Nikon 4814 SB-500 AF Speedlight (Black)
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Brand | Nikon |
Compatible Mountings | Nikon Cameras, Nikon D7200, Nikon D5500, Nikon D3300, Nikon D3200 |
Battery Life | 6 Hours |
Camera Flash | Built-In |
Included Components | Nikon SB-500 Speedlight Flash Unit, SS-DC2 Soft Case, AS-23 Speedlight Stand |
About this item
- intelligent-Through-The-Lens (iTTL) technology tailors the characteristics of the flash to each shot you take, so you get optimal results every time
- Wide coverage with a guide number of 24/78.7 (ISO 100, m/ft) with 24mm coverage in FX-format and 16mm coverage in DX-format
- Head rotates 180 degrees left and right and tilts 90 degrees upward allowing you to bounce light off nearby surfaces to soften the light and shadows, creating more flattering portraits
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
- Nikon SB-700 AF Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras, Standard PackagingAmazon's Choicein Shoe-Mount FlashesFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- Godox V1-N Camera Flash Speedlite for Nikon Z8 Z9 Z7 Z6 Z5 D850 D810 D750 D610 D7500 D7100 D5300 D3300 D90 D5 D4FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite for Canon Sony Nikon Panasonic Olympus Pentax and Other DSLR Cameras, Digital Camera Speedlight with Standard Hot ShoeFREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24
- Nikon 4814 SB-500 AF Speedlight (Black) International Version (no Warranty)FREE Shipping by AmazonGet it as soon as Sunday, Mar 24Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Important information
Legal Disclaimer
Gebrauchtware Bei diesem Artikel findet die Differenzbesteuerung Anwendung (§ 25 a Abs. 2 UStG), so dass die anfallende MwSt nicht getrennt ausgewiesen werden kann.
What's in the box
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 6.93 x 3.43 x 4.57 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 15.5 ounces |
ASIN | B00NI6WD5S |
Item model number | 4814 |
Batteries | 2 AA batteries required. |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #398 in Shoe-Mount Flashes |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | September 11, 2014 |
Manufacturer | Nikon |
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Product Description
Product Description
Portable and easy-to-use the Nikon SB-500 AF Speedlight Flash & LED Video Light is compatible with Nikon D-SLRs as well as specific COOLPIX cameras and the Nikon Creative Lighting System. Boasts an onboard high-intensity LED light that's ideal for movie recording.
From the Manufacturer
Take control of the lighting in your stills and HD videos.
As you master your camera, you begin to look at lighting in an entirely new way. No longer is proper exposure your only goal—now you can use shadows and brightness to add a sense of depth, an artistic characteristic to your photos and HD videos. A first for Nikon Speedlights, the SB-500 AF Speedlight is a compact, lightweight i-TTL Speedlight and LED video light that gives you total control of the light around you. Whether you're looking for extra illumination during HD video recording, a wireless off-camera flash to use along with your camera's built-in commander mode, another Nikon Speedlight like the SB-700 or SB-910 or the SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander or just an advanced and versatile—yet simple to use—Nikon Speedlight, the SB-500 AF Speedlight is a bright idea.
Simple operation, advanced performance
Compact, lightweight and multifunctional
The SB-500 AF Speedlight has simple controls—just a few buttons —and it operates on two AA batteries; yet, it offers the performance of an advanced Speedlight. Its powerful and has wide coverage with a guide number of 24/78.7 (ISO 100, m/ft) with 24mm coverage in FX-format and 16mm coverage in DX-format. Its head rotates 180° left and right and tilts 90° upward allowing you to bounce light off nearby surfaces to soften the light and shadows, creating more flattering portraits. If your camera has a Commander Mode, it can even be used wirelessly off-camera along with your camera's built-in flash for greater illumination power from interesting angles.
Brighten up your HD video
High-performance LED for video recording
The SB-500 AF Speedlight is also a versatile video light especially well suited for recording interviews up close. It has a built-in high-intensity LED light (approx. 100 lux) that provides steady, uniform daylight-balanced illumination. It can be used at three output levels—quarter, half or full power—making it practical for low-light video shooting and close up still photography. And when used with the D810 or D750, the SB-500 AF Speedlight communicates LED color information (along with that of the flash) to the camera for optimal white balance.
Power, ease and versatility
Nikon i-TTL technology
Nikon's i-TTL technology (intelligent Through-The-Lens) tailors the characteristics of the flash to each shot you take, so you get optimal results every time. With that intelligence and more illumination power than a camera's pop-up flash, the SB-500 AF Speedlight is excellent as a fill-light outdoors (brightening shadowy areas on your subject) or for soft bounce lighting indoors. Use it off-camera wirelessly as a second flash controlled by either your camera's built-in flash (if your camera has a Commander Mode), another Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander. If you're using D810 or D750 in Commander Mode, the SB-500 AF Speedlight will also work as a master flash in Advanced Wireless Lighting.
Supplied Accessories
- SB-500 AF Speedlight
- SS-DC2 Soft Case
- AS-23 Speedlight Stand
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, ease of use, size and quality of the camera flash. They mention that it's perfect for fill light outdoor photography, works well as a remote flash and that the controls are simple. They also appreciate the tilt, versatility, and video features.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the flash. For example, they mention it's awesome, a very nice little flash, and perfect for fill light outdoor photography. The video light is a unique feature, and it helps with controlling the lighting. It's a great flash with more than ample power, and is small and light and easy to use. It is also a good flash for the Nikon D3000 and D5000 series of cameras, and recycles very quickly.
"...No LED screen in the back, no buttons galore and no combo-buttons. It's simple: Flash on, LED on, A or B, and I think it only uses Channel 3...." Read more
"...the ability to take the flash off the camera and get some great lighting effects...." Read more
"Perfect for fill light outdoor photography" Read more
"...It also has a light sensing eye, so you can use the cameras pop up to trigger it while holding it off to the side in one hand, or while it's mounted..." Read more
Customers like the performance of the camera flash. For example, they mention it works well, is versatile, and easy to use. They are also impressed with the performance, recycle time, and the functionalities. They say it's small, light, efficient, and very usable. Overall, customers are happy with the quality, versatility, and power of the product.
"...May not be such a "big thing", but talking about small, light, efficient and very usable... Yes, it's a big deal... A fifth item to note is that it..." Read more
"...the LED much because I'm not much of a videographer, but it works nicely for stills as well...." Read more
"...that was not compatible with the iTTL on my D750, this thing works like a charm and is still kind on the budget...." Read more
"...Also plenty of power for my project." Read more
Customers find the flash easy to use. They mention that the controls are simple, and the TTL metering works great. They also like the simplicity of the flash, saying that it does not get in the way.
"...No cool glowing LED screen when dark but then it's so simple to use you don't need to see to know what you're doing...." Read more
"...It is VERY easy to use. That is another thing I loved about the SB-400, there was a power switch. That was IT!..." Read more
"...Controls are simple, TTL metering works great, runs on 2 AA batteries...." Read more
"...It is smaller that the SB 700, 900 flashes but is easy to use, has a swivel/tilt head and can be used as a wireless flash either as receiver or..." Read more
Customers like the size of the flash. They say it's small, high-quality, flexible, and not massive. It fits easily into their camera bag and provides about 100 lumens. Customers also mention that it' s quite small for a speed light and not that big or heavy.
"...May not be such a "big thing", but talking about small, light, efficient and very usable... Yes, it's a big deal... A fifth item to note is that it..." Read more
"...What first impressed me was the size. It's quite small for a speed light...." Read more
"...Last, the flash is very small, so it's easily thrown into whatever case you're using to carry your camera...." Read more
"...With all of these capabilities, it is small... Fits easily into your camera bag, and will give you about 100 flashes from 2 AA alkaine batteries...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the flash. They mention that it is a great product, with impressive LEDs. Some mention that the flash is of typical Nikon quality.
"...Very impressive.... The LED's are great! however again, no big lenses (lens shadow)!..." Read more
"A great speedlight typical Nikon quality...." Read more
"...Can be used remotely. Great product." Read more
"Arrived on time, quality product" Read more
Customers like the tilt of the camera flash. They say it's easy to use, has a swivel/tilt head, and can be used as a wireless flash. Customers also like that it can rotate to bounce it off the ceiling for both portrait and landscape, and that it' s larger but sways.
"...Then along came the SB-500. I purchased this mainly for the ability to swivel the head and bounce light no matter how I hold the camera...." Read more
"...It beats using the pop up flash by a mile (stronger, tiltable, and can be rotated)...." Read more
"...It is smaller that the SB 700, 900 flashes but is easy to use, has a swivel/tilt head and can be used as a wireless flash either as receiver or..." Read more
"...I like that this flash can rotate to bounce it off the ceiling for both portrait and landscape photos, but it's not as foolproof as the SB-400...." Read more
Customers appreciate the versatility of the camera flash. They mention that it is more versatile than the SB400 and SB300, and offers creative options.
"...I like the flash though and bought 2 of them They are more versatile then the SB400 and SB300 and the video light is a unique feature although one..." Read more
"Item has been used in multiple ways. Please with the functionality, versatility, and the creative options for lighting." Read more
"The SB500 small size and iTTL commander make it very versatile. I can put it on the ground to fill light...." Read more
"...Perfect for me in that it is simple, easy to use and versatile." Read more
Customers like the video of the camera flash. They mention that it's easy to use, and is great for photos and videos. Customers also say that the images are better balanced than using the camera's built-in flash.
"...I love that it connects perfectly with my nikon and my photos come out much more vibrant with this flash" Read more
"...not as complicated as the much more expensive models but lacks little for great pictures. Appears to be easy on batteries...." Read more
"...Images end up better balanced than using the camera's built-in flash. Amazon service was excellent, showed up 2 days before they said it would." Read more
"...The pictures come out with such clarity over my old D3200 that I will sell my old camera." Read more
Reviews with images
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
**12hr update. I got some sleep in. Sorry, let me try again: This speed light has two ... three great things going for it. The first is the most obvious and I don't think I'll get over it for some time, is it's size, it's small... The second thing is that it has these LED's for video. Because it's on-camera, you may not want a large lens on it though (you'll see a lens shadow). The third thing is simplification of the speed light controls. No LED screen in the back, no buttons galore and no combo-buttons. It's simple: Flash on, LED on, A or B, and I think it only uses Channel 3. Oh, and the LED has 3 levels of intensity. There may be a fourth thing going for it and it's that it requires only 2 AA batteries. May not be such a "big thing", but talking about small, light, efficient and very usable... Yes, it's a big deal... A fifth item to note is that it does not have a "press to tilt or swivel". You just man-handle it and tilt and swivel it.
Obviously, there are many pros and cons to the SB-500. For every pro, it can be a con. I'll have to assume that there is some kind of lack in power compared to the SB-900/SB-910. This flash cannot zoom 200mm nor does it have a built in white-card and wide-angle light spreader thinger. No cool glowing LED screen when dark but then it's so simple to use you don't need to see to know what you're doing. There's no input/output jack to old-school wire-connect multiple flashes nor is there an external battery booster thing either. I haven't used it in a wedding situation yet so I can't say how the battery lasts or if there's enough umpf in power to have light bouncing far walls or high ceilings. Will update as I know. Or someone else may say so...
This speed light is so tiny!... It's pocketable sized! I think I can do a lot with this as a remote flash. There are three modes to the flash: TTL, M and CMD modes. Nothing is controllable on-flash, but all is controlled on-camera. People that like old-school will not like this, but this simplifies things A LOT! No more trying to figure things out whether on-camera or on-flash...
I hope this at-first-glance review helped somewhat. Real world testing would probably reveal it's limitations. But as I see it, if you're not using flash to blast someone far away, I think its small-ness would make this a very lively and well used flash.
Update: I've been comparing this with my SB600. It's bare bulb design is like that of the sb600 with the wide-angle modifier down. Having it at 1/1 power and fast shooting will obviously show loss of power in consecutive shots, HOWEVER, it still flashes and is more more reliable (faster) than the SB600 (will not fire). Because of the 4 battery design of the SB600, it will last longer, but not by much. The SB500 is efficient and very capable of shooting an event such as a wedding. If you are used to Nikon Speedlights giving off a beep sound when it's ready to fire again, this Speedlight don't have it. I've designated that I'll not fire at full power (1/1) unless really required but then allow a second or two for the Speedlight to be ready, or I'll just use at 1/4 power or below. If I'm firing continuously in instance of an action shot (bouquet or garter belt toss), I'll set it at 1/16 or below and at 3fps and fire away. Very impressive.... The LED's are great! however again, no big lenses (lens shadow)! Shooting video, then quickly switching to shoot photo is a matter of a switch on-camera, and another switch on-flash... easy peasy... This flash is so small and easy to operate, I'm getting two more of them... ;)
Another thing to note: This speed light will rotate 180 degrees in BOTH directions. Some speed lights will rotate 180 in one direction and 90 in the other. Also this speed light I believe is designed to work most completely with the D750. All menu controls of this speed light is there.
Then along came the SB-500. I purchased this mainly for the ability to swivel the head and bounce light no matter how I hold the camera. Also, I was excited about the ability to take the flash off the camera and get some great lighting effects. I had one of those big, bulky coiled flash cord for the SB-400 that worked in a pinch, but I had to stay about 3-4 feet to the flash. Not a very good solution for off-camera flash. But it was fun experimenting with off-camera light.
The flash fulfilled the 2 requirements, but then blew me away with how great it does everything. It is VERY easy to use. That is another thing I loved about the SB-400, there was a power switch. That was IT! The SB-500 has some additional settings for the power switch (flash, constant LED, A and B) That's IT! No fiddling with the flash, just turn it on and let the camera do the rest. (Oh it also has a modeling flash button - It fires the flash when you push the button) Nikon's iTTL system is phenomenal! I always get a precisely metered picture with no hassle. No matter where the flash is pointed, it will expose correctly. I didn't really think I would use the LED much because I'm not much of a videographer, but it works nicely for stills as well. Also, you can use the LEDs off camera and provides a constant light so you can see what the shadows will look like.
I've only had this flash for a day, but I already know it was the exact flash that I was searching for. I have never owned a 700 or a 900 so I don't know the features that those have that I'm missing, but I can't really imagine anything else I would need this flash to do.
After a few years of usage I'm pulling it back a star. That's not to say I don't like this flash--but rather I've outgrown it and that there are a few other 3rd party flashes on the market that can do everything the SB-500 can do, and a bag of chips:
For instance, this flash doesn't zoom.
The Guide number is somewhat low (as is to be expected by a 2-battery flash)
No external battery port for quick recharging.
No RF capabilities--Off-camera use as-is is limited to the CLS system, which is line-of-sight, not RF which means in a lightbox, you can't remotely trigger it.
Be that as it may, it's still part of my system when attached to an RF trigger, and does work admirably as a fill light. However, if I had to do it all again I'd look at the less expensive 3rd party options which could do much more. I'd still recommend it if you're against using 3rd party options and just need a no-frills flash that can be rotated/bounced.
Upgrading on a budget from an SB-30 that was not compatible with the iTTL on my D750, this thing works like a charm and is still kind on the budget. While not as powerful as some other speedlights, it can still throw a good distance and the head being able to spin on it's axis, as well as tilting the head up is a definite plus. It comes with a base so you can use it off-camera, and that base has a standard 1/4" tripod screw, so placement of the flash for artistic effects is easy.
I rarely use the LED lights, but they do work as advertised. Takes 2 AA batteries.
I would definitely recommend if you don't have the money for a more expensive speedlight and want something that works well with iTTL.
Top reviews from other countries
The led illumination feature for videos is great too and has 3 levels of brightness.
Nice compact size too
mit der Kamera zu nutzen. Bin sehr zufrieden mit diesem Kauf.