Nikon SB-500 AF Speedlight, NISB500

Nikon SB-500 Overview

Featuring an LED video light and a compact design, the SB-500 AF Speedlight from Nikon provides users with a portable unit for use specifically with Nikon’s i-TTL metering system. The flash has good power with a guide number of 79′ at ISO 100 and while no direct manual adjustments are available the output can be tuned via the camera’s flash exposure compensation settings. The unit offers wide coverage for a 24mm lens with FX-format full-frame cameras and the 100 lux LED light has quarter, half or full power output levels, which is beneficial for both video and close up still photography.

Versatility is important in this unit with the ability to tilt upward 90° and rotate left and right 180° for excellent bounce and swivel capabilities. The flash will also function wirelessly as either a commander unit on the D810 and D750 or a remote slave for full compatibility with cameras, other flash units, and wireless flash controllers in Nikon’s Creative Lighting System. Other features include slow, Auto FP high-speed, 1st, and 2nd curtain synchronization. The SB-500 will also transmit LED and flash color information to the camera for setting an optimal white balance and runs on 2 AA batteries, which provide a recycle time as fast as 3.5 seconds. Included with the camera are a soft case and stand.

• Offers test firing, the ability to monitor pre-flashes, and an LED modeling flash function
• Flash compensation from -3 to +1 EV in 1/3 EV steps is available in-camera
• Head tilts up 90° with click-stops at 0°, 60°, 75°, and 90°
• Head rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right with click-stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180°
• Four wireless channels are available in Commander mode while only 1 is available in Remote mode
• Two wireless groups, A and B, are available
• Flash-ready indicator lights up when fully recycled or flashes slowly as a warning
• Delivers approximately 100 full-power flashes from a pair of Alkaline batteries and 140 from Ni-MH
• A thermal cut-out function protects the flash
• Firmware can be updated through camera body