Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

The extensive set of brands, which offer this capability - are quite staggering! A recent browse in the B&H Catalogue reveals at least nine, and I'm sure there are many more. The features, also - range widely, from tilt beyond the standard 90 degrees, to fixed head units. Then there are the coverage ranges. It can be quite confusing. Brands include Metz, Godox, Nissan, Phottix, Yongnuo, Bolt, Sigma, Sunpak and Bower.
Is there a shortcut way to sort it all out? … Certain brands to ignore, or ones to go straight to - ignoring all the others - no matter what the cost? … Or, is there a better way, to wind up with a satisfactory unit?

Ken C

I bought a Godox and was very pleased with it, great for weddings with my D800. Just bought another one.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Good to hear, Ken … which model of Godox did you buy? … Mind sharing?

Ken C

Godox tt685 for nikon other strobs for cannon

Ken C

Godox tt685 for nikon other strobs for cannon
And?.. Small unit but works great and fast recycle time.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Ahhhh, yes … their "Thinklite" … er - how much "thinking" does it do, exactly, Ken?

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Electronic Flash Confusion? What to buy?

Electronic flash? I've been intimately involved with electronic flash for a lifetime. I suppose I could write a book on the innards and outsides of the gear and its usages but I will refrain from doing that here- just a short essay for today!

One of my pet peeves is that so many photgraher don't appreciate the potential of good flash technique and many give it a bad rap. Few get into the specifications anymore and just go by the advertised features as to TTL dedication and the obvious mechanics of tilting of the head etc. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers seldom get into the real specifications such as watt.second output, Beam Candlepower Seconds (BCPS), Effective Candlepower Seconds (ECPS) and actual angles of coverage. Other data like color temperature stability at various outputs are seldom if ever specified. So...even for someone like me, who is well initiated into flash technology, it's had to compare the value of one unit against another without actually testing them out or gleaning first-hand experience from other users.

Some makers publish guide numbers but those are oftentimes not all that telling about the real effective output under various conditions. If folks are using TTL exp[opsure determination, the guide number may not have any substantive meaning.

Used to be that flash gear that was domestically made, and imports for Japan and Germany had good reliable electronics and those made in China and some other countries in Asia were either inferior or suffered from erratic quality control- some were good and some were not. Nowadays, many of the time-honored brands are subcontracted to plants in China and other countries and it may be surprising to some but their Canon Speedlights s are made in China. Many of the Chineses makers that market under their own names have since cleaned up their QC acts and the equipment is decent enough. It may also be surprising to some that if the were to open up and take apart their expensive name brand strobes (not recommended) - guess where the innards are made?

So...what's hot and what's not? Most of the popular units pack about 80 to 100 watt/seconds (MAX). Many have models that are dedicated to the TTL system of popular digital cameras. They are not super powerful but they gain a little more punch in that they have small linear flash tubes backed up by a mirror-like reflector. Used to be that re really cheap ones were poorly constructed and even somewhat dangerous as to shock hazard but nowadays, to be legally exported into most European or North American Countries they need safety approval from the credentialed authorities, so the really cheap ones just break down sooner or work erratically but they won't blow up or kill anyone.

Compared to some of the older fully manual strobes, I think most of them are rather expensive toys, nonetheless, I use them for certain kinds of work and they do perform surprisingly well if used with a bit of lighting savvy. My experience with Nikon and Canon camera and Speedlight combination have been alright. I like what I see in the Godox line, especially the ones with interchangeable reflectors, user changeable flash tubes and external power supplies.

What you purchase should depend on the usage you are going to apply and subject it to. If you are a professional or a heavy-duty user, I might recommend one of the more elite units made by Quantum (Q-Flash), Lumadyne, Metz and the aforementioned top-of-the-line Godox. These are more expensive but they will stand up to continual usage and long duty cycles. With interchangeable reflectors, you can employ real wide angle and telephoto coverage, use the bare bulb for omnidirectional lighting, and carry spare flash tubes in the event of failure or breakage. Some accessory reflectors have modeling lights or are specially designed to maximize output for umbrella usage.

Moneywise, other than intrinsic quality and good engineering you are going to be paying or features such as High-Speed Synchronization, Auto-Zoom, various and sundry command features, extremely short recycling times, stroboscopic effects, facilities for external battery packs and booster accessories. My advice is don't buy features you don't need. To do any kind of bounce technique you are going to need some "swivel" but you won't need to bend the thing into a pretzel-like shape or buy that contraption that swivels itself.

Other attributes to look for is enough power on manual mode to work decently with modifiers that absorb some of the output, and accurate ready lights that indicate at least 85% full charge before lighting up.

As far as other brands, I know that Sunpack has been in the flash business forever and have a good reputation. Yonguno seems to be coming up in the world but I have no experience with them but have not heard anything bad. Private and store brand may be decent enough but hopefully, they carry some kind of warranty. The very inexpensive ones may be disappointing as to performance and longevity

With all the Speedlight types, you need to be aware of certain limitations and maintenance requirements. As I alluded to before, you are dealing with a comparatively small linear flash tube in a confined space. Continually rapid firing can shorten the life of the flash tube and even the internal circuitry due to overheating. HHS units are more likely to hold up long term in continuous rapid firing usages. The larger flash tubes in the interchangeable reflector heads can more easily cope with heat issues in that the tube itself is housed in a helical envelope and has more surface to air space.

You can protect your investment in the better flash gear of you charge batteries properly, never leave batteries in dormant gear in long term storage, keep battery compartments and contacts clean, and make certain that the reflectors and front plastic lens does not become discolored.

I hope this helps.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

[quote=E.L.. Shapiro]Electronic Flash Confusion? What to buy?

Electronic flash? I've been intimately involved with electronic flash for a lifetime. I suppose I could write a book on the innards and outsides of the gear and its usages but I will refrain from doing that here- just a short essay for today!

One of my pet peeves is that so many photgraher don't appreciate the potential of good flash technique and many give it a bad rap. Few get into the specifications anymore and just go by the advertised features as to TTL dedication and the obvious mechanics of tilting of the head etc. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers seldom get into the real specifications such as watt.second output, Beam Candlepower Seconds (BCPS), Effective Candlepower Seconds (ECPS) and actual angles of coverage. Other data like color temperature stability at various outputs are seldom if ever specified. So...even for someone like me, who is well initiated into flash technology, it's had to compare the value of one unit against another without actually testing them out or gleaning first-hand experience from other users.

Some makers publish guide numbers but those are oftentimes not all that telling about the real effective output under various conditions. If folks are using TTL exp[opsure determination, the guide number may not have any substantive meaning.

Used to be that flash gear that was domestically made, and imports for Japan and Germany had good reliable electronics and those made in China and some other countries in Asia were either inferior or suffered from erratic quality control- some were good and some were not. Nowadays, many of the time-honored brands are subcontracted to plants in China and other countries and it may be surprising to some but their Canon Speedlights s are made in China. Many of the Chineses makers that market under their own names have since cleaned up their QC acts and the equipment is decent enough. It may also be surprising to some that if the were to open up and take apart their expensive name brand strobes (not recommended) - guess where the innards are made?

So...what's hot and what's not? Most of the popular units pack about 80 to 100 watt/seconds (MAX). Many have models that are dedicated to the TTL system of popular digital cameras. They are not super powerful but they gain a little more punch in that they have small linear flash tubes backed up by a mirror-like reflector. Used to be that re really cheap ones were poorly constructed and even somewhat dangerous as to shock hazard but nowadays, to be legally exported into most European or North American Countries they need safety approval from the credentialed authorities, so the really cheap ones just break down sooner or work erratically but they won't blow up or kill anyone.

Compared to some of the older fully manual strobes, I think most of them are rather expensive toys, nonetheless, I use them for certain kinds of work and they do perform surprisingly well if used with a bit of lighting savvy. My experience with Nikon and Canon camera and Speedlight combination have been alright. I like what I see in the Godox line, especially the ones with interchangeable reflectors, user changeable flash tubes and external power supplies.

What you purchase should depend on the usage you are going to apply and subject it to. If you are a professional or a heavy-duty user, I might recommend one of the more elite units made by Quantum (Q-Flash), Lumadyne, Metz and the aforementioned top-of-the-line Godox. These are more expensive but they will stand up to continual usage and long duty cycles. With interchangeable reflectors, you can employ real wide angle and telephoto coverage, use the bare bulb for omnidirectional lighting, and carry spare flash tubes in the event of failure or breakage. Some accessory reflectors have modeling lights or are specially designed to maximize output for umbrella usage.

Moneywise, other than intrinsic quality and good engineering you are going to be paying or features such as High-Speed Synchronization, Auto-Zoom, various and sundry command features, extremely short recycling times, stroboscopic effects, facilities for external battery packs and booster accessories. My advice is don't buy features you don't need. To do any kind of bounce technique you are going to need some "swivel" but you won't need to bend the thing into a pretzel-like shape or buy that contraption that swivels itself.

Other attributes to look for is enough power on manual mode to work decently with modifiers that absorb some of the output, and accurate ready lights that indicate at least 85% full charge before lighting up.

As far as other brands, I know that Sunpack has been in the flash business forever and have a good reputation. Yonguno seems to be coming up in the world but I have no experience with them but have not heard anything bad. Private and store brand may be decent enough but hopefully, they carry some kind of warranty. The very inexpensive ones may be disappointing as to performance and longevity

With all the Speedlight types, you need to be aware of certain limitations and maintenance requirements. As I alluded to before, you are dealing with a comparatively small linear flash tube in a confined space. Continually rapid firing can shorten the life of the flash tube and even the internal circuitry due to overheating. HHS units are more likely to hold up long term in continuous rapid firing usages. The larger flash tubes in the interchangeable reflector heads can more easily cope with heat issues in that the tube itself is housed in a helical envelope and has more surface to air space.

You can protect your investment in the better flash gear of you charge batteries properly, never leave batteries in dormant gear in long term storage, keep battery compartments and contacts clean, and make certain that the reflectors and front plastic lens does not become discolored.

I hope this helps.[/quote]

Thanks, Ed … particularly - for the tips on care and feeding of all older flash units …

But, also - for the oversight you bring to this topic, and the recommendation for both Godox and Yongnuo.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have also been looking at this for some time now ......

Here is my pick - https://www.ebay.com/itm/YONGNUO-YN686EX-RT-TTL-HSS-Flash-Li-ion-Battery-charger-for-Canon-EOS-Camea/391882700773?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

Why?? Because it is powerful, has HSS and lithium battery - these are my requisites for investing money in a flash for today .

Here is Rockwell's pick - https://kenrockwell.com/tech/pixelhk/x900.htm

.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Forget Rockwell, Larry … I'll go with YOUR choice!!!!

twice_shooter

I agree. Have it. Great flash and very reasonably priced.

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

[quote=E.L.. Shapiro]Electronic Flash Confusion? What to buy?

Electronic flash? I've been intimately involved with electronic flash for a lifetime. I suppose I could write a book on the innards and outsides of the gear and its usages but I will refrain from doing that here- just a short essay for today!

One of my pet peeves is that so many photgraher don't appreciate the potential of good flash technique and many give it a bad rap. Few get into the specifications anymore and just go by the advertised features as to TTL dedication and the obvious mechanics of tilting of the head etc. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers seldom get into the real specifications such as watt.second output, Beam Candlepower Seconds (BCPS), Effective Candlepower Seconds (ECPS) and actual angles of coverage. Other data like color temperature stability at various outputs are seldom if ever specified. So...even for someone like me, who is well initiated into flash technology, it's had to compare the value of one unit against another without actually testing them out or gleaning first-hand experience from other users.

Some makers publish guide numbers but those are oftentimes not all that telling about the real effective output under various conditions. If folks are using TTL exp[opsure determination, the guide number may not have any substantive meaning.

Used to be that flash gear that was domestically made, and imports for Japan and Germany had good reliable electronics and those made in China and some other countries in Asia were either inferior or suffered from erratic quality control- some were good and some were not. Nowadays, many of the time-honored brands are subcontracted to plants in China and other countries and it may be surprising to some but their Canon Speedlights s are made in China. Many of the Chineses makers that market under their own names have since cleaned up their QC acts and the equipment is decent enough. It may also be surprising to some that if the were to open up and take apart their expensive name brand strobes (not recommended) - guess where the innards are made?

So...what's hot and what's not? Most of the popular units pack about 80 to 100 watt/seconds (MAX). Many have models that are dedicated to the TTL system of popular digital cameras. They are not super powerful but they gain a little more punch in that they have small linear flash tubes backed up by a mirror-like reflector. Used to be that re really cheap ones were poorly constructed and even somewhat dangerous as to shock hazard but nowadays, to be legally exported into most European or North American Countries they need safety approval from the credentialed authorities, so the really cheap ones just break down sooner or work erratically but they won't blow up or kill anyone.

Compared to some of the older fully manual strobes, I think most of them are rather expensive toys, nonetheless, I use them for certain kinds of work and they do perform surprisingly well if used with a bit of lighting savvy. My experience with Nikon and Canon camera and Speedlight combination have been alright. I like what I see in the Godox line, especially the ones with interchangeable reflectors, user changeable flash tubes and external power supplies.

What you purchase should depend on the usage you are going to apply and subject it to. If you are a professional or a heavy-duty user, I might recommend one of the more elite units made by Quantum (Q-Flash), Lumadyne, Metz and the aforementioned top-of-the-line Godox. These are more expensive but they will stand up to continual usage and long duty cycles. With interchangeable reflectors, you can employ real wide angle and telephoto coverage, use the bare bulb for omnidirectional lighting, and carry spare flash tubes in the event of failure or breakage. Some accessory reflectors have modeling lights or are specially designed to maximize output for umbrella usage.

Moneywise, other than intrinsic quality and good engineering you are going to be paying or features such as High-Speed Synchronization, Auto-Zoom, various and sundry command features, extremely short recycling times, stroboscopic effects, facilities for external battery packs and booster accessories. My advice is don't buy features you don't need. To do any kind of bounce technique you are going to need some "swivel" but you won't need to bend the thing into a pretzel-like shape or buy that contraption that swivels itself.

Other attributes to look for is enough power on manual mode to work decently with modifiers that absorb some of the output, and accurate ready lights that indicate at least 85% full charge before lighting up.

As far as other brands, I know that Sunpack has been in the flash business forever and have a good reputation. Yonguno seems to be coming up in the world but I have no experience with them but have not heard anything bad. Private and store brand may be decent enough but hopefully, they carry some kind of warranty. The very inexpensive ones may be disappointing as to performance and longevity

With all the Speedlight types, you need to be aware of certain limitations and maintenance requirements. As I alluded to before, you are dealing with a comparatively small linear flash tube in a confined space. Continually rapid firing can shorten the life of the flash tube and even the internal circuitry due to overheating. HHS units are more likely to hold up long term in continuous rapid firing usages. The larger flash tubes in the interchangeable reflector heads can more easily cope with heat issues in that the tube itself is housed in a helical envelope and has more surface to air space.

You can protect your investment in the better flash gear of you charge batteries properly, never leave batteries in dormant gear in long term storage, keep battery compartments and contacts clean, and make certain that the reflectors and front plastic lens does not become discolored.

I hope this helps.[/quote]

Thank you for your comments ans sharing your knowledge. On watt-seconds I have seen it referenced as watt*seconds and w/s. W/s watts per second while w*s is total watts over one second, very different measures. Which is correct?

Ollieboy

I have 2 Godox flashes for Sony. It does everything (maybe more) than the Sony does for 1/3 the price. Only issue is MAYBE not built as well. Seems well built though. Time will tell. Read the reviews.

manofhg Loc: Knoxville, TN

I too bought 2 Godox flashes for my Canon. I bought the 685. The main difference between the 685 and the 860 other than price is the recycle time. That wasn't as concerning to me. The Godox was recommended to me by a professional.

2666loco

I bought a Neewer 750II . They are on ebay or amazon for a bit over $50. I love it with my Nikon D700. There is a high percentage of perfect photos. It has a TTL wireless slave built in that works perfectly with the camera's algorithms. The only thing it doesn't have is thyristor, but who needs it? It is very easy on batteries. Its Achilles Heel is a plastic battery cover and plastic hinge on it. Just be careful opening and closing it. Save yourself some bucks.