Nikon R1 Wireless Close-up Speedlight System for i-TTL SLRs

2020-12-17T08:34:37

Why didn't I get this sooner?! is what I ask myself. Not just macro/micro photography but also taking portrait photos and many other applications -- is what this flash system will transform. This is a well-designed and well-built product. I compared it to the same by its closest competitor brand and I chose this one. No regrets.

Hiller O.

2019-08-21T05:44:39

Awesome flexibility compared to my old ring flash.

zachary s.

2017-03-30T09:05:06

The R1 was easy to set up and use. After about 15 minutes I was taking great macro shots.

DUQUESNE U.

2016-05-16T10:28:32

Totally worth it. Love the R1 for taking intra oral and extra oral photos of my cases

Mohammad A.

2015-04-27T21:00:00

Have been using the system for macro work and it does the job as expected. It is more versatile than I expected and it deserves the 5 stars. Good job Nikon.

SEBASTIAN D.

2014-07-18T20:00:00

The flash system is quite good and works for me under many conditions. Flash filter attachments need a redesign to fit firmly. They are also a hassle to work with in the field. The attachment pins are too small and often require you to remove the flash units to install filters and diffuser. Rechargeable batteries are a must for anyone planning to use this system regularly. It pays for itself in just a few weeks. My biggest problem with the unit is attaching a Cir-Polarized filter at the front of the attachment ring. Yes you can attach filters behind but the whole assembly will just rotate on a cir-polarized filter. Nikon did not accommodate threads to attach a filter on the end of the attachment ring. Filters, especially polarized filters are an important tool in macro photography. This system needs a DIY approach for cross-polarization setups. The product is now fully manufactured in China

SteveTroletti

Originally posted at

2014-06-30T21:00:00

Bought this for dental photography at the recommendation of field experts. Adorama's service and shipping were exceptional. Working with a flash like this is still pretty new to me but so far it looks like it will be a great asset.

AJM

2014-03-30T20:00:00

After researching nearly every macro flash system out there on the market, and reading extensive reviews,looking at photographs and checking on craftsmanship quality, I have to say you really do get what you pay for! This system is a bit more money then your standard macro/ring flash setup, but it's worth it in so so many ways. The versatility of being able to position your flashes anywhere you want (within range of the transmitter),being able to add in a 3rd flash if you so choose, as well as the kit that it comes with has so many cool little add-ons! For the people who tend to complain about the CR123a batteries, yes they can be expensive if bought separate, but i urge you to go online and buy them either on eBay or from a battery re-seller. I was able to purchase 36 of them for $19.99 on eBay and you can buy them in packs of 50 and 100 and they are Duracell. Also you can get generic named ones even cheaper and yes they do have rechargeable ones. You can pick up a charger and 4 CR123's for $30 roughly as well. So really it's not that big of a deal, if you plan ahead! And as far as the plastic ring mount complaint goes, i shoot with a Tamron 180mm macro lens. It's fairly long and heavy and if the ring was metal it would be too heavy! And trust me the flashes secure themselves really well to the mount and they are not coming off unless you wan't them too. They also slide around into different positions really easily as well. It would take some serious abuse to break this, like dropping your camera, or wacking it on a pole. The diffusers stay on really well,they could be a tad bit more snug, but so far i haven't found it to be an issue, whatsoever. The kit is well thought out and put together and it's really impressive what you get here. I strongly urge anyone looking for a top of the line macro flash to purchase this unit or to at least go find a camera shop and check one out. It might cost a bit,but you won't regret it,especially once you start seeing how sharp your images look. As well as being able to shoot hand held!

TopherD

Originally posted at

2012-06-05T20:00:00

I have owned this setup for 5 years now, I have used the SU800 and the SB200r flashes for everything . Macro, studio,remote indoor and outdoor situations. I purchased the entire setup including the SU800, as I use it with my D2X and my SB800. I have found this to be the very handy versatile lighting in many situations. I highly recommend this for macro and many other situations. I must agree with the above review as to the battery type used with this system, the CR123 batteries are very expensive and hard to find. The locking system for the flash to ring is a little stiff and sometimes hard to lock in place without a little finesse and double checking, but for the versatility and power I can live with these minor refinement issues.

NikonD

Originally posted at

2012-05-16T20:00:00

I have these flashes since they were first introduced by Nikon some 5 or 6 years ago. They can make awesome light under ideal conditions. However there are some serious design flaws that make them less ideal under normal shooting conditions. 1. The batteries are expensive and hard to get in remote areas. Even in our capital city it is not a given that you will walk into a camera store and expect them to have stock of these batteries. I prefer AA type so I can share batteries with other flashes and accessories. When batteries fail, (and mine failed a couple of times when I least expected) I can get AA type batteries even in small towns. 2. The hooks to attach the diffuser panels for extreme macro or to attach the transparent holder for filters are just too small - these attachments regularly fall off, and frustrate the nuts out of me. Also the hooks to attach the flash holder to the lens rings sometimes do not catch properly. I have on two or three occasions tried to fit them in a hurry, not noticing the ring did not clip properly and ended up with the flashes falling off the lens onto the ground. A redesign is needed. 3. I use the R1 kit ( using the camera flash as controller ). The wireless signal is just too easily obstructed by my hand, or by a diffuser, or at some angles to strong sunlight. Then one or both flashes do not fire. This limits the positions where I can place the flashes. A cabled solution like the Canon MT24 or the Olympus STF22 makes more sense for macro in my opinion. Although SC-30 cables do exist for these flashes, these are clearly indicated only for non-iTTL cameras. 4. When I use diffuser panels and extension tubes, I sometimes feel the flashes a little underpowered. Recharge times are also a bit long. These flashes are highly overrated. I usually get frustrated with them, pack them away and continue the macro shoot with one or two SB-800 flashes. I am now selling these as they do not contribute to my macro photography. They are OK in studio provided you do not block their signals with diffusers. Outdoors I envy the competition's products.

Macro m.

Originally posted at

2012-05-13T21:00:00

Easy light set up for close up and macro photography. Especially in the field.

Ron

2012-05-11T21:00:00

This is excellent for macro, however if you are not always keeping it on the camera, it can be a pain to assemble and take apart over and over and over again.

jguerra23

2012-05-06T21:00:00

An excellent flash for my 105 2.8 macro.! Wireless, light, easy to rotate the flash heads as needed. Your camera will have to have a "commander mode" though. Deffinately a must have for macro.

ERIC G.

2011-12-04T19:00:00

If you have a lot of creativity you might like this. I bought it for macro and sold it or a sb-900 instead. The 900 give me more of what I needed

capttcb

2011-09-03T21:00:00

A must have for all serious photographers indulging in macro and herping.The consistent output and versatile usability makes this a just have.Some images made using this [@]A must have and yes! from Adorama, I always get my wish list from Adorama when I travel or ship it to friends to get it for me.Adorama's [...] pricing[...]has been the best!

Nikhilesh M.

2010-11-30T19:00:00

This is an excellent macro flash system, much better than any ring flash, and possibly the best DSLR macro flash system designed so far. However, you must understand that it was designed specifically for macro photography (obviously used together with a macro lens), and not as a general-use flash system. Those who have given it bad reviews obviously did not understand this. The reason that this kit is made almost entirely of plastic (instead of metal) is because it is mounted in front of the lens. If it was too heavy, it would create too much stress on the lens mount and/or barrel. The R1 kit is much lighter than most ring flash units (or other macro flash systems), with the added advantage that it does not require any cables or brackets. The flash heads and supporting ring of the R1 kit are very well designed and do not feel cheap in my opinion. The output of the included SB-200 flash heads is low on purpose (compared to regular flash units) to avoid excessive illumination in the macro range. This kit is much better than any ring flash because of the following combination of features: (1) the 2 included flash heads can be positioned anywhere around the supporting ring; (2) the output of each flash head can be independently controlled; (3) the angle of each flash head can be changed depending on your working distance and desired illumination effect; (4) the flash heads are controlled wirelessly, thus avoiding the clutter of cables; and (5) one or both flash heads can be operated off-camera to light the subject from the side or back, either hand-held or self standing (with an included foot attachment). This versatility allows you to be creative with the light and avoid the bright-but-flat appearance given by ring flash units. You can use one of the flash heads as the main flash and the second (in a different position) as a fill flash. A sixth advantage is that the R1 kit works wonders if you use magnifications greater than 1:1, because you can use the included extreme macro attachments for the flash heads. (I do this by mounting my 105 mm f/2.8D Micro-Nikkor on Kenko auto extension rings and attaching an inverted 50 mm 2.8D Nikkor in front of the Micro-Nikkor, all in a D90 body. With this setup, I get magnifications of up to 4:1). The R1 system works great with Nikon cameras that can control remote slave units with their own pop-up flash (e.g., D90 and better). For other cameras, you need the SU-800 wireless commander that attaches to the camera's hot shoe. The flash heads are not waterproof, but if you want to use them where they could be rained on you could simply place a clear plastic bag around each one, secured by a rubber band at its base (assuming that your camera and lens are water resistant!). Using the R1 system to its full potential can take some time to get used to its many possible settings. You have to experiment a lot with different combinations of flash head positions, angles, and light outputs. But once you master it, the results are definitely worth it. If you shoot Nikon and are serious about macro photography, the R1 system is a must have. Canon (or any other brand for that matter) does not manufacture anything that comes even close.

Mario H.

2010-11-06T21:00:00

Very good system, with case to protect and carry the kit. Works with virtually any lens, as all components are included. Especially useful for portrait and close-ups, the flashes can also be used for fill flash and mounted on stands. No need for commander module, as long as the camera has iTTL. Highly recommended to complete your indoor flash components.

WILLIAM P.

2010-09-14T20:00:00

this setup is awesome it has everything you need for lighting it has a flash and a wireless commander control

jt

Originally posted at

2010-04-24T21:00:00

Product like described. It's so easy to use; just set the channel ... work perfect with my D90, as well when using my SB800. Love it, it is so small and lite! Will always have one in my travel lite bag :)

drinla

2009-07-26T21:00:00

Use the system for macro on insects butterflies. It is also versatile for closeup setups. I do not care for CR 123 batteries. Nikon should make a rechargable battery unit for speedlights.

Richard A.

2008-08-11T21:00:00

This is an excellent system for macro field work. This is Creative lighting on the fly just by dialing in a few settings on the wireless commander. . Keep in mind that this is sold as a CLOSE-UP system! Although I rave about the macro work it is a system that can grow. I now use the SB 600s and 800s for fast environmental portraits. No more lugging large studio lights. However you can build upon it using the commander as the brain for almost any situation.

ChoiceGraphX

2008-07-10T21:00:00

Only give it a 4 because I was disappointed in the output of the SB200's. But it is great for macro stuff and the ability to move the lights makes it much more useful to me than a ring flash.

elektron

2006-11-12T19:00:00

Average unit. Very plastic and not durable. Tiny batteries in each flash head, rather anemic unless very very close to subject. Canon system much better_ I am switching to Canon as Nikon is clearly out of touch . TTL experience with D2x inconsistent. Your better of bracketing with a SB 29 on manual. If you are doing medical photography, forget this contraption

Carl S.

2006-08-19T21:00:00

I got this kit mainly for portraits and close-ups. It comes with a booklet of examples of how to use the kit. The Speedlights are very simple to use. Just a couple of dials for setting channel and group, an on/off switch, and test button. You will have to read the instructions if you want to use the close-up diffuser attachments. A few small nits: I would like just a little more travel in the tilt head on the SB-R200s. Since the kit is advertised as a close-up kit and comes with pretty much everything else, I would like to see it include the UR-5 adaptor ring which is necessary for use with the 60mm f/2.8 micro-Nikkor. Actually, you can use this lens without the adaptor, but it will hinder very close focusing. You also cannot use autofocus with this lens and the kit mounted on it. The kit is too heavy and strains the lens motor. The manual warns you about this. I would have liked to see more detail in the manuals about how to use the kit with the SB-800 Speelight in commander mode and more detail with the Nikon D200 internal flash in commander mode. All the examples are with the Nikon D70 using the SU-800 commmander unit which this kit does include. You are a little bit on your own figuring out how to use anything else as a commander. Still, after studying the various manuals for your Speedlights and cameras, you should be up and running within a short time. Refinement takes practice, of course. The adaptor rings and ring mount work well, but I find only limited use for these. The SB-R200 Speedlights are at their best away from the camera, handheld or on stands. This is true even for macro photography, where you may want to hold one of the flash units under or behind the subject or bouncing off a wall or umbrella. In general, a very flexible and useful tool.

CHRISTOPHER C.