what flash for S5IIX?

[mnml]

hello everyone,

i'm looking for a simple flash to use with my LUMIX S5IIX. my requirements are basic fill-in and bounce for portraits, with both on-camera and wireless operation capabilities.

currently, i've narrowed down my options to two models, having already ruled out godox and meike:

1. panasonic DMW-FL200L

2. lightpix LABS FLASHQ Q20II

if anyone has experience with these flashes, could you please share your insights?

your input would be greatly appreciated.

p.s. i was redirected here from the l-mount forum. my apologies for the overlap.

thank you in advance!

 

[Klaus dk]

I'd like to know why you ruled out Godox?

 

[mnml]

largely for aesthetic and design reasons.

 

[John Vickers]

largely for aesthetic and design reasons.

Can you be more specific?

All of us Godox users here could criticise Godox products - not to mention their lack of support - at length, but Godox stuff generally works quite reliably, over a range from small speedlights like V350 to powerful off-camera flashes like AD1200.

I can control a Godox V1O [Olympus/Panasonic protocol speedlight] with a TT685N [Nikon protocol], or vice versa.

Nikon seems to have given up on flashes now, but Nikon's flashes weren't even reliably compatible with each other.

Rebadged Godox, such as Flashpoint or PiXAPRO, has better support.

 

[Gato Amarillo]

largely for aesthetic and design reasons.

So you're putting form over function? You may be ruling out your best bet.

Anyhow --

The Panasonic you mention is infrared wireless, not a great choice for off camera use. You really want a radio system. And it looks to be discontinued as well.

As to the LightPix, I don't see a Panasonic compatible version - only Ricoh and Sony. So unless I'm missing something that's out.

For a compact flash check out the Godox TT350. Maybe not as aesthetically pleasing as the others, but a solid working flash and an entry into a very broad lighting system.

Gato

 

[Klaus dk]

largely for aesthetic and design reasons.

OK. You had me stunned there.

Good luck and good light.

 

[John Vickers]

[...]

For a compact flash check out the Godox TT350. Maybe not as aesthetically pleasing as the others, but a solid working flash and an entry into a very broad lighting system.

Yeah.

The TT350 is cheaper, and uses AA batteries which are available almost anywhere inhabited, OTOH the V350 has a better performing and more reliable Li-ion battery, but it's yet another weird kind of Li-ion battery + charger to deal with.

Unless the size is really important, a full-size speedlight like V860III, V1, TT685II seems more useful and better value. TT600 is a bargain if manual-only flash with no HSS is OK.

 

[mnml]

@Klaus dk may disagree, but the appearance and design are important both in handling and making the models feel less guarded.

besides, as mentioned in the original post, there is no need for a fully-featured, powerful speedlight. just a compact, slightly better substitute for an on-camera flash to get a sparkle in the eyes. in addition to that, both shortlisted items have a video light that, while barely noticeable, can come in handy during the majority of this camera's use - video.

@Gato Amarillo, the flashq q20ii was recommended by light pix labs as compatible.

@John Vickers, thank you for your input. i have been using nikon's products prior to switching to panasonic for video and weight reduction. for photography, it was great.

 

[tugwilson]

Have a look at the Nissin i40 you can get a Panasonic version. Pretty good build quality, I has the Fuji version a few years ago.

i40 | Nissin Digital

www.nissindigital.com

 

[mnml]

thank you for the recommendation tugwilson. will definitely have a look.

 

[Soulfulized]

hello everyone,

i'm looking for a simple flash to use with my LUMIX S5IIX. my requirements are basic fill-in and bounce for portraits, with both on-camera and wireless operation capabilities.

currently, i've narrowed down my options to two models, having already ruled out godox and meike:

1. panasonic DMW-FL200L

2. lightpix LABS FLASHQ Q20II

if anyone has experience with these flashes, could you please share your insights?

your input would be greatly appreciated.

p.s. i was redirected here from the l-mount forum. my apologies for the overlap.

thank you in advance!

I have three L-mount cameras (S1/S5/Leica CL), and the LightPix flash works with all of them. So I'd be surprised if it didn't work with the S5IIX.

It's a nice unit, distinctive and looks the part. Smaller than the Godox TT350 (I have a couple of those) but not quite pocket-sized compared to the tiny but useful Olympus FL-LM3 flash (which can be made to work with L-mount cameras but not reliably in my experience though others have done so). Best suited IMO to the CL of the cameras I own given its size, but wouldn't be out of place on an S5 body.

It will bounce (the flash head tilts upwards to a max 90 degrees from a front-facing position) but does not swivel, so is a little limited in that respect. The off-camera flash function works (the flash body separates from the transmitter which remains in the hot shoe) but it is fiddly to set up and I'm not sure it has a memory function which retains settings between uses (will check this out).

I've used the Q20II to shoot groups at a social function so it will do a job. If you're in a studio or controlled setting where you have time to set up off-camera flash its a workable option, but I find the Godox system far easier to set up and use with less faff if you're pressed for time and need to get going quickly. And the TT350 will give you more flash power with better bounce options (like a tilt and swivel head).

For the use case you've outlined I think the Q20II would work, and I have no regrets about buying the unit. If you wanted it as the basis of a compact system with multiple lights and transmitters that's feasible, though Godox would be cheaper and more flexible so the Q20 suits a more restricted use case. It is definitely superior to other compact flashes available like the Meike MK320 (there are different branded versions of this) which is similar in size to the Q20 but doesn't have the flexibility or build quality.

So all in all worth having so long as you play to its strengths.

 

[mnml]

Soulfulized, many thanks for taking the time to provide this hands-on and informative overview of the Q20II. Since it is intended for use outside of a studio environment, for portraits and scenery, it should work just fine in my case based on your description. I also appreciate the fact that it can be used with other systems.

My only concern is that compared to the Panasonic DMW-FL200L, the latter has native support and may be slightly more powerful. However, it doesn’t seem to be as well-regarded and is not as aesthetically pleasing.

I will give the Q20II a try. Thank you again for your insights.

 

[Soulfulized]

Soulfulized, many thanks for taking the time to provide this hands-on and informative overview of the Q20II. Since it is intended for use outside of a studio environment, for portraits and scenery, it should work just fine in my case based on your description. I also appreciate the fact that it can be used with other systems.

My only concern is that compared to the Panasonic DMW-FL200L, the latter has native support and may be slightly more powerful. However, it doesn’t seem to be as well-regarded and is not as aesthetically pleasing.

I will give the Q20II a try. Thank you again for your insights.

You are more than welcome, glad my thoughts were helpful.

As it happens I have also ordered the diffusion kit that goes with the flash - had to go direct to LightPix Labs as it is not available anywhere in the UK where I live, so it's coming from Hong Kong. Have tried other diffusion options, none were satisfactory (the distinctive design of the unit is a factor with that) so figured it was best to go with the set-up designed for the flash. Might be something to think about given your intended use.

 

[mnml]

thank you for the lead Soulfulized. i agree, it's generally better to stick with native products. i'm optimistic that the diffusion kit will work as expected.

i plan to start with the basic setup first and will consider getting the diffusion kit later if needed.