The SB-800 was Nikon's top of the line external flash until replaced by the SB-900 in 2008. The SB-800 had a range of 2 to 66 feet (.6 to 20 meters), depending on the ISO, and used Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS), which offered additional shooting options with certain digital cameras from Nikon, including the D2H and D70.
Batteries
The SB-800 has several options for batteries. It can run on four AA batteries for basic operation. While alkalines work, it is better to use lithium AAs for longer life; for the best combination of longer life and fast recycling (an environmental friendliness), use rechargeable nickel-metal hydride AAs. The SB-800 also comes with a quick recycling battery pack (SD-800), which can hold a fifth AA battery for even faster recycling times. Use this fifth pack for the best performance.
Testing the exposure value
The SB-800 allows a photographer to fire a monitor flash to test the exposure before taking a picture. If the flash is in Auto, or TTL (through the lens) mode, press the mode button until AA (Auto Aperture flash) appears on the LCD screen. Depress the shutter button on the camera halfway, then press the Flash button on the SB-800 to fire the flash. If the ready light is blinking, the exposure setting is incorrect, and the aperture on the camera will need to be adjusted.
A photographer taking portraits can also check to see how the subject is illuminated by pressing the Modeling Illuminator button on the left side of the flash to fire three lower output flashes and see if there are too many shadows or if the subject is properly lit.
Wireless
The SB-800 can act as a wireless commander flash for other SB-800s or SB-600s, allowing a photographer a lot more creative control. Press the SEL button and hold it for two seconds to activate the custom settings mode, then use the + and - buttons to scroll to Wireless. The modes available are Off, Master, Master (RPT) for strobe shots, Remote (to have the flash triggered wirelessly by another flash) and SU-4 for use with the Nikon SU-4 wireless commander. With certain Nikon cameras such as the D70, D80, D90, D200 and D300, the on-camera flash can trigger the SB-800 when the SB-800 is put in Remote mode; the flash will need to be on Channel 3, Group A, under the wireless settings for this to work. The SB-800 also comes with a flash stand, allowing the flash to be placed on a table, the floor or even a lighting stand.
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