Flash comparison

A list of flash guns, for easy comparison of strobes, from different manufactures. The list is intended to supplement the list of photographic equipment makers.

Contents

List of current models

Name Guide Number[nb 1] Sync Connection Angle of Coverage Variable Power (Manual) TTL Bounce Swivel Interval[nb 2] Optical Slave Other Notes HSS
Cactus KF36[1] ACTUAL DATA 30m/100ft at 50mm (over rated as 37m/140ft) Yes, proprietary jack 28-105mm 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/16 no yes no 10sec no Vivitar 285HV clone
Canon Speedlite 270EX II[2] 27m No 28/50mm  ? E-TTL II yes (0/60/75/90) no 3.9 sec Yes (only when using Canon master) Yes
Canon Speedlite 320EX[3] 32m No 24/50mm  ? E-TTL II yes (0/60/75/90) yes (+90, -180) 2.3 sec Yes (only when using Canon master) Yes
Canon Speedlite 430EX II[4] 43m/141ft at 105mm zoom-head position No 24/28/35/50/70/80/105mm (plus 14mm diffusor) 1/1-1/64 (1/3 steps) [1/1-1/128 when used as slave] E-TTL II yes yes (+90, -180) 3.7 sec (AA-Alkaline), 2 sec (AA-NiMH) Yes (only when using Canon master) Yes
Canon Speedlite 580EX II[5] 58m/190ft at 105mm zoom-head position Yes 24-105mm (14mm diffusor) 1/1-1/128 (1/3 steps) E-TTL II yes yes (360) 3.5 sec Yes (only when using Canon master) Can be used as wireless (optical) controller for other Canon flashes Yes
Lumopro LP160[6] 42m/140ft Miniphone+PC 24, 28, 35, 50, 70, 85, 105mm 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 no yes yes 4 sec (AA-NiMH) Yes
Metz mecablitz 36 AF-4 digital[7] 36m/118ft no 28-85mm (manual) TTL[nb 3] yes yes 5 Yes Metz service Firmware update
Metz mecablitz 48 AF-1 digital[8] 48m/158ft no 24-105mm (18mm diffuser) 25 levels E-TTL II[nb 4] yes yes 3.5 Yes (only E-TTL/i-TTL slave) Can update firmware over USB,

High Speed Sync

 Yes
Metz mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital[9] 58m/190ft no 24-105mm (18mm diffuser) 25 levels TTL[nb 4] yes yes 3.5 Yes (only E-TTL/i-TTL slave) Can operate as E-TTL/i-TTL master

Can update firmware over USB Has secondary reflector High Speed Sync

 Yes
Nikon SB-600 AF Speedlight[10] 30m/98ft[nb 5] No 24-85mm, 18mm with flip down diffuser 1/1-1/64 i-TTL/CLS yes yes 3.5 sec Yes (only when using Nikon master) Yes
Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight[11] 34m/111.5ft Screwlock PC 14-200mm 1/1-1/128 TTL/i-TTL/CLS yes yes 4sec[12] yes Yes
Nissin Di622[13] 44m/145ft @105mm PC 24-105 mm 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 i-TTL (Nikon)

E-TTL/E-TTL II (Canon)

 yes yes 5sec yes, both i-TTL and basic slave Nikon and Canon versions

Can update firmware over USB
Nissin Di622 MARK II [14] 44m/145ft @105mm PC 24-105 mm 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 i-TTL (Nikon)

E-TTL/E-TTL II (Canon)

 yes yes 5sec yes, both i-TTL and basic slave Nikon and Canon and Sony versions

Can update firmware over USB
Nissin Di866[15] 60m/198ft @105mm (over rated) PC 18, 24-105mm 1/1-1/128, 1/3 EV i-TTL/CLS (Nikon)

E-TTL/E-TTL II (Canon)

 yes yes 5.5sec yes, both i-TTL and basic slave Nikon and Canon versions

Can update firmware over USB Has sub-flash
Pentax AF-200FG[16] 20m No 28mm 1/1, 1/2, 1/4 TTL no no 4sec no
Pentax AF-360FGZ[17] 36m X-Sync 24-85mm 1/1-1/64 PTTL yes yes 6sec yes
Pentax AF-540FGZ[18] 54m X-Sync 24-85mm 1/1-1/64 PTTL yes yes 6sec yes Headsize: 70x45mm/2.75x1.77"
Sigma EF 500 DG ST[19] 50m/165ft No 28-105mm 1/1,1/16 TTL[nb 6] yes yes 6sec no
Sigma EF 500 DG Super[20] 50m/165ft No 28-105mm 8 levels TTL[nb 6] yes yes 6sec yes
Sigma EF 530 DG ST[21] 53m/175ft No 24-105mm 1/1,1/16 TTL[nb 7] yes yes 6sec no
Sigma EF 530 DG Super[22] 53m/175ft No 24-105mm (17mm diffuser) 1/1-1/64 (Sigma/Canon 1/1-1/128) TTL[nb 7] yes yes 6sec yes
Sony HVL-F58AM 58 at 105 mm Yes (proprietary for external HVL-F56AM or HVL-F58AM only) 24-105mm (16mm diffuser) Yes (1/1-1/32) TTL/ADI, Wireless TTL/ADI Yes Yes 3-5 Yes(Body only/Or HVL-F58AM/HVL-F20AM on Sony A900 or HVL-F58AM on Sony A700) HSS, Battery booster connector, Wireless Ratio Control
Sony HVL-F42AM 42 at 105 mm no 24-105mm (16mm diffuser) Yes (1/1-1/32) TTL/ADI, Wireless TTL/ADI Yes Yes 3-4 Yes(Body only/Or HVL-F58AM on Sony A900 or on Sony A700) HSS
Vivitar 285HV[23] 42m/140ft Yes, proprietary jack 28-105mm 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/16 no yes no 10sec no
Yongnuo YN460[24] 25m/85ft (50mm ISO100) No fixed 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 no yes yes 5sec yes no
Yongnuo YN460 II[25] 36m/120ft (50mm ISO100) No fixed 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 no yes yes 5sec yes no
Yongnuo YN462[26] 24m/80ft (50mm ISO100) No fixed 1/1 - 1/64 (analog) no yes yes 5sec no Same as YN460, but with analog power selector and no optical slave sensor no
Yongnuo YN565[27] 54m (at 105mm) PC 24-105mm (14mm diffusor) 1/1 - 1/128 (with 1/3 steps) E-TTL II yes yes (360) 3.5sec Yes (only when using Canon/Nikon master) no

List of discontinued models

Name Guide Number Sync Connection Angle of Coverage Variable Power (Manual) TTL Bounce Swivel Interval Optical Slave Discontinued Other Notes
Canon Speedlite 580ex[28] 37m/140ft (50mm ISO100)(or 58/190ft at 105mm)[28] No [28] 17-105mm[28] 1/1-1/128[28] eTTL and Canon's infrared system[28] yes[28] yes[28] 0.1 to 3 sec for normal flash, 0.1 to 3 sec for quick flash[28] no[28] The flash foot is easily modified to include a sync connection
Lumopro LP120[29] 30m/100ft Miniphone+PC 28mm, 50mm, 85mm (manual) 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 no yes yes 6.5 sec (AA-NiMH) Yes
Sony HVL-F56AM 56 at 85 mm yes (proprietary for external HVL-F56AM or HVL-F58AM only) 24-85mm (17mm diffuser) Yes (1/1-1/32) TTL/ADI, Wireless TTL/ADI Yes Yes 5-6 Yes(Body only/Or HVL-F58AM on Sony A900) HSS, Battery booster connector
Sony HVL-F36AM 36 at 85 mm no 24-85mm (17mm diffuser) No TTL/ADI, Wireless TTL/ADI Yes No 5-6 Yes(Body only/Or HVL-F58AM on Sony A900) HSS
Nikon SB-26 AF Speedlight[30] 18m (at 18mm) / 50m (at 85mm) at ISO100 Screwlock PC 18 - 85mm 1/1 - 1/64 TTL yes yes 3sec yes Built in wide flash adapter and bounce card.
Nikon SB-28 AF Speedlight[31] 18m (at 18mm) / 50m (at 85mm) at ISO100 Screwlock PC 18 - 85mm 1/1 - 1/64 TTL yes yes 3sec no Built in wide flash adapter and bounce card.
Nikon SB-80DX AF Speedlight 14m (at 18mm) / 50m (at 85mm) at ISO100 Screwlock PC 14 - 105mm 1/1 - 1/128 TTL yes yes 3sec yes Built in wide flash adapter and bounce card.
Nikon SB-800 AF Speedlight[32] 38 (at 35mm) / 56m (at 105mm) at ISO100 Screwlock PC 24-105mm 1/1-1/128 i-TTL/CLS yes yes 6sec yes[33] October 2008[34] Built in wide flash adapter and bounce card.
Vivitar 283 36m/120ft at ISO100 (at 35mm)[35] Vivitar Connector fixed (35mm) 1/1 [nb 8] no yes no 11sec no Auto Thyristor.
Vivitar 550FD 4.5m at ISO100[36]

24m at ISO100[37]

 No fixed 1/1 TTL yes no 7sec no Auto Thyristor.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ At ISO 100 and Maximum zoom at F = 1.0. Manufactures value unless otherwise noted.
  2. ^ Normally given as the time it takes from full power to full power shot, with fresh Alkaline batteries
  3. ^ Available in Canon, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax/Samsung, Sony models
  4. ^ a b Available in Canon, Nikon/Fujifilm, 4/3, Pentax/Samsung, Sony models
  5. ^ 35mm zoom-head position, 20 C/68 F
  6. ^ a b Available in Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Minolta and Pentax models
  7. ^ a b Available in Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Sony and Pentax models
  8. ^ 1/1-1/32 with VP-1 http://www.photonomikon.com/index.php/vivitar-vp-1-varipower-adapter-review/

References

  1. ^ https://'
  2. ^ http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_270ex_ii#Specifications
  3. ^ http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_320ex#Specifications
  4. ^ http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_430ex_ii#Specifications
  5. ^ http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/speedlite_flash_lineup/speedlite_580ex_ii#Specifications
  6. ^ http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,14648.html
  7. ^ http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/mecablitz-models/system-flash-units/mecablitz-36-af-4-digital/product-information.html
  8. ^ http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/mecablitz-models/system-flash-units/mecablitz-48-af-1-digital/product-information.html
  9. ^ http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/mecablitz-models/system-flash-units/mecablitz-58-af-1-digital/product-information.html
  10. ^ http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Flashes/4802/SB-600-AF-Speedlight-Unit.html
  11. ^ http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/speedlights/sb-900/index.htm
  12. ^ http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Flashes/4807/SB-900-AF-Speedlight.html#Tech%20Specs
  13. ^ http://www.nissindigital.com/en/Di622.html
  14. ^ http://www.nissindigital.com/en/di622mii.html
  15. ^ http://www.nissindigital.com/en/Di866-1.html
  16. ^ http://www.pentaximaging.com/accessories/AF200FG/
  17. ^ http://www.pentaximaging.com/accessories/AF360FGZ/
  18. ^ http://www.pentaximaging.com/accessories/AF540FGZ/
  19. ^ http://www.sigma-photo.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3256
  20. ^ http://www.sigma-photo.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3257
  21. ^ http://www.sigma-photo.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3266
  22. ^ http://www.sigma-photo.com/flashes/flashes_flashes_details.asp?id=3263
  23. ^ http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/02/return-of-classic.html
  24. ^ http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157613840658452/
  25. ^ http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157623115375550/
  26. ^ http://www.flickr.com/groups/yongnuo/discuss/72157619125315257/
  27. ^ http://speedlights.net/2011/08/28/yongnuo-yn-565-ex-flash-review/
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j http://downloads.canon.com/cpr/software/camera/580EX.pdf
  29. ^ http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,12311.html
  30. ^ Nikon Autofocus Speedlight SB-26 User Manual
  31. ^ Nikon Autofocus Speedlight SB-28 User Manual
  32. ^ http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=4801
  33. ^ http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/08/unlock-superslave-in-your-nikon-sb-800.html
  34. ^ http://nikonrumors.com/2008/10/27/nikon-drops-sb-800-flash.aspx
  35. ^ http://www.cameramanuals.org/flashes_meters/vivitar_283.pdf
  36. ^ http://www.tedfelix.com/Photography/Technique.html
  37. ^ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/charts/comp_vivitar_flash_1.html

27. http://www.jasphoto.com/gear/strobist-strobes.htm