Nikon SB-800: The Basics

[starwarsnerdreviewer]

Erh...is there a full auto mode where i dont have to adjust anything on the flash??? Is there such thing as a ETTL? Is it available in the SB-600? How to i change the modes??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, that's iTTL (iTTL-BL, iTTL-FP, and iTTL-BL-FP as well). SB-600 has it, too.

Changing the modes is so easy. All you have to to do is read the user manual. :)

[joey75220]

Ha! Someone is selling their SB800 speedlite on craigslist in Dallas and they linked this and one other of your vlogs!! Wow....

[joey75220]

Hi, Joey & Company! Thank you for keeping this video up....this was one of the first vlogs I watched on your channel a few years back. I think I even requested you guys doing vlog tutorials on the SB800! I still have mine...had to send it in for repairs back in the Fall, but it is ok now. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and glad you guys still answer our questions!!!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Hah, yup, we're still around.

[oltots]

hey ..found out what the problem was. The PCB A was damaged. Found 1 on the internet and should have it by next week. Will let U noe the end result

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Uh, okay?

[MrPulleiro]

i would like to use sb 800 and sb600 off camera, but do not want pop up flash to interfere. which should be the settings? tks and congrats for the great video

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You can't turn off the pop-up flash. Perhaps buy Nikon SG-3IR panel and slide it into front of the pop-up flash. That way, it will block the incoming flash but will still trigger the remote flashes.

[oltots]

can the sb-800 work with the nikon d3000..... if so how.... cause i cant seem 2 get it 2 flash.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

The SB-800 is fully compatible with D3000. We are unable to help because you are not giving us enough information to help.

[oltots]

@Lilkiwiguy87 well i connect the flash 2 the camera n lock it .... turn on the camera then the flash..... change it 2 ttl and try 2 take some shots.... but the built in flash still tries 2 pop up .... so i was wondering if there is an in camera setting 2 disable the built in flash n enable the sb-800.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Hmm, sounds like you did not push the SB-800 all the way in. Try again by unlocking, push with a little force until it moves to a stop, then lock. Push by the sides on same level with the lock knob so you will not damage the hot shoe. Let us know if it works.

[oltots]

@Lilkiwiguy87 yea... its all the way in.... cause if the flash n camera go in standby ... half closing the shutter brings i back on .... so there is communication between the camera and flash.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Okay, we're not sure exactly what is going on with your SB-800. Can you please email us detailed description with the issue. We will email you few possibilities so you can try and cancel out then it will leave you with the answer. Thanks.

[MrCUBALIBRE5]

HI GLAD TO MEET U, I WANNA GIVE YOU THANKS FOR THESE IMPORTANTS VIDEOS,SO MANY INSTRUCTIVES, NOW THE QUESTION: I GOT AN SB800 AND SOME PICS GOING DARKER THAN OTHERS WITH THE SAME FSTOP NUMBER AND MORE OR LESS THE SAME DISTANCE, I CHECK THE RECICLING TIME I THINK IT´S OK, CAN I GET UR OPINION PLS AND UR HELP (OBVIOUSLY), THANKS A LOT

[Lilkiwiguy87]

If you are doing high speed continuous shooting with rechargeable batteries and / or at higher power settings then there is your problem. Please watch our SB-900 Overheating Explanation video series to learn about many workarounds.

[jeffreyracca]

hello i got nikon d5000. the thing is it doesn't have a commander mode, and because of that, i cant use the sb600 so im planning to buy sb 800 instead. but i wanna ask you first if i can use sb 800 wirelessly with my nikon d5000 camera?! thank you.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, simply set the SB-800 for SU-4 Mode and put a SG-3IR panel on your D5000 (to block onboard flash from lighting up your subject). However, you would need to manually set the SB-800 to get the desired result.

[jeffreyracca]

@Lilkiwiguy87 im not too techy so what you mean is that, i have to buy a flash trigger?! what brand do you recommend? thank you

[Lilkiwiguy87]

We did not say anything about a flash trigger. The SG-3IR is a plastic panel that sits in front of the pop-up flash to block incoming flash but can still trigger the SB-800 wirelessly. SG-3IR is by Nikon and goes for about twelve bucks.

[MrPants1970]

This is an excellent tutorial, just one small point, you pan the flash round to the left and there is a close up picture of a doll's face, in the reflection in the eyes you can clearly see a flash umbrella. I am only pointing this out as after watching this tutorial I went off to play with my SB800 only to find I could not reproduce the nice soft lighting you have on that pic...

[Lilkiwiguy87]

This video is almost 3 years old and if we remember correctly, it was a white umbrella. White umbrellas deliver softer lighting than silver / chrome / yellow / gold umbrellas.

[wanyusri84]

can i use remote this on my D60.. coz i wana hav 1 of these

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, optical slave only (SU-4 mode).

[sergioslim]

hi there is the sb-800 compatible with the Nikon D40??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes.

[lightdrink]

Hi, I have a question. There were two instances wherein you pressed the mode and power button at the same time. At 4:55 and again close to the end. What does this accomplish? Thanks in advance

[Lilkiwiguy87]

@lightdrink: That's Master Reset, resetting the SB-800 back to the factory settings.

[lightdrink]

That was quick. Thank you!

[MadQuebecois]

i bought the SB-800 and i have a question to ask, i am mostly shooting birds. I am about 10 feet away from the bird and teh background is another 15 feet further, When i take the picture, my background is always very dark or black, can anybody know what i am doing wrong ? Thank's

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Nothing's wrong with the SB-800, it's the exposure. Set the camera for Manual Mode, adjust the exposure accordingly to the meter then turn the SB-800 and set for iTTL-BL, shoot away.

[jellingson100]

my sb-800 won't turn on and i put brand new batteries in... what should i do?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You did not say if the batteries are primary (non-rechargeable) or rechargeable. Rechargeable batteries are known for going bad after 3-6 months of use. Try putting in fresh Duracell Coppertop AA Alkalines (primary batteries), if nothing turns on, box it up and send it in to have Nikon take a look at it.

[Lenox318]

check the contact points of the batteries. I had the same problem two days ago, now I fixed it by using vinegar and eraser.

[crazyinsanitie]

hey Lilkiwiguy87 im going to buy a flash for the first time i found this store that still has a few sb-800 for 340$. What should i do get the sb-800 to save a bit of money or just go for the sb 900??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

If you wish to save more money, I suggest you to take a look at SB-600 (not 800 nor 900) because they're going for under $200 nowadays.

The SB-900 is a monster compared to SB-800 with a lot of features that you probably won't need. So, rent a 600 and 800 out and compare for yourself to see which one suits you the best.

[crazyinsanitie]

i tried the Sb-600 its good but i wanted something better and the sb-900 had everything of the things i wante4d and more for creative flash photography but i never tried out the sb-800 seens it was discontinued (BTW thanks for the fsat reply **5 STARZ!!!!**) i just wanted to if you had to decided for me would the sb-800 be alrdy good and should i go for the Monster and not to have to change in the future xD

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Well, I have a surprise for you, we had our SB-800 since it was first introduced over 7 years ago and never had any problems or troubles with it. You can go with the SB-800 and it will last a very long time if you take a good care of it.

Okay, tell me what "more" that you wanted that the SB-600 doesn't have?

For that I understand the SB-600 is limited as a Remote (slave) flash only without Master mode, no ability to use Pocketwizards, slow recycling times, and unable to attach a diffuser.

[sipkenz]

I have 2 SB800..is it worth an upgrade to SB900? i do alot Off camera flash..

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You need to ask yourself this question, "So, the SB-900 is out but it is $500 each. Are there any handy features in the SB-900 that is worth upgrading to? Or can I just continue using the SB-800's because they both happen to be working just fine and it suit my needs?"

[sipkenz]

True and thanks for the reply..SB800 is definitely more than enough

[Alexvideoclip]

No, the sb800 is good for at least 5 more years

[Lilkiwiguy87]

The SB-900 is more powerful than the SB-800 by 1/3 stop (+0.3EV), according to Nikon.

People are saying the SB-800 is more powerful than the SB-900 as an excuse for not using the SB-900 due to so-called "defective" product (which it isn't, it is a human error).

[sipkenz]

in terms of output between SB800 and SB900, which is one is more powerful? i've heard ppl saying tht SB800 is more powerful but due to the fact tht t sb900 flash head is bigger therefore it could reach 200mm..

thank you in advance for ur response=)

[spiritualstudios]

Nice sound track due!

[olimurugavel]

Wow ... i really need a SB-800 ... :)

[dd8721]

Thanks for the video. Btw its Santana =P

[RHAK313]

Whats the best settings or mode for macro photography outdoors ? and thanks a lot for the guide and the beautiful music.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Same settings as shown in the video except you would need to attach a lens hood and requires faster shutter speeds on sunny days, that would be all.

Switch from 14-bit to 12-bit RAW recording if you wish to use higher ISO sensitivities.

[ferdia6]

This is a fantastic tutorial, thanks a lot I feel i can make a decision on whether to buy the unit now. i was considering the 600 because of price...

keep it up!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Just a FYI, you can only find SB-800's used because SB-800 have been discontinued for 6 months now, so is the SB-600, too.

[coolwaterdvr]

What's the best in terms of features, sb800 or the sb900?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

The SB-900 offers MUCH more features but I doubt you will use all of them. So, I would say SB-800 and SB-900 are equal.

[idosos]

Please, as I make my flash sb-800 work with wireless D200? is to provide a video classroom? thanks

[Lilkiwiguy87]

First, not to sound blunt, you need to start reading your D200 and SB-800 users manuals because your answer is there. We have a similar video on this topic buried deep down on our channel; you can find it under the title of Nikon C.L.S. with D80 Setting Up. Be sure to install the latest firmware on your D200 to expand the abilities. Good luck.

[cesarale]

"Sanatana" jaja Santana !!!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Umm, ok?

[choneythief]

what r the differences between the 600 and 800?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

SB-800 have more power, more features, could be used as a Master / Remote / SU-4 flash in Creative Lighting System, have more modes, have wider range of zooming (from 17mm to 105mm), have PC terminal that allows you hook up Pocketwizards to for wireless triggering, have prongs for SD-8A battery pack for faster recycling, have a built in bounce card, bigger lime green LCD, and ability to use diffusion dome attachment. The SB-600 don't have any of these.

[idosos]

Please, as I make my flash sb-800 work with wireless D200? is to provide a video classroom? thanks

[acapmex1]

Thanks alot for this videos, they're very helpfull,

I have a question about SB-800 speedlight,

I just bought mine used, I was testing it using the REMOTE mode, with my nikon d70, but I don't know if is normal but after the flush goes off, the SB-800 makes a loud Beep, is it because overheating,??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It's normal, you can turn the beeping off on the flash custom settings menu (CSM).

[AsphericalElements]

Well what about the SB700. what price rage would that be in?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

I don't have an exact price but Nikon's estimate is $250-$400 range.

[darkdave25]

Well in that case I should get it sooner rather than later - thanks again!

[darkdave25]

Thanks for posting this - it was really useful!

I think I'm about to buy one!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Just a heads up for you - The Nikon SB-800 is now discontinued (so is SB-600 as well). Try to get your hands on one as soon as possible before it turns out of stock, otherwise you will be stuck with a $500 SB-900. =/

[itsumonihon]

just a correction, it has not been discontinued. it's still in production. i went to the factory in sendai to check. they still make it and will be for a good while longer considering the popularity of the dx sensors and the need for smaller sized flash units.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yup, heard it too, Nikon decided to continue the production for the SB-800 and SB-600 since there are a lot of people who are happy with the products. These flashes aren't exactly designed for DX bodies - SB-900 now support DX bodies and works perfectly.

[ChicoEdge]

I use a couple of SB-800s and a couple of SB-600s. Used together, they are awesome!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You should be happy because the new SB-900 and SB-700 both works with SB-800 and SB-600 in Nikon Creative Lighting System. :)

[bridgeoverwater627]

Hey, could you tell me how to use the RPT mode on the SB800? From what I understand, it works like a strobe, but it only gives off one flash when I try it. I'm shooting with a

D40x if that helps. Thanks!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It will work only if you're doing a long exposure (at least a second exposure). Make sure you make adjustments to the amount of light to fire in a single sequence and power of flash to go off in the sequence.

It will only fire 1-3 times if you use the maximum power with short delay between flashes because it will drain the battery much faster.

If you're still not so sure - I'd be gladly to make a video tutorial on Nikon SB-800 in RPT mode. :)

[bridgeoverwater627]

Hey, if you've got the time, I'd really appreciate it. In the meantime, I'll keep playing with it. You're the best, man! Thanks for all your help!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Hah, okey dokey, just be patient then.

[AsphericalElements]

Hey, i'm an amateur photographer and im still deciding whether i should buy the SB-800 or the SB-600. Any healp would be needed.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Okay, what one major requirement do you need from an external flash?

[AsphericalElements]

Well in addition to firing a high speed light source, i need it to fire even it is not hooked up to the camera. I am aware that it is possible to fire the speedlight externally through "commander" mode where the onboad flash fires, but i don't know if that will affect my photos with the direct light. I thus don't know wheather the SB-600 or SB-800 can satisfy these parameters.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Unfortunately, using SB-600 or SB-800 as 'remote flash' will not be able to fire high speed sequence burst when using SU-800 Commander or built-in camera flash.

There are two options you can choose for high speed firing rate:

• Pocketwizard Plus II (you will need a pair of two)

• Nikon SC-29 iTTL Off-Camera Flash Cord (it is not a wireless option)

These options allows you to use either SB-800 or SB-600 off-camera for high speed firing rate. Use these flashes in M (manual) mode.

[majiksznak]

At this point, the price difference between the SB-800 and SB-600 isn't enough to justify buying the SB-600 (in my opinion). The 800 is more powerful and has a few extra features you'll want to use the more serious you get.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Well, not everybody can afford SB-800 like you but SB-600 suits a lot of people who would fight its limitations to be able to use it fully.

[girotube]

I have the SB-28.. Love it!! but this one kicks major rear!

hmmm why are you playing with dolls dude? (irrelevant I know!) yay!

Thanx for the demo!

[RickyTomatoes]

YES! This video is AWESOME!

Thank you!

[centerfugee]

Some of those dolls are scary.

[jani963]

just bought the sb 800. nice video

i loved that seinfeld ketchup/mustard thing.

thanks

[kokex]

Hi again  from Chile

Appart from SD-8A, What would you use to make this flash faster?

Thanks

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Either one of these ways:

Shoot with lowest flash power (in Manual) as possible and boost the ISO a little.

Or...

Quantum Turbo (expensive and very heavy).

[joey75220]

Oh, hell yeah thanks, Joey! AND .....AND....I love Santana! That Primavera song was right on time! I like the sample pics...and since I'm a big SW fan...love the Darth Vader tie!! So, you showed us a little of the basics and I'm gonna go practice..thank you!!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Hah, no problem...

Just remember, this is video 1 of unknown number of videos. :D

What Darth Vader tie are you speaking of? If it's my necklace... It's not DV because it's St. Christopher, aka "Protector of the Water Hazards" (surfer's theme).

:)

[bl4ckprint]

I've been thinking about purchasing an SB-600 or SB-800 soon. I don't do much photography that requires a flash, but I think it could open up some creative possibilities. Just one question. When your subject is directly in front of you, and you were bouncing the light off of a wall that's behind you (panning the flash head 180 degrees), you would also have to tilt the head up, too, right? Because if you didn't, would you block the light from bouncing back onto your subject?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, any way of using your flash head on SB-800 is possible.

To photograph a subject right in front of you (under 5 feet), tilt the flash head 90º upward then shoot away. You still can rotate the flash head (panning) all the way around to the back then tilt the flash head anyway you want it.

[PR3DAT0R6sic6]

When bouncing light off the ceiling or a wall does it have to be a white flat surface? Or does it not matter?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, you will need very light ceiling (white or any colors of any kind) with a flat surface without any texture.

With textured ceiling, the light becomes much softer and requires more power.

With colored or black ceiling, the blue light (from SB-800) will adjust by adding specific color from ceiling then light on subject, it will become either yellowish, brownish, bluish, reddish, etc. etc.

Applies the same with walls, by the way.