Question: What is the normal sync speed for external wireless/wired flashes

[The Stigenator]

I am not talking about the on hotshoe flash. I am talking about the non ETTL type connection, either by RF connection or wired.

The reason I am asking is that it seems my 430EXII syncs at 1/250 in standalone RF mode. While my coworkers Nikon SB900 syncs at a slower sync 1/200 or 1/160 or was it 1/125 (dont remember but I think the brightest was 1/125). We tried it on both our cameras, it quite easy to figure out that mine goes off at 1/250 and hers went off at a slower flash sync.

I dont know if there is a way to change flash sync speeds on the flash or is it just default? I know its 1/60th if my 430EXII is on the body, but it also does 1/250 when on the body.

For a newbie playing with external flashes, this is getting to be a pain. Since Viv and I will be sharing some of the equipment, it makes things challenging.

We are also getting some studio flashes (genesis 200 kit) to share between us. I assume studio flashes have a adjustable sync or is it 1/250 like the last time I was in the studio.

This is what happens when a Nikon Girl meets a Canon Boy.......

 

[OulOat]

SB-900s sync up to 1/250 on full power, and up to your camera's max shutter speed on reduced power. If you want to change the sync, I suggest reading the manual. For whatever reasons, manufacturers seem to have an arms race to make flashes as unintuitive as possible.

linky

 

[twistedlogic]

I thought sync speed is dependent on the camera body.

 

[OulOat]

I thought sync speed is dependent on the camera body.

Yes, you are right. What I said above applies to cameras with 1/250 sync. Lower end camera are limited to slower sync rates at full power, but you can always turn on Auto FP. The exceptions to this are the D40 and D70, which with their electronic shutters can have much higher syncs, enough to make a D3 blush.