Nikon Speedlight SB-80DX TTL Flash

Product Rating
4.92 of 5
12 reviews

Price Range
$13 - $13

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Product Description

Summary

I was originally looking for the SB-28 but had to go with this newer version since the older one is out of production. I'm glad I did purchase the SB-80DX as it's of incredible quality and the performance is nothing but excellent. It's the same as the -28 but with many enhanced features. The hot shoe mount is now all metal! I was also looking to buy the SB-27 too as I liked the sleeker size, but after much research I had to go with this one and I'm glad I did. It is top time of the line. I'm using this on the N-80 and it is fully integraqted with the camera. I can't say enough about this flash. The auto power zoom changes based on the focal length with the N80 AF lenses.

Strength

* All metal shoe mount is a plus * Removeable diffuser

Weakness

None noted so far A little more than I wanted pay for a flash, but I'm very pleased I went for this one.

Summary

-I have 2 SB-26 lights, sold 1 to bought this SB-80DX. I get it for its 2 great features: wireless TTL slave capability with film, and D-TTL for the D100 which I am about to purchase in 2-3 months. It's well worth the $35 difference (sold mint SB-26 for $235, paid. $270 for this new SB-80DX). I got what I asked for and happy with it. But I wish Nikon did a better job. - Wireless TTL feature is great. The SB-26 and Sb-80dx are perfect for wireless TTL mutiple flash synchronization with my F-100 body. BE AWARE that wireless TTL will not function with DIGITAL SLR, only in MANUAL wireless mode. I learned this before I bought the 80 unit. But many people unware of this. - I love the metal locking foot and the ability to mount an remove it quickly. It is firm and strong. - At first I thought the flash recycle time in the SB-80dx brochure was a hype for marketing purposes. But it is actually true. It is noticable faster compare to my 26 using the same NiMH 1800mah batteries. - On the down side, the size is small and compact make it hard to navigate and making adjustments. (for me). The power output is strong, but its size will make it looks cheap and you will think it is a weak flash unit. - In my case and for my use and need, the SB-80dx is better than the SB-26 sometimes. Especially when team the 80 with one 26. I love my SB-26 and I think it has some other strong points over the 80dx. I would never want to trade my 2nd SB-26 for another 80dx, even if it is a + $$$ trade. I think a SB-26 + a SB-80dx is better than 2 SB-80dx. I wish I can write a longer reviews, but I only have a short time for it now. The above are few major pros and cons of this SB-80dx, other minor points might not worth to mention. If you have any question about the SB-80dx and how to compare it to the SB-26, feel free to drop me some lines.

Strength

- Wireless TTL with film cameras. - Strong locking metal foot. - Fast recycle time. - Coverage range is wider and further (14-105mm)

Weakness

- Small unit size - Small LCD - Small buttons - Do not take the same external HIGH power cord as the SB-24, 25, 26 and 28 series. ( Quantum Turbo, Jackrabbit,..SD-7...)

Summary

This one has the power and features to do it all. With it's bouce/swivel head, diffuser dome, and pull-out white card it has the power to give a great un-flash like illumination. It has a very useful 14 - 105mm zoom range which zooms automatically with the lens. Nikon is famous for it's flash system and this one hasn't let me down yet. I first purchased the SB-50DX but found it lacked the power for bounce flash and traded it up to the SB-80. It has a great locking foot which is easy to mount and remove from the hotshoe. This is Nikon's top-of-the-line flash and it won't disappoint. And it comes with a nice padded case too.

Strength

14mm to 105mm lens range nice strong locking foot diffuser dome and white card power

Weakness

None: it hasn't let me down yet

Summary

I purchaded this flash from the guy who imports them directly from Asia. I paid 200-300 less what they want in shops across New Zealand. So if anyone in NZ wants it, i can give you contact details of a person to get in touch with. This flash is wonderful, and certainly a great improvement over SB-24. Built quality is better, features, ease of use, etc. I used on several rolls already and the exposure is dead on. If you have n/f-65 and think that this flash is too advanced and you need something cheaper - DONT! N(f)-65 works very well with this flash, and after careful consideration of sb-27 and sb-28, i chose 80-DX. You wont feel guilty of spending all these money.

Strength

-ease of use -features -improved zoomhead and wideangle diffuser -metal foot -best LCD/easy to read/high res

Weakness

-they could finally fix that piece of rubber to keep battery door in place, bit NO!!! -it has too many features :)

Summary

This Flash are great. I've been looking for it since SB28. After I'm playing around with my Sunpak 355AF,I'm thinking about a better GN number and a better performance and all it backs into its original brand, Nikon. I was interesting because mostly the Flash read the exposures through its 3D Balanced Fill-flash accurately; especially for whom whose using a Nikkor D or G type lenses. Although if you're using Non CPU lenses, this flash still have other Modes such as: Multi Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash,Matrix,Center Weighted, Spot Fill-Flash, etc. For me I bought this Flash after I consider for my further preferences. Honestly I donno about terms and its capaility that what most Professional demanding. I bought this flash because I'm interesting to learn more about Flash photography although in its manual book, they explain about using more than 1 flash (Multiple flash). That one maybe after I become more expert, he-he-he. For most Amateur, Serious Amateur, Casual, or even Intermediete photographers this should be their next option to get even though me my SLR camera are good enough to be handled (Nikon F80). When I fed up enough with Sunpak 355AF flash, I was thinking at that time about bouncing horizontally. That was 1st outcome reason to buy this flash till I confessed myself to challenge using this type of Dedicated flash. For me learning about Photography is never stop. Once you reach your satisfaction, for your above level, that thing that you just reach are nothing to be compared with them. Learning about Photography is something like a wheel-over and over again.... always relearn at the basic level and recalculate the idea findings out the better exposure (Creativity and Capability).

Strength

This Flashes is Strong enough to use. 1. High Performance Speedlight 2. GN of 38/125 at 100mm (ISO 100) 3. Mostly I like its 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-flash. 4. Flash head tilts from -7 till 90 and swivelling from 180 to 90 5.Automatic power zoom reading simultaneously along with your zoom lens. 6.Nikon Diffusion Dome to diffuse your subject's shadow. 7.Wireless Multiple Flash for more than one unit flash--works well almost like Nikon SU-4 Wireless Slave unit (Like mini studio lighting). 8. Custom settings to customized and to set values,activate or disactivate functions and everything like I found on my own F80 camera. 9. Modelling Lights button enable you to see a shadow of a subject before you take a real snap. 10. AF Assist illuminator to read an exposure at completely dark or dim- light with its more than 30 feet distance! 11. See the Nikon website.... for more... (www.nikonusa.com)

Weakness

1. Price 2. Heavier-- makes my F80 fall off whenever I hanging on my neck. 3. I don't find any complaint right now... but I still figuring out capturing some images (rxperimenting).