Nikon · Flash
Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight
The Nikon SB-5000 is a professional-grade speedlight built for photographers who need dependable off-camera radio flash control and fast recycling in demanding shoots.
Specifications
| Guide Number | 113 ft (34 m) at ISO 100 |
|---|---|
| Recycle Time | approx. 2.3 sec |
| Flash Zoom Range | 24-200mm |
| Wireless Control Range | up to 98 ft (30 m) |
| Weight | 420 g (14.8 oz) |
- Radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting (AWL) up to 98ft
- Optical AWL support for legacy compatibility
- Automatic Flash Zoom Head 24-200mm
- Overheat protection with cooling thermal sensor
- Compatible with WR-R10/WR-A10 radio transceivers
- Guide Number 113ft/34m at ISO 100, 35mm zoom position
- Quick Recycling Time approximately 2.3 seconds
Pros
- ✓ Reliable radio-controlled off-camera flash triggering without line-of-sight
- ✓ Fast recycle times support high-speed continuous shooting
- ✓ Robust build quality with weather-sealing gaskets
- ✓ Seamless integration with Nikon CLS and multi-flash setups
- ✓ Thermal cut-off prevents overheating during extended bursts
Cons
- ✕ Requires separate WR-R10 transceiver for full radio functionality, adding cost
- ✕ Heavier and bulkier than older SB-910/SB-700 units
- ✕ No built-in USB port for firmware updates
- ✕ Premium price point compared to third-party flashes
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The Nikon SB-5000 is a professional-grade speedlight built for photographers who demand precision lighting control paired with rugged reliability. Designed to work seamlessly with Nikon's advanced Creative Lighting System, this flash unit delivers a guide number of 34/113 (ISO 100, meters/feet) at the 35mm zoom head position, giving photographers ample power for both close-up fill flash and more demanding lighting scenarios. Its compatibility with Nikon's radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting system sets it apart from earlier speedlight models, allowing photographers to trigger and adjust multiple flash units remotely without relying on line-of-sight infrared signals, which often falter in bright outdoor conditions or when obstacles block the sensor. Built with a cooling system that guards against overheating during rapid, continuous shooting, the SB-5000 supports quick recycling times and sustained performance during demanding sessions such as weddings, sports events, or extended studio work. The flash head zooms automatically from 24mm to 200mm, adapting to the focal length of the attached lens, while a wide-panel diffuser and catch light adapter extend its versatility for creative lighting effects. Weather-sealed construction adds another layer of dependability, letting photographers shoot confidently in light rain, dust, or challenging outdoor environments without worrying about compromising their equipment. Control is intuitive thanks to the illuminated LCD panel and streamlined button layout, which allow photographers to adjust flash output, wireless channels, and group settings without fumbling through complex menus. The SB-5000 integrates directly with compatible Nikon DSLR and mirrorless bodies, enabling in-camera menu control over multiple remote flash units, a feature especially valuable for photographers managing elaborate multi-light setups. Powered by four AA batteries and compatible with the optional SD-9 battery pack for faster recycling, this speedlight balances portability with the kind of consistent, high-output performance that professional photo and video work demands.
Customer reviews
Switching from optical to radio AWL with the SB-5000 eliminated missed triggers entirely, even shooting outdoors in bright sun around corners.
The flash itself performs flawlessly, but you need the WR-R10 transceiver too, so budget accordingly. Worth it for wedding work though.
Shot a full reception on rapid fire and the thermal protection kicked in only once, cooling quickly. Way more reliable than my old SB-910.
Build quality feels weather-sealed and tough. Only gripe is the added bulk on camera, but off-camera it's fantastic.
