SB-80DX or SB-28DX on Canon dSLR

Daniel Nielson · 12th May 2005

It might be a weird question, but I have been thinking getting one of the above mentioned flash to work as non-TTL auto flash (do they have this function?). However, I am not sure what are the functions that will be available when using it on Canon dSLR.

Will the followings be available?

- Second curtain sync
- FP high speed sync
- FEC

Or I will get all the functions except the TTL flash metering?

Any other suggestions will also be appreciated.

Thanks.

Daniel Nielson · 12th May 2005

Anyone?

mpenza · 12th May 2005

The 2 flash you mentioned have "auto" modes.

As for functions, the following two won't work:
- Second curtain sync (probably won't work)
- FP high speed sync

As for FEC, it's achieved by varying the aperture (in camera) to be different from that set on the flash (setting FEC on the camera doesn't affect the flash output at all).

Anyway, the cheaper SB28 would perform just as well as the DX version.

Daniel Nielson · 12th May 2005

Thanks.

Yea on a second thought since the camera is not communicating the shutter speed to the flash there is no way that second curtain sync can work.

Is DX meant for digital camera (like the DX lens)? Would the trigger voltage of SB28 be safe for digital camera? So if I were to insist on Nikon flash SB28 is the best to go in term of cost and performance? How much would it cost in the second hand market?

mpenza · 12th May 2005

DX meant that the flash can work in D-TTL mode with the earlier Nikon DSLRs (using pre-flash). The trigger voltages for Nikon flash are generally below 6V, so it should be safe, provided you mount properly first before switching on the flash(or tape the other unnecessary pins).

SB24, SB25 and SB26 (cheaper because older but supports similar auto modes as the SB28) give similar performance to the SB28 (<$300?) but are much bulkier.

Daniel Nielson · 13th May 2005

Thanks for your inputs, and you prompted me to do a reasearch on the history of these models. It looks like an SB-24 is good enough, though might be difficult finding such an old model at good condition.

mpenza · 13th May 2005

try to look for the SB28 lah. you'll appreciate the smaller size (smaller than the 550EX or 580EX but similar power).

Daniel Nielson · 13th May 2005

Thanks, you are a such great help.

I'll see what I can scavenge.

Zenten · 14th May 2005

Can always count on Mpenza for help.

12th May 2005	#1
Daniel Nielson Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 781	SB-80DX or SB-28DX on Canon dSLR It might be a weird question, but I have been thinking getting one of the above mentioned flash to work as non-TTL auto flash (do they have this function?). However, I am not sure what are the functions that will be available when using it on Canon dSLR. Will the followings be available? - Second curtain sync - FP high speed sync - FEC Or I will get all the functions except the TTL flash metering? Any other suggestions will also be appreciated. Thanks.

12th May 2005	#3
mpenza Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New York City Posts: 13,397	The 2 flash you mentioned have "auto" modes. As for functions, the following two won't work: - Second curtain sync (probably won't work) - FP high speed sync As for FEC, it's achieved by varying the aperture (in camera) to be different from that set on the flash (setting FEC on the camera doesn't affect the flash output at all). Anyway, the cheaper SB28 would perform just as well as the DX version. Last edited by mpenza; 12th May 2005 at 02:39 PM.

12th May 2005	#4
Daniel Nielson Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 781	Thanks. Yea on a second thought since the camera is not communicating the shutter speed to the flash there is no way that second curtain sync can work. Is DX meant for digital camera (like the DX lens)? Would the trigger voltage of SB28 be safe for digital camera? So if I were to insist on Nikon flash SB28 is the best to go in term of cost and performance? How much would it cost in the second hand market?

13th May 2005	#6
Daniel Nielson Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 781	Thanks for your inputs, and you prompted me to do a reasearch on the history of these models. It looks like an SB-24 is good enough, though might be difficult finding such an old model at good condition.

13th May 2005	#8
Daniel Nielson Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 781	Thanks, you are a such great help. I'll see what I can scavenge.

14th May 2005	#9
Zenten Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 6,206	Can always count on Mpenza for help.