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Nikon SD8aA flash is no good to you if it takes 8 seconds or longer to recycle! How do you speed up the recycle time? Nikon has had out for some time the SD-8a. It utilizes AA batteries as its power source. It plugs right into the HV socket of the SB-800 and man, does it work great! What do I use for AA power?
PowerEx Batteries (see BTJ Vol. 6-2). These little dynamos bring a whole new life to the SD-8a in my opinion. The SD-8a requires 6 AA batteries plus 4 AA batteries in the flash (I use the SB-800 with the 5th battery chamber). Using the PowerEx batteries I have experienced the exact same recycling time with about 20% more flashes per charge as I had way back when I used the Turbo Z. This is accomplished while reducing equipment weight dramatically! The SD-8a weighs 12oz (w/batteries and cord) where the Turbo Z weighs 20oz (w/cord). Not only does the SD-8a weigh less but also it has a much smaller profile, which permits it to easily hang from the Wimberley Head when in use.

There's nothing tricky about using the SD-8a, only peculiar. The SD-8a has two cords: one that plugs into the HV socket on the flash, the other that plugs into the PC sync on the flash. There is a right and wrong order to plugging and unplugging these, but I never remember it and have never suffered any ill effects because of my senior moment. There is no ready light, full power or other indicator on the SD-8a. There is a small red light on the unit that is completely hidden by the case that if you could see it, only lights when the flash is fired (big help). And the very nice case only has a loop for wearing the unit on your belt; it comes with nothing for hanging the unit. I often use the flap of the case as a means of hanging the SD-8a off something.

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