The Nikon SB-800 was Nikon's premier flash from 2003 to 2008. It was replaced by the SB-900. The SB-800 offered wireless control of other flashes, a built-in bounce card, an attachable diffusion dome and faster recycling times with the addition of the fifth battery pack.
Softening the Light
Using a flash head on can result in harsh glare and shadows instead of an even light. There are three things you can do with the SB-800 to soften the light for more natural looking shots. First, angle the flash head up and bounce the light of the ceiling; try positioning it at a 60-degree angle. If this doesn't soften the light enough, position the head at 90 degrees and use the built-in bounce card. Finally, the best solution is to use the diffusion dome in connection with positioning the head at a 60-degree angle.
Modeling Illuminator
Use the modeling illuminator function to check that you have the correct exposure value on the camera, and check that the you don't have any harsh shadows cast by the SB-800 as you frame your shot. The Modeling illuminator button is on the left side of the flash head. Push the button and the flash will fire at a reduced output for approximately three seconds.
Wireless
By using multiple speedlights, a photographer can mimic advanced studio lighting systems. The SB-800 can be set as either a master flash or a slave flash by pressing the Mode button and entering the Custom settings menu. As a slave flash with a compatible Nikon camera (most D-SLRs), the SB-800 can be positioned off the camera on the included stand and triggered from the on-camera flash, creating better fill lighting in tricky shadow conditions. In Master mode, the SB-800 can trigger an infinite number of slaved Nikon speedlights for a wide array of lighting conditions.
Tags: flash head, 60-degree angle, bounce card, built-in bounce, built-in bounce card, check that, check that have