Nikon SB-24; good first flash?

Scam · 23 Jun 2010 at 12:13

I've just been offered one for £40. Is it a good deal? More importantly is it a good starter flashgun? I've never been too interested in using flashguns much (most of the stuff I ever shoot doesn't really require) but I know it'd be a good bit of kit to have, and fun to mess around with regardless. Any thoughts?

EDIT: Will be using it with a Nikon D50. After a quick look online it seems to suggest it'll work ok?

D.P. · 23 Jun 2010 at 12:35

Basically no. I don't know the exact ins and outs of Nikon flashes but basically everything was redesigned for digital SLRs.

You will need an SB400/600/800/900 for proper use with a DSLR.

I'm not sure if the SB24 will even work at all on a D50, either way I would avoid it.

lolism · 23 Jun 2010 at 13:24

If you're looking a good price there is a SB400 on TP for £80. You could try offering £75 delivered ^^

I just got a SB600 on there for £130 - well worth it.

Scam · 23 Jun 2010 at 13:27

D.P. said:
Basically no. I don't know the exact ins and outs of Nikon flashes but basically everything was redesigned for digital SLRs.

You will need an SB400/600/800/900 for proper use with a DSLR.

I'm not sure if the SB24 will even work at all on a D50, either way I would avoid it.

Hmn well he was using two of them on his D80 :confused:

Amongst other stuff, he's selling an SB-600 for £150 too but I can't warrant paying that much at the moment!

D.P. · 23 Jun 2010 at 14:17

They may work, i know next to nothing about flashes (unfortunately nature photographers don't have this luxury to control their lighting and must wait for the perfect moment).

What they wont do is give you the ease of use automatic control and full compatibility with your DSLR.

nanospider · 23 Jun 2010 at 15:34

I'm not a nikon guy but i think the gist is that an SB-2* will be able to be triggered but wont support the ttl metering so you will be stuck in manual mode.

These flashes do have an auto mode of sorts, but its based on a sensor on the flash and not an ideal way of working.

That said i use an sb-28 for manual off camera flash and its pretty nice but sometimes will do a full power dump and forget its settings