Nikon SB-80DX Speedlight

The Nikon SB-80DX Speedlight is a high-performance external flash unit designed to provide photographers with powerful lighting control for a wide range of shooting scenarios. Built to meet the needs of both professional and enthusiast photographers, the SB-80DX boasts a robust set of features, including versatile lighting modes, advanced flash technologies, and reliable build quality. Whether you’re shooting portraits, events, or creative lighting setups, this speedlight is an essential tool for taking your photography to the next level.

Key Features of the Nikon SB-80DX Speedlight

1. High Guide Number for Enhanced Power

The Nikon SB-80DX features an impressive guide number of 38 at ISO 100 (in meters), which means it provides substantial light output for illuminating subjects at greater distances. With this high guide number, the SB-80DX excels in both large indoor spaces and outdoor environments, offering photographers flexibility when it comes to managing lighting for different shooting conditions.

• Key Benefit: The high guide number ensures powerful flash output, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor photography.

2. i-TTL Flash Control for Precision

The SB-80DX uses i-TTL (intelligent Through The Lens) flash metering, which ensures that the flash output is automatically adjusted based on the camera's metering system. This advanced feature helps maintain accurate exposure, eliminating the guesswork involved in manual flash adjustments. The i-TTL system also works seamlessly with Nikon's advanced autofocus systems, providing more precise flash output even when your subject is moving or in challenging lighting situations.

• Key Benefit: i-TTL metering ensures accurate, automatic flash exposure for consistent results, even in dynamic shooting environments.

3. Flexible Flash Angles with Bounce and Swivel Head

The bounce and swivel head of the SB-80DX allows for highly flexible light positioning. You can tilt the flash head upwards to bounce light off walls or ceilings, softening shadows and producing more natural-looking illumination. The ability to swivel the flash head also lets you direct light at various angles, providing more control over the direction and quality of your light. This makes the SB-80DX perfect for creating soft, diffused light in portrait and event photography.

• Key Benefit: Bounce and swivel capabilities enable creative lighting control, ideal for soft, diffused lighting setups.

4. Built-in Wide-Angle Diffuser

The SB-80DX features a built-in wide-angle diffuser that spreads light over a broader area, making it particularly useful when photographing groups of people or capturing scenes with multiple subjects. The diffuser ensures that the flash illuminates a wider area, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more evenly distributed light.

• Key Benefit: The wide-angle diffuser ensures even light distribution, making it ideal for group shots or wide-angle photography.

5. Automatic Zoom Function for Optimal Lighting

The SB-80DX has an automatic zoom function that adjusts the flash head’s focal length based on your lens' focal length. This ensures that the light is optimally focused on your subject, maximizing the efficiency of the flash and reducing light wastage. This feature is particularly useful when working with different lenses or shooting in varying environments.

• Key Benefit: Automatic zoom function ensures efficient light coverage for different focal lengths, reducing wastage and improving light control.

6. High-Speed Sync and Rear Curtain Sync

The high-speed sync (HSS) and rear curtain sync features of the SB-80DX offer additional control over flash timing. High-speed sync allows you to shoot at shutter speeds faster than your camera's native sync speed, perfect for bright daylight or fast-moving subjects. Rear curtain sync fires the flash just before the shutter closes, creating a sense of motion behind the subject in long exposure shots, which is ideal for capturing action or dynamic scenes.

• Key Benefit: High-speed sync and rear curtain sync provide advanced timing control, essential for creative motion effects.

7. Sturdy and Reliable Build

Built to withstand the rigors of professional use, the Nikon SB-80DX is constructed with durable materials that ensure longevity. Whether you're shooting in a studio, at an event, or on location, the flash is designed to endure frequent handling and tough conditions. It also has a dust- and moisture-resistant design, making it suitable for challenging environments.

• Key Benefit: The robust build ensures the flash is ready for frequent use in various shooting environments.

8. LCD Display for Easy Settings Adjustment

The backlit LCD display on the Nikon SB-80DX allows you to quickly view and adjust settings, such as flash power, zoom, and exposure compensation. This user-friendly interface ensures you can make precise adjustments on the fly, without fumbling with buttons or dials during important shoots.

• Key Benefit: LCD display allows for easy adjustments and provides clear visibility of settings during shoots.

Why Choose the Nikon SB-80DX Speedlight?

If you're looking for a reliable and powerful flash, the Nikon SB-80DX Speedlight is an excellent choice for photographers who want the best control over their lighting. With advanced features like i-TTL metering, bounce and swivel head, wide-angle diffuser, and high-speed sync, it provides both flexibility and precision in your lighting setup. Its user-friendly interface and robust build make it an ideal companion for both studio and on-location photography.

Whether you're capturing weddings, portraits, events, or studio shots, the Nikon SB-80DX is designed to meet the needs of professionals who require dependable, high-quality flash output. The combination of advanced flash control and versatility makes it a must-have tool for any serious Nikon shooter.

Specifications of the Nikon SB-80DX Speedlight

• Guide Number: 38 (ISO 100, in meters)
• i-TTL Metering: Automatic flash exposure control
• Zoom Range: 24mm to 105mm (with automatic zoom)
• Bounce Head: Tilts upwards (up to 90°)
• Swivel Head: 180° rotation
• Built-in Diffuser: Wide-angle diffuser for group shots
• High-Speed Sync (HSS): For shooting at faster shutter speeds
• Rear Curtain Sync: For creative motion effects
• LCD Display: Easy-to-read settings and adjustments
• Flash Duration: 1/1,000s to 1/20,000s
• Power Source: 4 x AA batteries
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 12 x 10 cm (W x H x D)
• Weight: Approx. 320g (without batteries)

Description

Nikon SB-80DX flash unit in excellent condition.

See also my listing for a Nikon SB800 Flash Unit