T
thearne3
Guest
Hi,
I'm choosing a flash for my E-P1. To be honest, there have only been a few times that I wanted any flash: Small gatherings where a 'group shot' is needed and available light would imply ISO1600+ even with a fast lens. Just so you have some idea where I have experience: I used to have a G9 and 420ex with cord and Fong diffuser. Nice combo. You will note that I have no qualms about using a flash that's larger than the camera! Really worked well, since the on-camera flash was rarely enough. I still own the flash cord (I believe this is same as Oly?), and Fong diffuser.
I'd like to get some feedback on both a 'small/$50' flash and a 'mid-size/$100+' flash.
First, in the 'small is good with an E-P1' category, it looks like an Oly FL-20 is good value at approx. $50 on ebay. Any other recommendations for a small flash? (the FL-14 is too small/expensive for me).
Advantages for me: more likely to carry along 'just in case', small, less expensive. Can use cord, but not much power for bouncing(?)
Second, a mid-size flash. The comparable Oly flash to the 420ex I guess would be a FL-36(r), but that's way too expensive. So the choices for a fully functional(E-TTL, etc)/full size flash would be Vivitar DL383 or Metz 36AF4 or Bower SFD9260 (this looks identical to the Vivitar!). All are $100-130 at B&H. The Vivitar/Bower seems to have better features for little extra $: auto zoom, tilt & swivel, lit lcd, slave capable, etc. Any other recommendations for a mid-size flash?
Advantages for me: will cover most flash situations, can use Fong/other diffuser.
Am I missing anything?
Any insights much appreciated...
Tom
I'm choosing a flash for my E-P1. To be honest, there have only been a few times that I wanted any flash: Small gatherings where a 'group shot' is needed and available light would imply ISO1600+ even with a fast lens. Just so you have some idea where I have experience: I used to have a G9 and 420ex with cord and Fong diffuser. Nice combo. You will note that I have no qualms about using a flash that's larger than the camera! Really worked well, since the on-camera flash was rarely enough. I still own the flash cord (I believe this is same as Oly?), and Fong diffuser.
I'd like to get some feedback on both a 'small/$50' flash and a 'mid-size/$100+' flash.
First, in the 'small is good with an E-P1' category, it looks like an Oly FL-20 is good value at approx. $50 on ebay. Any other recommendations for a small flash? (the FL-14 is too small/expensive for me).
Advantages for me: more likely to carry along 'just in case', small, less expensive. Can use cord, but not much power for bouncing(?)
Second, a mid-size flash. The comparable Oly flash to the 420ex I guess would be a FL-36(r), but that's way too expensive. So the choices for a fully functional(E-TTL, etc)/full size flash would be Vivitar DL383 or Metz 36AF4 or Bower SFD9260 (this looks identical to the Vivitar!). All are $100-130 at B&H. The Vivitar/Bower seems to have better features for little extra $: auto zoom, tilt & swivel, lit lcd, slave capable, etc. Any other recommendations for a mid-size flash?
Advantages for me: will cover most flash situations, can use Fong/other diffuser.
Am I missing anything?
Any insights much appreciated...
Tom
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