Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras
- Price: $179.99
- GBP 114.64
- Calculate Shipping
- In Stock
Remember the Essentials
Batteries are required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase batteries for this item.
The Bower SDF 52N is a lighting system for standard and macro flash photography. It is dedicated to Nikon I-TTL flash systems, and features fast recycling circuitry, rear curtain synchronization, and an autofocus (AF) assistance beam. The SDF 52N has a zoom flash head that tilts and swivels for bounce flash at any angle. The macro photography ring light attaches to 58 and 67mm diameter lenses with included adapter rings. The ring light can be detached from the main flash unit when not in use.
| Mount | Shoe |
| Guide No. | 111.54' (34.00 m) at 50 mm position |
| Exposure Control | Manual/TTL |
| Angle of Coverage | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Vari-Power | None |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Compensation | None |
| Wireless Communication Channels | None |
| Wireless Groups | None |
| Power Source | 4x AA Alkaline Batteries |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Weight | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 24 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
88%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (20)
- Lightweight (17)
- Consistent output (9)
- Fast recycling (9)
- Versatile (8)
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits (15)
- General purpose (10)
- Fill flash (8)
- Macro photography (6)
- Everyday (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (6), Semi-pro photographer (6), Casual photographer (3), Enthusiast (3), Semi-professional (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (16)
Most Liked Positive Review
Purchased and love!
I got this flash to help me with close up shots for wedding rings and such when I photograph weddings, and it works great! I even played around taking the ring off, and just...Read complete review
I got this flash to help me with close up shots for wedding rings and such when I photograph weddings, and it works great! I even played around taking the ring off, and just holding it to the side of the product I was shooting to give a nice side lighting effect, and it worked great! The only problem is that doing it this way, the cord is not long enough, and kept popping out of the flash. But that doesn't bother me with as much as I've spent on it, being such a great deal! I def. recommend this product if you're looking for an inexpensive ring flash, works great!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nice addition
Flash pictures are much improved with the main flash. The ring flash is awesome for close up shots and it eliminates shadows that always showed with the built in flash.
The only negativ...Read complete review
Flash pictures are much improved with the main flash. The ring flash is awesome for close up shots and it eliminates shadows that always showed with the built in flash.
The only negative is the connection between the flash and ring flash is loose and sometimes disconnects on its own.
Reviewed by 24 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Bulky
- Slow Focus
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
Flash wasn't as powerful as I was hoping (I have an SB-600 that works much better). The ring flash was a bit cumbersome and didn't work so well with the AF feature.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
A nice prouduct, Haven't used it that much yet. Only one negative comment: no instructions on how it all works.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
It's an affordable flash for everyday use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
works like a champ. great buy for the money
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
I loved the flash no shadows but All my subjects had red eye. The flash did not have a manual and I would love one for adjustments CB
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Recycling
- Weak Output
Best Uses
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
I have this for over a year and used it for event photography. I was disappointed by the time it takes to reload, the batteries were running so fast (sometime I had to replace in the middle of an event).
The sensors are not reliable and do not measure the distance right.
comparing to a smaller flash SB 400, which I also have- It had better results.
(my cameras are d5000 and d7000)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
It would be a Great help to have a little manual so one could tell for one what does the mode switch do. I am not asking for the moon.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- No diffuser
- Very Few features
Best Uses
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
I am only giving this a 4 star because I have not had a chance to really test it out. what I have done with it has been good. I did have an issue with it not wanting to fire after I left it on for a while I am not sure if it glitched or the batteries died. It is made of cheap feeling plastic but that is not always a bad thing it makes it very light. It sadly did not come with a built in diffuser. Over all good flash though
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
I love this flash unit. The flash ring works like a dream with my extension tubes with A/F and A/E as well. This unit was my 2nd try at getting a flash ring that would work as well as this one does. Getting the upper battery pack to also wotk as a flash was a pluss for switching back and forth as needed. I cant say how well it would work on other camera's but its a champ on my Nikon D-3100. I have used it on close up shots of my leather work, coins and model cars with no problem. There are times when I get in super close, I'll have to use manual focusing but other than that this unit will do a great job. If I'm taking shots of my grandkids with the upper flash and get in close, all I have to do is flip the switch and I'm on the ring for a better lighting. Get this one, you wont be sorry.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
I've always wanted/needed a speed light but could not justify the cost. This light fit the bill and I now can produce high quality flash photography.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
I got the flash to use the ring light for close up work and to replace the built in flash on my D70. I think it is a great value for the price, and it works well.
My close up pix, even on auto are crisp and well exposed TTL. The flash alone takes good pix and recycles quickly, even at 15 ft.
I have only 2 minor gripes. First the battery door easily pulls off. It is easily replaced and it works without problem. I just hope I don't loose it when rushing.
Second, I can not get the flash to work with NiMH batteries. I have tried several sets of new and fully charged 2500 mAHr cells, and the best they can do is a few shots before the unit refuses to recycle. The flash works very well with regular alkalai cells, and they seem to last a while. To be fair, I have had trouble with other flashes using NiMH cells, since their 1.2 v power (in lieu of 1.5 v) seems to be too low for the electronics.
All in all, I like the flash and would recommend it as an economic alternative to the $$$$$$$ Nikon flashes!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Value
- Versatile
Cons
- none
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Macro
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
I found it easy to use and works perfectly with my Nikon 3100. Gives great color rendition in macro.
Have not had any problems with the sync-cord as some have mentioned.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
Overall a great buy for the price. Takes a bit of time to get used to zooming in enough to crop out the "tunnel vision" that the ring flash causes, but the details from close up are amazing. Not to mention playing 'round with lighting effects by detaching it from the lense and holding it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
I recent purchased this as a Christmas present to myself and love it. For the price you really can't go wrong. The recycle rate is fantastic on both flashes I can get 5-6 shots in a row before it needs to fully recharge.
My connector is nice and snug...it actually takes a little pressure to pull it out. Though to avoid any possible issues with it, I wrapped a large black twisty tie around the connector.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
A close-up flash ring, and a flash for the price of one. Although the other reviewers were right, the ring light cable needs to be checked often, it still does a wonderful job.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
This is my first flash (owned), and so far i think its great. Love the quality and have been able to get consistent results.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not Durable
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Traveling
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
Flash pictures are much improved with the main flash. The ring flash is awesome for close up shots and it eliminates shadows that always showed with the built in flash.
The only negative is the connection between the flash and ring flash is loose and sometimes disconnects on its own.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Lead connection loose
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
For Portraits this speedlight gives a very even spread of light on the subject. It has a very good recharge cycle.
The connection to the main flash unit can occasionally become detatched, so be aware of this reality.
Overall a great buy that "does what it says on the tin" and represents very good value for money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Not Durable
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
I've been wanting to try out a ring flash out for some time and found that this price couldn't be beat. I do have issues with the sync cable staying attached to the flash unit, but the results of the photos make up for it. Great buy.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Bower SDF 52N Dual Intelligent Speed Light for Nikon i-TTL Cameras:
This speed light macro flash combo is a great product at a great price. I love it, make my photos look awesome.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $1.23
- GBP 0.78
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
- GBP 8.02
Flash Diffusers
-
- Original: $9.95
- Save: $2.30
- Price: $7.65
- GBP 4.87
Reflectors
- Price: $29.95
- GBP 19.08
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
-
- Original: $45.00
- Save: $4.50
- Price: $40.50
- GBP 25.80
What's in the Box
- Dedicated Main Flash Unit
- Macro Ring Light
- 58mm Lens Adapter Ring
- 67mm Lens Adapter Ring
- 1-Year Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
