SB-50DX vs. SB-80DX for N80?

Jennifer, if the flash is on the shoe mount, you probably wouldn't want it to swivel anyway. If you get a cord to get the flash off-camera, then you can hold it any way you like or you can get a bracket that allows it to swivel. If you want the flash to not look like a flash, you have to get it further away from the lens, and that will never be easy to lug around, but it makes for great photos.

The basic difference is simply the Guide Number which translates to power. For family photos and such, the SB-50DX will be fine.

Another difference to consider is that the SB-50 uses high prices lithium batteries while the SB-80 uses AA's which are cheaper and more readily available. Rechargeable NiMH batteries are probably the cheapest option and may actually make up the price difference is a few years if you use the flash often.

If you plan to stay with the Nikon system, I would go for the high end flash because you will probably keep the same flash longer than your current body and some of your lenses. Just think of it as a long term investment.

the two very big advantages ofthe SB-80dx overthe SB-50dx are: <P>1.) More power. This will translate either into shorter recycling times, more flashes per battery set, longer ange at any given combination of f-stop and flash to subject distance, and an ability to stop down farther when you need to.<P>2.) The SB- 80dx takes standard AA batteries, not the expensive lithium batteries that are sometimes hard to find. <P>Although you don't need it immediately I would also consider purchasing a Nikon SC-17 cable to get either flash away from the hosition atop your camera's hotshoe. This is the single easiestthing you can do to improve the quality of flash lighting.

Jeninfer,

I would recommend the SB-50 for the N80 for family snapshots. Because:

- Less expensive

- It has weaker flash power output but enough for family shots in most situations.

- Take lithium batteries. This is an avantage and disadvantage. Lithium batteries are expensive but it has a longer discharge rate and will give more number of flashes per battery set. For family snapshots, this is a benefit. The Lithium 123A type is the same type use in the N80. Get some extra 123A batteries, you'll have backup for both, the flash and the camera.

Just my 2cents

The price of batteries for the SB-50DX when added to the price of the SB-50DX will eventually exceed the price of the SB-80DX and a couple of sets of rechargeable batteries. You can also find alkaline AA batteries 24 hours a day in many areas in an emergency.

The SB-80DX has built in wireless TTL up to 23 feet. If you can beg borrow or steal a Nikon SG-1 you can use the built in flash in your N80 to trigger and control the SB-80DX. The SB-50DX has the same feature but it doesn’t have the power to use light modifiers which could be as simple and available as a wall or ceiling.

If money is no object of if you only use the SB-80DX occasionally you can use the larger capacity Energizer L-91 AA Lithiums in the SB-80DX. The price is about $10.00 per set of 4 and you will get many more flashes per set than the more expensive CR 123A(s).

The SB-80DX weighs just 105g more than the SB-50DX (335g v. 230g). Forgive me but if this is too much weight to carry... but I digress. I was initially interested in the SB-50DX as a kicker for macro photography but lost interest on seeing the power source.

Jennifer, I think the biggest issue for you as a beginner is the batteries that the SB-50DX uses- expensive and inconvenient. It is also not built as well as the SB-80DX which means that you may have problems with it holding up. The SB-80DX, for instance, incorporates a metal foot which eliminates the breaking problem that is common with the plastic foot found on all other Nikon flashes.

For these and other reasons I usually don't recommend the SB-50DX unless someone absolutely cannot afford the SB-80DX. If you can swing the extra few dollars, the SB-80DX is a better value, especially if you plan on pursuing photography further.

Swivel is important if you use the flash mounted in the hot shoe *and* you like to use the vertical orientation for portraits... because in that position it is the swivel feature that lets you bounce the flash off the ceiling. If you shoot with your camera in the horizontal orientation, the "bounce" mode is all you need and swivel is less important. (Okay, you *could* use swivel in horizontal shots to bounce the flash off a nearby wall... but still I think it's principally useful when shooting verticals.)

If you shoot a roll of film or more each week and use flash often, the SB-80DX will probably be the less expensive option because you can use rechargeable AA batteries. If you shoot less, or use flash relatively infrequently, you'll do fine with the SB-50DX and the price difference in batteries will not be a significant factor.

There's a reason NIkon makes SB-30 and SB-50DX units alongside the fancier and pricier SB-80DX... not everyone needs or can justify $300 worth of flash accessory. You just might be a prime candidate for the SB-50DX. Hope that helps.

Have fun,

Thanks for the help. I am weighing all the pros and cons you all mentioned. I probably average about 2-3 rolls of film per month and, let's say 1/2 of them are with flash. So, Jim, I think you hit it on the head when you said that even though the batteries are more expensive for the SB-50, it will take me quite a few years before it matches up with the initial outlay of cash for the SB-80. I also tend to agree with Jim's statement that there is a reason Nikon made the SB-30 and the SB-50 - for beginning amateurs like me that want better photos. I mean, there's got to be some reason for them to make it. Otherwise, they'd only market the SB-80.

I'm also thinking that if I get more serious about photography and decide the SB-80 is really going to be what I need, I can always sell the SB-50. It should still have some resale value to it. Maybe not a lot but one can hope.

And, of course, the last "pro" of the SB-50 is the cost. I can probably swing the $150 for the SB-50 now. If I get the SB-80, I'll have to wait a bit and save my pennies. In addition, I really want to upgrade the 28-80mm Promaster lens that came with my camera and invest in the Nikon 28-105mm. The pennies I save buying the SB-50 gets me that much closer to a better lens!

I really do appreciate the comments. You guys have been most helpful.

Jennifer