What seems to be the preferred flash for S2?

[Sleeping Bear]

What seems to be the preferred flash for the S2...and why?

I'm needing to purchase one and don't want to waste time and money?

I'll be shooting the vast majority in B/W inside a mine.

Sleeping Bear

[StormChaser]

I don't know what everybody else prefers,
but I use a Nikon Speedlight SB-80DX and it has been real good to me. So I would recommend this one, I also use 4 Multiblitz Profilite 400's on location or studio work, maybe this could be of use inside your mine too.

[Sleeping Bear]

Thanks Anthonie.

It looks like folks are split between the SB-80DX and the SB-28DX.
I wonder what the pros and cons are?

Sleeping Bear

[rbeckerelite]

When not using my Dyna Lites, I use an SB-28 (non-dx). For 35mm work I use Nikon N90s bodies and got a couple of SB-28's with these and just plugged one on the S2 and haven't looked back. In fact, I just got my S2 his own SB-28 and it works like a champ. I also use the SB-28 on manual at 1/64 power to slave fire my Dyna Lites because the pc connection on my S2 sometimes won't fire the flash unless I push in on the connection. Not a big deal but it is inconvenient.

Best regards
Randy

[Sleeping Bear]

Thanks.

Sleeping Bear

[Jacques Gratton]

Metz 54 MZ-3
Powerful, sturdy, adaptable.

[KPRussell]

SB-80DX when out

Alien Bee 800's in Home Studio

[jeffinkansas]

I also use the 54 mz3, and I love it. It is sometimes a little hot however.

[Sleeping Bear]

Thanks for the input.

Sleeping Bear

[snapthepicture]

I just bought the Quantum T2 digital flash. I also bought the D-12 modual that dedicates the flash. I shot for the first time with it this weekend and was extreemly pleased. Now my flash reads thru the lens for the reading and it also is better on focusing due to the infrared focusing assistant. With a dial on top of the modual, you can set how you want your flash to expose. I worked with a 1/3 under and over in shade and sunny situations and it worked beautifully. I usually shoot Manual all the time and set my pops accordingly giving me all the control. This has sped up my shooting process and did fine.
Brunohttp://www.snapthepicture.com/composite.jpg SnapThePicture.com (http://www.snapthepicture.com)

[Sleeping Bear]

How does the SB-80DX compare to these? Same range of control?

Thanks

Sleeping Bear

[Swampy]

And does the SB-80DX have the iR assist for focus?

One of my biggest beef's about the S2 is it's inability to focus in dark situations. How can I get around this? What's the best flash to use to accomplish this?

[Steve Wynn]

SB-80DX! It'll let you shoot in very dark environments combined with the S2. Black tuxes in really dark rooms give it a little bit of trouble, But then those situations give any combination a fit.

Steve

[snapthepicture]

I am sure both are great flashes. The T2 digital will cost you about 500 and the Quantum Turbo battery will cost you another 500 also. The good thing is you can shoot very fast with the Turbo or the 2x2 battery. The 2x2, you can even connect to your camera for battery power also. I don't see the need for it, but some might. Using the Modual on the S2 though, really increases my accuracy, and incredible when I have my flash on a stand, in a soft box, bouncing, with an umbrella or whatever because the flash is reading thru your lense. You can also hook up multiple T2's and tell which one is the KEY light, which one is the fill and how much. There are remote sensors to catch light also. You can also pull the diffuser, and reflector off and bare bulb it. That's pretty neat. Once again, both flashes are good, just as the Metz are too, due to their wink light. Just depends on what you shoot and how your usage is.
Bruno

[Sleeping Bear]

Thanks again, gang.

As far as the S2 having focusing problems in dark situations...I'm finding just the opposite is true. I've been shooting a project in a mine since Feb. and have had no trouble at all using the available light ( what little there is ) to shoot and get great shots ( almost all in B/W ).

I went with the S2 just for that reason, it's ability to capture in low/no light situations. From what I have heard it is better than the Kodak 14N and Cannon full frame digital.

Sleeping Bear

[Swampy]

So if I were to go with the Metz, I would just need this from say, BH Photo:

54MZ-3 TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 177'/54 m at 105mm) for Nikon AF

right?

Or do I need cables and what not? I plan on just using AA's for now since I'm only taking a few shots here and there anyway right now. I'll worry about an outboard battery pack later.

Thanks for all the info!

[rbeckerelite]

I just shot a job with my S2 and at the last moment, the client asked me to shoot some "grab shots". I had put away my Dyna Lites so I grabbed my SB28, set P mode on the camera and TTL on the flash, bounced it off the ceiling (about 9' high) and got images like this. I am very impressed with this equipment!

[Swampy]

Originally posted by swampy101
So if I were to go with the Metz, I would just need this from say, BH Photo:

54MZ-3 TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 177'/54 m at 105mm) for Nikon AF

right?

Or do I need cables and what not? I plan on just using AA's for now since I'm only taking a few shots here and there anyway right now. I'll worry about an outboard battery pack later.

Thanks for all the info!

So, no answer to this question? Anyone? Need to order soon. Let me know what I need to order for regular shoe mount on top of my S2. Any cables? No external battery packs yet. Just the flash and what ever I need to make it work thanks. :)

[Swampy]

Finally ended up with the 54MZ-3 TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 177'/54 m at 105mm) for Nikon AF from B&H. Used it a little during my 10 day trip to Michigan and I love the flash. No red eye reduction turned on and still, no red eyes in any of the flash pictures. Totally cool.

[robert s2]

I just bought a Nikon SB80DX from buydig.com for $329.00 free shipping. And it is a wonderful flash. It seem's to work with the camera perfectly (I Love it ). :)

[Sleeping Bear]

Looks like I'll go with the SB-80DX. What Dyna Lite setup is the best for the S2?

Sleeping Bear

[kgravett]

I just got this flash. It was made for digital cameras and has the same specs as the 54MZ-3.

It's awesome. I have yet to get a bad picture with it.

I was using the Nikon SB-28 before and in TTL it was too unpredictable.

Also the Metz is rated at a guide number of 177' at 105mm verses the guide number on the Nikons (even the new 800) is 125'. What that means it has more power.

I bought it at B&H and it is set up for Nikon cameras. Ken

[StormChaser]

Lets see some examples of the Metz, I'm very curious to see the result.

[Ptwig]

Well it has been officially confirmed at last, the SB28 is NOT fully compatible with the S2 Pro (read following email from Hanimex Australia):

Dear Peter,

Thankyou for contacting Hanimex Australia.

The Nikon SB28 is not 100% compatible with Digital SLR camera's.

This is why you are finding differences in your shooting log. Digital SLR
cameras require a different type of flash gun e.g. the Nikon XD-50. (I think she might mean SB50DX)

The Nikon SB28 that you are using does not support the TTL function, however it will work when the flash is switched into Auto or Manual modes.

Donella Stroh
Digital Help Desk

Hanimex Pty Ltd
114 Old Pittwater Road
Brookvale NSW 2100