Review 4 of 10
Summary:
A relatively large, quite powerful, astonishingly flexible flash with complexity to match. Rewards thoughtful users, but punishes random button-pokers. Read the manual, read the manual, read the manual. If the manual isn't clear, buy a third-party book. It's worth it to know how to use this flash to the extent of its considerable capabilities. Strengths:
Spiffy slave feature - seldom useful, but when it's needed it's very, very handy.
Powerful.
Head automatically zooms to match lens focal length (with compatible lenses and bodies).
Tilts, swings, zooms -- if there's a surface to bounce from, you can bounce off it with this flash.
Incredibly flexible. It has all the tricks, including high-speed sync, compensation, strobe, and more.
Rear curtain sync switch on-flash, which is more-convenient than cycling through flash options on-camera. Weaknesses:
It's flexible, but it's complicated. Read the manual, then read it again highlighting the important bits, then read it again and take notes that you can refer to in the field. Before you try using any of the advanced features, study beforehand. It's the only flash I've ever had to cram for.
The foot's a little weak. My Nikon-authorized repair shop says it's designed to break at the foot instead of somewhere more-expensive, and indeed the foot replacement was quick and fairly cheap (as Nikon repairs go). I think it was about $50.
Like most Nikon flashes, it has a very cool light. I use an A2 or Tiffen 812 filter on the lens as a matter of course with all Nikon flashes. (The color from the Vivitar 285HV feels more natural to me). Similar Products Used:
I used an SB-24 with my N8008s, but upgraded to the SB-26 for my N90s.
I've also used various other flashes, including the SB-20, SB-23, SB-16A/B, and a brace of Vivitar 285HVs. Customer Service:
Not needed.
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