Nikon D90-should I buy $60 SB-50DX used flash?

[PeggyfromTampa]

I have an SB600. This SB-50DX is a used one on Craigs List for $60. "Flash is in like new, mint condition and works perfectly. Originally $289." Will this flash sync with the SB600 or will the 600 sync if the 50 is on-camera? I need to start placing them around the room for interior real estate shots. Will I need another piece of equipment to make it an off-camera flash? If so, what's the best product? Thanks Experts!

[inkista]

It has a built-in optical slave, so you wouldn't necessarily need any additional equipment to use it off-camera, but there's no way of manually setting the power on the flash, so its usefulness for Strobist work is severely hampered. That's why it's so cheap on the used market. Most of the Strobist-useful flashes are around $100 or more. I'd actually say don't bother. Look for an SB-80DX or SB-26 instead, use an optical slave with an SB-24/SB-28, or go with a new LumoPro LP120.

[PeggyfromTampa]

Thanks, inkista. That's good info. I just need one more strobe, I think and I don't want to spend $300.

[inkista]

I'd say, if curious about a specific model of speedlight, doing a search on the Flickr Strobist group discussions can net you most of the information you'd need.

Also, you want to be aware of the differences in terms of radio triggers, optical triggers, and CLS, as well as whether or not you can use iTTL or have to shoot with your flashes set in Manual mode.

Optical triggers are cheap and usable, but they can be set off by any flash--including the iTTL pre-flash, so if you're going to use them, your "master" has to be in a manual mode so as not to emit a preflash.

[PeggyfromTampa]

Yeah, the pre-flash has been tripping me up a bit. I need to write down the settings because when I change between on-camera and off, I forget how to set them! I will try the discussion page for some guidance. I def need it.