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BOOKS : DIGITAL : 35MM

 

 

 

last update: 21 February 2002

  Nikon Speedlight SB-80DX

Announced at PMA 2002, the SB-80DX is Nikon's current top-of-the-line flash unit, basically combining the features of the SB-28DX with that of the old SB-26 (wireless!). Modest changes to the overall cosmetics of the previous Speedlight generation are also part of this new flash.

 

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GN: 125 (ft), 38 (m) (ISO 100, 35mm coverage)
Weight: 11.8 oz. (335g) (w/o batteries)
Size: 5” (127.5mm) tall x 2.8” (70.5mm) wide x 3.6” (91.5mm) deep
Power: four AA batteries (optional SD-7 or SD-8A external)
Recycle Time: 6 seconds minimum (full discharge)
# of Flashes: ~150 at full manual
Flash Duration: 1/1050 to 1/41600
Coverage: 14mm and 17mm with wide-angle flash adapter; also supports 24mm-105mm coverage in 5mm steps
Case: SS-80 (supplied)
Key Features: TTL flash control on most TTL-capable Nikon bodies, including digital, monitor pre-flash on F90X/N90s or later bodies; Full power TTL, eight power level manual, and Automatic (six apertures) settings. LCD panel shows settings. Rear curtain sync. Red-eye reduction. The SB-80DX can synchronize with up to four additional flashes. Head tilts from –7 degrees below horizontal up to 90 degrees above horizontal, and rotates -270 degrees to plus 180 degrees clockwise. Built-in diffuser card. Aufofocus assist light to 32.8 ft (10m). Modeling flash function. Wireless slave flash function. Includes soft dome diffuser for 14mm.
Thom's Comment: The positive changes from the SB-28DX: 14mm coverage, wireless slave function, a better autofocus assist light, more steps to flashtube positioning, simpler control system, and a 1/128 power level. The negative changes from the SB-28DX: no 20mm coverage! Do I want one? Read my review.

Reference Cards

SB-80DX laminated field reference card set (2 cards)

Full Review of the SB-80DX

Other Speedlights
SB-1, SB-2, SB-3, SB-4,
SB-5
, SB-6, SB-7E, SB-8E,
SB-9, SB-10, SB-E, SB-11,
SB-12, SB-14, SB-140,
SB-15
, SB-16, SB-17,
SB-18
, SB-19, SB-20,
SB-21
, SB-22, SB-22s,
SB-23
, SB-24, SB-25,
SB-26
, SB-27,
SB-28/SB-28DX
,
SB-29/SB-29s
, SB-30,
SB-50DX
, SB-80DX

 

Don't Just Read the Web Site, Get the Book!

The above information was excerpted from the in-depth information in the upcoming Nikon Flash Guide, 2nd Edition (the first edition, currently available, does not include specific SB-80DX info). Besides flash specifications, you'll find a full set of operating instructions for each flash in the book. Plus, most cameras from the Nikon F3 forward are covered in the detailed section on interactions and capabilities in the back of the book. That's all in addition to the clearest description of how the Nikon flash system works that opens the book. Click on the cover in the right column to order your copy from amazon.com!

 

 


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