Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)

The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units. The built-in flash will not fire when an optional flash unit is attached.

Flash Units Compatible with the Creative Lighting System (CLS)

The camera can be used with the following CLS-compatible flash units:

 

Flash unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feature

 

SB-910 1

SB-900 1

SB-800

SB-700 1

SB-600

SB-400 2

SB-300 2

SB-R200

3

Guide No. 4

ISO 100

34/111

34/111

38/125

28/92

30/98

21/69

18/59

10/33

 

ISO 200

48/157

48/157

53/174

39/128

42/138

30/98

25/82

14/46

 

 

 

1If a color filter is attached to the SB-910, SB-900, or SB-700 when AUTO or N(flash) is selected for white balance, the camera will automatically detect the filter and adjust white balance appropriately.

2 Wireless flash control is not available.

3Controlled remotely using optional SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, or SB-700 flash unit or SU-800 wireless Speedlight commander.

4m/ft, 20 °C (68 °F), SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, and SB-600 at 35 mm zoom head position; SB-910, SB-900, and SB-700 with standard illumination.

The SU-800 wireless speedlight commander: When mounted on a CLS-compatible camera, the SU-800 can be used as a commander for remote SB-910,SB-900,SB-800,SB-700,SB-600, or SB-R200 flash units in up to three groups. The SU-800 itself is not equipped with a flash.

AThe Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)

Nikon’s advanced Creative Lighting System (CLS) offers improved communication between the camera and compatible flash units for improved flash photography. Refer to the documentation provided with the flash unit for details.

AGuide Number

To calculate the range of the flash at full power, divide the Guide Number by the aperture. For example, at ISO 100 the SB-800 has a Guide Number of 38 m or 125 ft (35 mm zoom head position); its range at an aperture of f/5.6 is 38÷5.6 or about 6.8 meters (or in feet, 125÷5.6=approximately 23 ft 7 in.). For each twofold increase in ISO sensitivity, multiply the Guide Number by the square root of two (approximately 1.4).

232Technical Notes