Buying an SB-800. What else?

[xsport652]

I am buying an SB-800. I know I am going to need some batteries. I am buying it on BH so could you guys show me which batteries are good to get? Also any other accesories that would be helpful? How is the diffuser that comes with the SB-800?
Thanks

[jorgemonkey]

When I bought the SB-800, it was gonna be an addition to my 2 SB-600s. One of the first accessories I bought for my SB-600 (Which I'd get for the 800) is the off-camera cord. that way I could put the flash on a flash bracket while out shooting. Also with the cord you can fire the flash off camera without having to trigger it with either the built in flash if your camera has one, or with another SB-800

Battery wise I have a bunch of rechargeable batteries from RadioShack that were on close out. I have 5 sets of 4 that recharge in 15 minutes, plus a few minutes for cooldown. I haven't bothered to count how many flashes per charge, but they hold charges really good, and they haven't failed me yet.

[Franglais]

I am buying an SB-800. I know I am going to need some batteries. I am buying it on BH so could you guys show me which batteries are good to get? Also any other accesories that would be helpful? How is the diffuser that comes with the SB-800?
Thanks

The are lots of things included in the SB800 kit and I haven't felt the need to add anything extra:

- Diffuser head (works fine)
- 5th battery holder
- colour correction filter

I've only ever used mine with the 5th battery attached (makes recycling faster). I use GP Powerbank 2300 NiMh rechargable batteries which also recycle really fast. The only surprise I've had is how quickly the batteries discharge when not used - if I haven't used the flash for a couple of weeks then I always rechange the batteries before using the flash to be sure they're full.

Charles

[deckcadet]

you get lots of stuff with the SB800 as charles said. not much is needed otherwise- you already have wireless control with the D70S, so a TTL cord is not a necessity. the best thing is 2 sets of rechargeable batteries. I have a dozen Sanyo 2700MAh AA's that came in sets of 6 with a 4 slot quick charger and 2 AAAs as well. Something like 20-25 bucks at costco. they really run my 800 for ages

[specradio]

I think sanyo has the higehst mAh batteries out so far.

[another view]

I've got a pile of 2100 mah batteries and they still work great. I notice a slight difference with the one set of 2500's I have, so personally I wouldn't worry too much about getting the latest/greatest here. One step down from the highest available is usually about 1/2 the price, too. Bought mine on ebay...

So you're getting an SB800 and want to know what else to get? How about three or four more of them? Somebody had to say it. Looks like a really great and flexible system. I hope to get into it myself at some point, but my stuff is too old to work with it.

[deckcadet]

Maha power also has some highly rated batts, before i forget...