MG8 Product Information
A machine-gun strobe designed for high-speed continuous shooting and flashing. Grip type.
This is a mount-free strobe controlled by a commander. Please check the commander camera compatibility chart for supported cameras.
※Please purchase a commander compatible with your camera manufacturer separately. This unit cannot be controlled directly from the camera body or the camera manufacturer's genuine strobe.
Suggested retail price 35,600 JPY (39,600 JPY incl. tax)
To receive the manufacturer's warranty, you must purchase an authentic domestic product from a retailer listed under Where to Buy. Accessories and maintenance parts can be purchased from Accessories & Maintenance Parts.
Camera Compatibility Chart｜FAQ｜Instruction Manual｜Firmware
Key Features
High heat resistance inherited from the "Machine-Gun Strobe" MG8000
Features a highly heat-resistant quartz tube (patented) in the flash head. Designed to withstand continuous full-power flashes, allowing you to concentrate on shooting without missing the shutter timing.
1.6-second high-speed recycling and 1,000 full-power flashes with high-capacity lithium-ion battery
Standard equipment includes a battery cartridge (batteries not included) that uses two commercially available 26650-type lithium-ion batteries* (must include a protection circuit). Enables 1.6-second high-speed recycling (at full power) and 1,000 full-power flashes (using two 5000mAh lithium-ion batteries) without changing batteries. (A cartridge for 8 AA batteries is also included.)
※Recycling time and number of flashes vary depending on the type and condition of the batteries used.
Smaller and lighter than the MG10
By limiting the maximum guide number to 60*1 (82.5Ws), equivalent to high-end clip-on strobes, we have achieved a body that is one size smaller and lighter than the MG10.
Simple control panel. All operations from the commander
The unit's control panel features only a power button, an open mode button, a channel setting dial, and a flash group setting dial. All operational settings for the MG8 are performed from a commander such as the Air10s (sold separately). (No sync terminal is equipped.)
Removable magnetic slide-type zoom cover (patented)
Employs external auto-zoom. Slide the magnetic zoom hood to control the beam angle in auto or manual mode. Removing the zoom hood allows it to be attached to commercially available clip-on strobe holders.
【Caution】 The internal flash surface becomes extremely hot during continuous flashing; never touch the flash surface with bare hands when removing the cover.
Built-in modeling light for modeling purposes
Features a dimmable built-in modeling light*2 in the flash head. Provides approximately 4 hours*3 of continuous lighting at a maximum output of 8W.
"Wireless release" function allows taking photos with the strobe
When this unit is used in conjunction with an Air10s or MG80 Pro and a remote shutter cable is connected to the camera, pressing the shutter button on the front of the grip allows for wireless shutter release of the camera.
Equipped with functions almost equivalent to the flagship MG10
- Equipped with "Open Mode," which allows using multiple Air10s or MG80 Pro units without pairing.
- Includes a dedicated bracket for attaching to either the left or right side of the camera.
- Features a tripod screw hole on the side of the unit for fixing to a stand or similar support.
- Includes a "Filter Holder" that attaches to the front of the zoom cover.
- Equipped with a MicroSD card slot*4 for easy self-updating of firmware.
*1 ISO100, m/beam angle 200mm
*2 The light intensity of the modeling light is linked to the flash intensity during manual mode.
*3 Available lighting time varies depending on the type and condition of the batteries used.
*4 MicroSD card is not included.
※Please use 26650-size lithium-ion batteries that include a protection circuit.
Nomenclature
Included Accessories
※Accessories are not covered by the warranty.
Specifications
| Type | Mount-free (Controlled exclusively by commander) |
|---|---|
| Guide Number | 60 (ISO100, m/at 200mm beam angle) 32 (ISO100, m/at 35mm beam angle) |
| Flash Tube Output | 82.5Ws |
| Coverage Focal Length | 24-200mm, 16mm with wide panel*1 |
| Power Source | Two 26650-size protected lithium-ion batteries (sold separately) or eight AA NiMH/Alkaline batteries (sold separately) |
| Battery Storage | Battery cartridge for MG10/MG8 dedicated lithium-ion batteries or battery cartridge for MG10/MG8 dedicated AA batteries*2 |
| Recycling Time | 0.1-1.6 sec (using lithium-ion batteries) 0.1-2.8 sec (using AA batteries) 0.1-1.0 sec (using lithium-ion batteries and external power source PS8) |
| Number of Flashes | Approx. 400 (using AA alkaline batteries) Approx. 1000 (using 5000mAh lithium-ion batteries) |
| Flash Duration | 1/400 - 1/20,000 sec |
| Color Temperature | Approx. 5,600K (with zoom cover attached) |
| Operating Mode | TTL/Manual |
| Wireless System | Radio Wireless TTL Slave (controlled by NAS-compliant commander or strobe with built-in commander function) |
| Communication | Communicates only with pre-paired slave units (also equipped with OPEN mode for communication without pairing). Range: Up to 100m (varies by commander being paired). |
| Radio Specifications | 2.4GHz ISM band (Technical Standards Conformity Certified) |
| Channels | 8 channels |
| Groups | A/B/C/D/A(・)/B(・)/C(・)/D(・) 8 groups |
| Flash Exposure Compensation | -2.0 to +2.0, 1/3EV steps (when using Air10s) |
| Head Movement | Up 90°, Down 7°, Left 180°, Right 180°, includes front position lock |
| Supported Features | FE/FV Lock, Rear Curtain Sync, High-Speed Sync*3, Red-eye reduction mode, Slow sync mode support (Compatibility depends on camera manufacturer and model specifications) |
| AF Assist Light | None |
| Modeling Light | Four white LEDs, 8W, 25-step dimming from Air10s (linked to flash intensity during manual mode) |
| Rear Controls | Power button, Open mode button Communication channel dial Flash group selection dial (also used for remote release mode) |
| External Terminals | External power terminal, sync terminal, MicroSD card slot (for firmware updates) |
| Tripod Screw Hole | 1 (Side of body, 1/4 inch) |
| Included Accessories | Wide panel, filter holder panel, amber filter, dedicated bracket, soft case, simple umbrella holder, battery cartridge for AA batteries, battery cartridge for lithium-ion batteries |
| Dimensions | Approx. 210(H) x 73(W) x 130(D) mm |
| Weight | Approx. 715g (excluding batteries) |
*1 Auto-zoom function can be used if the commander supports it. The zoom cover is removable. Removing it removes the Fresnel lens, so the beam angle cannot be changed.
*2 Traditional quick-loading battery magazines (BM-01/BM-02) cannot be used.
*3 When flashing in High-Speed Sync mode, the minimum intensity is limited to 1/32. If set to an intensity lower than 1/32, it will fire at 1/32.
※Product specifications are subject to change without notice due to improvements.
Instruction Manual
- Unit and Accessory Instruction Manual (Common to all mounts)
- Separate L2 Charger Instruction Manual
- Separate L4 Charger Instruction Manual
The contents of the instruction manual may change without notice due to product specification changes. The manuals provided in this service may differ from the manual included with the product you purchased or currently sold products. You may not reproduce, modify, or transmit any part or all of the downloaded instruction manuals without our permission.
Firmware Update
The latest firmware is Version 2 (updated June 2022). You can update the MG8 firmware yourself. For instructions on how to check the version and the update procedure, please see Firmware Update Procedure (MG8), and for the update history, see Firmware Update History.
Using Lithium-Ion Batteries
Disclaimer: Lithium-ion batteries have lower resistance to heat, short-circuiting, and mechanical pressure compared to NiMH or alkaline batteries. To prevent overheating, rupture, or fire, strictly observe the following precautions. If the equipment fails due to improper handling of batteries or battery defects, repairs will be chargeable regardless of the time of purchase. Similarly, we assume no liability for damage to property or injury caused by battery heating, rupture, or fire.
Cautions Regarding Usage Environment
- Do not leave lithium-ion batteries in places subject to high temperatures, such as on a car dashboard, near a window, or in a car parked under the blazing sun. This may cause the batteries to leak.
- Do not leave lithium-ion batteries near heat sources such as heaters. This may cause heating, rupture, or fire.
Cautions Regarding Usage
- Read the equipment instruction manual or warning labels before use.
- When using lithium-ion batteries, always use the specified battery size in the dedicated battery holder. Using non-specified batteries (e.g., using spacers or modifying the holder) may cause the battery to overheat, rupture, or fire due to the failure of overcurrent protection mechanisms.
- Always use lithium-ion batteries with a built-in protection circuit. Using batteries without a protection circuit increases the risk of heating, rupture, or fire due to short-circuiting, especially when transporting them outside the equipment.
- Do not get lithium-ion batteries wet with water, seawater, juice, or other liquids. This can damage the protection circuit, leading to abnormal charging currents or voltages that can cause heating, rupture, or fire.
- Use only chargers and AC adapters compatible with the lithium-ion batteries being used. Using incompatible chargers can cause heating, rupture, or fire due to different charging conditions.
- Lithium-ion batteries have designated positive/negative orientations. If you cannot connect them easily to the charger or device, do not force them. Reverse connection can cause internal abnormal reactions, leading to leakage, heating, rupture, or fire.
- Do not connect lithium-ion batteries directly to power outlets or car cigarette lighter sockets without a charger. This can cause electric shock, overcurrent, and result in leakage, heating, rupture, or fire.
- Do not charge lithium-ion batteries in high-temperature environments, such as on a car dashboard or in a parked car under the sun. High temperatures activate safety mechanisms, which may prevent charging, or damage the protection circuit and lead to abnormal charging currents, causing heating, rupture, or fire.
- Do not dispose of lithium-ion batteries in fire or heat them on a hot plate. This can damage insulators, gas exhaust vents, and protection mechanisms, leading to heating, rupture, or fire.
- Do not connect the positive and negative terminals with metal objects. Do not carry or store them with necklaces, hairpins, coins, or keys. This can cause a short circuit, resulting in high current flow, heating, rupture, fire, or the heating of these metal objects.
- Do not subject lithium-ion batteries to strong impacts (e.g., dropping from high places) or throw them. Deforming the battery or damaging its internal protection mechanisms can lead to abnormal charging conditions, causing heating, rupture, or fire.
- Do not pierce, hammer, or step on the battery. This may deform the battery or damage its protection mechanisms, causing heating, rupture, or fire.
- Do not solder directly to the battery terminals. Heat may melt insulators or damage gas exhaust vents and protection mechanisms, causing heating, rupture, or fire.
- Do not put lithium-ion batteries in microwaves or high-pressure containers. Rapid heating or sealing failure can lead to heating, rupture, or fire.
- Do not place flammable objects on or cover the battery during charging or discharging. This may cause heating, rupture, or fire.
- Do not disassemble or modify lithium-ion batteries. They contain gas exhaust vents and protection mechanisms to prevent danger. Damaging these may cause heating, rupture, or fire.
- If not using for a long period, remove the battery from the device and store in a low-humidity area.
- Keep equipment and batteries out of the reach of infants and young children. Misuse is dangerous.
- Do not allow infants, animals, or pets to handle or carry the batteries (to prevent risks such as licking, putting in the mouth, or biting).
- Lithium-ion batteries have a limited lifespan. Replace with new ones when the operating time of the device becomes short.
- If you notice abnormal odors, heating, discoloration, deformation, or anything else unusual during use, charging, or storage, remove the battery from the device/charger and stop using it. Continued use can cause heating, rupture, or fire.
- If the battery leaks or emits an odor, keep it away from fire immediately. Leaked electrolyte can ignite and cause rupture or fire.
Related Products & Parts
- MG8 [Lithium-Ion Battery & Charger Set]
- Battery Cartridge for MG10/MG8 dedicated Lithium-Ion batteries
- Zoom Cover XXFC for MG8
- Bracket XXDY for MG10/MG8
- Simple Umbrella Holder NZ168 for MG10/8
Support
For frequently asked questions regarding the MG8, see MG8 FAQ. For repair requests, go to Support & Repairs, and for questions, please use our Contact Us form.