Nikon SB 400
 

Is the Nikon SB 400 compatible with the Nikon D50?

Does anybody have an opinion on it?

id be pretty sure the sb400 would work on the d50.....id stump up the extra cash and get the sb-600 sb400 is a pretty basic flash and quite limited.

.... or buy the Metz 48, better spec than the SB600, at least as good a build quality as the Nikon, and cheaper.

As an avid Nikon user (I have an SB 600 & 800 and a Metz) I have to agree with Duncan - The Metz 48 is a great flash.

The SB-400 is compatable with the D50.
Initially it might be handy to compare it with the D50 pop-up unit. D50 pop-up at base ISO of 200 has a guide number of 15. The SB-400 at ISO200 has a guide number of 30 and has a tilting flash head that can be set for horizontal, 60, 75 deg and vertical. On the D50 it can only be used in i-TTL mode, so there is no manual option. Overall a step up from the pop-up flash but lacking the versatility of other Nikon system flash units.

It all depends what you want from a separate flashgun in terms of power and versatility as to whether the SB-400 is a worthwhile purchase for you or not.

If you require swivel/bounce head, ability to take stofen type diffusers, a range of manual power settings, or more power, then you will have to look at other units. SB-600, SB-800 (discontinued now but may be available used) SB-900, or model from someone like Metz. I mention Metz specifically as it is a company that has many years experience making professional flash units, so they are a company who's products can be relied upon.

Don