What 2nd flash to get?

[martinsmith]

I have a 580 and I'm looking for a cheap 2nd flash which has similar power output and manual control. I'm firing them via PC cords from my hotshoe adapter. Either new or used.

Any advice greatly welcome.

[FlashZebra]

If you want a new unit try the Sunpak 383. If you will settle for a used unit look for a Nikon SB-26.

See this nice review by Curtis.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=242847

Enjoy! Lon

[mcmadkat]

OR a 540EZ, plenty of power and versatile.

[FlashZebra]

The 540EZ does not have a "traditional automatic" mode which is often useful in a one flash off camera setup.

The Sunpak 383 and Nikon SB-28 have this useful mode.

Early versions of the 540EZ evidently cannot be taken out of standby mode, which is annoying for off camera work. Evidently this was corrected in later versions of the 540EZ

But if you are staying strictly with manual mode, and get one of the later versions, the 540EZ is a very compelling flash.

Enjoy! Lon

[martinsmith]

Is the SB-28 safe to use?

Stobist site says not to use on Canon cameras (I'm firing via hotshoe to PC cord).

[FlashZebra]

Your Canon 400D will tollerate up to 250 sync Volts, and I suspect the Nikon SB-28 to have a sync Voltage below 10 Volts (most likely about 5 or 6 Volts).

Since the Nikon SB-28 also has a "traditional auto" mode you should even use it on the hotshoe of your 400D and get single flash automation.

I have no idea why anyone would indicate not to use the SB-28. Do you have a specific citation on strobist? There are a lot of humans on the strobist forum.

Enjoy! Lon

[martinsmith]

Thanks Lon

Here's a link to the Strobist's page. Check the 4th para:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101-start-here.html

[FlashZebra]

Thanks Lon

Here's a link to the Strobist's page. Check the 4th para:
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101-start-here.html
Martin,

I just read that entire page and I can find nothing on it that indicates an issue with using the cited Nikon SB flash units on a Canon DSLR would not be "safe".

Can you please cite the exact sentence that gives you concern. Possibly I am just missing something.

Enjoy! Lon

[Linkzi]

I just bought a SB-28 from BH and awaiting for it in the mail. The paragraph the OP was referring is here:

Another caveat: Do not use a Nikon flash directly on the hot shoe of a Canon camera. The flash could damage the camera, or vice versa. If you shoot Canon and get one of the old Nikon SB's, just keep it with the stand and umbrella in a "light bag," which you grab whenever you plan to light off-camera. Which should be more and more, once you learn how.

Check BH photo in there used department for the SB flashes. I bought my "9" quality for $99.

[martinsmith]

That's the exact passage. Many thanks.

[FlashZebra]

I just bought a SB-28 from BH and awaiting for it in the mail. The paragraph the OP was referring is here:

Another caveat: Do not use a Nikon flash directly on the hot shoe of a Canon camera. The flash could damage the camera, or vice versa. If you shoot Canon and get one of the old Nikon SB's, just keep it with the stand and umbrella in a "light bag," which you grab whenever you plan to light off-camera. Which should be more and more, once you learn how.

Check BH photo in there used department for the SB flashes. I bought my "9" quality for $99.
I do not think this warning is accurate.

I have seen several posts indicating Canon users putting SB-24, 25, 26 and 28 on there camera's hotshoe without problems.

But, fundamentally it is your decision.

Enjoy! Lon

[bieber]

I can speak to the awesomeness of the SB-26. I'd generally prefer it over the SB-28, because it has an absolutely wonderful optical slave feature. At the moment, I don't have a Pocket Wizard for it, but I can PW my SB-25 and set it off with the optical slave. Or, when using a single light, I can keep it in my pocket, and just pull it out and point it somewhere if I decide I need a little bit of fill.

I'm also going to go ahead and tell you, from both experience and stats, that his warning against using a Nikon unit on a Canon camera is absolutely unnecessary. I've used both mine on-shoe; the sync voltage is safe, and you can, if necessary, even bounce them and use the thyristor autoflash mode to get very reasonable exposure, although you have to adjust your exposure variables manually using their LCD screens.

Did I mention that they have LCD screens? This is the big reason I prefer them over the Vivitars and Sunpaks and the like; even though they're cheap, they still have all the features that you'd expect from a modern flash, including things like screens, buttons, third-stop power adjustments, and even stroboscopic modes.

[Linkzi]

Thank you bieber for your input as I will be using an SB-28 soon.

[bieber]

Does anyone know what the advantages of the 28 or the 26 are? Unless there's a lot more power output, I can't see very much being worth giving up the optical slave and paying extra for...

[FlashZebra]

Does anyone know what the advantages of the 28 or the 26 are? Unless there's a lot more power output, I can't see very much being worth giving up the optical slave and paying extra for...
I thing the SB-28 is slightly more powerful.

Enjoy! Lon

[Linkzi]

Does anyone know what the advantages of the 28 or the 26 are? Unless there's a lot more power output, I can't see very much being worth giving up the optical slave and paying extra for...

Found this on the Nikon world wide search:

http://www.nikon.co.jp/main/eng/news/1998/jan02sb28-e_98.htm

and this one on a google search:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/SB28/index.htm

Seems flash power is the same but smaller, weather resistant buttons, slightly faster recycle time and more flashes per battery load.

[martinsmith]

Ok, so off to ebay for an SB 28 (or 3). Thanks again Lon!

Here's a link I found listing various Nikon SBs http://www.nikonlinks.com/unklbil/speedlights.htm