Reviews for Nikon R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Flash System with Commander SU-800 (Macro Kit A) -

NIKON R1C1

Strengths: EXTREMELY ACCURATE

Weakness: SOMEWHAT CUMBERSOME

If you are heavily involved with macro photography this is the baby for you. I've been using this flash system with my D2X for about a week now, and I can honestly tell you the results I'm getting are fantastic, and all done in TTL which was impossible years ago.

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Nikon R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Flash System...

Strengths: Versatility, Results, Expandability

Weakness: I haven't had enough time to really use it as much as I would like.

The Nikon R1C1 Wireless System comes with the R1 close-up remote kit, the SU-800 Speedlight Commander (unit that goes in the hot shoe of your camera) and two SB-R200 Wireless Remote Speedlights (flashes which attach onto the ring which attaches to your macro lens) and various other items. You can attach as many as eight SB-R200 speedlights onto the ring so expandibility of this system is certainly possible. This kit comes with a very nice case and individual pouches which hold all the various items. The Nikon lenses you can use this on include the 60mm Macro, 105 Macro, and 200mm Macro. The attachment rings for these size lenses come with the kit along with gel filters to dampen the light. I was fortunate to obtain the new Nikkor 105mm VR Macro lens and have been using the 105VR lens with the kit along with a SB-800 Speedlight I previously owned to give some additional lighting. Some photographs of spring flowers I have taken so far are very nice indeed. The R1C1 system works with Nikon’s iTTL so your exposures come out right. Your creative ingenuity is put to the test to come up light configurations that will create the macro photo that suits you. As any photographer knows getting the right light on your subject is crucial. This kit is really a must-have for anyone interested in macro flash photography. Very highly recommended!

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By member: fraczekp - Aug 19, 2010

Futuristic, but perhaps over-done.

Strengths: Look Ma, no cords! Adjustable angle of flash heads.

Weakness: Alignment of the units is done in steps not over the complete range of the ring, supplied storage box barely fits the units. Not really smaller than a ring flash. Bit Pricey

We use it in dental office setting although I have tried it outside of the office too. Overall, good unit although little large compared to ring flashes. The freedom of no cords is ok, but it is not a deal breaker (if it was wired, I'd be happy too - instead of the wire you have huge span of the unit that won't fit in a storage bag easily without dismounting). The illumination with 2 units is sufficient although the tilt angle of the individual units needs to be constantly checked to ensure desired light coverage (there is no way to lock the angle of the unit tilt). The unit ships with 2 heads and it is bit pricey if you consider off brand ring flashes. From workflow perspective, the need to turn each unit on individually is not that wonderful, I would truly prefer a master switch that would control all units. Alternatively you can leave the units on standby at the cost of the batteries. Overall the product works well although it really didn't need to be so pricey or extensive. I wish Nikon would over lower-end alternative to a macro flash than this kit.

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Nikon R1C1

Testseek.com has collected 6 expert reviews for Nikon R1C1 and the average expert rating is 85 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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