Introducing the long-awaited clip-on machine gun flash "MG80 Pro"
The "Machine Gun Strobe" series, characterized by its ultra-high heat resistance, began with the MG8000 released in 2012.
Following the high-output, grip-type "MG10," which is ideal for off-camera lighting, and the "MG8"—which could be called the MG10 Junior—the long-awaited clip-on "MG80 Pro" machine gun strobe will finally be released soon.
Although we have already displayed it as a reference exhibit at exhibitions several times, this is the first time we are introducing it in a web article, complete with photos of the actual unit and an explanation of its features.
※Please note that the MG80 Pro in the photos is a prototype, so the detailed specifications may differ from the final product. Thank you for your understanding.
I placed it alongside the existing NAS wireless-compatible clip-on model "i60A" and the original "MG8000" machine gun strobe. (Left: i60A, Center: MG80 Pro, Right: MG8000)
While it is naturally larger than the ultra-compact i60A, it is not significantly different in size from its predecessor, the MG8000, and is finished as a standard-sized clip-on strobe.
Can you tell that the overall unit, including the flash head, is slimmer than the MG8000, which has an internal zooming mechanism, because the MG80 Pro adopts an external zoom system for its flash unit?
Regarding weight, the i60A weighs 300g and the MG8000 weighs 416g, while the MG80 Pro is slightly heavier at 520g due to reinforcements like the charging circuit, but you will likely hardly notice the difference while shooting.
For the locking mechanism to the camera, we adopted a screw-type lock that allows for a secure attachment. (Photo shows the Canon version)
Not only the shoe plate but also the locking ring is made of metal for increased durability, and the blue color serves as a nice accent.
The flash unit consists of a single high-heat-resistant flash tube, and the removable slide-type external zoom mechanism allows the beam angle to be set in the range of 24-200mm.
The maximum guide number of the MG80 Pro is 60 (at 200mm beam angle), and the maximum output of the flash tube is 83Ws. (The guide number at a 35mm beam angle is 32)
When used with lighting accessories such as softboxes, removing the zoom hood eliminates the light's directionality, allowing for better light spread.
The head moves 180 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees up/7 degrees down, allowing for free settings according to your purpose.
A locking mechanism is included for the vertical direction only at the front and 90-degree upward positions, which can prevent the head from moving due to weight when heavy accessories are attached.
Of course, the modeling light, which is useful for studio lighting, is also included as a common feature of the new MG series.
In addition to AA NiMH rechargeable batteries, 14500-type lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (with protection circuits) can also be used.
The MG80 Pro does not have an external power terminal, but by using lithium-ion batteries, it achieves a phenomenally fast charging time of 1.2 seconds, making heavy and cumbersome external power supplies unnecessary.
Note that when using AA NiMH batteries, the charging time is 3 seconds at its fastest. This is the same as a standard strobe.
Also, among AA batteries, we recommend using "NiMH rechargeable batteries." While it can operate with alkaline batteries, we do not recommend them for this product because their battery life is short.
It is possible to fire 360 full-power flashes when using 14500 lithium-ion batteries (1000mAh), and 250 full-power flashes when using AA NiMH batteries.
The MG80 Pro is the first Nissin strobe product with built-in NAS wireless functionality to feature a "Commander" function.
It includes all the same features as the Air10s, such as firing control for a total of 8 groups, modeling light, HSS settings, zoom settings, TTL memory, and wireless shutter functions, allowing for flexible support for various combinations like "one flash on the camera + one on a stand."
Switching operation modes is a simple process: just press and hold the power button, select with the dial, and confirm.
On: Mode used as an on-camera-only strobe. The modeling light can be fired.
CO: Commander mode (operates as the master unit of the NAS system). The unit itself can also be fired.
SL: Slave mode (operates as a sub-unit of the NAS system). Use this setting when using it as a NAS wireless strobe in combination with an Air10s or another MG80 Pro set to Commander mode.
In Commander mode, if you connect a wireless shutter cable to the camera, it also supports the remote shutter function via the shutter button on the MG10 or MG8, just like the Air10s.
This is the rear LCD display in on-camera mode.
In TTL mode, flash exposure compensation is possible in 1/3EV steps up to ±2EV. In manual mode, you can adjust the light output in 25 steps from 1/256 to 1/1. (Same as the i60A)
You can switch the flash mode simply by pressing the "M/TTL" button on the bottom left. You can also turn off the flash if you temporarily do not want it to fire.
Since the modeling light can be turned on even in on-camera mode, you might be able to use it as a simple light source in the dark.
This is the rear LCD display in Commander mode.
Just like the Air10s, it is possible to control a total of 8 groups: 4 basic groups (A/B/C/D) and 4 advanced groups (A•/B•/C•/D•).
It also includes features for turning the modeling light on/off, Open mode, and flash-disable mode.
When using this unit in Commander mode, the unit itself can also be fired. The light output is set using "Basic Group A." You can stop the unit from firing by setting Basic Group A to flash-disable.
This is the rear LCD display in Slave mode.
Group selection can be set by pressing the buttons A~D on the left. The advanced mode can be set by long-pressing the modeling light button, and Open mode by long-pressing the M/TTL button.
Other operations such as light output, flash mode, and beam angle are performed from the commander.
A microSD card slot for firmware updates is located on the side of the unit. As it is an exposed part, this unit comes with a rubber cover.
You can download the firmware from the Nissin Japan website and update it yourself using a microSD card, so you can always use it in its latest state.
As the top-tier model of Nissin's clip-on strobes, the MG80 Pro is an evolution of the traditional MG8000, tailored to modern requirements.
While enhancing the basic performance required for clip-on strobes—such as operability, TTL exposure accuracy, and the durability of the metal shoe—this unit also features an ultra-high heat-resistant flash tube and high-speed charging via lithium-ion batteries. It will surely be an asset in various scenes, from snap photography where on-camera shooting is main, to studio or outdoor shooting and artistic photography where wireless off-camera shooting is fundamental.
Following the high-output, grip-type "MG10," which is ideal for off-camera lighting, and the "MG8"—which could be called the MG10 Junior—the long-awaited clip-on "MG80 Pro" machine gun strobe will finally be released soon.
Although we have already displayed it as a reference exhibit at exhibitions several times, this is the first time we are introducing it in a web article, complete with photos of the actual unit and an explanation of its features.
※Please note that the MG80 Pro in the photos is a prototype, so the detailed specifications may differ from the final product. Thank you for your understanding.
I placed it alongside the existing NAS wireless-compatible clip-on model "i60A" and the original "MG8000" machine gun strobe. (Left: i60A, Center: MG80 Pro, Right: MG8000)While it is naturally larger than the ultra-compact i60A, it is not significantly different in size from its predecessor, the MG8000, and is finished as a standard-sized clip-on strobe.
Can you tell that the overall unit, including the flash head, is slimmer than the MG8000, which has an internal zooming mechanism, because the MG80 Pro adopts an external zoom system for its flash unit?
Regarding weight, the i60A weighs 300g and the MG8000 weighs 416g, while the MG80 Pro is slightly heavier at 520g due to reinforcements like the charging circuit, but you will likely hardly notice the difference while shooting.
For the locking mechanism to the camera, we adopted a screw-type lock that allows for a secure attachment. (Photo shows the Canon version)
Not only the shoe plate but also the locking ring is made of metal for increased durability, and the blue color serves as a nice accent.
The flash unit consists of a single high-heat-resistant flash tube, and the removable slide-type external zoom mechanism allows the beam angle to be set in the range of 24-200mm.The maximum guide number of the MG80 Pro is 60 (at 200mm beam angle), and the maximum output of the flash tube is 83Ws. (The guide number at a 35mm beam angle is 32)
When used with lighting accessories such as softboxes, removing the zoom hood eliminates the light's directionality, allowing for better light spread.
The head moves 180 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees up/7 degrees down, allowing for free settings according to your purpose.
A locking mechanism is included for the vertical direction only at the front and 90-degree upward positions, which can prevent the head from moving due to weight when heavy accessories are attached.
Of course, the modeling light, which is useful for studio lighting, is also included as a common feature of the new MG series. In addition to AA NiMH rechargeable batteries, 14500-type lithium-ion rechargeable batteries (with protection circuits) can also be used.The MG80 Pro does not have an external power terminal, but by using lithium-ion batteries, it achieves a phenomenally fast charging time of 1.2 seconds, making heavy and cumbersome external power supplies unnecessary.
Note that when using AA NiMH batteries, the charging time is 3 seconds at its fastest. This is the same as a standard strobe.
Also, among AA batteries, we recommend using "NiMH rechargeable batteries." While it can operate with alkaline batteries, we do not recommend them for this product because their battery life is short.
It is possible to fire 360 full-power flashes when using 14500 lithium-ion batteries (1000mAh), and 250 full-power flashes when using AA NiMH batteries.
The MG80 Pro is the first Nissin strobe product with built-in NAS wireless functionality to feature a "Commander" function.It includes all the same features as the Air10s, such as firing control for a total of 8 groups, modeling light, HSS settings, zoom settings, TTL memory, and wireless shutter functions, allowing for flexible support for various combinations like "one flash on the camera + one on a stand."
Switching operation modes is a simple process: just press and hold the power button, select with the dial, and confirm.
On: Mode used as an on-camera-only strobe. The modeling light can be fired.
CO: Commander mode (operates as the master unit of the NAS system). The unit itself can also be fired.
SL: Slave mode (operates as a sub-unit of the NAS system). Use this setting when using it as a NAS wireless strobe in combination with an Air10s or another MG80 Pro set to Commander mode.
In Commander mode, if you connect a wireless shutter cable to the camera, it also supports the remote shutter function via the shutter button on the MG10 or MG8, just like the Air10s.This is the rear LCD display in on-camera mode.In TTL mode, flash exposure compensation is possible in 1/3EV steps up to ±2EV. In manual mode, you can adjust the light output in 25 steps from 1/256 to 1/1. (Same as the i60A)
You can switch the flash mode simply by pressing the "M/TTL" button on the bottom left. You can also turn off the flash if you temporarily do not want it to fire.
Since the modeling light can be turned on even in on-camera mode, you might be able to use it as a simple light source in the dark.
This is the rear LCD display in Commander mode.Just like the Air10s, it is possible to control a total of 8 groups: 4 basic groups (A/B/C/D) and 4 advanced groups (A•/B•/C•/D•).
It also includes features for turning the modeling light on/off, Open mode, and flash-disable mode.
When using this unit in Commander mode, the unit itself can also be fired. The light output is set using "Basic Group A." You can stop the unit from firing by setting Basic Group A to flash-disable.
This is the rear LCD display in Slave mode.Group selection can be set by pressing the buttons A~D on the left. The advanced mode can be set by long-pressing the modeling light button, and Open mode by long-pressing the M/TTL button.
Other operations such as light output, flash mode, and beam angle are performed from the commander.
A microSD card slot for firmware updates is located on the side of the unit. As it is an exposed part, this unit comes with a rubber cover.You can download the firmware from the Nissin Japan website and update it yourself using a microSD card, so you can always use it in its latest state.
As the top-tier model of Nissin's clip-on strobes, the MG80 Pro is an evolution of the traditional MG8000, tailored to modern requirements.
While enhancing the basic performance required for clip-on strobes—such as operability, TTL exposure accuracy, and the durability of the metal shoe—this unit also features an ultra-high heat-resistant flash tube and high-speed charging via lithium-ion batteries. It will surely be an asset in various scenes, from snap photography where on-camera shooting is main, to studio or outdoor shooting and artistic photography where wireless off-camera shooting is fundamental.