Nikon SU-800 Speedlight/Flash Commander/Controller

The SU-800 is 20 years old and really designed for use with the SB-R200 wireless macro flash, which is nice because there are no cumbersome cables between the hotshoe and flash. It is an infrared controller for flashes that operates an unlimited number of flashes in three groups. There are four channels that allow four photographers to use the flash system around each other without interfering with one another.

Nikon pro-bodies have flashes with commander mode built-in to them allowing for the control of two groups of flashes (group "A" and "B"). There is no real need for this controller unless shooting with a D500, D5, D4, D3, D850, etc., or if needing the third group "C".

The manual can be found online, but one neat thing about this item is that the panel illumination is controlled by the control panel illumination switch on the camera. If working in a well lit room then it is a simple matter of just switching off the control panel illumination to save the battery. The battery does not last long.

This unit is compatible with Nikon Z cameras even though no documentation supports this.

Complaints

There is no indication that the unit is in standby. It goes into standby when the camera does. If the unit is removed from the camera when it is in standby then it will deplete the batteries even though it appears to be off. The unit must be turned on (out of standby) and then turned off.

It does not use full-proof radio communications.

Specifications

Transmission mode	Infrared-pulse emitting communication using a flash discharge tube
Transmission range	Approx. 20m (66 ft.) for SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600; Approx 4m (13 ft.) for SB-R200 at normal settings
Number of channels	4 (1, 2, 3 and 4)
Number of groups	3 (A, B and C)
Number of transmissions per battery	Approx. 1200
Transmission interval	Approx. 1 second
Flash light wavelength	Approx. 800 to 1000nm (infrared ray)
Flash coverage	Approx. 60°
Display	LCD, ready-light
AF-Assist Illuminator	Approx. 10m (33 ft.) at center area using a 50mm f/1.8 lens
Power source	One CR123A (3V) lithium battery
Weight (without battery)	Approx. 160g (5.6 oz.)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 68 x 96 x 58mm (2.7 x 3.8 x2.3 in.)
Included accessories	Soft Case (SS-SU800)
Optional accessory	TTL Cord (SC-30)