Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison: Most Recent Updates

Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison: Most Recent Updates http://pttl.mattdm.org The definitive guide to Pentax hot shoe flashes and compatible 3rd-party options. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:48:13 +0000 http://pttl.mattdm.org/table:tumax-oem Tumax OEM Labeling http://pttl.mattdm.org/table:tumax-oem <table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px;"> <tr style="border: none; font-weight: bold; color: white; background: black; vertical-align:text-bottom; white-space: nowrap"> <td class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;">Tumax Series</td> <td class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;">Tumax Models</td> <td class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;">Other Labels</td> </tr> <tr style="border-bottom: thin dotted #808080; vertical-align: text-bottom; white-space: nowrap"> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin solid #808080;"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl28af">DSL28AF</a></td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080;">DSL283AF<br /> DSL286AF<br /> DSL288AF</td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080; border-right: thin solid #808080;">Metz 24 AF-1<br /> Vivitar DF-183</td> </tr> <tr style="border-bottom: thin dotted #808080; vertical-align: text-bottom; white-space: nowrap"> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin solid #808080;"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl88afz">DSL88AFZ</a></td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080;">DSL883AFZ<br /> DSL886AFZ<br /> DSL888AFZ</td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080; border-right: thin solid #808080;">Metz 36 AF-4<br /> Metz 36 AF-5</td> </tr> <tr style="border-bottom: thin dotted #808080; vertical-align: text-bottom; white-space: nowrap"> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin solid #808080;"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl98afz">DSL98AFZ</a></td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080;">DSL983AFZ<br /> DSL986AFZ<br /> DSL988AFZ</td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080; border-right: thin solid #808080;">Vivitar DF-293</td> </tr> <tr style="border-bottom: thin dotted #808080; vertical-align: text-bottom; white-space: nowrap"> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin solid #808080;"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dpt3afz">DPT3AFZ</a></td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080;">DPT383AFZ<br /> DPT386AFZ<br /> DPT388AFZ</td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080; border-right: thin solid #808080;">Cactus AF45<br /> Vivitar DF-393</td> </tr> <tr style="border-bottom: thin dotted #808080; vertical-align: text-bottom; white-space: nowrap"> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin solid #808080;"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dpt5afz">DPT5AFZ</a></td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080;">DPT586AFZ<br /> DPT588AFZ</td> <td style="text-align: center; border-left: thin dotted #808080; border-right: thin solid #808080;">Cactus AF50</td> </tr> </table> <p><strong>Please note:</strong> this information is <em>speculative</em> and based on armchair detective work. In many cases I have direct or indirect confirmation; in other cases, it's simply that the features, specification, and packaging make the case. If you have further information, please <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/comment">let me know</a>.</p> <p>Particularly for the Tumax DPT3 series, many of the models may be out of date and not support current Pentax flashes, and may have feature and power variations.</p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:42:55 +0000 Tumax Series Tumax Models Other Labels DSL28AF DSL283AF
DSL286AF
DSL288AF Metz 24 AF-1
Vivitar DF-183 DSL88AFZ DSL883AFZ
DSL886AFZ
DSL888AFZ Metz 36 AF-4
Metz 36 AF-5 DSL98AFZ DSL983AFZ
DSL986AFZ
DSL988AFZ Vivitar DF-293 DPT3AFZ DPT383AFZ
DPT386AFZ
DPT388AFZ Cactus AF45
Vivitar DF-393 DPT5AFZ DPT586AFZ
DPT588AFZ Cactus AF50

Please note: this information is speculative and based on armchair detective work. In many cases I have direct or indirect confirmation; in other cases, it's simply that the features, specification, and packaging make the case. If you have further information, please let me know.

Particularly for the Tumax DPT3 series, many of the models may be out of date and not support current Pentax flashes, and may have feature and power variations.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl98afz Tumax DSL986AFZ / Vivitar DF-293 http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl98afz <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/">Tumax</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/DSL98Series.htm">Tumax DSL986AFZ</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/manual/DSL986AFZ-IB_98435_eng.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-959024-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> ?×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-959024-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> ?×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> Tilt and swivel reflector with manual zoom and AF assist beam.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Simple interface, low cost.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> <em>Very</em> simple.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:tumax/gn-burst-tumax-dsl98afz-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-tumax-dsl98afz-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B005C38L7O&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C38L7O?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005C38L7O">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>Like the <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:36-af-5">Metz 36 AF-5</a>, but with a little more power and swivel as well as tilt.</p> <h2><span>More about the Tumax Tumax DSL986AFZ can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-959024-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-959024-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:55:01 +0000 Make: Tumax
Web site: Tumax DSL986AFZ
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: ?×
Relative Coverage²: ?×

Key Features: Tilt and swivel reflector with manual zoom and AF assist beam.

Reasons to Buy: Simple interface, low cost.

Notable Drawbacks: Very simple.

Buy through Amazon

Like the Metz 36 AF-5, but with a little more power and swivel as well as tilt.

More about the Tumax Tumax DSL986AFZ can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl88afz Tumax DSL886AFZ http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl88afz <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/">Tumax</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/DSL88Series.htm">Tumax DSL886AFZ</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/manual/DSL886-876AFZ-IB_98512_eng.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-498573-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 1.0×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-498573-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 0.91×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> Tilt reflector with manual zoom and AF assist beam. (<em>No</em> swivel — that's the <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl98afz">DSL98 series</a>.)</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Simple interface, low cost.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> <em>Very</em> simple.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:tumax/gn-burst-tumax-dsl88afz-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-tumax-dsl88afz-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div style="margin: 40px"> <p>This flash is not currently available at large online stores in the US.</p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>This flash has almost <em>no</em> features, and those it does have are very basic. You want zoom? You physically move the reflector. Simplicity can be a strength, and this flash seems like a very strong contender vs. the Pentax AF200FG. Unlike other Tumax flashes, I have seen few complaints about reliability, but the sample size may just be too small. See also the <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:36-af-5">Metz 36 AF-5</a>.</p> <h2><span>More about the Tumax Tumax DSL886AFZ can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-498573-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-498573-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:19:21 +0000 Make: Tumax
Web site: Tumax DSL886AFZ
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 1.0×
Relative Coverage²: 0.91×

Key Features: Tilt reflector with manual zoom and AF assist beam. (No swivel — that's the DSL98 series.)

Reasons to Buy: Simple interface, low cost.

Notable Drawbacks: Very simple.

This flash is not currently available at large online stores in the US.

This flash has almost no features, and those it does have are very basic. You want zoom? You physically move the reflector. Simplicity can be a strength, and this flash seems like a very strong contender vs. the Pentax AF200FG. Unlike other Tumax flashes, I have seen few complaints about reliability, but the sample size may just be too small. See also the Metz 36 AF-5.

More about the Tumax Tumax DSL886AFZ can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/burst:tumax Burst Profiles for Tumax Flashes http://pttl.mattdm.org/burst:tumax <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl28af"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:tumax/gn-burst-tumax-dsl28af-160.png" style="margin: 10px 5px 0px 0px" alt="gn-burst-tumax-dsl28af-160.png" class="image" /></a><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl88afz"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:tumax/gn-burst-tumax-dsl88afz-160.png" style="margin: 10px 5px 0px 0px" alt="gn-burst-tumax-dsl88afz-160.png" class="image" /></a><br /> <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dpt3afz"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:tumax/gn-burst-tumax-dpt3afz-160.png" style="margin: 10px 5px 0px 0px" alt="gn-burst-tumax-dpt3afz-160.png" class="image" /></a><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dpt5afz"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:tumax/gn-burst-tumax-dpt5afz-160.png" style="margin: 10px 5px 0px 0px" alt="gn-burst-tumax-dpt5afz-160.png" class="image" /></a> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:34:31 +0000

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dpt5afz Tumax DPT586AFZ / Cactus AF50 http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dpt5afz <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/products.html">Tumax</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/DPT5Series.htm">DPT5 Series</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/manual/DPT586AFZ-IB_98557_eng.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-471702-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 2.1×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-471702-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 2.1×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> Tilt/swivel, rear-curtain sync, high-speed sync, AF assist beam, manual control, wireless P-TTL, USB port for upgrades.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Very well-featured and cheap.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> May suffer from the same reliability issues as the DPT386AFZ. Slow recycle time.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:tumax/gn-burst-tumax-dpt5afz-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-tumax-dpt5afz-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div style="margin: 40px"> <p>This flash is not currently available at large online stores in the US.</p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>This is an upgrade of the DPT3 series, with wireless P-TTL and high-speed sync. Tumax sells this as DPT586AFZ amd DPT588AFZ depending on the front appearance. As with the DPT3 series, it's likely that exact features may be improved in the future without a model number change. Unlike the DPT3 series, this flash zooms to 105mm, but note that this doesn't buy much in this case — note the "stubby" shape of the flash burst profile. Harvest One sells this flash as the Cactus AF50, and it's also the Vivitar DF-483, but Vivitar does not seem to currently offer the Pentax model.</p> <h2><span>More about the Tumax DPT5AFZ Series can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-471702-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-471702-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:09:29 +0000 Make: Tumax
Web site: DPT5 Series
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 2.1×
Relative Coverage²: 2.1×

Key Features: Tilt/swivel, rear-curtain sync, high-speed sync, AF assist beam, manual control, wireless P-TTL, USB port for upgrades.

Reasons to Buy: Very well-featured and cheap.

Notable Drawbacks: May suffer from the same reliability issues as the DPT386AFZ. Slow recycle time.

This flash is not currently available at large online stores in the US.

This is an upgrade of the DPT3 series, with wireless P-TTL and high-speed sync. Tumax sells this as DPT586AFZ amd DPT588AFZ depending on the front appearance. As with the DPT3 series, it's likely that exact features may be improved in the future without a model number change. Unlike the DPT3 series, this flash zooms to 105mm, but note that this doesn't buy much in this case — note the "stubby" shape of the flash burst profile. Harvest One sells this flash as the Cactus AF50, and it's also the Vivitar DF-483, but Vivitar does not seem to currently offer the Pentax model.

More about the Tumax DPT5AFZ Series can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dpt3afz Tumax DPT386AFZ / Vivitar DF-383 / Cactus AF45 http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dpt3afz <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/products.html">Tumax</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/DPT3Series.htm">DPT3 Series</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/manual/DPT386AFZ-IB_99804I_eng.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-15312-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 1.9×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-15312-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 1.8×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> Tilt/swivel, rear-curtain sync, AF assist beam, manual control.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Well-featured and cheap.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> Many reported reliability issues. Slow recycle time.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:tumax/gn-burst-tumax-dpt3afz-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-tumax-dpt3afz-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B002051E5I&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002051E5I?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002051E5I">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>Many variants of this flash are available under many different brand names. Tumax sells this as DPT383AFZ, DPT386AFZ, and DPT388AFZ depending on the front appearance. Guide numbers and exact features have changed over the years in the same basic package and without a model number change. Vivatar DF-383 and Cactus AF45 are relatively recent versions (from Sakar and Harvest One, respectively). The latest listing on the Tumax page includes a USB port for firmware upgrades, but current models available in the US do not appear to have this feature yet. Watch out for older models of this flash, because they're likely not compatible with current cameras.</p> <h2><span>More about the Tumax DPT3AFZ Series can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-15312-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-15312-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:58:59 +0000 Make: Tumax
Web site: DPT3 Series
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 1.9×
Relative Coverage²: 1.8×

Key Features: Tilt/swivel, rear-curtain sync, AF assist beam, manual control.

Reasons to Buy: Well-featured and cheap.

Notable Drawbacks: Many reported reliability issues. Slow recycle time.

Buy through Amazon

Many variants of this flash are available under many different brand names. Tumax sells this as DPT383AFZ, DPT386AFZ, and DPT388AFZ depending on the front appearance. Guide numbers and exact features have changed over the years in the same basic package and without a model number change. Vivatar DF-383 and Cactus AF45 are relatively recent versions (from Sakar and Harvest One, respectively). The latest listing on the Tumax page includes a USB port for firmware upgrades, but current models available in the US do not appear to have this feature yet. Watch out for older models of this flash, because they're likely not compatible with current cameras.

More about the Tumax DPT3AFZ Series can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl28af Tumax DSL286AF / Vivitar DF-183 http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl28af <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/products.html">Tumax</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/DSL28Series.htm">DSL28 Series</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.icorpandtumax.com/manual/DSL286AF-IB_98521A_eng.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-386028-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 0.54×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-386028-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 0.37×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> Basic tilt reflector, rear-curtain sync, AF assist beam.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Compact, simple, incredibly cheap.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> Not very powerful or advanced. Very slow recycle time.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:tumax/gn-burst-tumax-dsl28af-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-tumax-dsl28af-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00341I5JU&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00341I5JU?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00341I5JU">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>A compact, automatic flash which uses only two AA batteries. Not many features, but also very cheap, and it <em>does</em> have a bounce feature. The <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:24-af-1">Metz 24 AF-1</a> is essentially the same, but a bit more powerful and has no switch for rear-curtain sync, and Metz says the firmware is custom.</p> <h2><span>More about the Tumax DSL28AF Series can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-386028-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-386028-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:29:31 +0000 Make: Tumax
Web site: DSL28 Series
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 0.54×
Relative Coverage²: 0.37×

Key Features: Basic tilt reflector, rear-curtain sync, AF assist beam.

Reasons to Buy: Compact, simple, incredibly cheap.

Notable Drawbacks: Not very powerful or advanced. Very slow recycle time.

Buy through Amazon

A compact, automatic flash which uses only two AA batteries. Not many features, but also very cheap, and it does have a bounce feature. The Metz 24 AF-1 is essentially the same, but a bit more powerful and has no switch for rear-curtain sync, and Metz says the firmware is custom.

More about the Tumax DSL28AF Series can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:field-upgradeable Field Upgradeable via USB http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:field-upgradeable <img src="http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=169x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0%7C1,1,1&chm=tAF200FG,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7CtAF360FGZ,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7CtAF540FGZ,ffffff,0,2,10,0" alt="chart?chs=169x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0%7C1,1,1&chm=tAF200FG,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7CtAF360FGZ,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7CtAF540FGZ,ffffff,0,2,10,0" class="image" /><img src="http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=330x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0,0,0|1,1,1,1,1,1&chm=t44+AF-1,ffffff,0,0,10,0|t48+AF-1,ffffff,0,1,10,0|t50+AF-1,ffffff,0,2,10,0|t54+MZ-4i,ffffff,0,3,10,0|t58+AF-1,ffffff,0,4,10,0|t58+AF-2,ffffff,0,5,10,0" alt="chart?chs=330x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0,0,0|1,1,1,1,1,1&chm=t44+AF-1,ffffff,0,0,10,0|t48+AF-1,ffffff,0,1,10,0|t50+AF-1,ffffff,0,2,10,0|t54+MZ-4i,ffffff,0,3,10,0|t58+AF-1,ffffff,0,4,10,0|t58+AF-2,ffffff,0,5,10,0" class="image" /><img src="http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=223x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0%7C1,1,1,1&chm=t530DG+ST,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7Ct530DG+Su,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7Ct610DG+ST,ffffff,0,2,10,0%7Ct610DG+Su,ffffff,0,3,10,0" alt="chart?chs=223x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0%7C1,1,1,1&chm=t530DG+ST,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7Ct530DG+Su,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7Ct610DG+ST,ffffff,0,2,10,0%7Ct610DG+Su,ffffff,0,3,10,0" class="image" /><img src="http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=169x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0%7C1,1,1&chm=t5250DX,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7Ct5550DX,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7Ct5750EDF,ffffff,0,2,10,0" alt="chart?chs=169x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0%7C1,1,1&chm=t5250DX,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7Ct5550DX,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7Ct5750EDF,ffffff,0,2,10,0" class="image" /><img src="http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=169x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0%7C1,1,1&chm=t7200EDF,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7Ct7400EDF,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7Ct7500EDF,ffffff,0,2,10,0" alt="chart?chs=169x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0%7C1,1,1&chm=t7200EDF,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7Ct7400EDF,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7Ct7500EDF,ffffff,0,2,10,0" class="image" /><img src="http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=278x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff|{$dsl88afz}|{$dsl98afz}|ffffff|cc3333&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0,0|1,1,1,1,1&chm=tDSL28AF,ffffff,0,0,10,0|tDSL88AFZ,ffffff,0,1,10,0|tDSL98AFZ,ffffff,0,2,10,0|tDPT3AFZ,ffffff,0,3,10,0|tDPT5AFZ,ffffff,0,4,10,0" alt="chart?chs=278x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff|{$dsl88afz}|{$dsl98afz}|ffffff|cc3333&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0,0|1,1,1,1,1&chm=tDSL28AF,ffffff,0,0,10,0|tDSL88AFZ,ffffff,0,1,10,0|tDSL98AFZ,ffffff,0,2,10,0|tDPT3AFZ,ffffff,0,3,10,0|tDPT5AFZ,ffffff,0,4,10,0" class="image" /> <p>Since Pentax does not license the P-TTL digital protocol to third parties, companies like Metz, Sigma, and Promaster must reverse-engineer the way the camera body communicates. Small changes in the protocol when new camera models come out often mean that third-party flashes don't work with the new stuff.</p> <p>Usually, the problem is quickly resolved, but existing flashes need an update. For Sigma and Promaster flashes, once the update is available, you send your flash back to the factory service center, and they do it for you for free. This is also true of the entry-level Metz flashes, but the nicer models include a USB port. When an update is available, you simply use the MS Windows or Mac OS X software Metz provides to update the flash firmware yourself. This is quick and easy and saves shipping costs and time.</p> <p>Metz has even updated flashes with small new features in this way.</p> <p>Note that this isn't really an issue for Pentax-made flashes; so far, whatever changes have been made have stayed within what the existing flashes understand, and presumably Pentax will keep it so. On the other hand, it's a much bigger issue for the "generic-make" flashes, as it's often impossible to get support.</p> <p>The new Tumax DPT5-series flash is USB-upgradeable, and apparently that feature is also being added to the DPT3-series, although I have not seen a version of the DPT3 with this feature sold in the US yet. (The Cactus AF45 doesn't have it, for example.) Since this feature is new, no updates have actually been made available in this way yet, and it's unclear if one would need to get a Cactus or Vivitar version of the update or if they'll be available from the Tumax web site for all versions.</p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:25:41 +0000 chart?chs=330x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0,0,0|1,1,1,1,1,1&chm=t44+AF-1,ffffff,0,0,10,0|t48+AF-1,ffffff,0,1,10,0|t50+AF-1,ffffff,0,2,10,0|t54+MZ-4i,ffffff,0,3,10,0|t58+AF-1,ffffff,0,4,10,0|t58+AF-2,ffffff,0,5,10,0

chart?chs=330x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333|cc3333&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0,0,0|1,1,1,1,1,1&chm=t44+AF-1,ffffff,0,0,10,0|t48+AF-1,ffffff,0,1,10,0|t50+AF-1,ffffff,0,2,10,0|t54+MZ-4i,ffffff,0,3,10,0|t58+AF-1,ffffff,0,4,10,0|t58+AF-2,ffffff,0,5,10,0

chart?chs=223x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0%7C1,1,1,1&chm=t530DG+ST,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7Ct530DG+Su,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7Ct610DG+ST,ffffff,0,2,10,0%7Ct610DG+Su,ffffff,0,3,10,0

chart?chs=169x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0%7C1,1,1&chm=t5250DX,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7Ct5550DX,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7Ct5750EDF,ffffff,0,2,10,0

chart?chs=169x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff%7Cffffff%7Cffffff&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0%7C1,1,1&chm=t7200EDF,ffffff,0,0,10,0%7Ct7400EDF,ffffff,0,1,10,0%7Ct7500EDF,ffffff,0,2,10,0

chart?chs=278x15&chbh=52,2&cht=bvs&chco=ffffff|{$dsl88afz}|{$dsl98afz}|ffffff|cc3333&chds=0,1.1&chd=t:0,0,0,0,0|1,1,1,1,1&chm=tDSL28AF,ffffff,0,0,10,0|tDSL88AFZ,ffffff,0,1,10,0|tDSL98AFZ,ffffff,0,2,10,0|tDPT3AFZ,ffffff,0,3,10,0|tDPT5AFZ,ffffff,0,4,10,0

Since Pentax does not license the P-TTL digital protocol to third parties, companies like Metz, Sigma, and Promaster must reverse-engineer the way the camera body communicates. Small changes in the protocol when new camera models come out often mean that third-party flashes don't work with the new stuff.

Usually, the problem is quickly resolved, but existing flashes need an update. For Sigma and Promaster flashes, once the update is available, you send your flash back to the factory service center, and they do it for you for free. This is also true of the entry-level Metz flashes, but the nicer models include a USB port. When an update is available, you simply use the MS Windows or Mac OS X software Metz provides to update the flash firmware yourself. This is quick and easy and saves shipping costs and time.

Metz has even updated flashes with small new features in this way.

Note that this isn't really an issue for Pentax-made flashes; so far, whatever changes have been made have stayed within what the existing flashes understand, and presumably Pentax will keep it so. On the other hand, it's a much bigger issue for the "generic-make" flashes, as it's often impossible to get support.

The new Tumax DPT5-series flash is USB-upgradeable, and apparently that feature is also being added to the DPT3-series, although I have not seen a version of the DPT3 with this feature sold in the US yet. (The Cactus AF45 doesn't have it, for example.) Since this feature is new, no updates have actually been made available in this way yet, and it's unclear if one would need to get a Cactus or Vivitar version of the update or if they'll be available from the Tumax web site for all versions.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/inc:tableheader:majorfeatures Template for Major Features Table Header http://pttl.mattdm.org/inc:tableheader:majorfeatures <p>[[row style="border: none; font-weight: bold; color: white; background: black; vertical-align:text-bottom; white-space: nowrap"]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: left;"]]Make[[/cell]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: left;"]]Model[[/cell]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]<a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:tiltswivel">Tilt/Swivel</a>[[/cell]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]<a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:zoom">Zoom</a>¹[[/cell]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]<a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:wireless">Wireless</a>[[/cell]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center; padding-left: 1.5em; padding-right: 1.5em"]]<a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:high-speed-sync">HSS</a>[[/cell]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]<a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:rear-curtain-sync">2nd Sync</a>[[/cell]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]<a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:manual-power-control">Manual</a>[[/cell]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em"]]<a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:other-flash-modes">Auto</a>[[/cell]]<br /> [[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]<a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/feature:secondary-reflector">2nd Flash</a>[[/cell]]<br /> [[/row]]</p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:02:08 +0000 [[row style="border: none; font-weight: bold; color: white; background: black; vertical-align:text-bottom; white-space: nowrap"]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: left;"]]Make[[/cell]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: left;"]]Model[[/cell]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]Tilt/Swivel[[/cell]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]Zoom¹[[/cell]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]Wireless[[/cell]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center; padding-left: 1.5em; padding-right: 1.5em"]]HSS[[/cell]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]2nd Sync[[/cell]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]Manual[[/cell]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em"]]Auto[[/cell]]
[[cell class="tableheader" style="text-align: center;"]]2nd Flash[[/cell]]
[[/row]]

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:sca3702 Metz SCA 3702 http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:sca3702 <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/">Metz</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/sca-adapter.html">SCA Adapter 3702</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/fileadmin/fm-dam/Download/Homepage_Englisch/Photo_Electronic/Bedienungsanleitung_GB/SCA_Adapter_GB/SCA_3702_M3_Pentax_GB.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-542822-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 0×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-542822-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 0×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> AF assist beam, enables P-TTL.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Required for the most powerful P-TTL compatible flashes, which could be shared across systems.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> Doesn't integrate quite as well as a system-dedicated flash.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:metz/gn-burst-metz-sca3702-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-metz-sca3702-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00009R8P9&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R8P9?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00009R8P9">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>This isn't a flash, hopefully obviously. It's the Pentax-compatibility module used with the <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:54-mz-4i">54 MZ-4i</a> or the more powerful "hammerhead" flashes. If you get one of those those, you'll need this. This may be an especially appealing option for people with multiple camera systems: you could share the same flash between Pentax and Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, or even Leica.</p> <h2><span>More about the Metz SCA 3702 can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622492" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-542822-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-542822-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:52:56 +0000 Make: Metz
Web site: SCA Adapter 3702
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 0×
Relative Coverage²: 0×

Key Features: AF assist beam, enables P-TTL.

Reasons to Buy: Required for the most powerful P-TTL compatible flashes, which could be shared across systems.

Notable Drawbacks: Doesn't integrate quite as well as a system-dedicated flash.

Buy through Amazon

This isn't a flash, hopefully obviously. It's the Pentax-compatibility module used with the 54 MZ-4i or the more powerful "hammerhead" flashes. If you get one of those those, you'll need this. This may be an especially appealing option for people with multiple camera systems: you could share the same flash between Pentax and Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, or even Leica.

More about the Metz SCA 3702 can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

by mattdm

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:promaster:5050dxr Promaster 5050DXR Digital Flash Module http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:promaster:5050dxr <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://promaster.com/products/products.asp?CatName=Electronic%20Flash&CatSM=C_ElectronicFlash&SubCatName=&CatID=150&Page=Cat&sm=sm2_C_ElectronicFlash">Promaster</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://promaster.com/products/products.asp?product=7161">5050DXR Digital Flash Module</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.promaster.com/instructionbooks/7161_5050DXR_Flash_Module_-_Pentax_and_Samsung.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-698978-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 0×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-698978-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 0×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> AF assist beam.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Works on all the 5000DX series flashes.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> Bought separately. A little clunky.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:promaster/gn-burst-promaster-5050dxr-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-promaster-5050dxr-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B0046BQ50I&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046BQ50I?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0046BQ50I">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>This isn't a flash, hopefully obviously. It's the Pentax-compatibility module used with the <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:promaster:5750dx">5750DX</a> or <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:promaster:5250dx">5250DX</a>. If you get one of those flashes, you'll need this. This may be an appealing option for people with multiple camera systems: you could share the same flash between Pentax and Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Olympus.</p> <h2><span>More about the Promaster 5050DXR can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-698978-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-698978-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Sun, 19 Dec 2010 16:12:34 +0000 Make: Promaster
Web site: 5050DXR Digital Flash Module
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 0×
Relative Coverage²: 0×

Key Features: AF assist beam.

Reasons to Buy: Works on all the 5000DX series flashes.

Notable Drawbacks: Bought separately. A little clunky.

Buy through Amazon

This isn't a flash, hopefully obviously. It's the Pentax-compatibility module used with the 5750DX or 5250DX. If you get one of those flashes, you'll need this. This may be an appealing option for people with multiple camera systems: you could share the same flash between Pentax and Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Olympus.

More about the Promaster 5050DXR can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:58-af-2 Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-2 Digital http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:58-af-2 <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/">Metz</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/product-families/system-flash-units/mecablitz-58-af-2-digital/product-information.html">Mecablitz 58 AF-2 Digital</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/service-support/instruction-manuals/flash-units/mecablitz.html?no_cache=1/mecablitz_58_AF_2_digital_Pentax_D_F_NL_GB_I_E.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Latest Firmware:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/firmware-download-flash-units/mecablitz-58-af-2-digital.html">2.0 (Feb. 16, 2011)</a></p> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-646381-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 2.0×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-646381-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 2.2×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> tilt/swivel/zoom reflector, secondary flash, wireless P-TTL, HSS, rear-curtain sync, auto and manual modes.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Best feature set, including forward-facing fill flash and excellent manual control. The most telephoto power of any flash described here. Excellent build and nice interface.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> Expensive in the US.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:metz/gn-burst-metz-58af2-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-metz-58af2-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004DUMU8I&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004DUMU8I?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004DUMU8I">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>You can buy a more powerful flash from Metz, but this is the highest model which still is meant to mount on the hot shoe — beyond this, it's designs meant for a flash bracket. The 58 AF-2 has a more-focused zoom reflector than the Pentax models, allowing it to beat out the AF540FGZ in power at dSLR focal lengths greater than 70mm. And it meets or exceeds every other flash in this guide when it comes to features, not just on the high-level checklist but also when you compare the details. For example, power can be manually set all the way down to ¹⁄₂₅₆ in third-stop increments. And it's built on a solid metal base.</p> <h2><span>More about the Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-2 Digital can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-646381-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-646381-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:54:35 +0000 Make: Metz
Web site: Mecablitz 58 AF-2 Digital
Manual: PDF

Latest Firmware: 2.0 (Feb. 16, 2011)

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 2.0×
Relative Coverage²: 2.2×

Key Features: tilt/swivel/zoom reflector, secondary flash, wireless P-TTL, HSS, rear-curtain sync, auto and manual modes.

Reasons to Buy: Best feature set, including forward-facing fill flash and excellent manual control. The most telephoto power of any flash described here. Excellent build and nice interface.

Notable Drawbacks: Expensive in the US.

Buy through Amazon

You can buy a more powerful flash from Metz, but this is the highest model which still is meant to mount on the hot shoe — beyond this, it's designs meant for a flash bracket. The 58 AF-2 has a more-focused zoom reflector than the Pentax models, allowing it to beat out the AF540FGZ in power at dSLR focal lengths greater than 70mm. And it meets or exceeds every other flash in this guide when it comes to features, not just on the high-level checklist but also when you compare the details. For example, power can be manually set all the way down to ¹⁄₂₅₆ in third-stop increments. And it's built on a solid metal base.

More about the Metz Mecablitz 58 AF-2 Digital can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:50-af-1 Metz Mecablitz 50 AF-1 Digital http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:50-af-1 <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/">Metz</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/product-families/system-flash-units/mecablitz-50-af-1-digital/product-information.html">Mecablitz 50 AF-1 Digital</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/service-support/instruction-manuals/flash-units/mecablitz.html?no_cache=1">PDF</a> <p><strong>Latest Firmware:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/firmware-download-flash-units/mecablitz-50-af-1-digital.html">2.0 (Feb. 16, 2011)</a></p> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-512497-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 1.4×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-512497-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 1.6×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> tilt/swivel/zoom reflector, wireless P-TTL slave, HSS, metal base, rear-curtain sync, manual mode.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Many features, excellent compatibility, decent power, excellent build.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> Can't work as an on-camera wireless master or controller. A bit pricey in the U.S.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:metz/gn-burst-metz-50af1-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-metz-50af1-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004DUMUCE&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004DUMUCE?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004DUMUCE">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>This is roughly the Metz equivalent to the Pentax AF360FGZ, but it's far from a clone. It's almost 50% more powerful, and has a swivel head and a few extra fancy features. And it's built with a solid metal base. But on the other hand, it can only act as a P-TTL wireless slave, not as the on-camera controller or master. With the relatively low prices in on the AF360FGZ in the US, it's also a step up in cost — but in other parts of the world, that may not be true. In most ways, this is a replacement for the <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:48-af-1">48 AF-1</a>, but if price is a concern, also look at the new <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:44-af-1">44 AF-1</a>.</p> <h2><span>More about the Metz Mecablitz 50 AF-1 Digital can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-512497-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-512497-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:48:26 +0000 Make: Metz
Web site: Mecablitz 50 AF-1 Digital
Manual: PDF

Latest Firmware: 2.0 (Feb. 16, 2011)

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 1.4×
Relative Coverage²: 1.6×

Key Features: tilt/swivel/zoom reflector, wireless P-TTL slave, HSS, metal base, rear-curtain sync, manual mode.

Reasons to Buy: Many features, excellent compatibility, decent power, excellent build.

Notable Drawbacks: Can't work as an on-camera wireless master or controller. A bit pricey in the U.S.

Buy through Amazon

This is roughly the Metz equivalent to the Pentax AF360FGZ, but it's far from a clone. It's almost 50% more powerful, and has a swivel head and a few extra fancy features. And it's built with a solid metal base. But on the other hand, it can only act as a P-TTL wireless slave, not as the on-camera controller or master. With the relatively low prices in on the AF360FGZ in the US, it's also a step up in cost — but in other parts of the world, that may not be true. In most ways, this is a replacement for the 48 AF-1, but if price is a concern, also look at the new 44 AF-1.

More about the Metz Mecablitz 50 AF-1 Digital can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:44-af-1 Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-1 Digital http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:44-af-1 <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/flash-units.html">Metz</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/mecablitz-models/system-flash-units/mecablitz-44-af-4-digital/produktbeschreibung.html">Mecablitz 44 AF-1 Digital</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/service-support/instruction-manuals/flash-units/mecablitz.html?no_cache=1">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-948327-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 1.1×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-948327-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 1.3×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> tilt/swivel/zoom reflector, wireless P-TTL slave, rear-curtain sync, manual mode.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Many features, excellent compatibility, decent power, solid build.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> Can't work as an on-camera wireless master or controller. Responds on all channels as wireless slave. No HSS. US pricing too close to the superior 50 AF-1 model.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:metz/gn-burst-metz-44af1-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-metz-44af1-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004Q9SXRI&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q9SXRI?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004Q9SXRI">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>Like the obsolete <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:48-af-1">48 AF-1</a>, this is roughly the Metz equivalent to the Pentax AF360FGZ, but it's far from a clone. It's almost 30% more powerful, and has a swivel head and a few extra fancy features. But on the other hand, it can only act as a P-TTL wireless slave, not as the on-camera controller or master. It lacks some advanced features like HSS and automatic flash bracketing present on the older Metz 48 AF-1 model and new <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:50-af-1">50 AF-1</a>, which is only slightly more expensive than the 44 AF-1.</p> <h2><span>More about the Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-1 Digital can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-948327-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-948327-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:39:07 +0000 Make: Metz
Web site: Mecablitz 44 AF-1 Digital
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 1.1×
Relative Coverage²: 1.3×

Key Features: tilt/swivel/zoom reflector, wireless P-TTL slave, rear-curtain sync, manual mode.

Reasons to Buy: Many features, excellent compatibility, decent power, solid build.

Notable Drawbacks: Can't work as an on-camera wireless master or controller. Responds on all channels as wireless slave. No HSS. US pricing too close to the superior 50 AF-1 model.

Buy through Amazon

Like the obsolete 48 AF-1, this is roughly the Metz equivalent to the Pentax AF360FGZ, but it's far from a clone. It's almost 30% more powerful, and has a swivel head and a few extra fancy features. But on the other hand, it can only act as a P-TTL wireless slave, not as the on-camera controller or master. It lacks some advanced features like HSS and automatic flash bracketing present on the older Metz 48 AF-1 model and new 50 AF-1, which is only slightly more expensive than the 44 AF-1.

More about the Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-1 Digital can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:24-af-1 Metz Mecablitz 24 AF-1 Digital http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:24-af-1 <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/flash-units.html">Metz</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/mecablitz-models/system-flash-units/mecablitz-28-af-3-digital/product-information.html">Mecablitz 24 AF-1 Digital</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/service-support/instruction-manuals/flash-units/mecablitz.html?no_cache=1">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-699836-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 0.64×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-699836-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 0.44×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> Basic tilt reflector and AF assist beam. (<em>No</em> swivel — the Metz web site has a poor translation.)</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Compact, simple interface, low cost.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> <em>Very</em> simple.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:metz/gn-burst-metz-24af1-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-metz-24af1-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004Q9SXSW&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q9SXSW?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004Q9SXSW">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>This model is a variant of the <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl28af">Tumax DSL28 series</a> flash, although Metz says they developed the firmware, and the power is slightly higher. Unlike the generic version, there's no rear-curtain sync. In any case, it's a compact flash with a basic tilt reflector for indirect light. No control other than that provided by the camera body.</p> <h2><span>More about the Metz Mecablitz 24 AF-1 Digital can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-699836-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-699836-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:21:28 +0000 Make: Metz
Web site: Mecablitz 24 AF-1 Digital
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 0.64×
Relative Coverage²: 0.44×

Key Features: Basic tilt reflector and AF assist beam. (No swivel — the Metz web site has a poor translation.)

Reasons to Buy: Compact, simple interface, low cost.

Notable Drawbacks: Very simple.

Buy through Amazon

This model is a variant of the Tumax DSL28 series flash, although Metz says they developed the firmware, and the power is slightly higher. Unlike the generic version, there's no rear-curtain sync. In any case, it's a compact flash with a basic tilt reflector for indirect light. No control other than that provided by the camera body.

More about the Metz Mecablitz 24 AF-1 Digital can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:36-af-5 Metz Mecablitz 36 AF-5 Digital http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:36-af-5 <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/flash-units.html">Metz</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/flash-units/product-ranges/system-flash-units/mecablitz-36-af-5-digital.html">Mecablitz 36 AF-5 Digital</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www.metz.de/en/service-support/instruction-manuals/flash-units/mecablitz.html?no_cache=1">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-810581-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 1.0×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-810581-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 0.91×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> Tilt reflector with manual zoom and AF assist beam. (<em>No</em> swivel — the Metz web site has a poor translation.)</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Simple interface, low cost.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> <em>Very</em> simple.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:metz/gn-burst-metz-36af5-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-metz-36af5-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B004Q9SXSM&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q9SXSM?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004Q9SXSM">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>This model is a variant of the <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:tumax:dsl88afz">Tumax DSL88 series</a> flash, although it has no rear-curtain sync and Metz says they developed the firmware. Unlike higher-end Metz models, the 36 AF-5 has almost <em>no</em> features, and those it does have are very basic. You want zoom? You physically move the reflector. And the flash power is almost as much as the Pentax AF360FGZ. This model replaces the <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:metz:36-af-4">36 AF-4</a>.</p> <h2><span>More about the Metz Mecablitz 36 AF-5 Digital can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-810581-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-810581-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:09:37 +0000 Make: Metz
Web site: Mecablitz 36 AF-5 Digital
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 1.0×
Relative Coverage²: 0.91×

Key Features: Tilt reflector with manual zoom and AF assist beam. (No swivel — the Metz web site has a poor translation.)

Reasons to Buy: Simple interface, low cost.

Notable Drawbacks: Very simple.

Buy through Amazon

This model is a variant of the Tumax DSL88 series flash, although it has no rear-curtain sync and Metz says they developed the firmware. Unlike higher-end Metz models, the 36 AF-5 has almost no features, and those it does have are very basic. You want zoom? You physically move the reflector. And the flash power is almost as much as the Pentax AF360FGZ. This model replaces the 36 AF-4.

More about the Metz Mecablitz 36 AF-5 Digital can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:sigma:ef-610-dg Sigma: Super or ST? http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:sigma:ef-610-dg <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> Sat, 18 Dec 2010 20:54:14 +0000 by

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:sigma:ef-610-dg-super Sigma EF-610 DG Super http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:sigma:ef-610-dg-super <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes.asp">Sigma</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/ef610-dg-super-sigma">Electronic Flash EF 610 DG Super</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www2nd.sigma-photo.co.jp/downloads/manual/EF610DGSUPER_Manual_PA.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-890009-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 2.4×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-890009-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 2.6×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> tilt/swivel/zoom reflector, wireless, wireless P-TTL, HSS, rear-curtain sync, manual control.</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> Incredible power & many features for the money.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> UI a little rough. No flash-based auto mode as found in other advanced models.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:sigma/gn-burst-sigma-ef610dg-super-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-sigma-ef610dg-super-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000UHDRAS&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UHDRAS?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000UHDRAS">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>Sigma's more advanced model. Has incredible power and many high-end functions at a mid-range price. There's no thyristor auto mode and while 8 steps of manual power control isn't paltry, with all of that power it'd be nice to have more flexibility. The increased power means the recycle time is relatively long. And the zoom reflector pattern is odd — the flash outstrips the competition at wide angle and when zoomed to above 50mm (35mm "full-frame" efl), but not at moderate wide-angles. Like the older EF-530 DG Super, the interface is somewhat complex and non-intuitive, but that may not be a big factor in your decision given all the other plusses.</p> <h2><span>More about the Sigma EF-610 DG Super can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-890009-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-890009-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Sat, 18 Dec 2010 20:29:47 +0000 Make: Sigma
Web site: Electronic Flash EF 610 DG Super
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 2.4×
Relative Coverage²: 2.6×

Key Features: tilt/swivel/zoom reflector, wireless, wireless P-TTL, HSS, rear-curtain sync, manual control.

Reasons to Buy: Incredible power & many features for the money.

Notable Drawbacks: UI a little rough. No flash-based auto mode as found in other advanced models.

Buy through Amazon

Sigma's more advanced model. Has incredible power and many high-end functions at a mid-range price. There's no thyristor auto mode and while 8 steps of manual power control isn't paltry, with all of that power it'd be nice to have more flexibility. The increased power means the recycle time is relatively long. And the zoom reflector pattern is odd — the flash outstrips the competition at wide angle and when zoomed to above 50mm (35mm "full-frame" efl), but not at moderate wide-angles. Like the older EF-530 DG Super, the interface is somewhat complex and non-intuitive, but that may not be a big factor in your decision given all the other plusses.

More about the Sigma EF-610 DG Super can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:sigma:ef-610-dg-st Sigma EF-610 DG ST http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:sigma:ef-610-dg-st <table> <tr style="vertical-align:top"> <td style="width:24em"><strong>Make:</strong> <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/flashes/flashes_flashes.asp">Sigma</a><br /> <strong>Web site:</strong> <a href="http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/ef610-dg-st-sigma">Electronic Flash EF 610 DG ST</a><br /> <strong>Manual:</strong> <a href="http://www2nd.sigma-photo.co.jp/downloads/manual/EF610DGST_Manual_PA.pdf">PDF</a> <p><strong>Relative Power @ 50mm<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-494638-1" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >1</a></sup>:</strong> 2.4×<br /> <strong>Relative Coverage<sup class="footnoteref"><a id="footnoteref-494638-2" href="javascript:;" class="footnoteref" >2</a></sup>:</strong> 2.6×</p> <p><strong>Key Features:</strong> tilt/swivel/zoom reflector</p> <p><strong>Reasons to Buy:</strong> A lot of power for the money.</p> <p><strong>Notable Drawbacks:</strong> Neither advanced features nor much by way of manual control.</p> </td> <td> <div class="image-container alignright"><a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:flash-burst-profiles"><img src="http://pttl.mattdm.org/local--files/burst:sigma/gn-burst-sigma-ef610dg-st-320.png" style="margin: 0" alt="gn-burst-sigma-ef610dg-st-320.png" class="image" /></a></div> </td> <td> <div> <p><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=pttl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00472OBCK&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" align="" frameborder="0" height="" scrolling="no" width="" class="" style="width:120px;height:240px;"></iframe><br /> <span style="font-size:xx-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00472OBCK?ie=UTF8&tag=pttl-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00472OBCK">Buy through Amazon</a></span></p> </div> </td> </tr> </table> <p>Sigma's basic model. Quite a lot of power but entry-level price. There's no wireless, high-speed sync, or even rear-curtain flash. Manual power control is limited to full or ¹⁄₁₆th power, and the zoom can't be controlled manually at all. The zoom reflector pattern is odd — the flash outstrips the competition at wide angle and when zoomed to above 50mm (35mm "full-frame" efl), but not at moderate wide-angles.</p> <h2><span>More about the Sigma EF-610 DG ST can be found on these pages:</span></h2> <h3><span>Features</span></h3> <h3><span>Flash Power</span></h3> <h3><span>More</span></h3> <p><br /> <br /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><em>Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.</em></span></p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> <div class="footnotes-footer"> <div class="title">Footnotes</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-494638-1"><a href="javascript:;" >1</a>. Relative guide number when used with a normal field of view lens — 50mm on 35mm full frame, or around 35mm on a current Pentax dSLR. The baseline is the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×.</div> <div class="footnote-footer" id="footnote-494638-2"><a href="javascript:;" >2</a>. Composite of power at all zoom angles, as compared to the Pentax AF360FGZ at 1.0×. <a href="http://pttl.mattdm.org/power:relative-potential-flash-coverage">See full explanation</a>.</div> </div> Sat, 18 Dec 2010 20:27:06 +0000 Make: Sigma
Web site: Electronic Flash EF 610 DG ST
Manual: PDF

Relative Power @ 50mm¹: 2.4×
Relative Coverage²: 2.6×

Key Features: tilt/swivel/zoom reflector

Reasons to Buy: A lot of power for the money.

Notable Drawbacks: Neither advanced features nor much by way of manual control.

Buy through Amazon

Sigma's basic model. Quite a lot of power but entry-level price. There's no wireless, high-speed sync, or even rear-curtain flash. Manual power control is limited to full or ¹⁄₁₆th power, and the zoom can't be controlled manually at all. The zoom reflector pattern is odd — the flash outstrips the competition at wide angle and when zoomed to above 50mm (35mm "full-frame" efl), but not at moderate wide-angles.

More about the Sigma EF-610 DG ST can be found on these pages:

Features

Flash Power

More

Including an Amazon link on this page is the easiest way to display the current prices, without having to keep track of it manually or write a more-complicated tracking script. And as a bonus, there's a picture of the flash. Obviously, the ad is also an affiliate link. As with all advertising on this site, I hope it's not too obnoxious.

]]> http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:samsung:goodbye Goodbye, Samsung http://pttl.mattdm.org/models:samsung:goodbye <p>Pentax-compatible Samsung flashes were never sold in US stores, and since Samsung has dropped their partnership with Pentax, their newer hotshoe flashes for the NX series of cameras are <strong>not</strong> compatible with Pentax P-TTL.</p> <p>by <span class="printuser avatarhover"><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" ><img class="small" src="http://www.wikidot.com/avatar.php?userid=160008&size=small&timestamp=1328622493" alt="mattdm" style="background-image:url(http://www.wikidot.com/userkarma.php?u=160008)" /></a><a href="http://www.wikidot.com/user:info/mattdm" >mattdm</a></span></p> Sat, 18 Dec 2010 20:16:35 +0000 Pentax-compatible Samsung flashes were never sold in US stores, and since Samsung has dropped their partnership with Pentax, their newer hotshoe flashes for the NX series of cameras are not compatible with Pentax P-TTL.

]]>