Today I thought I would post and reply to a couple of recent emails I received regarding the Nikon SC-28, SC-29 flash cords. Plus I received a very good question regarding my recent 28mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor purchase.
Q: How are you getting on with your 28mm F1.4? Did you manage to take a look at it’s relative sharpness when opened up?
A: I bought my 28mm f1.4 off of Ebay last week and had it sent to my parents in the States to be forwarded to me here in Japan. I am actually expecting the lens in fact either today or tomorrow in the mail. This weekend I plan to take some shots of a project and will test my copy under several conditions. I can certainly send you some photos regarding sharpness opened up at f/1.4 no problem.
Personally, I am expecting there to be some softness as I’ve heard this to be true in several reviews of the Nikon 28mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor lens. I understand your interest in wondering about the perfomance of such an expensive lens when opened up. I spent $2700 on a mint copy and am expecting some magical things to come out of it. I had a few sleepless nights after the purchase, but ultimately I am confident that the lens will serve it’s purpose for years to come. I am getting heavily into hand held night and low light photography which I feel this lens should serve this purpose very well.
Q. Hey Jim! I noticed you ordered the SB-400 flash. Previously I was on a Canon system with all the bells and whistles. When I went to digital I went with Nikon. Basically I had to start my camera accesories all over. I have a Quickflip that I kept from that unit so I have that essential piece. I have ordered and received my SB-400 and love it. I was looking into getting an off shoe cord like the SC-28 or SC-29. I noticed you used your SB-400 with the SC-29. How do you like it? Does the SC-29 do a better job than SC-28 since it has the AF “illuminator”? The price difference between the two is about $20. If I get one without the AF assistance, I would go with an Adorama made one for another $20 cheaper.
Let me know your experience using the two items together!
A: Currently the only off shoe cord I use is the SC-29. I have two of them and use them quite often. I also use the Nikon SU-800 which I actually like the best, but that of course will not work with the SB-400. The Nikon SC-28 is something I actually do not have at the moment because I simply haven’t been able to find one. However, if I had the choice, I would go with the SC-29 because I do feel that the AF assistance does make a difference for me. A lot of people I think have the SC-28 because it is older and when I bought my SC-29s a year ago they were also very much difficult to find.
People are known to use the SC-28 a lot with flash brackets. The flash is off the camera, but firmly attached to a bracket above the camera. They feel the SC-28 is sufficient for that. For me, I like to have the flash off the camera and pointed in all directions with friends even holding it for me. With this I find have the extra AF is helpful, especially in low light conditions. Thus I like the SC-29. ( Note the SC-28 is perfectly suited for this as well. )
Honestly though, they will both work nicely. If you could spare the extra 20 bucks, I definitely would run with the AF assistance one. Also, I have no idea how the Adorama or other brand items work. I do trust the other brands very much so I am sure they will do fine. I actually didn’t know there were other options so thanks for the info.
The SB-400 is pretty awesome though because of the size and it’s bounce abilities. I find myself throwing that in my pocket all the time when going out for a shoot.
In the future, if you ever get a chance to pick up an SU-800 and SB-800, you’ll love it! Having a wireless option is really awesome when you want to throw your buddy a flash and say “Hey point this over there” and then snap the photo. The SU-800 is pretty sweet. Unfortunately as I mentioned above, the SU-800 does not work with the SB-400. Still though, the SC-28/29 and SB-400 is an excellent combo.
UPDATE: I recently acquired a brand new Nikon SC-28 with box and manual off of Ebay today. The Nikon SC-28 is extremely hard to come by here in Japan so I’m glad to have finally found one.
Hope this helps with your decision. - Jim
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