Nikon SB5000 AF SpeedLight

Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight

Overview

The Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight is Nikon’s flagship external flash designed for both professionals and advanced enthusiasts who need powerful, fast, and flexible lighting solutions. The SB-5000 is part of Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) and introduces radio control for wireless flash functionality, overcoming the limitations of optical triggers. With a compact, lightweight build and an array of advanced features, this Speedlight is ideal for demanding situations, including weddings, portraits, events, and studio work.

Key Features

• Radio-Controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting (AWL): The SB-5000 introduces radio control for wireless flash operation, allowing up to 6 groups of flashes to be controlled wirelessly at distances of up to 98 feet (30 meters), even when out of line-of-sight. This expands creative possibilities in larger or more complex shooting environments.
• Guide Number and Power: With a powerful Guide Number of 113 feet (34.5 meters) at ISO 100 and 35mm, the SB-5000 is capable of illuminating subjects in a wide range of shooting conditions, from dark interiors to outdoor daylight.
• Cooling System: The SB-5000 is equipped with a built-in cooling system that enables it to fire up to 120 consecutive full-power flashes without overheating. This is a key feature for high-speed, action-packed photography or extended sessions.
• i-TTL Flash Control: Nikon’s i-TTL (intelligent Through-The-Lens) flash metering system delivers precise flash output control, automatically adjusting for optimal lighting in relation to ambient light, subject distance, and exposure settings.
• Fast Recycling Time: The flash recycles in just 1.8 seconds with NiMH batteries or 2.6 seconds with alkaline batteries, ensuring you never miss a shot during fast-paced shoots.
• Bounce and Swivel Flash Head: The flash head tilts from -7° to 90° and rotates 180° to both left and right, offering complete flexibility to bounce light for softer, more natural lighting effects.
• Comprehensive Zoom Range: The SB-5000’s motorized zoom covers a focal length range from 24mm to 200mm, automatically adjusting to match the lens’s focal length for optimal light coverage. The built-in wide-angle diffusion panel extends coverage down to 14mm.
• High-Speed Sync (HSS): This flash supports high-speed sync, allowing you to shoot at faster shutter speeds than the camera’s sync speed. This is particularly useful in outdoor portraiture where you want to balance ambient light with flash exposure.
• Advanced Flash Modes: The SB-5000 offers a variety of flash modes including Manual, Repeating (Stroboscopic), Rear-Curtain Sync, Slow Sync, and Commander Mode, allowing for creative lighting setups.
• AF-Assist Beam: The SB-5000 is equipped with an AF-assist illuminator, which enhances autofocus performance in low-light conditions, ensuring sharp focus even in dark environments.

Specifications

• Guide Number: 113 feet (34.5 meters) at ISO 100 and 35mm
• Zoom Range: 24-200mm (14mm with built-in wide panel)
• Flash Duration: 1/980 seconds at full power
• Recycling Time: 1.8 seconds with NiMH batteries, 2.6 seconds with alkaline batteries
• Power Source: 4 x AA batteries (NiMH, alkaline, or lithium)
• Radio Frequency: 2.4 GHz, with a range of up to 98 feet (30 meters)
• Dimensions: Approx. 73 x 137 x 103.5 mm (2.9 x 5.4 x 4.1 inches)
• Weight: 420g (14.8 oz) without batteries

Included Accessories

• Nikon Diffusion Dome: Softens the flash output for even lighting.
• Color Correction Filters: Two color filters (fluorescent and incandescent) for accurate white balance under various lighting conditions.
• Flash Stand: For positioning the flash off-camera in remote setups.
• Soft Case: For safe and convenient storage.

Ideal For

The Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight is designed for professionals who demand reliability, flexibility, and power. It’s ideal for wedding and event photographers, portrait artists, and studio photographers who require fast recycling times, advanced wireless capabilities, and the ability to shoot in complex lighting environments. The addition of a built-in cooling system and radio-controlled wireless operation make it stand out for long, high-performance shooting sessions.