Nikon R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Kit for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Not knowing much about Nikon CLS, I was hesitant on buying and using this flash. Took the plunge and after ensuring the group and channel were set up correctly, I found the flash system is a dream to use. I couple this flash system with my Nikkor 105, f2.8 lens and find I can easily hand hold the set up and take some really great photos. My macro shots have substantially increased in quality. While there is still alot to learn on how Nikon's CLS integrates and works, I enjoy experimenting with this set and take macro shots most every weekend. The carry case organizes all the components of the flash system and keeps them from damage. My camera has the built in commander and even though I didn't need the Su800 Commander, I'm glad I spent the extra for it. No need for the pop up to be providing a pre-flash to spoil the photo as I found can happen when using an external flash. The only fault I can find with this kit is the SB200's have a little looseness when mounted. You can feel them shift when changing the angle of the camera. As long as they are locked in place I haven't had a problem with them and see this as a minor fault. Overall I think Nikon outdid themselves with kit and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in taking their macro photography to new levels.

So far I’m very happy with this flash light. One thing that is little frustrating is the batteries, I wish it was powered by regular AAs.

Ever since I bought it, it’s not working!I wrote an email months ago no one replied.

I wish they had rechargeable battery . But it works well for close up photography and when you want to get the flash off the camera

Summary: Controller is great and the system itself is more versatile than a ring light, but the flashes need a redesign to accommodate attaching various flash modifiers (mini softboxes) and to allow connection to hot/cold shoeThe flashes themselves perform excellently, and the commander unit allows for much better control of lighting than when using the pop up flash or any other flash such as the SB-800.. it doesn't produce light itself so you can avoid the reflections that result from using the pop up or other flash connected to the hot shoe. I personally never use the included attachment ring as the intended setup seems to wash things out and produce hot spots on the subjects I shoot (mostly salamanders). This is most likely due to the angle of the light that is cast when the flashes are attached directly to the lens. But, because you can use multiple flashes completely off camera (the commander can also interface with the SB-800 off camera), it's FAR MORE versatile than a ring flash. My only real complaints are with the design of the SB-R200s. They cannot be connected to a standard hot/cold shoe, and the 'foot' is too far forward such that it makes using most mini softboxes of other flash modifiers almost impossible - it's difficult to attach them and nearly impossible to keep them from falling off since there is no space on the bottom of the flashes (due to placement of the foot) that would allow a strap to wrap all the way around.

The accompanying instruction book is very complicated & hard to understand (for a novice). Once mastered, the product produces very reliable, good lighting for macro or micro work. BUT don't make my mistake...you only need an R1 if you have a D80 & some of the newer models (I think the D200) which have the capability of the controller unit (pictured on top of the camera) BUILT in. If you have a D40, or D70 & some other models then the R1C1 is needed. ALSO you have to go into the programming of the camera that has it built in (D80, D200) to make the correct settings for the control unit to fire the flashes. Overall, I'm very pleased with the thought and design. Plan to spend a good deal of time on the learning curve (where I am now).

excellent speedlight for macrophotography. Easy to use, and it allows me to take amazing macrophotos in very bad light conditions. The only problem is to get rechargables batteries. But, R1C1 is a smart investment.

This is an absolutely must have for any photographer doing close up work and when you need lighting in a space where you can't get the normal equipment. I would suggest this unit over the R1, it costs more but has MUCH more.IT IS AWESOME....