Flash! Good news and bad!

The SB800 costs about 310 dollars US and that's the bad news.

Here's the good news:

Performance:
Add this flash to your Nikon DSLR and you will quite literally get a new WORLD of quality shooting from your camera. Those who use built in flashes have no idea why their shots look "flashy", have red eye galore and basically look a lot like P&S type shots. A good flash changes all of that. You can bounce and diffuse the flash for very natural looking shots. This is just as important as good lenses and a good subject. You NEED good quality light to shoot properly.

Bells and Whistles:
Good lord! The SB800 (and 600) are VERY complex flashes that can be used wirelessly with DSLRS like the D70, D80, D200 and so on. It also works ICW the camera metering system and adjusts flash coverage according to your focal length. If that's not enough for you, the AF focus assist module in the SB-800 will improve camera focus accuracy.

Handling:
It's not a light weight flash, but balances well if your camera has a battery grip. On a D50 with no grip, I found it harder to balance. The somewhat smaller SB-600 might be better if you don't have a power grip. Keep in mind that the SB-600 is 90% of the 800 and fine for most people.

Build:
This is a solid well made item.

Battery life:
I've never run low on battery power, but I'm not a high volume shooter either. DO not even consider not using rechargeables. They are a must. I have three sets of five for the flash. The flash takes 4 AA's, but there is a included module for a 5th battery that lowers cycle times.

Other stuff you need to know:
The manual is awful. Several online Nikon sites do a better job of making some functions clear. The SB800 ships with a diffuser dome, filters, stand and there is also a built in flip down diffuser and bounce card. Be gentle with the built in card.

Final thoughts:
Without an SB600 or SB800 your Nikon DSLR is very limited. AFter you add the flash you'll know exactly what I mean. Get one!

Capt RB