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Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander image
 
(based on 25 ratings)
Brand: Nikon
Located in: Flash/Lighting
Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander
Review Snapshot®
Avg. Customer Rating:
 
4.4 stars
(based on 25 reviews)
92% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:
Consistent output(6), Durable(6), Easy to use(10), Excellent interface(8), Fast recycling(5)
Best Uses:
Fill flash(6), General purpose(6), Home(4), Lighting(5), Macro photography(5)
Describe Yourself:
Enthusiast(10), Professional(9)

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Wish I'd gotten one long before this
By StringproVerified Reviewer from San Diego, CA on 12/28/2010
Pros:
Reliable
Cons:
Battery that Nikon uses
Best Uses:
Fill Flash, General Use, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Semi-pro Photographer
Was this a gift?:
Yes
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

Much has been written about the "problems" with this flash controller, that it doesn't have a "long rang", or it "doesn't work in bright sunshine". Hogwash! I've put off buying this for a couple of years based on my doubts that it would meet my needs. Asked for it as a Christmas gift and upset that I didn't get it sooner. Tested it today in various configurations and had NO FAILURES to trigger 3 SB-800's, indoors and out.

Placed the strobes with the sun shining directly into the IR receiving ports and triggered the units from 55 feet away... EVERY TIME. Most people don't need a working distance of more than 20 to 30 feet under normal circumstances, so 50-60 should do. I was very impressed with the tests I ran and the difficult situations I tried to get the controller to fail in. It worked every time.

The user interface of the SU-800 is easy to negotiate and controls Nikon speedlights with precision. You will be happy that you bought this product.

 
A must have for wedding photographers.
By DCPVerified Purchaser from Orlando, Florida on 10/31/2010
Pros:
Consistent Output, Easy To Use, Fast Recycling, Lightweight, Powerful Output, Versatile
Best Uses:
Fill Flash, General Use, Photojournalism, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Pro Photographer
Was this a gift?:
No
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

I love the SU800 teamed with my SB 900's and SB 800's for my weddings. If you use Nikon's CLS system this is a must have. Big pro is having control of 3 groups. The display is straight forward, easy to read, and easier to change for run and gun photography.

 
very good product
By grumpykayVerified Purchaser from monroe,la on 4/20/2010
Pros:
Durable, Easy To Use, Lightweight, Reliable
Best Uses:
Macro Photography, Portraits, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

works very good for studio work,have used it with as many as 4 flash units.works ever time.

 
Very good, but not perfect
By jackVerified Purchaser from marietta on 2/16/2010
Pros:
Easy To Use, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Home, Macro Photography, Portraits, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

The only reason I do not give it a 5 is because it absolutely needs line-of-sight to work outdoors. Indoors the signal will bounce off walls and it works great.

[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
It works good, not great
By sfVerified Purchaser from Riverside, CA on 1/11/2010
Pros:
Easy To Use
Best Uses:
Home, Landscape Photography, Studio, Traveling
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

The controls are easy to figure out and set up. Not difficult at all. I'm not able to get the distance out of the commander that the manual says.

 
the brain of the CLS system
By kevwilVerified Purchaser from Frederick, CO on 1/10/2010
Pros:
Easy To Use, Reliable
Best Uses:
Macro Photography, Portraits, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

When using remote Nikon speedlights indoors, the SU-800 seems to get the signal to the speedlight more consistently and more reliably than the camera's pop-up flash. It also doesn't contribute light to the photo the way the pop-up flash does.

 
Nikon SU-800
By vk2vzVerified Purchaser from Sydney Australia on 1/10/2010
Pros:
Easy To Use, Lightweight, Reliable
Best Uses:
Home, Macro Photography, Portraits, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

I bought this unit Nikon SU-800 to be able to control my SR-200 macro flashes I know I had this control via my inbuilt flash in the Nikon D-200 but it is just so much easier to use the SU-800 I could not be without it perfect for all type of off shoo photography
Also like to mention My friends at Adorama yes i call them friends are very prompt to ship out Internet orders
I have been buying number of items and all arrived to Australia with it 3 days of order was placed yes Adorama knows how to do business
I would never go elsewhere
Good product needs gopod distribution

As for SU-800 do not hassitate to buy one you be very happy with this product

[5 of 12 customers found this review helpful]

 
Be aware
By Rubens from Brazil on 10/21/2009
Pros:
Durable, Easy To Use, Lightweight
Cons:
Not Functional
Best Uses:
Home, Macro Photography, Studio
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

Dear, here is some points to you consider before purchase.

a) Infrared is not really a good technology if you compare to RF ( Radio Frequence ). I got problems loosing signal even in studio when umbrellas obstruct those pulses from SBs and SU-800. In bright sun light you can have the same problem. At this moments you get bored loosing time to reconfigure angles!

b) the distance between commander and flashes are very restricted, again compared to any device RF.

c) SU-800 has a fixed axis and you are not allowed to rotate and get better connection between commander and speedlights..., again searching better signal

d) This commander SU-800 will not fire monolights and other setups than Nikon. And believe me, you are going to mix those anytime.

I am now watching some posts over radiopopper that could assemble strobes and speedlights in High Sync, Groups and so ( multi-brand, and old spedlights without PC connector)
Regards, rubens

 
A must for CLS
By MohammedVerified Purchaser from Dubai- UAE on 4/8/2009
Pros:
Control 3 groups
Cons:
Fails to trigger outdoor
Best Uses:
Flash TTL photography, Nikon CLS, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

A must have for use with nikon creative lighting system , works very well for indoor or studio photography, however fails sometimes outdoor.

 
A Must Have for Nikon CLS Power Users
By CLS ManVerified Purchaser from Greensboro, NC on 3/9/2009
Pros:
Consistent Output, Easy To Use, Fast Recycling, Lightweight
Cons:
Odd Battery Size
Best Uses:
Fill Flash, General Use, Night Photography, Nikon CLSAWLS, Photojournalism, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

If you use Nikon's CLS system this is a must have. Big pro is having control of 3 groups. The display is straight forward, easy to read, and easier to change for run and gun photography. One thing I love is the weight. After shooting weddings last season with an SB800 on camera as commander I can say I am looking forward to this season, since I am saving so much heft. Shooting all day will be a lot easier.

Pair it with a SC-29 TTL cord and you have a tool which will trigger your remote CLS units almost anywhere!

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Works fine for me
By School PhotoVerified Purchaser from Atlanta GA on 3/6/2009
Pros:
Easy To Use, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

I have had no problems with this unit. You just need to realize what it is and is not(PW), and use it according to the instructions regarding the distance from your flash units. The controls on the unit are easy to use/figure out.

 
Much,much better than an SB-800 for cmdr
By WaltVerified Purchaser from Branford,CT on 12/29/2008
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easy To Use, Fast Recycling, Lightweight, Powerful Output, Versatile
Best Uses:
General Use, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

You can hide all your SB-800s,& the SU-800 will find them!To test when I first got it,I hid an SB-800 on a recliner,aimed the SU-800 UNDER MY DINING ROOM TABLE AT THE RUG & IT TRIGGERED THE FLASH!

[3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

 
Nikon System doesn't fail!
By Beano from Louisville, KY on 10/1/2008
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast Recycling, Lightweight
Best Uses:
General Use, Night Photography, Photojournalism, Portraits
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

I think the person that gave this such a bad review might want to go back and read the directions on how to use it. Either that, or he has no concept of photography or how anything really works.

Don't worry bout what he said, if you take the time to learn the system, it will NOT fail you. 9 times out of 10, it isn't the equipment, it is the USER. I know that hurts, but it is true.

 
A Great Tool!
By Monty StagnerVerified Purchaser from Kentucky on 9/6/2008
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Lightweight
Best Uses:
Night Photography, Photojournalism, Portraits, Sports Photography
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

Along with a few SB-800s, it's studio lighting in small case!

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Just what I needed.
By Greg the GregariousVerified Purchaser from Frankfort, KY on 8/31/2008
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Easily Interchangeable, Fast Recycling, Lightweight
Best Uses:
General Use, Portraits, Sports Photography
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

This is great. I have used it for a wedding and two other photo shoots so far. I have been too busy to learn how to use the settings to change one group of speedlights to a different light level than the others, but it has been great. I just put it on the camera and started shooting. With this unit vs. the pop-up flash, there is no extra light source(no matter how dim)coming from the camera. That means no glare when photographing reflective or semi-reflective surfaces/subjects. The unit just works. I have been using it to fire three sb-800 speedlights with great results.

 
Just what I EXPECTED
By Ken DVerified Purchaser from SE Ohio on 5/21/2008
Pros:
Lightweight
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

This has performed as expected, I wanted to be able to control 3 lights independently with Nikon CLS and this does the job, without adding any additional light to the photo.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
It's great
By ErnieVerified Purchaser from Paragoul, AR. on 2/21/2008
Best Uses:
Lighting, Photography, Photojournalism
Pros:
Convenient Interface, Lightweight, Reliable
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

It's much better than having to use an extra SB-800 to control the remote flashes, and the SU-800 doesn't control with visible light so unwanted reflections from the controller don't show up in the photo.

[1 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

 
Yes and no
By Michael PVerified Reviewer from Washington DC on 11/27/2007
Best Uses:
Studio Lighting
Pros:
Convenient Interface, Lightweight, Reliable
Cons:
Range
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

I was disappointed with the range of the SU-800. Don't expect your flashes to trigger beyond 12 feet or so. I prefer using a SB-800 as master when I'm shooting outside of my little studio. The SB-800 does a better job in distance to trigger other flashes.
The rest of the SU-800 features are fine.

 
Works so well, it's almost transparent.
By CappVerified Purchaser from Staten Island, NY on 9/26/2007
Pros:
Convenient Interface, Easy to operate, Lightweight, Reliable, Strong Construction
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

Worked as expected, made controlling multiple flashes simple.

[5 of 10 customers found this review helpful]

 
Cantankerous Lighting System
By Cedric WeehuntVerified Reviewer from Kingsville, OH on 8/1/2007
Best Uses:
Photography
Pros:
Convenient Interface, Lightweight
Cons:
Weak Construction
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

In a word, unreliable. Nikon's CLS is based on infrared. Sometimes it works, sometimes it works halfway and about 50 percent of the time the flashes fail to fire. After a year of trying to get this to work, I'm back to Pocket Wizards to control my flashes. I get very inconsistent results when using this unit. It is especially unreliable in churches, where I do wedding photography, and where reliability and repeatability are crucial. During a recent wedding, CLS failed to work in a three-light setup to photograph the bride. I grew more and more frustrated as shot after shot came up dark and I kept pumping up the output, fiddling with the sensor direction and moving the light stand so the SU800 could communicate with the flashes. We finally ran out of time and had to forgo those shots until after the wedding. The really frustrating thing is that five minutes before the bride came in, I had tested the set up and it was working O.K.

Range is very limited. Nikon says 60 feet. No way. 25 max. It takes a battery that is expensive (123) and can be hard to find. It really doesn't do much more than the commander in the D200 does. Just another way for Nikon to get more money out of us.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedl
By TomVerified Purchaser from Chesapeake, VA on 7/10/2007
Best Uses:
Fill Flash, Lighting, Night Photography
Pros:
Convenient Interface, Easy to Program, Lightweight, Reliable
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

Excellent. Easy straight forward setup.

 
Go Wireless!!!
By DrumrrVerified Purchaser from Greenville, MS on 7/10/2007
Best Uses:
Fill Flash, Photography
Pros:
Convenient Interface, Lightweight, Reliable, Strong Construction
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

The SU800 works flawlessly with my SB800s. It is wonderful having a "portable studio" without wires or bulky battery packs. The SU800 is a wonderful addition to my Nikon lighting system!

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

 
SU-800 improves lighting options
By SeaDogSeVerified Purchaser from Washington, DC on 2/12/2007
Best Uses:
Lighting
Pros:
Convenient Interface, Lightweight, Reliable
Cons:
Pricey
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

As a replacement for the use of either built in flash or on camera flash as a master controller it is invaluable. The SU-800 eliminates the often unwanted effect to a lighting setup of an on camera flash, while still controlling a number of remote flash using Nikon's excellent Creative Lighting System. The SU-800 equivalent in studio lighting is the wonderful Pocket Wizard.

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Worth the Price
By NiteLiteVerified Purchaser from Tampa, FL on 2/5/2007
Best Uses:
Fill Flash, Lighting, Photography, Tabletop and close-up
Pros:
Convenient Interface, Lightweight, Reliable, Strong Construction
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

Using my Nikon D-70 w/the pop-up flash was all right, but it didn't put the light where I wanted it, so I purchased the R-1 Speedlight kit. This put the light where I wanted, but not the the control over it that I desired. Then purchased the SU-800 Speedlight Commander, upgrading this to a R-1-C-1 kit, plus a third SB-R200 Speedlight (two come with the kit). Now I'm happy as a clam, as it does everything I want. I would advise anyone who is interested in this type of tabletop and/or close-up photography to go with the R-1-C-1 kit to begin with and save yourself a few bucks by not wanting to upgrade later.

[4 of 4 customers found this review helpful]

 
If I lost it I would order another one
By The SilverwaveVerified Purchaser from Michigan on 2/5/2007
Best Uses:
Lighting, Photography
Pros:
Great wireless interface, Lightweight, Softens Light
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Nikon Nikon SU-800 Replacement Wireless Speedlight Commander:

My grandchildren ( 3 & 5 years old ) would not look at me when I wanted to take their pictures. After discovering the flash hurt their eyes I use the SU800 to control 3 remote units to bounce the room full of light. Now they will look straight at the camera because they know the light is not going to blind them.

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