5 P-TTL flashes - which one?
Aug 28, 2007
I am looking for a flash for my K100D.
I have tried doing my homework but any further inputs are appreciated. So far I have narrowed in on 5 models with P-TTL (I have ruled out a few no-names and Pentax's new compact flash) and listed them below along with some specifications and my first comments. Actually I don't know how important the different specifications are. As I have understood, high speed sync is useful when using the flash for filling-in in daylight.
I hope some of you can comment on my list and answer some of the questions I have.
Pentax AF 540 FGZ, 406 EUR
Guied number: 54
Bounce + swivel
High-speed sync
Comments: This one will for sure cover my needs. But it is probably overkill and the price is to high for me (my first flash).
http://www.technikdirekt.de/main/en/foto/fotodigital/blitzgeraete-zubehoer/818291/-/Article.html?
Pentax AF 360 FGZ, 229 EUR
Guide number: 36
Bounce - but no swivel
High-speed sync
Comments: I expect this one will work. But I don't know if I will miss the "swivelability".
http://www.technikdirekt.de/main/en/foto/fotodigital/blitzgeraete-zubehoer/348822/-/Article.html?
Sigma EF-530 DG Super, 272 EUR
Guide number: 53
Swivel + bounce
High-speed sync
Comments: Is it worth going for this one instead of the non-Super (below)? How does it compare to the Pentaxes?
http://www.technikdirekt.de/main/en/foto/fotodigital/blitzgeraete-zubehoer/182126/-/Article.html?
Sigma EF-530 DG ST, 188 EUR
Guide number: 53
Bounce + swivel
No high-speed sync
Comments: Will I miss features from the Super-version? Among these the high-speed sync?
http://www.technikdirekt.de/main/en/foto/fotodigital/blitzgeraete-zubehoer/182098/-/Article.html?
Soligor DG-420 Z, 160 EUR - maybe cheaper
Also known as Dörr D-AF42, Digital Concepts 952AF, and maybe also Sakar "something".
Guide number: 42
Bounce and swivel
No high-speed sync
Comments: Very interesting because of the low price. The Swedish shop Cyberphoto has tested it and recommends it. A few have tried it and given their opinions in this forum. They seem to be satisfied but at the same time none of them are very experienced flash users. Again, will I miss the high-speed sync?
http://www.cyberphoto.se/info.php?article=58427
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=22185733