Focus Assist without Strobe firing

Just bought a D100 and 24/1.8 (Sigma). Considering SB 80 DX.

(or the 50DX)

 

Problems with D100 Focus assist: I hate the white light. It kills

the mood immediately when it goes off.

 

QUESTION: can I use the (near) infra-red focus assist on the

80DX or the 50DX WITHOUT firing the flash. ie. low-light

ambient-light photography?

 

Thanks, yian

This is my guess, you have to have two flashes for the digital system to work correctly. The first flash (pre-flash) sets up the exposure data for the camera...the second flash is used to make the actual exposure.

 

One of the joys of going digital and saving the expense of buying film.

Yes press the shutter slightly to auto focus with the attached flash on, and you will use the mild red light from the speedlight to autofocus in the dark. Turn off your flash and the auto focus and take the shot. My F80 allows me to transfer the auto focus from the shutter to a separate switch which eliminates the need to switch to manual focus to take the shot. I believe you can do the same with the D100 using the custom function.