Nissin
The MG8000 Extreme Speedlight from Nissin is a feature-rich and versatile off-camera hot shoe flash that is designed for Nikon flash systems. Compatible with i-TTL, the MG8000 can be used as either a Master or Remote Slave flash alongside these camera systems or other Nikon speedlights.
Its heat resistant materials and quartz tube design are designed to provide high heat resistance, allowing you to shoot rapidly at full power without the effects of overheating. Therefore, you won't have to miss out on great shots or expressions just because you're waiting for your flash to cool down.
In addition to the benefits of heat resistance, the flash also has a built-in sub-flash below the main flash head that can be used to fill-in the harsh light cast by the main flash head. When bouncing the light of the main flash up into a ceiling you can get some shadows under the eyes or chin of your subject, which can be corrected for with the light of the sub-flash.
The MG8000 has four different modes, including TTL, Manual, Av and Multi-Flash. These, and all functions, can be selected and customized using the auto-rotating color display right on the back of the flash. Its simple user interface and auto-rotation allows you to easily change settings whether the flash is vertical or horizontal, and quickly see which mode you are using at a glance, based on the menu's color.
To use the flash with the latest Nikon cameras you may need a firmware update, but even this is done easily with the built-in mini-USB port that can plug right into a computer for a quick update. You can check the compatibility chart from Nissin by clicking here.
In addition to the mini-USB port there is an X-terminal socket for flash synchronization, as well as an external Power Pack socket for Nissin Power Packs. You can also power the flash by four "AA" batteries all loaded in the same direction via the quick-loading magazine, so you can insert the batteries correctly every time, even in poor lighting conditions.
If you're looking for an easy alternative to an external flash made by camera manufacturers, the MG8000 comes with plenty of the usual features found on theirs, but also some that are unique and may prove a better option depending on your style and lighting needs.
Whichever side you're on in the Canon vs. Nikon debate, the MG8000 is ready for either. While this model has support for i-TTL camera flash systems, other models are made for Nikon iTTL. It can be used jointly with Nikon brand flashes as either Master or Remote (Slave), and also supports digital, analog or studio flash under both of Manual and Av priority modes.
GN 198' (60m) @ ISO100, 105mm Setting
The MG8000 has a guide number of 198' (60m) at its 105 mm setting, and 132' (40 m) when set to 35 mm. This is measured by the distance between the flash and subject - distance to the camera is not relevant.
High heat resistance materials and a quartz tube design reduce the heat-generating effects of the camera flash significantly, emitting full power without overheating problems. Capture the important moments reliably, and in rapid succession, while set at high power without having to worry about overheating.
The MG8000 Extreme provides an extra small flash (GN 39' / 12 m) below the main flash. This small flash fills-in the light when you're bouncing the main flash. Typically, bouncing the light may shadow the underside of your subject's face, and this fill-in flash corrects for that and brightens up the shadows. The power ratio of Sub-Flash can be set from 1/1 to 1/128 seconds.
The MG8000's TTL mode supports i-TTL flash systems where the light is automatically controlled by the camera but the exposure value can be compensated. Manual mode provides flash power that can be adjusted manually at 22 different levels; from full power to 1/128 power at every 1/3 stop. The appropriate distance to the subject is shown in the display according to the aperture value set on the camera. Av priority means the flash can be automatically controlled by the built-in photo sensor instead of TTL metering. The aperture can be set from f/1.4 to f/16, and the distance at the currently set aperture is shown in the display. Finally, Multi-Flash mode means the power ratio can be set from 1/8 to 1/128 to suit your needs in any given situation.
The MG8000 is designed for use with a wide range of focal lengths between 24-105mm. Whether you're taking a group or event photo of many subjects or a zoomed-in close-up with a portrait lens, your flash will work its best with those lenses within this range.
When set to full power in Manual mode the flash duration is 1/300 seconds. If you need it even faster, you can switch to TTL mode and set it between 1/300 and 1/30000 seconds for greater control and versatility.
When using your flash with Nikon's systems you can also use it as either a Master or Remote Slave flash unit. As a Slave flash the MG8000 can be set to Digital Slave, Film Slave, or Sub-Flash Allowed for advanced techniques. In Wireless TTL mode it can be a Master or Remote Slave with up to 4 channels and 3 groups (A, B, C).
Twist the flash head up to 90° left or 180° right, and tilt it upright up to 90° for a wide range of lighting techniques, for vertical or horizontal shots.
The Color Display will automatically follow the angle of the camera or light stand it is attached to in different positions, and its user-friendly interface comprises of six different menus: Auto, TTL, Manual / Av, Multi, Wireless TTL (Master / Remote) and Custom Setting.
Use the MG8000 Extreme's X-terminal socket for flash synchronization, and USB port to update the latest firmware.
In addition to the USB and X-terminal sockets, you can combine the high-performance MG8000 with the Nissin Power Pack PS300 to speed up the flash recycle time and achieve high power rapid bursts of flash. The MG8000 Extreme has a battery magazine system that allows all four "AA" batteries to be inserted in the same direction, so that the batteries can be correctly inserted without fail even in poor light conditions.
With the equipped flash diffuser you can greatly expand the flash illumination angle and additionally soften the shadows created by the flash. This is great for portrait photography, or anytime you need softer lighting with less harsh contrast.
The TTL exposure level is accurately calibrated for standard balance in accordance with Nissin's standard. However, if any adjustments are required, or you would like to set your own level, it can be adjusted between +3.0 and -3.0 Ev in 1/3 increments.
Expose multiple times in a single frame with the repetitive style of Multi-Flash mode. The power ratio can be set from 1/8 to 1/128.
In Rear Curtain sync the flash fires at the end of the exposure, and by using this function at slow shutter speeds a moving subject will appear in blurred motion with a sharp image of them caught by the flash at the end. High-Speed sync is recommended for daylight flash photography when a lot of bright ambient light is present and fast shutter speeds are desired.
