Product Description

The Nikon SB-50DX has a variety of flash functions in its compact body, and is designed especially for users of Nikon SLRs with built-in Speedlights. The SB-50DX can fire flashlight with a camera's built-in Speedlight for greater flash power. It also offers various features that are not possible with built-in Speedlights, such as bounce flash capability, close-up shooting, built-in wide flash adaptor for 14mm wide-angle coverage, TTL wireless slave flash, and an infrared remote commander. In addition, the SB-50DX fires Monitor Pre-flashes for 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Nikon SLRs, including the D1-series digital SLR cameras. The Nikon SB-50DX is a significant addition to the Nikon Speedlight lineup, offering photographers enhanced flash shooting flexibility for a wide range of applications.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33844 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Nikon
• Model: SB-50DX
• Dimensions: .52 pounds

Customer Reviews

Nice Flash
I have been using this flash unit for about two months, and the results are quite good. I have not yet changed the batteries, but I would advise keeping a spare battery or two in your bag as a precaution.

The recycle time is quite good > I can get about 2 frames with flash in about 3 seconds; I have just bought an accessory (Sto-Fen filter) to soften the shadows.

Also, you generally get the best results when it is set to
D-TTL.

As far as cost goes, Nikon's policy is somewhat limiting; if use of a non-Nikon accessory (Flash, lens, cable, etc.) results in damage, then the warranty is void. Kind of restrictive, no?
So, for the price you get a good flash, but testing it against a competitor is somewhat risky.

Great flash for older Nikon cameras
The SB 50DX is just the ticket for the older Nikon cameras. The SB 50DX speedlight is superb with the N80 - providing TTL metering and a wide range of settings. Even better, if you shoot with film, the SB 50DX is readily available in the used market for $50-75. What an amazing price for a flash unit that retailed for more than $200 in early 2004. For digital flash, the SB 50DX works well with the older models, but check carefully. For example, the D70 and D50 have iTTL metering - which is not supported by the SB 50DX. But for other digital models such as the D1, the SB 50DX is fully functional.

High Price for Little Functionality
For the price of this flash, I would consider alternatives such as a Sunpak PZ5000 which offer many advanced features for a smaller price tag. Also the batteries that this unit requires tend to be costly versus commonly used AA cells. The "pro" flash, SB80DX is a great product but more than double the price of the PZ5000! I wish Nikon would keep up with its competitors in the amateur photographer market.