. 7.5 sec. 7.5 sec. 6.0 sec. 5.0 sec. 4.0 sec. 3.5 sec. 4.0 sec. 2.9 sec. Min. number of flashes/ recycling time 130 / 6-30 sec. 130 / 5-30 sec. 170 / 7.5-30 sec. 190 / 7.5-30 sec. 140 / 6-30 sec. 140 / 5-30 sec. 90 / 4-30 sec. 90 / 3.5-30 sec. 150 / 4-30 sec. 150 / 2.9-30 sec.
Minimum recycling time is for operation using fresh batteries. This data was measured without using the wide-area AF-assist illuminator, zoom-head position adjustment, or LCD panel illumination. The above data may vary due to variations in battery performance.
Replacing/recharging the batteries
Refer to the following table to determine when to replace or recharge your batteries, if the ready-light takes a long time to come on.
Type of battery Alkaline-manganese Lithium Nickel Ni-Cd (rechargeable) Ni-MH (rechargeable) Recycling time More than 30 seconds More than 10 seconds More than 10 seconds More than 10 seconds Recharge Replace Remedy
If extremely exhausted batteries are used, a strange sound can be heard caused by the flash head zooming back and forth even when the SB-800 is turned off. In this case, replace the SB-800s batteries even if an external battery source is used.

t External power sources

Using an optional external power source increases the number of flash firings and provides faster recycling times (p. 113).
Minimum number of flashes and recycling times
Test firing (Confirming the exposure)
Press the b button for approx. 0.3 sec. to turn on the SB-800. Make sure the ready-light comes on.
Press the FLASH button to test fire the flash.

For cameras in Groups III to VII, set the ISO sensitivity in the Custom settings mode (p. 67).
Turn the SB-800 off once, then turn it back on. After that, turn on the camera body.
Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.
Press the e/f button and c/d button to select ISO, then press the g button.
Press the e or f button to highlight the preferred ISO sensitivity.
Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. or press the b button to return to the normal display.
Setting the ISO sensitivity for cameras in Groups III to VII
Adjust the zoom-head position
The zoom-head position is indicated on the LCD panel.
The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted by the power zoom function or it can be manually adjusted. The guide number indicating flash output level varies according to the zoom-head position (p. 43).

The power zoom function

When the SB-800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, cameras in Groups I to II in combination with a CPU lens, and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL, the power zoom function activates and the zoom head is automatically adjusted.
The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted within the range of 24mm, 28mm, 35mm to 105mm in increments of 5mm between 35mm and 105mm when the power zoom function is activated. When the lens focal length is not one of those indicated above, the zoom head adjusts to the closest wideangle setting of the lens in use. For example, if the zoom setting of a CPU lens is between 36mm and 39mm, the zoom-head position is adjusted to 35mm. If a small M does not appear above the ZOOM indication on the LCD panel, the zoomhead position will be automatically adjusted. If a small M appears, press the c or d button several times until it disappears.

Power zoom activated

Power zoom canceled
tWhen the SB-800 is used with COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL
The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted by the power zoom function. AUTO appears on the LCD panel.
When the SB-800 is used with cameras in Groups III to VII in combination with a non-CPU lens, or you want to change the zoom-head position to one that does not match the focal length, you should adjust the zoom-head position manually. Press the c button to move toward a wideangle setting and the d button to move
toward a telephoto setting. A small M above the ZOOM indication appears on the LCD panel while manually setting the zoom-head position. When the camera/lens combination is compatible with the power zoom function, the zoom-head position changes as follows, when a 35mm lens is attached: M24mm M28mm 35mm M50mm M70mm M85mm M105mm Generally, set the zoom-head position to the focal length of the lens in use or to the closest wideangle setting. For example, select the 50mm setting when using a 60mm lens.

While looking at the flash shooting distance range on the SB-800s LCD panel, set the aperture on the camera when the cameras exposure mode is set to A.
Making exposure compensation on the SB-800 is also possible (p. 56).
Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.
When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on the SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.
Setting the aperture in Auto Aperture B flash operation
Set the aperture on the camera or lens within the available range as shown in the table below. Usable flash shooting distance ranges in Auto Aperture flash operation

5.2.1.8 5.2.1.11

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 0.6-1.1/ 2.0-3.7 0.6-0.8/ 2.0-2.6 _ _
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 0.6-0.7/ 2.0-2.3 _
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 _ 1.3-15/ 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
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
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
2.0-20/ 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
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
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
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

Set the shutter speed.

Use the equation to determine the shutter speed and use that shutter speed or one slower. Shutter speed = Number of flashes per frame Frequency of flashes (Hz) For example, if the number of flashes per frame is 10 and frequency is 5 Hz, divide 10 by 5 to get a shutter speed of 2 sec. or slower. Or you can set the shutter speed to B (bulb) to accommodate any number of repeating flashes.
t Making sure the flash fires correctly before shooting
Press the FLASH button to make sure the flash fires correctly as set.
t Exposure compensation in Repeating flash operation
The flash shooting distance calculated in step number 6 is the correct exposure for the first flash in the sequence. Therefore, repeating flash at this flash output level will result in overexposure of any overlapping images. To prevent this, set a smaller aperture on the camera.
Notes on continuous flash shooting
Do not exceed the maximum number of continuous firings
You should allow the SB-800 to cool off for at least 10 minutes after the maximum number of continuous firings are performed as shown in the WARNING table below:
Max. number of continuous firings
Flash mode TTL auto flash Non-TTL auto flash/Auto Aperture flash Manual flash (Flash output level: M1/1, M1/2) Manual flash (Flash output level: M1/4 to M1/128) Max. number of continuous firings (at 6 frames/sec.) 15 40
Synchronization during continuous flash shooting
It is possible to take up to the number of frames during continuous shooting as shown in the table below. However, if the continuous firings exceed the maximum numbers as shown in the table above, you should allow the SB-800 to cool off for at least 10 minutes. Maximum number of frames during continuous flash shooting (at six frames per sec.)
Optional power source SB-800 only SD-7 SD-8A Batteries inside SB-800
Up to 4 Up to 6 Up to 5 Up to 5 Up to 5 Up to 5
Up to 8 Up to 10 Up to 10 Up to 10 Up to 10 Up to 10
Up to 16 Up to 40 Up to 20 Up to 30 Up to 30 Up to 20 Up to 30
Up to 30 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40
Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40
All types Alkaline-manganese Alkaline-manganese Lithium NiCd Ni-MH Alkaline-manganese Lithium NiCd Ni-MH

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)

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).
Using the Speedlight Stand
Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS-19 for stable placement of the remote flash units.
You can also use the stand for setting up your Nikon Speedlight when using it as a remote flash unit in multiple flash shooting using cords (p. 90). Speedlight mounting shoes for the SB-15 and SB-27

11 Set the remote flash units A and B to REMOTE.
12 Set theBchannel number of the remote flash units A and to 1.
13 Set the group of the remote flash units A and B.
Set the remote flash unit A to group A and the remote flash unit B to group B.
all the ready-lights of 14 Confirm thatflash units are on, thenthe master and remote press the FLASH button on the master flash unit to test fire the units.
The master flash unit fires first, then the remote flash units in group A fire, followed by those in group B. If a certain remote flash unit does not fire, change the setup by moving the remote unit closer to the subject or redirect its light sensor window toward the master flash unit, then test fire the new setup. You can check the illumination before actually taking pictures using the Modeling illuminator (p. 66).
aperture 15 Finally confirm the TTL flash and flash shooting distance just as in shooting, then shoot.
Refer to page 17 for TTL flash shooting. Flash operation can be confirmed by the ready-light or the beeping sound (p. 89).
SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting
SU-4 type wireless multiple flash can be performed in two ways: (1) In the A (auto) mode, in which the wireless remote flash units start and stop firing in sync with the master Speedlight, and (2) in the M (manual) mode, in which the wireless remote flash units only start firing in sync with the master Speedlight.
Speedlights featuring wireless multiple flash capability can be used either as the master or remote flash unit. Speedlights compatible with TTL auto flash can be used as the master flash unit. The optional Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 is necessary when you want to use these Speedlights as remote flash units. The one exception is the SB-23. The cameras built-in Speedlight can also be used as a master flash unit. There is no limitation in usable cameras.
Setting the SB-800 to SU-4 type wireless multiple flash
To perform SU-4 type wireless multiple flash, set the wireless flash mode to SU-4 using Custom settings (p. 67).
Master flash and remote flash units
First, set the SB-800s wireless multiple flash mode to SU-4 using the Custom settings, then attach the SB-800 to the camera. The indicator O appears on the LCD panel telling you that the SB-800 is set as a master flash unit. If you detach the SB-800 from the camera, the indicator automatically changes to P signifying that the SB-800 is set as a remote flash unit.
Notes on the master flash unit
When the SB-800 is set as the master flash unit, Monitor Preflashes are canceled. For other Speedlights, be sure to cancel the master flash units Monitor Preflashes. The following flash modes are recommended for the master flash unit.
Camera group Cameras compatible with CLS Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS Cameras in Groups I to VI

Notes on multiple flash shooting using cords
Be sure to see the instruction manuals of your cameras, Speedlights, and accessories. Refer to System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting using cords (p. 94) and your cameras and Speedlights instruction manuals for proper connection. Use the optional TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cords SC-27, SC-26, SC-19 or SC-18 to connect the SB-800 to more than one remote flash unit. Use the optional Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10, if the remote flash units are not equipped with multiple flash terminals. Use the optional Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 to attach the remote flash unit(s) to a tripod. Be sure to cancel the master flash units Monitor Preflashes. Multiple flash shooting using cords can be performed in two modes: (1) TTL multiple flash; and (2) Manual multiple flash. Performing multiple flash shooting in the Manual mode, however, is not recommended, since it is difficult to obtain the correct exposure. Use the TTL auto flash mode with cameras compatible with TTL auto flash. To ensure proper exposure, make test shots before shooting important events.
TTL multiple flash (not possible with cameras compatible with CLS
and digital SLRs not compatible with CLS)
Attach the master flash unit to the camera, turn the power on, and set the flash mode to TTL auto flash.
A flash mode, in which Monitor preflashes are fired, cannot be used.
When using either the optional TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-27,SC-26, SC-19 or SC-18, turn off all flash units before connecting the master flash unit to the remote flash units.
Turn on all remote flash units and set the flash mode on all remote flash unit to TTL auto flash.
Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal TTL auto flash shooting, then shoot.
See page 17 concerning the TTL auto flash mode. When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on the SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

Manual multiple flash

Turn off the power and attach the master flash unit to the camera.

SH FLA

Turn on the power of all flash units and set the flash mode on all units to Manual flash.
The flash output level can be adjusted on the SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-28, and so forth, if necessary (p. 43). Repeating flash is not possible.
See page 46 for more information about the Manual flash mode.
Connect the sync terminal on the master flash unit to the remote flash unit using the optional Sync Cord SC-11 or SC-15.

Flash head tilting and rotating angles The SB-800s flash head tilts up 90 and down 7, and rotates horizontally 180 to the left and 90 to the right.
Set the flash head at a click stop at the angles shown. When taking close-up pictures with flash, tilt the flash head down to the 7 position (p. 102).
Choosing the reflecting surface In color photography, select white or highly reflective surfaces to bounce the light off of. Otherwise, your pictures will come out with an unnatural color cast similar to that of the reflecting surface.
u Using the built-in bounce card
In bounce flash photography, use the SB-800s built-in bounce card to create a highlight in the subjects eyes, making the eyes look more vibrant.
As shown in the illustrations, pull out the wide-flash adapter and while holding the bounce card, slide the wide-flash adapter back into place inside the flash head. Tilt the flash head up 90 to use this feature most effectively.
u Shooting with the Nikon Diffusion Dome
By attaching the provided Nikon Diffusion Dome over the flash head, you can diffuse the light even more when doing bounce flash, creating extremely soft light with virtually no shadows. With the camera in either the horizontal or vertical position, you get the same effect.
Good results are generally obtained when the flash head is tilted up 60. Use of the built-in wide-flash adapter in conjunction with the Nikon Diffusion Dome results in the maximum amount of diffused light (p. 104).
Nikon Diffusion Dome attached
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.

Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4
Useful for multiple flash photography, the SU-4 features a built-in, movable light sensor and an accessory shoe for attachment of a remote flash unit. The SU-4s light sensor not only triggers the remote unit to fire in sync with the master unit, but controls the flash duration of the remote unit to provide wireless TTL, Non-TTL, or Manual operation.
TTL Flash Unit Coupler AS-17 for F3-Series cameras
Dedicated adapter for F3-Series cameras providing TTL flash operation with Nikon Speedlights such as the SB-800 featuring an ISO-type mounting foot (not designed for the F3).

Bracket SK-7

A metal plate with attachment screws allowing the camera and Speedlight to be positioned side by side. Use the optional TTL Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 to attach the SB-800 to Bracket SK-7.
Multi-Flash Bracket Unit SK-E900
(One AS-E900 Multi-Flash Adapter is included with the SK-E900) Multi-Flash Adapter AS-E900 The SB-800 can be used as a multiple flash unit with Nikon COOLPIX 900-series digital cameras by attaching the COOLPIX to Multi-Flash Bracket Unit SK-E900 and connecting the SB-800 to the multi-flash terminal of the COOLPIX using the Multi-Flash Adapter AS-E900 (p. 34).

Other accessories

Same as that provided with this SB-800.
Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1
A total of 20 filters in 8 models are provided. Colored gel filters are consumable items and subject to a gradual deterioration in color due to the heat generated when the flash fires. Therefore, it is recommended to check and replace these filters when necessary.
Using external power sources
Connecting to an external power source To use an external power source, remove the cover and connect its power cord to the SB-800s external power source terminal.
Do not use the power cord SC-16 when connecting the SB-800 to the Nikon DC Unit SD-7; use the SC-16A instead. Using external power sources made by another manufacturer is not recommended.

Nikon DC Unit SD-7

Nikon High-Performance Battery Pack SD-8A
Power Bracket Unit SK-6/SK-6A

Specifications

External power source DC Unit SD-71 HighPerformance Battery Pack SD-8A2 Battery type required C-type alkaline-manganese (x 6) AA-type alkaline-manganese (x 6) AA-type NiCd (1000mAh) (x 6) AA-type Nickel (x 6) AA-type Ni-MH (2000mA) (x 6) AA-type lithium (x 6)3 AA-type alkaline-manganese (x 4) AA-type NiCd (1000mAh) (x 4) AA-type Nickel (x 4) AA-type Ni-MH (2000mA) (x 4) AA-type lithium (x 4)3 Min. recycling Min. number of flashes/recycling time (approx.) time (approx.) 2.5 sec. 2.5 sec. 2 sec. 2.5 sec. 2 sec. 3.5 sec. 3 sec. 2.5 sec. 3 sec. 2.5 sec. 3.5 sec. 350 times/2.5-30 sec. 320 times/2.5-30 sec. 190 times/2-30 sec. 380 times/2-30 sec. 300 times/2-30 sec. 310 times/3.5-30 sec. 230 times/3-30 sec. 150 times/2.5-30 sec. 280 times/3-30 sec. 230 times/2.5-30 sec. 260 times/3.5-30 sec.

1 With 2 With

Angle of coverage 14mm 14mm 17mm 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 85mm 105mm Vertical Horizontal 31 27
the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached the built-in wide-flash adapter set

Bounce capability

Power source/ min. recycling time/no. of flashes (at M1/1 output)
Four (or five) AA-type penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of these types: Alkaline-manganese (1.5V), Lithium (1.5V), Nickel (1.5V), NiCd (rechargeable, 1.2V), or Ni-MH (rechargeable, 1.2V)
Number of Min. recycling Min. number of flashes/ batteries time (approx.)* recycling time* x4 6.0 sec. 130/630 sec. Alkalinemanganese 5.0 sec. 130/530 sec. x5 7.5 sec. x4 Lithium 170/7.530 sec. x5 190/7.530 sec. 7.5 sec. 6.0 sec. 140/630 sec. x4 Nickel 5.0 sec. x5 140/530 sec. 4.0 sec. x4 90/430 sec. NiCd (1000 mAh) (rechargeable) 3.5 sec. x5 90/3.530 sec. 4.0 sec. x4 150/430 sec. Ni-MH (2000 mA) (rechargeable) 2.9 sec. x5 150/2.930 sec. * With fresh batteries. n M1/1 output without use of AF-assist illuminator, zoom operation, and LCD panel illuminator. Batteries
Flash head tilts down to 7 or up to 90 with click-stops at 7, 0, 45, 60, 75, 90; flash head rotates horizontally 180 to the left or 90 to the right with click-stops at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 ON/OFF button n Press the b button for approx. 0.3 sec. to turn the SB-800 on or off. n Standby function can be set.
External power sources (optional)
External power source DC Unit SD-7 High-Performance Battery Pack SD-8A Power Bracket Unit SK-6/SK-6A
Battery type Six C-type alkaline-manganese Six AA-type alkaline-manganese Four AA-type alkaline-manganese

Ready-light

Flash duration (approx.)
nLights up when the SB-800 is recycled and ready to fire. nBlinks for 3 sec. when flash fires at its maximum output, indicating light may have been insufficient (in TTL Auto Flash, Auto Aperture B Flash and Non-TTL Auto Flash A operations) 1/1050 sec. at M1/1 (full) output 1/1100 sec. at M1/2 output 1/2700 sec. at M1/4 output 1/5900 sec. at M1/8 output 1/10900 sec. at M1/16 output 1/17800 sec. at M1/32 output 1/32300 sec. at M1/64 output 1/41600 sec. at M1/128 output Provides secure attachment of SB-800 to cameras accessory shoe using locking plate and mount pin to prevent accidental detachment. 3.0 to +3.0 EV in increments of 1/3 steps in the TTL auto flash, Auto Aperture flash modes and Distance-priority manual flash By pressing the g and ef, c or d buttons, the following custom settings are possible: ISO sensitivity, Wireless flash auto, Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode, Non-TTL auto flash, Standby function, Selecting the distance unit (m, ft.), Canceling power zoom function, Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally, LCD panel illuminator, Brightness of the LCD panel, AF-assist illuminator, and canceling flash firing. Recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode, Resetting the settings, Button lock Allows SB-800 to be used with 14mm or 17mm lens Approx. 70.5 x 129.5 x 93.0mm (2.8 x 5.1 x 3.7 in.)