NewsNovember 2005

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Nikon Remote Speedlight and Commander

Nikon has today announced the new remote Speedlight SB-R200 and Command Unit SU-800. Aimed primarily at close-up and macro photography, these units combine to make a wireless flash system, the SU-800 commander unit can be combined with SB-R200 Speedlight (or other compatible Speedlights) in up to three groups. Nikon is selling these components separately but also as Macro kits, which include one command unit and two SB-R200 Speedlights.

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Press Release (Nikon UK):

Nikon expands the Creative Lighting System with the
launch of the SB-R200 Remote Speedlight and
SU-800 Commander Unit

• Available: End of December 2005
• RRP:  Guide Prices
• SB-R200: £169.99 / €255
• SU-800: TBC
• Macro Set A: £549.99 / €820
• Macro Set B: £379.99 / €565

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the Wireless Remote Speedlight SB-R200 and Wireless Speedlight Commander SU-800.

Designed to make macro lighting easy whilst also expanding the creative potential for general multiple- flash photography, the new equipment was designed with the co-operation of specialist macro photographers from the wildlife and medical sectors.  

SB-R200

The SB-R200 is a new compact Speedlight for Remote Speedlight operation in two different shooting conditions. As part of a newly developed mini system for close-up flash photography, the SB-R200 is both lightweight and compact, which means it can be inserted into a dedicated ring attached to the lens to direct light onto small subjects. It is also fully compatible with Nikon’s Advanced Wireless Lighting system, meaning it can be used in multiple lighting situations with SB-800 and SB-600 units.

Flexible Control

The SB-R200 can be controlled either by the SU-800 Commander unit or a SB-800 Speedlight in Master mode. Additionally, Nikon D-SLRs with a Commander mode for the built-in Speedlight (D70s/D70/D200) can control SB-R200 units as well. 

SU-800

The multi-functional SU-800 unit forms the nerve centre of any i-TTL multiple flash-lighting situation; close-up photography or otherwise. Capable of metering and triggering groups of remote Speedlights in the Creative Lighting System, a one-touch switch fully automates accurate exposures of small subjects instantly. Manual adjustment of the balance of each unit’s output is simple to control through the comprehensive LCD panel.

Close-up photography kits available

Two special kits dedicated to close-up photography are available, depending on the type of camera the customer already owns. The first is the complete Nikon Close-up Speedlight Commander Kit SB-R1C1, consisting of the SU-800 commander, two SB-R200 units with attachment ring, lens adapters, filters and more. 

A less expensive option is the Nikon Close-Up Remote Kit SB-R1 that contains two SB-R200 units and necessary adaptor rings, filters etc. but without the SU-800. This is an attractive option for D70/D70s/D200 customers who can use their cameras’ built-in Speedlight in Commander mode to trigger the remote units.

Both kits come complete with a host of accessories to help users get maximum control over their close-up flash shooting, such as the Extreme Close-Up positioning adapter SW-11, Colour Filter Set SJ-R200, Diffuser SW-12 and Flexible Arm Clip SW-C1.

Customise your own Creative Lighting System

The SU-800 and SB-R200 units are also available separately to enable customers to expand their existing Creative Lighting System of SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights.

SC-30 cord

The optional SC-30 cord set enables TTL flash exposure control of 2 SB-R200 units with non i-TTL cameras such as the D1 series/D100/F5/F100.  

CONTENTS OF MACRO KIT A

• SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander (x1)
• SB-R200 Wireless Remote Speedlight (x2)
• SX-1 Attachment Ring (x1)
• Adapter Rings  (5 kinds)
• SW-11 Extreme Close Up Positioning Adapter (x2)
• SZ-1 Colour Filter Holder (x2)
• SJ-R200 Colour Filter Set (4 kinds x2)
• AS-20 Speedlight Stand (x2)
• SG-3IR IR Panel for Built-in Flash (x1)
• SW-C1 Flexible Arm Clip (x1)
• SW-12 Diffuser (x1)
• SS-MS1 Speedlight Macro Set Case (x1)
• SS-SU800 Case for SU-800 (x1)
• SS-R200 Case for SB-R200 (x2)
• SS-SX Case for SX-1 (x1)

CONTENTS OF MACRO KIT B

• SB-R200 Wireless Remote Speedlight (x2)
• SX-1 Attachment Ring (x1)
• Adapter Rings  (5 kinds）
• SW-11 Extreme Close Up Positioning Adapter (x2)
• SZ-1 Colour Filter Holder (x2)
• SJ-R200 Colour Filter Set (4 kinds x2)
• AS-20 Speedlight Stand (x2)
• SG-3IR IR Panel for Built-in Flash (x1)
• SW-C1 Flexible Arm Clip (x1)
• SW-12 Diffuser (x1)
• SS-MS1 Speedlight Macro Set Case (x1)
• SS-SU800 Case for SU-800 (x1)
• SS-R200 Case for SB-R200 (x2)
• SS-SX Case for SX-1 (x1)

Wireless Remote Speedlight SB-R200

Major Features

• Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System
• Functions only as a remote Speedlight unit
• Supports i-TTL (for automatic balanced Fill-Flash), D-TTL, TTL, Manual
• Accurate i-TTL flash control achieved through flash exposure monitoring control
• Guide Number of 10/33 [ISO100, m/ft], 14/46 [ISO200, m/ft]
• Advanced Wireless Lighting available
• Auto FP High-Speed Sync; use with fast shutter speeds achieves effective blurring of out-of-focus background elements
• FV lock holds flash value, enabling recomposition prior to shooting
• Speedlight stand AS-20 (supplied)
• Soft Case SS-R200 (supplied)
• Colour Filter Set SJ-R200 (supplied)
• Colour Filter Holder SZ-1 (supplied)

Note: The SB-R200 cannot be attached to the camera’s accessory shoe.

Wireless Speedlight Commander SU-800

Major Features

• When using i-TTL compatible Nikon digital SLR cameras and Speedlight, user can divide the Speedlight units into three groups and control the flash output independently for each group
• Features a Commander function that can trigger wireless remote flash (SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200) units without a master flash unit.
• One-touch switching between close-up and Commander modes
• Easy-to-use close-up flash operations. Two types of operations: Dual-light close-up flash and Triple-light close-up flash
• Easy-to-view LCD panel
• Compact and lightweight
• Soft Case SS-SU800 (supplied)
• When using the SU-800 with cameras not compatible with i-TTL flash control, only close-up flash operation (using cords) is possible in use with the optional TTL Cord SC-30.

Contents of Nikon Close-up Speedlight Kit

Two types of kits are available: Nikon Close-up Speedlight Commander Kit R1C1 and Nikon Close-up Speedlight Remote Kit R1 (SU-800 is not included).

• Wireless Speedlight Commander SU-800 set (one set; not included in the R1 kit): The set includes the SU-800 and Soft Case SS-SU800.
• Wireless Remote Speedlight SB-R200 set (two sets): Each set includes the SB-R200, Speedlight stand AS-20, Soft Case SS-R200, Filter Set SJ-R200, and Colour Filter Holder SZ-1
• Attachment Ring SX-1: Enables SB-R200(s) to be attached to the lens front to create close-up lighting.  It also accepts up to eight SB-R200s and can be attached to a tripod for remote lighting.
• IR Panel for Built-in Flash SG-3IR: Enables Commander function by built-in flash of the Nikon D200/D70s/D70 cameras.
• Adapter Ring Set: Enables SX-1 to be attached to lenses with various filter attachment size (5 kinds: ø52mm, ø62mm, ø67mm, ø72mm, and ø77mm).
• Extreme Close-Up Positioning Adapter SW-11 (x2): Curves the SB-R200’s flash light toward the optical axis to create lighting effects when taking extreme close-up shots.
• Diffuser SW-12: Creates soft lighting
• Flexible Arm Clip SW-C1: Used to fix Diffuser SW-12 to the Attachment Ring SX-1. Can be used to fix other photographic equipment.
• Close-up Speedlight Kit Case SS-MS1: Holds all the accessories plus an extra SB-U200.

Wireless Remote Speedlight SB-R200 specifications

Electronic construction	Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry (for wireless remote flash only)
Guide number	10/33 (ISO 100, m/ft), 14/46 (ISO 200, m/ft)
Angle of coverage	Covering light distribution of 24mm lens; 60° (vertical) and 78° (horizontal)
Flash mode	i-TTL, D-TTL, TTL (film-based cameras); M (manual)
Recycling time	Approx. 6 seconds or less
Number of flashes per battery	Approx. 290 times
Bounce capability	Flash head tilts down (toward the optical axis) to 60° with click stops at every 15°, or up to 45° (in the opposite direction) with click stops at every 15°.
Flash duration	Approx. 600µs
Mounting foot	Dedicated shoe for Attachment Ring SX-1 or Speedlight Stand AS-20
Target light	White LED
Display	Ready-light
Power source	One CR123A (3V) lithium battery
Weight (without battery)	Approx. 120g (4.2 oz.)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 80 x 75 x 55mm (3.1 x 3.0 x2.2 in.)
Included accessories	Speedlight Stand (AS-20), Soft Case (SS-R200), Colour Filter Set (SJ-R200), Colour Filter Holder (SZ-1)
Optional accessory	Colour Filter Set (SJ-2), Adapter Ring (UR-5)*

*With an AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D lens, attach the Attachment Ring SX-1 to the lens using the Adapter Ring UR-5 and Adapter Ring SX-1-72.

Wireless Speedlight Commander SU-800 specifications

Transmission mode	Infrared-pulse emitting communication using a flash discharge tube
Transmission range	Approx. 20m (66 ft.) for SB-800/SB-600; Approx 4m (13 ft.) for SB-R200 at normal settings
Number of channels	4
Number of groups	3
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 accessory	Soft Case (SS-SU800)
Optional accessory	TTL Cord (SC-30)

All specifications apply when fresh batteries are used at normal temperature (20°C/68°F).

Additional images