Not only do external flashguns
provide more power for flash photography, but they can open up a world of
creative photography triggered remotely for really stunning shots.
Canon 430 EX II
Designed to offer an ideal balance between
power and portability, the 430 EX II offers a Guide Number of 43 at 105mm
that’s equivalent to a Guide Number of 32 at 35mm. With a power zoom coverage
of 24-105mm, it sports a 14mm wide-panel diffuser to make it suitable for a
wide range of shooting situations.
The flash head can’t be angled downwards as
on some of the other models, but can be tilted upwards by 45°, 60°, 75° and
90°, locking into each position with a reassuring click. Rotate the head
anti-clockwise and it’ll spin around by 180°, however it’ll only rotate by 90°
in a clockwise direction.
Canon
430 EX II
The 430 EX II can emit an infrared focusing
beam to help provide contrast for the lens to focus on in extremely dark
conditions, and as for the layout, all the control buttons are clearly
arranged.
It can act as a master or slave tor
wireless flash, making the 430 EX II a versatile flashgun that’ll cater for the
needs of most Canon users very well, except those looking for even more power.
It
can act as a master or slave tor wireless flash, making the 430 EX II a
versatile flashgun that’ll cater for the needs of most Canon users very well,
except those looking for even more power
Key Specs
·
Price: $328
·
Guide Number: 32
·
Power Zoom: 24-105mm
·
Wireless Flash: Yes
·
Size: 72 x 122 x 101mm
·
Weight: 320g
·
Compatibility: Canon
METZ 52 AF-1
While a Guide Number of 52 at first appears
to be impressive, this is at the maximum zoom. For a more realistic idea of the
power, the Metz 52 AF-1 delivers a Guide Number of 38 at 35mm - still a
powerful output, but probably not quite as impressive as they’d have you
believe.
METZ
52 AF-1
The 52 AF-1's claim to fame is that it’s
the world’s first compact flash unit to feature an illuminated touchscreen
display. It’s pretty easy to navigate, allowing you to control the flash with a
couple of presses, including wireless flash control, and the display v/ill
rotate through 90° when shooting in portrait format. Whether this type of
touchscreen interface will appeal or not will ultimately come down to personal
preference.
The head can be tilted vertically 90° and
horizontally by 300°. There’s a modeling light that makes it possible to
evaluate the effect of the light before you shoot, while there’s an integrated
wide-panel diffuser and white reflector card, but no diffusion dome that can be
attached.
While
there’s an integrated wide-panel diffuser and white reflector card, but no
diffusion dome that can be attached
Key Specs
·
Price: $319
·
Guide Number: 38
·
Power Zoom: 24-105mm
·
Wireless Flash: Yes
·
Size: 73 x 134 x90mm
·
Weight: 346g
·
Compatibility: Canon, Nikon, Micro four Thirds,
Pentax and Sony
NIKON SB-700
It might not be the most powerful flash
here with a moderate guide number of 28, but the Nikon SB-700 has a lot going
for it.
Nikon
SB-700
Featuring a multi-step power zoom coverage
of 24-120mm, it comes with three nation patterns (Centre-weighted, Standard and
Even) to sculpt the light how you want, while the SB-700 also has a built-in
wide-panel diffuser and white reflector card. As well as this, the SB-700 is
bundled with a Diffusion Dome to soften the light, and Incandescent and
Fluorescent plastic filters that snap on to the front.
The model delivers plenty of control,
including advanced remote flash options, allowing it to be used as a remote
flash or Master control for additional lights, while the SB-700’s interface is
well laid out. The scroll wheel dial makes it quick to toggle through settings
quickly, which is supplemented with exterior switches that limit the need to go
into the menu.
It’s a shame it’s not more powerful, but
the SB-700 is a great performer that delivers plenty of features.
It’s
a shame it’s not more powerful, but the SB-700 is a great performer that
delivers plenty of features
Key Specs
·
Price: $366
·
Guide Number: 28
·
Power Zoom: 24-120mm
·
Wireless Flash: Yes
·
Size: 71 x 126 x 104.5mm
·
Weight: 360g
·
Compatibility: Nikon
